First Abu Dhabi Bank

First Abu Dhabi Bank reports 22% decrease in year-on-year Q1 2020 net profit

Meanwhile, the value of total assets of the UAE’s largest bank rose 14 per cent to Dhs835bn

Abu Dhabi issues guidelines for reopening restaurants, lounges and bars in hotels

Some of the requirements include testing all staff for Covid-19, installing thermal cameras and ensuring social distancing protocols are in place

Abu Dhabi’s ADPower solar project receives world’s lowest tariff bid

The 2GW Al Dhafra Solar PV project is slated for completion in the second quarter of 2022

British Business Group

British Business Group in the UAE launches new website to support companies

Nearly 65 per cent of British Business Group members say they need more clarity on the UAE government schemes available to them

Saudi mall operator Arabian Centres to reopen 20 shopping centres this week

The kingdom has allowed malls in most regions to reopen during Ramadan

UAE PR firm Atteline offers pro-bono consultations amid virus pressures

As much as 60 per cent of Atteline’s client base consists of home-grown regional brands

Dubai to raise bonds privately to bolster finances

The emirate raised Dhs1bn through a private placement of eight-year Islamic bonds at a rate of 4.71 per cent earlier this month

Burj Khalifa[2] dubai

Dubai likely to start opening up for tourists in July

The reopening will likely start gradually and could be delayed until September, depending on global trends

Dubai’s Hala service partners with Sweetheart Kitchen to offer free meals

Over 500 three-course meals will be provided to Hala captains via the initiative

Majid Al Futtaim launches Dubai’s ‘first’ in-store hydroponic farm

The farm spans 24 square metres and can accommodate up to 16 varieties of leafy greens and herbs

Abu Dhabi mall employees to be tested for Covid-19; new guidelines for customers visiting shopping centres

The testing of the employees would be carried out in coordination with the Department of Health (DoH)

doctors

UAE reports 490 new Covid-19 cases, 6 deaths

Since the outbreak, the country has reported a total of 10,839 Covid-19 cases

coronavirus

GCC Covid-19 update: Saudi reports 1,289 cases

Saudi Arabia has reported a total of 18,811 Covid-19 infections since the outbreak

Dubai reduces instant licence fee by over 90 per cent to Dhs250

For existing licence holders, the new fee will apply at the time of renewals

Discovery Gardens

Dubai Discovery Gardens’ tenants to receive rent deferrals, waivers

Restaurants whose services are restricted to delivery-only are offered a two-month rent-free period for April and May

Etihad Ramadan box

Etihad to distribute Ramadan boxes to healthcare workers in the UAE

Via the Zomato app, anyone who has been medically or financially impacted by the virus can also request for the box

Egypt asks IMF for financial aid amid coronavirus fight

Egypt has reported 4,319 cases of the coronavirus, including 307 deaths

How businesses will reinvent themselves in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic?

Lack of labour availability, disrupted supply chains and other impacts will require serious appraisal if organisations are to effectively deliver their reshaped services to customers

Abu Dhabi’s NMC Health to delist from London Stock Exchange; UAE to seize founder BR Shetty’s assets

NMC Health said last month that they had uncovered $2.7bn of debt hidden from its board, doubling its borrowings to around $5bn

Abu Dhabi’s main refinery makes China sales push after servicing

Prior to the pandemic, the plant had been mostly targeting Europe for sales of low-sulfur diesel and jet fuel

DAFZA announces incentives to support freezone companies

DAFZA will also cancel fines issued to companies

Bahrain launches virtual mall with 100 stores amid Covid-19 concerns

The government-run website showcases products from over 100 local businesses

Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash

What role do social media influencers play in the UAE in the current crisis?

The impact of Covid-19 on the influencer industry has been significant. Yet, some are adapting to the crisis to capitalise on a vast new captive audience

UAE’s Air Arabia operates repatriation flights from Pakistan

Two special flights operated between Lahore and Multan in Pakistan and Sharjah

Dubai’s DIFC says employers can reduce pay during Covid-19 crisis without employee consent

The new directives will remain effective from April 21 – July 31, 2020

Dubai carrier Emirates expedites processing of refund requests

The airline has nearly half a million refund requests pending to manage

UAE completes transfer of the Hope Probe to launchpad in Japan

The Hope probe’s mission to Mars will start in mid-July 2020 from the Tanegashima Space Center, and is expected to reach the Red Planet’s orbit in the first quarter of 2021

Fugitive Ghosn promises new revelations in upcoming book

Arrested in November 2018 in Tokyo on charges of financial misdeeds and then freed on bail, Ghosn made a dramatic escape to Lebanon in December

Abu Dhabi’s Etihad extends suspension of flights until May 16

The UAE suspended all international flights last month to contain the spread of Covid-19

Saudi wealth fund seeking ‘any opportunity’ amid virus

The Public Investment Fund has stepped up deal-making in a bid to become the world’s biggest manager of sovereign capital