Flydubai operates 23 repatriation flights, plans up to 10 more over the next week

The flights operated to Afghanistan, Croatia, Egypt, Iran, Russia, Sudan, Somaliland and Thailand

UAE’s Etihad expands its passenger freighter network

Etihad Cargo is introducing services between Abu Dhabi and Melbourne, Chennai, Kerala, Karachi, and Amsterdam

Saudi wealth fund builds $200m stake in Norway’s state oil company

The fund last month built an 8.2 per cent stake in cruise operator Carnival Corp. after shares slumped due to the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic

NMC Healthcare

NMC heads to administration after bowing to creditor demands

With a market value of $2.4bn and total debt of $6.6bn, NMC faces an investigation by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority

Saudi extends exit, re-entry visas of expatriates

The extension will be done automatically without the need to visit the passport headquarters

UAE cabinet approves new paid leave policy for select government employees

Married employees may take fully paid leave to take care of children below the age of 16

Ajman Crown Prince postpones all business fines; announces new economic incentives

The new economic stimulus package provides relief to businesses operating across foreign trade, customs, tourism and real estate sectors

Dubai-based construction company Arabtec appoints new group CEO

Wail Farsakh takes over the new role from Peter Pollard

Abu Dhabi boosts local businesses with $4bn in tenders

The country has reported 2,359 cases of coronavirus and 12 deaths

Dubai Lynx

Advertising event Dubai Lynx 2020 cancelled due to Covid-19 impact

The next festival will now be held from March 7-10, 2021

Talabat rider

Talabat now offers 24×7 grocery delivery service in Dubai

The company said that it fulfils deliveries within an hour and offers groceries at hypermarket prices

Revealed: World’s best and worst passports for travel in 2020

The UAE passport has seen the biggest rise on the list

Dubai’s DHA partners with TikTok to launch #ThankYouHeroes Challenge

TikTok also partnered with entities such as the World Health Organisation and UNICEF MENA to help the community gather accurate information about Covid-19 prevention methods

Visa commits $210m to support small and micro businesses, offer Covid-19 relief

Small and micro businesses make up more than 90 per cent of worldwide businesses, contributing 50 to 60 per cent of global employment

Regulator of Dubai’s financial hub DIFC proposes relief measures for firms

Certain fees have been waived and extensions have been granted for some of the processes

Residents in Abu Dhabi to have medicines delivered at home

The pharmacies must maintain the confidentiality of patients’ information during home delivery of medicines

Dubai’s Emaar stalls work on key projects – report

The developer has reportedly suspended projects at Dubai Creek Harbour

Gold rallies, spread balloons with pandemic’s fallout in focus

Gold futures surged above $1,700 an ounce to the highest since 2012

All commercial activities in Dubai to remain suspended until end of disinfection drive

Sectors that are exempt sectors will operate as usual

saudi arabia riyadh

Saudi private sector firms can cut salaries, working hours – report

The decision can only be carried out with consent from the employees

Kuwait’s wealth fund on standby as oil price, virus hit finances

By law, 10 per cent of state revenue is annually transferred into the Future Generations Fund, which invests abroad and has adequate liquidity to meet any requirement

UAE’s Emirates Auction implements remote working for its branches

The chairman urged customers to benefit from the online services via its website and app

Dubai’s Emirates begins operating flights following suspension due to Covid-19

The airline flew in the first batch of UAE citizens from London’s Heathrow Airport on Monday

Etihad Airways Elenium Automation

Etihad’s early-warning system at Abu Dhabi airport to identify medically at-risk travellers

The new technology can be retrofitted into any existing airport kiosk, baggage drop facility or installed as a desktop system at a processing point such as an immigration desk

Abu Dhabi GDP hits Dhs620bn for first nine months of 2019

The emirate’s GDP grew 4.6 per cent, up from around Dhs592.9bn in the first nine months of 2018

UAE’s Tabreed acquires 80% stake in Emaar’s district cooling business

Following the acquisition, Tabreed’s presence in Dubai has increased to 278,801 RT while its total capacity has grown to 1,338,602 RT

NMC rejects call for administration as hospital crisis widens

Most of NMC’s senior management has resigned since it revealed more than $4bn of undisclosed debt, and the company has lost its elite status as a member of the FTSE 100 index

Dubai’s Emirates seeks billions in loans due to Covid-19 impact

The funding will be in addition to the financial aid which has been pledged by the government

Dubai’s Emaar chairman takes 100% salary cut, assures employees ‘this too shall pass’

A new salary structure will be implemented April 1 onwards, until further notice

enoc

ENOC to provide free fuel to vehicles involved in Dubai’s sterilisation programme

ENOC Link trucks will be located in designated locations which will be determined by Dubai Municipality’s daily plans for the disinfection campaign