Port of NEOM open for business photo courtesy NEOM

Saudi Arabia’s Duba Port is now called Port of NEOM

When completed, the port will operate at net carbon zero levels with 100 per cent renewable energy at source

FTA unveils tax agents classification initiative Photo Getty Images

The UAE’s FTA unveils initiative to simplify tax compliance, enhance customer satisfaction

The initiative is designed based on the results of an opinion poll and proposals fielded by the authority through its direct communication with customers

Aldar Square photo Aldar Properties PR

Aldar Investment Properties raises $500m from inaugural green sukuk

Proceeds of the sukuk will be used in accordance with Aldar’s Green Finance Framework to finance green initiatives and acquisitions

Meta

Meta touts metaverse’s potential for job training and education

While there’s more commitment by employers in the industries to use VR, adopting the technology remains a hurdle

Amazon cloud services

Amazon to invest $12.7bn in India cloud services by 2030

The US company’s cloud business, which has data centres in the Mumbai and Hyderabad regions has already invested $3.7bn in India from 2016 to 2022

IHG to open 12 Holiday Inn Express hotels across Saudi Arabia (Image: Supplied by IHG)

IHG reaches deal for 12 Holiday Inn Express hotels in Saudi Arabia

It has signed a master development agreement with Tashyid for Hotel Operations to develop the hotels totaling 2,500 keys

UAE corporate tax exempt

UAE corporate tax: Ministry issues decision on exemptions

The decision aims to clarify the application of the corporate tax regime for individuals and ensures that only business income is taxed

QATAR GettyImages-1232572487-800x533-1

Qatar stocks could attract up to $3.5bn on free float plan

The Gulf state is considering the plan on the hopes that more trading would raise investment returns, reduce costs and help with diversification

travel and tourism

Travel and tourism sector set to contribute Dhs180.6bn to the UAE economy this year

WTTC is forecasting that the sector will create nearly 7,000 jobs this year, surpassing the pre-pandemic peak of 745,100

drone project - DCCA and DM sign MoU for Dubai Horizons Project photo courtesy Dubai Media Office

Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Municipality ink MoU to further drone initiative

The MoU details a framework to achieve the goals of the Dubai Horizons project that is focused on planning drone flight routes and landing sites

Careem partners RTA in Dubai

Careem, RTA partner to launch ‘School Rides’ in Dubai

The company said its customers can select the ‘School Rides’ car type on its multiservice app to book affordable school rides for their children

Air Canada

Flydubai, Air Canada announce codeshare partnership

The partnership enables customers to conveniently travel to nine routes by obtaining a single ticket

Dimitrios Dosis, president– Mastercard EEMEA

Cover story: Mastercard’s Dimitrios Dosis talks strategy and innovation

The company’s EEMEA president shares how the company is contributing to the digital economy and serving communities

World Bank non-oil

World Bank expects UAE’s non-oil economy to grow by 4.8% in 2023

The economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council are projected to grow by 2.5 per cent in 2023 and 3.2 per cent in 2024

IHG Hotels and Resorts signs the agreement with Arkan Palm for Real Estate Investment (Image: Supplied by IHG)

IHG confirms two additional properties in Cairo

The InterContinental West Cairo 205 and voco West Cairo 205 Suites will together add 390 keys to the group’s portfolio in Egypt

Fairmont Cheshire The Mere (Image: Supplied by Fairmont)

Dubai’s Select Group to open Fairmont Cheshire The Mere in the UK

Following an extensive renovation programme, the historic property which features an 18-hole championship golf course will open in Q3 2024

DHL Global Forwarding

Etihad Rail, DHL Global Forwarding ink 20-year partnership

The agreement will see the establishment of a joint venture company that will enable DHL to use Etihad Rail’s network to conduct its main operations within the UAE

Central bank on gross bank assets

CBUAE says gross banks’ assets reached Dhs3.74tn in February

Latest data from the central bank shows that gross credit surged by 1.2 per cent to Dhs1.89tn in February from 1.87tn a month earlier, driven by a 1.6 per cent increase in domestic credit

Emirates SkyCargo Air Canada cargo partnership

Emirates SkyCargo, Air Canada strengthen cargo interline cooperation

This development builds on the broader strategic commercial partnership between Emirates and Air Canada announced last year

Al Seer Marine invests into Adnoc L and S

Al Seer Marine makes Dhs257m cornerstone investment into ADNOC L&S

Al Seer Marine recently announced a strong revenue profit of Dhs1.11bn for 2022

Responsible AI

What responsible AI means outside of big tech

For many, the main concerns are not around whether AI will be sentient; rather, it’s about being able to understand the advice and decisions AI models make

safeguard

How to safeguard your ‘digital’ life on a vacation

With the increasing dependence on technology, the tourism industry is also becoming vulnerable to cyberthreats and therefore needs to prioritise security measures

Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways announces new route to Japan

The introduction of this route will support the growing trade and tourism ties between the countries and add to Etihad’s existing Tokyo service

NCEMA X Presight MoU

NCEMA, Presight sign MoU to bolster crisis and emergency management

Presight will work closely with NCEMA to create a hi-tech AI platform that serves the emergency management community

Vodafone

Vodafone to slash 11,000 jobs in new CEO’s turnaround plan

Margherita Della Valle said she would reallocate resources to focus on quality service that customers expect and grow the Vodafone Business unit

Masdar - Airbus Agreement

Masdar, Airbus ink deal to boost global sustainable aviation fuel sector

The agreement marks a collaboration between the two companies focusing on sustainable aviation fuels, green hydrogen and direct air capture technologies

ADNOC L&S IPO

ADNOC L&S sets IPO price range, seeks to raise $607m

The company expects the final offer price to be announced on May 26, after the book-building process

Etihad is offering discounted fares to Rome, among other destinations. (Image: Supplied by Etihad Airways)

Etihad Airways sale: Summer discounts announced on flights from Abu Dhabi

The airline is offering special fares to select destinations across its Asian, European, Middle Eastern and North American routes

Saudia

Saudia and Kuwait Airways sign codeshare agreement

Guests may expect to gain all the benefits of codeshare flights including connectivity, baggage transfer and the convenience of having their entire journey managed by one airline

AD Ports Group Khalifa Port

AD Ports Group’s first-quarter revenue jumps by 73%

The shipping and logistics group’s revenue in the first three months of the year reached Dhs1.81bn from Dhs1.04 a year earlier