From eco-consciousness and improved sanitisation methods to ‘escapism travel’ and open conversations around mental health, the hotel sector has a lot to take into account as it opens doors to welcome millions amidst eased Covid restrictions, an expert said
Author Archives: Abdul Rawuf
data protection
Protecting your data in the age of digitalisation and increasing cyber threats
Our personal information is used and shared constantly, from purchasing goods and services to running businesses, governments, and economies; and it has also never been more vulnerable to leaks, threats, and irreparable loss
ACCA
Why investing in your staff pays the biggest business dividend
ACCA’s Middle East Head Fazeela Gopalani writes about why ensuring ongoing professional development and mental well-being is the most crucial investment that businesses in a post-pandemic world must make
c-suite executives
The PMO journey: How to remain future-fit in an age of transformation
PwC Middle East’s Mohammad Al Khaldi addresses a key gap that Middle East organisations must close urgently in order to compete on level terms as the region’s transformation accelerates
bots
Elon Musk won’t proceed with $44bn takeover unless Twitter clarifies concerns over fake users and bots
Twitter regularly states in its quarterly results that the average of false or spam accounts “represented fewer than 5 percent of our monthly daily active users during the quarter,” adding that it has applied “significant judgment” to its estimate
business world
Former FBI expert shares top tips on business negotiation
Having empathy and adapting to the other side’s view are key for a successful outcome, said CEO of The Black Swan Group
Almosafer
Saudi travel firm Almosafer inks deal to boost tourism between Thailand and the GCC
The agreement follows an announcement made on 9 March 2022, which ended a travel ban and permitted Saudi nationals to travel to Thailand
Dubai
Dubai real estate transactions hit 13-year high in April 2022 as new visa rules attract investors
The top areas of interest for villas and townhouses in April 2022 were Dubai Hills Estate, Palm Jumeirah, Arabian Ranches, Damac Hills (Akoya by DAMAC), and The Springs, according to a Property Finder report
Abu Dhabi
Video: Five things you need to know about the UAE’s unemployment pay scheme
The unemployment pay scheme will provide financial security and ensure the availability of income for expats and Emiratis who have lost their jobs
10-year visa in UAE
How the updated Golden Visa regulations are spurring demand for Dubai’s real estate
Ten-year-residency and similar initiatives, coupled with UAE’s coronavirus response, are the driving forces behind property market’s success, the ZāZEN Properties COO said
e-business
Egypt attracts startups, entrepreneurs by allowing e-companies to ‘set up shop’ without physical HQ
The country is increasingly turning to entrepreneurship as a means to boost its economy
Australia
Free trade deal between Australia and India to create 40,000 jobs annually
A look into how India’s second significant trade agreement, following the CEPA deal with the UAE earlier this year will impact banks, businesses, and the global economy
cyber attack
GCC banks have ‘sufficient operational risk capital’ to cover losses related to cyber risk: report
The banks’ strong profitability, capitalisation, and liquidity provide a financial buffer against potential incidents, an S&P Global Ratings report said
cepa
How the UAE-India CEPA deal will benefit the startup ecosystem in the Middle East
Vikram Gupta, the founder and managing partner of IvyCap Ventures says that there will be a considerable scope of opportunities for SMEs, which will ultimately lead to job creation and employment avenues
Abu Dhabi
Safety net provided by UAE unemployment pay will prevent poverty and distress, experts say
The unemployment insurance scheme will also benefit businesses by promoting the smooth and efficient operation of the employment market for Emiratis and expats alike, experts said
Brand View
Payment solutions firm PayerMax enters the MENA region to boost digital adoption and financial inclusion
The firm offers global digital merchants and Middle East payment institutions the ability and scale to offer localised and financially inclusive payment methods in major markets with a single API
carbon emissions
Six ways that companies can minimise the environmental footprint of their products
By making products safer, more efficient, and reliable, we can drive growth while also working towards a healthier planet
5G
What are the top 5 technology trends of the future?
From quantum computing to hybrid-cloud processing, Ala Shakhshir, Partner Growth Manager at Infobip, shares the top 5 technology trends in the near and not-so-near future
digital financial services
Why smartphones are key to unlocking financial inclusion in Middle East and Africa
Mobile money services are connecting millions of unbanked and underbanked populations in the region to digital financial services
crude oil
Saudi Arabia reports $15.3 billion in budget surplus during first quarter of 2022 as oil income surges
Saudi Arabia’s total government revenue rose to $74 billion in the first three months of 2022, while capital expenditures dipped 1 percent with the kingdom relying on its sovereign wealth fund for domestic investments and projects
development projects
Sheikh Khalifa helped the UAE lead global rankings with development projects worth $10.8 billion
Under the direction of Sheikh Khalifa, more than 230 public schools were constructed, over 32 government health facilities were established, and more than 4,300km of roads were completed in the UAE
Abu Dhabi
US Vice President Kamala Harris meets ‘closest of allies’ Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed to offer condolences
US President Joe Biden’s administration sent some of its highest-level officials to the UAE, including US Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, and CIA Director William Burns, to pay respects to the UAE’s late ruler Sheikh Khalifa
Abu Dhabi
UK’s Prince William and Boris Johnson meet UAE President to ‘reinforce close bond’ between nations
Through his work as President, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed made a personal contribution to regional stability and conservation which will long be remembered, the UK Prime Minister said
carbon capture
Net zero strategies are entering a new era as investment into direct air carbon capture solutions increase
Direct air carbon capture is witnessing increased interest with with Climeworks raising $650 million – an unprecedented sum for the market, Carbon Engineering raising in excess of $100 million, and Verdox raising $80 million in 2022
AlShahd 2
Dubai’s Nobles Properties marks completion of works on Jordan’s AlShahd 2 infra project
The company rehabilitated the project’s surrounding road network; built a community garden, gates, and pedestrian pathways; added concrete curbs to the road network; and planted greenery
famine
Time is running out to prevent ‘catastrophic famine’ caused by Ukraine war, Yemen’s top firm says
The boom in global wheat prices, significant supply disruptions, and the rapidly diminishing stocks across the country are pushing Yemen’s food security crisis to “the point of no return”, an expert said
authentic conversations
The art of conversation remains the foundation for fruitful client relationships
Marc Lemmens, Procurified’s co-founder and VP of customer success, shares interesting insights on the key to conversational success
Arabian Business
Video: Former FBI negotiator Chris Voss on the secrets of success when making a deal
In the latest episode of the Spencer Lodge Podcast, in partnership with Arabian Business, we speak with an expert trained in negotiation by the FBI, Scotland Yard, and Harvard Law School
Amin H Nasser
Saudi Aramco sets earnings record with net income of $39.5 billion in the first three months of 2022
Saudi Aramco’s strong results were underpinned by higher crude oil prices and volumes sold, and improved downstream margins, the firm said in a statement
Abu Dhabi
Sheikh Khalifa was a ‘wise leader’ who dedicated his life to development and humanitarian efforts
The humanitarian stance of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed contributed to charting a brighter future not just for the UAE, but also for numerous communities around the world, with the UAE accounting for 80 percent of the global response to the Covid-19 pandemic
Abu Dhabi
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed receives heartfelt messages from UK’s Queen Elizabeth II, Saudi Crown Prince
World leaders including UK’s Prince Charles, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Bahrain’s King Hamad, China’s President Xi Jinping, and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared condolences and messages of congratulations to the UAE President
Sheikh Khalifa
In pictures: A rare look into the life of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed
Here are some of the lesser known photographs from the life of the UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed
Abu Dhabi Schools
Dubai schools to remain closed on Monday, 16 May, KHDA says following death of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa
The organisation also extended its heartfelt condolences on the passing of Sheikh Khalifa
.DAMAC
Sheikh Khalifa was a beloved leader who understood the relationship between ‘the ruling family and the people’
Industry leaders shared their deepest condolence to the members of the Royal family and the Supreme Council stating that the UAE President Sheikh Khalifa’s teachings will be an inspiration for generations to come
Abu Dhabi
UAE suspends work for three days, with public and private sectors to resume on Tuesday, May 17
Work has been suspended at ministries, departments, federal and local institutions, and the private sector to mourn the death of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed
Abu Dhabi Crown prince
UAE leaders mourn death of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai have shared heartfelt messages mourning the death of the UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed
Death of UAE President
UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan passes away
The Ministry of Presidential Affairs has announced the start of official mourning for a period of 40 days, starting today, to mark the death of the UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Dubai
Unemployment pay is a ‘huge step for employee rights’ and will reduce dependency on firms: experts
UAE workers will no longer need to consider relocating immediately or leaving the country due to lack of income, or be forced to incur debt to survive in the event of employment, experts said
Dubai
Warner Music Group acquires Dubai-based digital entertainment firm Qanawat Music
The acquisition is set to boost Dubai’s status as a media industry hub and an emerging focal point for growth in the digital music sector
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange welcomes listing of its first green bond
The green bonds were issued by Sweihan PV Power Company (SPPC), the project company that built, owns, and operates Noor Abu Dhabi, one of the world’s largest single site solar projects
Bahrain
Careem and Hala cab drivers, delivery riders gain $352,280 as companies match customer tips
Careem and Hala then matched the amounts tipped, putting both 100 percent of each customer tip and another 100 percent match in each captain’s weekly pay throughout the holy month of Ramadan
Dubai
Emirates reports lower losses as strong customer demand lifts revenue to $1 billion in FY 2021-22
As Emirates and dnata ramped up operations, employees previously on furlough or made redundant were recalled and rehired, which coupled with new recruitment drives saw the group’s workforce grow 13 percent to 85,219 employees from more than 160 countries
Renewable energy to achieve global capacity record despite challenges
New capacity for generating electricity from solar, wind, and other renewables increased to a record level worldwide in 2021 and will grow further this year, according to the IEA
Dubai
Dubai’s ‘countryside’ to attract property investors, new residents under new initiative: experts
The Dubai Council’s decision to spur development projects in the emirate’s countryside will create fresh opportunities in a saturated city, experts agreed
Emirati
Fines on private sector firms who don’t meet Emiratisation criteria to increase every year
The UAE’s latest Emiratisation initiative is expected to create more than 12,000 job opportunities per year for citizens
basic salary
Struggling between jobs? Unemployed UAE workers to get up to AED20,000 a month under new scheme
The scheme aims to provide financial security and ensure the availability of income for the workers during their unemployment, until alternative job opportunities are made available
Abu dhabi tourism
Wrap-up: ATM 2022 draws 23,000 visitors as ideas, inclusivity, and tech beckon the future of travel
In addition to doubling visitor numbers, the 29th edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) held at the Dubai World Trade Centre drew 1,500 exhibitors and attendees from 150 countries
Dubai
In pictures: Mr Bean gets a Rowan Atkinson-approved NFT collection thanks to Dubai crypto experts
Take a walk down memory lane with the 3,333 unique Mr Bean NFT collectibles made available by Dubai-based crypto experts Fomo Lab
Aramco Trading
Saudi Aramco expands downstream presence in Asia in collaboration with Thailand’s PTT
The MoU aims to boost cooperation across a wide range of activities, including sourcing crude oil; marketing refining and petrochemical products and LNG; and exploring blue and green hydrogen
Abu Dhabi
A look at the 16 new startups that are bolstering Hub71’s growing tech ecosystem in Abu Dhabi
The new cohort of startups, which include fintech, healthtech, edtech firms, have already collectively raised more than $62.8 million in funding
Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange
Video: How have stock markets in the GCC performed after the Eid break?
Volatile energy prices, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the Covid pandemic in China continue to be prime factors impacting markets
Asset Management
SHUAA Capital posts strong performance in Q1 2022 despite global uncertainties and market volatility
Excluding the effects of the intangible asset write-down, the firm’s net profit on a like-for-like basis would have increased to $10.07 million in the first three months of 2022
Alves Trophy Collection
Barcelona star Dani Alves to launch luxury watch NFT collection at Dubai’s MetaTerrace
The luxury watches and the NFT drop will commemorate Dani Alves’ 43 trophies, the highest in contemporary football, won during a professional career that has spanned 22 years with 6 major football clubs
Abu Dhabi
Higher commodity prices, stable utilities businesses boost TAQA’s net income to $544.5mn in Q1 2022
The consolidated financial results for the first quarter of 2022 highlighted a 20 percent increase in group revenues of AED 12.4 billion, compared to the prior-year period