In addition to part-time and reduced working hours, flexibility to ensure a work-life balance can also be achieved through flexi-time, job sharing, working from home, or mobile working
Author Archives: Abdul Rawuf
Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development
AD Ports, Kuwait customs authority sign MoU on virtual trade corridor
The new corridor will help enhance trade exchange and streamline operations between the two countries
carbon emissions
Innovations in sustainable fashion
A United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report states that it takes about 3,781 liters of water to produce a pair of jeans, from the cotton production to the delivery of the final product to the store
3D virtual worlds
AB Talks: Discussing all things Metaverse: the benefits, volatility, regulation, and security concerns
The Chairman and Group CEO of the Nexchange Group, Juwan Lee, talks about how businesses and consumers can benefit from the Metaverse in its nascent stages, while detailing the scale of adoption and security concerns surrounding virtual and augmented realities
Aviv Clinics
Medical tourism returns to Dubai in post-pandemic world as people look to proactively invest in future health and well-being
The post-pandemic global medical tourism market is expected to boom, growing from just under $14 billion in 2021 to $53.5 billion in 2028, with an average annual growth rate exceeding 20 percent
counterfeit goods
HP partners with UAE authorities to seize approximately 1.5 million illicit items and shut sources of counterfeit cartridges
Two large raids were carried out by local authorities at residential premises, which were used as hidden counterfeiting sites
career opportunities
JLL raises awareness in UAE schools about female representation in the construction industry
Representatives from the construction industry, including experts from Zutari, Turner & Townsend, Khansaheb, and AESG, joined JLL in the initiative
Adil Alzarooni
Dubai school accepts fee payments in bitcoin and ethereum as crypto enters education sector
Citizen School’s move towards crypto payment options follows the Dubai Government’s adoption of a law regulating virtual assets, ensuring a safe and advanced legal framework for investors
3D manufacturing
Dubai’s RTA saves cost and time, reduces breakdown rates through use of 3D printing for road maintenance
The initial results of implementing 3D printing technology revealed 50 percent savings in the operational cost of purchasing spare parts, which include propeller fans, control equipment, and cladding for tunnel walls
carbon emissions
How much electricity did Dubai save during Earth Hour 2022?
Dubai recorded the highest ever savings in terms of electricity consumption since 2008, when the Earth Hour initiative was first observed in the emirate
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AlTibbi
Middle East’s largest AI-based digital health platform raises $44 million in Series B funding
Altibbi’s offering into online pharmacy and diagnostics to establish the region’s first end-to-end, fully-integrated digital primary healthcare offering
digital assets
New platform enables real estate buyers to experience property in the metaverse
Dubai-based Xclusiverse has launched globally, bringing property developers, owners, and buyers together in a single virtual space
climate change
Environmental and societal challenges: An opportunity for the finance sector to step up
Nature-based solutions (NbS) are fundamental to achieving so many of the environmental and societal challenges we face
acquisitions
Saudi grocery chain buys majority stake in e-commerce app developer for initial payment of $28.7 million
BinDawood Holding will invest up to an additional $42.65 million over a two-year period to develop the platforms, the roll-out of stores, and fulfillment centres, and to help shorten delivery times
Bahrain
Bahrain’s Infracorp lists $900 million green sukuk on the London Stock Exchange
Green sukuks have grown by more than 17 percent year-on-year in 2021 to $15 billion, and are expected to remain a key theme of the Islamic finance market in 2022
Al Wasl Plaza
Expo 2020 Dubai closing ceremony: Everything you need to know
Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter, and pianist Norah Jones will perform on the Jubilee Stage from 9pm, while pop legend Christina Aguilera will take the stage from 10:45pm
Abraham Accords
Top UAE, Bahrain diplomats discuss regional security, Ukraine crisis with Israel foreign minister Yair Lapid
Consolidating regional and global peace and stability is a primary driver of the UAE’s foreign policy and an integral part of its 10 Principles for the Next 50, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan said
Aramco
Energy prices halt rise as Houthi militia calls for ceasefire after Saudi response to Aramco attack
Bomb-laden drones have targeted Saudi Arabia and the UAE through January and February, indicating an escalation in regional violence at a time when energy prices are surging due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict
Covid restrictions
Saudi Arabia reopens visa on arrival for travellers who have valid UK, US, or Schengen visas
Citizens of any country who hold one of the three visas, and who are travelling on one of the country’s national carriers – Saudi, Flynas, or Flyadeal – can now receive a 12-month tourism visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia without needing to apply in advance
Burak Cakmak
GCC luxury market soars 23 percent above pre-pandemic levels in 2021 and remains set to reach $11 billion by 2023
In Saudi Arabia, personal luxury has grown by 19 percent to $2.2 billion, driven by repatriation spend, female empowerment, boiling retail landscape, events and activities, and the e-commerce boom
General Authority for Statistics Saudi Arabia
Saudi’s non-oil exports rose 27.5 percent year-on-year to $6.4 billion in January 2022
The overall value of exports amounted to $28.68 billion (SAR 107.6 billion) in January 2022, up from $19.16 billion (SAR 71.9 billion) in January 2021
DP World
P&O Ferries CEO should resign over redundancy controversy, says UK Transport Secretary
The CEO has acted with “incredible arrogance,” according to the secretary
Abraham Accords
Synaptech Capital is pairing up with ADGM to reskill UAE labour force
The academy will focus on skills that will be in-demand as job functions change as technology continues to evolve
Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri
UAE is a ‘growth engine’ for business, says Israeli ambassador
Ambassador Amir Hayek said the UAE has great research infrastructure, capital and partners, human capital, raw materials, and access to markets
Abdel Hadi Al Sa’di
Dubai Financial Market partners with BHM Capital to launch simplified investor on-boarding system
The new system enables investors’ to digital onboard, but adheres to the regulatory requirements of the SCA, including verification of the client’s identity, the Know Your Customer mandates, and the anti-money laundering measures
Abu Dhabi
Yas Bay Waterfront launches two-month water shuttle pilot programme to benefit residents and visitors
The water shuttles – which can each seat up to 20 passengers – will ferry passengers across Yas Marina and the waterfront, from and to Al Bandar and Al Muneera on Al Raha Beach.
Abu Dhabi
Alpha Dhabi makes $99.9 million commitment to DEWA’s landmark IPO as a cornerstone investor
Building on its highly diversified investment portfolio, Alpha Dhabi’s cornerstone investment in DEWA follows significant investments in other market leaders, including Aldar Properties and Q Holding
Agriculture
Singapore’s Olam Group sells 35.4 percent stake in operating unit to Saudi PIF-owned SALIC for $1.24 billion
The deal was announced a day after the Olam Group delayed a London listing of its food unit – Olam Food Ingredients – due to the war in Ukraine
African food
What will happen to Expo 2020’s F&B outlets after the six-month event closes on March 31?
A sneak-peek into the non-pavilion venues that will remain part of District 2020 – the Expo’s human-centric legacy in Dubai
F1 Grand Prix
What are the four different sports tourism models that Saudi Arabia could leverage to attract tourists?
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Sport and the Ministry of Tourism are looking to increase the contribution of sports to the GDP by focusing on the crossroads of the two ministries – sports tourism
carbon emissions
Dubai’s JLT to become more affordable for residents and tenants as DMCC plans solar panels across parking areas
The 6.3MW solar panel project will result in significant reduction in power consumption tariffs, generating savings for property owners
Crown Prince of Dubai
Dubai World Cup: Weekend fervour builds around the $12mn horse race at an 80,000-capacity venue
Sponsors of the Dubai World Cup, which will be broadcast to millions across the region and around the globe, include Emirates Airlines, Longines, DP World, Atlantis Dubai, Mubadala, Azizi Developments, Al Tayer Motors, Nakheel, Ithra Dubai, Emaar, and the Al Habtoor Group
cost of doing business in saudi arabia
Saudi Arabia decides to postpone enforcement of personal data protection law until 2023
The decision to postpone the enforcement of the personal data protection law is based on feedback received by the authority during a public consultation on the draft
Ahmed Mahboob Musabih
UAE-India CEPA deal that simplifies customs procedures, lowers logistics costs will be operational in a month: official
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement aims to pave the way for a new era of joint economic growth, improve mutual access to markets, and enhance economic and investment opportunities
Bank CEOs Forum
UAE Central Bank considers continued support for banks and economic recovery beyond mid-2022
The UAE Central Bank highlighted that it is closely monitoring the evolving situation globally and stands ready to take additional measures, if necessary
business opportunities in dubai
Dubai Crown Prince supports equal opportunities, protects consumer rights with new entity
The entity aims to strengthen Dubai’s position as a leading global economic hub and a major centre for trade and commerce by seeking to protect consumer rights and providing growth opportunities for businesses
consumer confidence
How retailers can use their data to emerge stronger from the supply chain crisis
While reshaping business models and pivoting to digital-first strategies has required a lot of energy and a significant monetary investment at a time when both were in short supply, the good news is that these efforts were not wasted
female wealth managers
Why the Middle East needs more female wealth managers
With Middle East economies growing at the pace they are, competition for female talent is only going to get tougher and the wealth management industry needs to do a better job of promoting itself as an attractive path
District 2020
First 85 startups to move into Expo 2020 Dubai as organisers prepare for post-event era
The immense interest in the Scale2Dubai programme is highlighted in the 3,200+ applications it has attracted from 129 countries, illustrating the status of Dubai as the preferred location for start-ups looking to expand their global footprint
Abu Dhabi
Aldar’s Yas Mall adds 30 new retailers in Q1 2022 and unveils revamped Zara, Adidas, Forever21 stores
Yas Mall is increasing its F&B and entertainment offerings by more than 50 percent, and introducing a dedicated home furnishing district with new brands
Abu Dhabi
Khalifa University marks UAE-first as it makes courses globally available to learners on Coursera
Khalifa University’s six specialisations on Coursera will include Machine Learning and Deep Learning Methods: From Data to Decisions; Artificial Intelligence for Executives; and Introduction to Digital Design FPGA-based Training
Dubai
Dubai transitions into “a global destination” for shopping as retail boom spurs economic recovery
Retail accounted for $21.3bn of the emirate’s GDP in 2021, making up 30 percent of UAE’s total amidst ‘remarkable’ e-commerce expansion and new mall openings
Abu Dhabi
AD Ports Group’s net profits soar to $232.2mn in 2021 driven by volume growth, diversification, and partnerships
General cargo volumes reached record levels of 45 million metric tonnes in 2021, up from 30 million metric tonnes in 2020
art agency
Re-thinking the art industry, post-coronavirus
Art rental model has surged in popularity as we move out of the worst of the pandemic
counselling
Companies should prioritise mental health as much as physical health
Wellness-centric initiatives such as yoga classes, meditation, counselling, and stress management techniques can all help employees avoid/manage mental health challenges
Abu Dhabi
UAE’s ENEC doubles clean electricity generation as it starts commercial ops at Unit 2 of Barakah Nuclear Plant
When all four units begin operating commercially, the Barakah Nuclear Plant will produce up to 25 percent of the UAE’s electricity needs
Cryptocurrency
Dubai crypto businesses to double in 2022 as global industry sees exponential growth: expert
There will be an explosion of Web 3.0 based start-ups, new jobs, and investment opportunities in the region, says Yoshi Markets’ Mustafa Kheriba
Amazon
How a “phygital” approach will help retailers stand out
As online platforms became the channel of choice for the retail sector in 2020 and 2021, can we afford to overlook the physical retail landscape?
Allsopp & Allsopp
The importance of a mortgage pre-approval in Dubai’s real estate market
The importance of securing a mortgage pre-approval before beginning the search to buy a property is imperative
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s ADQ, Turkey Wealth Fund support high-growth potential firms with $300mn venture capital fund
The fund will invest in companies developing emerging technologies or improving existing technologies in significant sectors such as energy and utilities, healthcare, life sciences, food, agriculture, mobility, logistics, financial services, and education
doing business in dubai
World’s largest privately owned perfume and taste firm opens new regional hub at Dubai Science Park
‘Dubai’s concentrated efforts to establish an integrated R&D landscape will further reinforce our emirate as a leading destination for research, innovation and production,’ said Dubai Science Park MD
Abu Dhabi
What to expect from the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi once construction completes in 2025
A highlight at the new museum will be ‘Stan’ – a 39-foot-long (11.7 metres) Tyrannosaurus rex, which is one of the best preserved and most studied fossils of this iconic predator from the Late Cretaceous Period
Capital Market Authority
Saudi Tadawul Group initiative looks to increase investment opportunities, improve access to financial instruments
The Group has decided to roll out largest post-trade enhancements in the history of the Saudi capital market