The number of individual hacking incidents increased from 282 in 2023 to 303 in 2024, resulting in these losses
Industries
Branded residences
Minor Hotels to launch several branded residences in the region
A total 461 keys of branded residences to be launched alongside award-winning Anantara, Avani and Tivoli hotels in the GCC
ADQ
Abu Dhabi’s ADQ collaborates with Aqua Development to launch shrimp farming pilot in KEZAD
Upon the successful conclusion of the pilot stage, production is expected to be scaled significantly, marking an important milestone in the local production of shrimp in the UAE
air freight
Etihad Cargo expands freighter network with Paris Charles de Gaulle from January 2025
The new Paris freighter route will support Etihad Cargo’s specialised products, meeting growing demand across multiple industries
Abu Dhabi
AD Ports Group doubles its Revolving Credit Facility at better terms
The Abu Dhabi-based group successfully refinances and upsizes its existing RCF from $1 billion to $2.125 billion
Abu Dhabi
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi re-routes Bucharest flights to Băneasa Airport from March 2025
The move aims to improve accessibility, reduce travel time to the downtown and enhance the passenger experience, the airline said
Biodiversity
Dubai-based DP World issues the region’s first Blue Bond
The $100 million, 5-year Blue Bond priced at 5.25% coupon rate; Will fund significantly under-funded SDG 14 and SDG 6 of the United Nations
Abu Dhabi
Groundbreaking CAR-T therapy performed on lupus patient in Abu Dhabi
Patient has stable platelet count and haemoglobin levels with decreased symptoms after the region’s first CAR-T therapy by ADSCC
Flynas
Flynas announces Dammam to Red Sea International Airport
Saudi Arabia’s flynas introduces new domestic flights from Dammam to Red Sea International Airport
Artificial intelligence
TCS study shows GenAI, Cloud Security, and ‘Zero Trust’ as key priorities
Experts identify seven focus areas that will influence cybersecurity in 2025 as new technologies give rise to new and complex threats
electric vehicle
UAE announces electric vehicle charging fees for 2025
UAEV reveals fees for electric vehicle charging, after months of free operations
AI
Dubai AI Week 2025 will put artificial intelligence in spotlight
Sheikh Hamdan announces plans for Dubai AI Week with global artificial intelligence experts
Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism
Abu Dhabi partners with Trip.com to boost tourism
Trip.com supports Abu Dhabi tourism efforts
ADNOC
ADNOC L&S adds 20 offshore assets as 9-month revenues climb to $1.67bn
ADNOC L&S has seen significant growth in 2024 as it added to offshore asset
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi to cover all death-related fees and repatriation costs for expats
Abu Dhabi has expanded a compassionate service to cover the costs of death-related services and repatriation for expats
Dubai Metro
RTA awards $5.6bn Dubai Metro blue line contract to Turkish-Chinese consortium
The project will add 30 kilometers and 14 stations to Dubai’s metro network, is designed to serve over one million residents by 2040
Dubai
Dubai real estate: Luxury villa sells for record AED120m in Emerald Hills
The sale resulted in an AED 40 milliom profit for the investor who purchased the plot, designed the villa and managed construction, eventually securing an off-plan buyer