Tourists can now purchase and activate their eSIM as soon as they clear immigration desks or Smart Gate
Industries
Blockchain
Ripple announces launch of globally tradeable USD-denominated stablecoins
The company said Raghuram Rajan, former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, and Kenneth Montgomery, former First Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, will join the RLUSD advisory board
Blockchain
Ras Al Khaimah Digital Assets Oasis announces strategic partnership with India Blockchain Alliance
The collaboration is set to position Ras Al Khaimah as a global leader in blockchain innovation, fostering connections between blockchain pioneers in the UAE and India
Abu Dhabi
Transguard wins contract for manpower services at Zayed International Airport
With thousands of employees already deployed, Aviation Services unit will continue to provide essential staff for the next five years
Aviation
IndiGo offers major discount on international fares, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi routes
The offer applies to bookings made directly through IndiGo and other authorised platforms
Japanese restaurant
Zuma Riyadh opens in Saudi Arabia in partnership with MJS Holding
Located in the King Abdullah Financial District, the new Zuma restaurant spans two floors and was developed through a strategic partnership with MJS Holding
Blockchain
DMCC launches metaverse platform to drive Web3 engagement
The new metaverse platform offers users an interactive digital experience with unique features including gamified zones, a trading game, and a treasure hunt with prizes
Dubai
Dubai’s surging real estate prices hit F&B market, entry, expansion strategies set to shift in response
Walkable zones and dedicated dining corners are set to emerge as new hotspots for F&B players in Dubai
Abu Dhabi
ADNOC Drilling announces joint venture with SLB, Patterson-UTI to create Turnwell
The joint venture will look to tap Abu Dhabi’s staggering reserves of unconventional oil and gas
satellite communications
UAE government awards $5.1 billion, 17-year contract to Space42
It includes procurement of Al Yah 4 and Al Yah 5 advanced satellites and confirms earlier Capacity and Managed Services mandate
Dubai police
Dubai Police and RTA announce truck ban on major from January 1, 2025
Dubai Police and RTA to ban trucks on key road to Sharjah during evening rush hour
cruise business
Dubai Customs handles over 1.23m bags on 187 cruise ships so far this year
Dubai Customs announces passenger statistics for cruise ship passengers in first 11 months of the year
airport lounges
Flydubai unveils new Business Class Lounge
New flydubai Business Class Lounge at Terminal 2 of Dubai International Airport
Health insurance
UAE launches major health insurance package for private sector from $87 per year
UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation launches new insurance product for private sector employees and domestic workers
ADNOC
ADNOC’s XRG forms Arcius Energy, a joint venture with BP
Arcius to start operations in Egypt, which includes interests assigned by BP across two development concessions
Expedia
Expedia highlights surge in interest for UAE staycations to end 2024
UAE residents are searching for staycation ideas to celebrate New Year in the country, says Expedia
Dar Global
Dar Global announces launch of $530m Trump Tower Jeddah
The Trump Tower will feature several highlights including the Trump Club, Saudi’s first members-only social club