Qatar Tourism reports major increase in visitor numbers across 2024
Industries
Abu Dhabi Film Commission
Abu Dhabi lures film and TV productions with 50% cashback offer
Abu Dhabi will support international and local TV and film production companies with major incentives
saudi tax
Saudi Arabia extends tax fine exemption for 6 months
Saudi tax authority extends exemption on fines until June 30, 2025
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi announces free parking and road tolls for January 1
Abu Dhabi announces free parking, toll-free roads and public transport timings for New Year’s Day
ADNOC
ADNOC to deliver $54bn boost to UAE economy over 5 years with In-Country Value scheme
ADNOC will support the UAE economy by encouraging investments through In-Country Value programme
bond issuance
SHUAA to launch two MCBs to complete capital optimisation plan
Bonds to be issued in two tranches of $115.9 million total value; MD Ahmed Al Ahmadi steps down as planned
Air Arabia
Air Arabia inaugurates latest route from Ras Al Khaimah to Uzbekistan
The non-stop service will connect Ras Al Khaimah International Airport to Karimov Tashkent International Airport with flights scheduled every Friday
Lulu Group International
Lulu Retail reaches 250 stores in GCC with two launches in Saudi
The new Express stores are located in Jabal Omar, Makkah and Sahara Mall, Riyadh; Lulu’s total store count in Saudi reaches 59
Al Ansari Financial Services
Al Ansari Financial Services, Halan partner to launch financing solutions in UAE
The partnership introduces two key services: Salary Advance and Send Now, Pay Later (SNPL), which offer greater financial flexibility and convenience for Al Ansari Financial Services’ customers
Dubai
Dubai’s DLD to launch Smart Rental Index in January 2025
The Smart Rental Index introduces a cutting-edge system for regulating and developing Dubai’s real estate sector, particularly rental valuations
1 Billion Followers
Mohamed Alabbar to give keynote address at One Billion Followers Summit
Emaar founder says content creators are the new superpowers
Abu Dhabi Airports
UAE aviation booming with 150m passengers at airports in 2024, airline growth and $35bn at Al Maktoum International announcement
UAE aviation sector sees continued growth in 2024 as airports expand and airlines grow
Saudi Hospitality
Saudi issues hospitality licence warning with fines of $267,000 for rulebreakers
Saudi Arabia underlines of importance of hospitality licences for tourism venues
Major UAE infrastructure projects in 2024: Nuclear power, airport expansion, new roads
UAE infrastructure projects in 2024 have seen investment in transport, energy and security
Pharmaceutical
UAE introduces new medical and pharmaceutical laws with fines of up to $272,000
UAE issues laws to regulate medical products, the pharmacy profession, and pharmaceutical establishments
Dubai Land Department
Dubai real estate sector recorded $6bn of transactions last week, including $3.4bn of mortgages
The Dubai real estate sector saw $3.4bn of mortgages transactions and 3,345 sales
Consumer goods
UAE monitors prices of consumer goods, bans unauthorised increases on 9 essential items
The UAE will control the cost of essential items such as eggs, dairy, bread and poultry