Investigation into Air India accident in Ahmedabad in June contains details of pilot discussions
South Asia
Latest in South Asia
business travel
Middle East business travel surges to $18.1bn in 2024 with 6.1% growth forecast for 2025
Business travel in the Middle East hit $18.1bn in 2024, outpacing global growth. Tumodo forecasts a 6.1 per cent rise in 2025, driven by tech innovation, “bleisure” trends, and stronger GCC-Europe ties
Abu Dhabi
UAE petrol prices to change; Dubai real estate hotspots; Millionaire investment tips; Leave guide and 2026 holiday dates – 10 things you missed this week
From UAE petrol prices and Saudi credit card reforms to real estate trends, remote work policies, and Ramadan 2026 dates — here are the top developments shaping life, business, and investment in the Gulf this week
dubai chamber of commerce
India and Pakistan lead new business registrations with Dubai Chamber in Q1
Indian companies top list of new Dubai Chamber members in Q1 2025
Abu Dhabi
Etihad Airways expands Karachi flight routes
The UAE carrier will provide 28 weekly services on the Abu Dhabi-Karachi route, with tickets now available for purchase
Airbus A350-900
India’s IndiGo plans massive global push with 30 new A350s, partnerships
Also forms a partnership with the US-based Delta Air Lines, Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic to connect India with Europe and North America
alternative investment fund
Bahrain’s Investcorp sells entire stake in Indian retailer Citykart
Alternative investment firm Investcorp sells entire Citykart stake to TPG NewQuest and A91 Partners
Aviation
India’s IndiGo co-founder plans $800mn stake sale: Report
This is Gangwal’s third share sale since March 2024, having previously sold shares worth over $2 billion via block trades
Bitcoin
Pakistan allocates 2,000MW to power Bitcoin mining and AI data centres
Pakistan plans to use surplus electricity to support bitcoin mining and AI centres, aiming to boost jobs and attract investment
Bangladesh
India cuts key imports from Bangladesh: Report
The move comes amidst the growing rift in relations between the two neighboring South Asian countries
Cricket
Indian cricketer Virat Kohli announces retirement from Test cricket after 14 years
His retirement from Test cricket follows the recent announcement by fellow teammate Rohit Sharma on Wednesday, who will also step away from the format
Airspace
India announces opening of 32 airports after ceasefire with Pakistan
India restores air operations in northern regions as military tensions ease, allowing airlines to resume flights to key cities
Cricket
IPL suspended and PSL moved to UAE amid India-Pakistan tensions
Indian and Pakistan cricket authorities make decision on postponed and rehomed tournaments
Freezone
Dubai-based MBS Global to help create $8.8bn financial hub in Maldives
Maldives International Financial Centre to be a freezone that aims to diversify the country’s tourism-dependent economy and add $1bn annually to the GDP in 5 years
Air India
Air India seeks $600mn in aid if Pakistan airspace ban persists for a year: Report
The Tata-owned carrier Air India says rerouted long-haul flights to Europe and North America are burning more fuel and straining crew resources
digital healthcare
Pakistan’s MedIQ raises $6mn to expand digital healthcare platform across GCC
Healthcare tech startup MedIQ will expand into Qatar and neighboring GCC markets following a $6 million investment led by Rasmal Ventures and Joa Capital
Avani Hotels & Resorts
Minor Hotels to launch first Avani brand resort in India
The development will feature 117 hotel rooms and 58 branded residential villas on a 25.5-acre site along Sunray Beach in Visakhapatnam, India