Operation Falafel

Operation Falafel adds two new outlets to its UAE portfolio

Both outlets will serve a Middle Eastern menu largely focused on sandwiches, platters and an option to build your own bowl

ADNOC Group AlRuwais plant

ADNOC Group to build new low-carbon LNG plant in Ruwais

The location’s proximity to ADNOC’s current operations and its future growth projects were all important factors in the decision

ESG and Middle Banks Arthur D Little Op-ed

Implementing ESG strategy: How Middle East banks are faring

As the region’s banks double down on their ESG efforts, the implementation of a comprehensive strategy with data governance at its core has never been more important

Saudi Tourism Authority Visa sign MoU at ATM 2023

ATM 2023: Saudi Tourism Authority, Visa sign MoU to boost tourism

The two entities will explore opportunities to establish the first Tourism Data Lab in Saudi Arabia and enable digital payment solutions for tourists

Abu Dhabi's Khalifa Fund, AlMaryah Bank to provide digital banking services

Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa Fund, AlMaryah Bank to provide digital banking services to SMEs

The bank will provide exclusive benefits to Khalifa Fund members in accordance with the agreement

Apparel Group

Apparel Group expands presence in Kuwait with 12 new store openings

The line-up of stores feature brands such as Birkenstock, Beverly Hills Polo Club, Dune London, Levi’s, The Children’s Place, Steve Madden, among others

Qatar see a surge in air travel

Qatar Airways sees robust travel demand amid capacity squeeze

The Doha-based carrier has seen leisure and business demand surge after travel restrictions were eased, but continues to be hamstrung by a lack of new planes

Business Traveller Middle East

Business Traveller Middle East Awards 2023: Here are all the winners

The 22nd edition of the annual awards included 40 award categories spanning airlines, airports and hotels

ADNOC Gas

ADNOC Gas, TotalEnergies Gas and Power ink 3-year LNG supply deal

The three-year contract is expected to commence in 2023 and will run through 2025

SNB invested SAR5.5bn for a 9.88 per cent stake in Credit Suisse

SNB to hold 0.5% stake in UBS Group after merger with Credit Suisse

The bank’s investment in Credit Suisse plunged by approximately 20 per cent by the end of 2022 and a further 70 per cent in Q1 2023

Aramco, PIF and China’s Baosteel steel JV

Aramco and PIF set up JV to build steel plant with China’s Baosteel

The steel manufacturing base has a designed annual capacity of 2.5 million tonnes of direct reduced iron and 1.5 million tonnes of steel plate

Dubai tourism in Q1 2023

Dubai welcomes 4.67 million tourists in Q1 2023

The visitors in Q1 2023 were just two percentage points short of the pre-pandemic volume of 4.75 million tourists that arrived in Dubai in the first three months of 2019

787 Dreamliner

ATM 2023: Etihad unveils new 787 Dreamliner seats

The Boeing 787 aircraft is the first in the world to offer the Elements seat

BitOasis is poised to become the first to receive an FMP licence

BitOasis secures MVP operational license from Dubai’s VARA

The crypto trading platform plans to launch new virtual asset products with a continued focus on driving accessibility and consumer protection

Etihad Cargo

Etihad Cargo bolsters presence in China with fourth gateway destination

The airline currently offers five passenger flights to Shanghai, Beijing Daxing and Guangzhou each week

Sharjah Airport

Sharjah Airport records footfall of over 3.8 million passengers in Q1 2023

The aircraft movement for the same term also increased by 9.02 per cent, with 23,261 flights by the end of March

Rove Hotels

Rove Hotels expands reach with serviced residences

Rove Home Aljada is the brand’s first residential project, featuring contemporary designs and smart home features

Azizi Developments

Azizi Developments enters hospitality sector; announces launch of global hotel brand

The company has appointed Michael Zager as its new chief operating officer – Hospitality

AD Ports Group strengthens fleet

AD Ports Group bolsters its fleet with Dhs955m investment

The acquisition of the new vessels is part of the company’s expansion strategy that is aimed at broadening its portfolio of services

Rotana at ATM

ATM 2023: Rotana to have 120 operational hotels by 2030

Saudi Arabia and Egypt will be the key markets for the group’s expansion in the region

Carter & White

Emirati brand Carter & White raises Dhs40m in Series A funding

The funding will be invested to attract a new segment in regional retail markets including UAE, Saudi Arabia, other GCC countries and eventually Europe

Bitcoin sags after its longest streak of monthly gains since 2021

Bitcoin’s 73 per cent rebound in 2023 from last year’s crypto rout has stalled around the $30,000 level

Oil extends second weekly drop on new China recovery concerns

West Texas Intermediate futures slipped 0.7 per cent, after rallying 2.7 per cent on Friday

Arabian Travel Market Dubai 2023 Photo WAM

Arabian Travel Market 2023 starts on May 1

For the first time, Arabian Travel Market 2023 will feature a Sustainability Hub, which will offer a venue for sessions dedicated to the latest sustainable travel trends and innovations

Abu Dhabi to welcome more visistors photo WAM DCT Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi to welcome more than 24 million visitors this year

Abu Dhabi welcomed 18 million visitors in 2022, which is a 13 per cent increase from the previous year

Dubai Culture launches mobtakir

Dubai Culture launches Mobtakir diploma for entrepreneurs

Applications are currently open and without charge to all UAE residents, including students, professionals, and small business owners until May 20

UAE increase petrol price

UAE raises fuel prices for May 2023

The fuel price committee marginally increased petrol prices by 15 fils for the month of May

UAE Banks Federation signs off on strategic plan and goals photo WAM

UAE Banks Federation approves strategic plan to boost banking sector

The plan will see 5,000 UAE nationals employed in the banking and financial sector by 2026

Middle East venture capital market

The Middle East’s booming venture capital market

The drive for economic diversification and state-backed initiatives together with financial support for startups is fuelling Middle East’s venture capital industry

Sheikh Mohammed names deputy rulers of Dubai

Dubai leadership: Sheikh Mohammed appoints two deputy rulers

The two deputy rulers of Dubai were named with the issuance of Decree No 21 of 2023