Category: 1arabia updates

Shares in Agility Global,a subsidiary of Kuwaiti logistics giant Agility,skyrocketed on their first day of trading on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) on Thursday.The stock opened at 1.48 dirhams per share,a staggering 300% increase compared to the reference price of 0.37 dirhams set by the company.The price remained buoyant throughout the day,closing at 1.38 dirhams,solidifying its position as the second-most traded stock in terms of both value and volume on the ADX.This impressive debut translates to a market capitalization

Tensions are mounting at UCLA as a potential confrontation looms between law enforcement and a pro-Palestinian encampment on campus.The situation follows a night of violence that erupted on Tuesday,where clashes between pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups resulted in injuries and property damage.University officials have issued an unlawful assembly order for the encampment,demanding its dispersal.Police,clad in riot gear,have been spotted mobilizing around the campus,signaling a potential forceful eviction if the protesters refuse to leave.The encampment itself has called upon supporters to join

The 33rd edition of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award solidified its reputation as a champion of cultural understanding through literature. Recognizing outstanding works in various categories, the prestigious award ceremony underscored the power of books to bridge divides and foster dialogue between civilizations.Established in 2006, the Sheikh Zayed Book Award honors creativity and intellectual achievement across the Arab world and beyond. By celebrating exceptional writing in nine categories, including Arabic Culture in Other Languages and Children's Literature, the award platform

The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crises and Disaster Management Team (ECDM) convened on Wednesday, May 1st, 2024, to solidify the emirate's preparedness for impending adverse weather conditions. The meeting, led by Staff Major General Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the ECDM and Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police, centered on evaluating the readiness of local entities to effectively respond to any potential challenges arising from the expected weather. Discussions focused on strengthening the capabilities of primary response teams across Abu Dhabi.

Archaeologists in the United Arab Emirates are gearing up for a significant excavation project. After a seven-year hiatus, they are set to resume digging at the Shamal tomb, the largest known grave site from the Umm Al Nar period (2600-2000 BC) discovered in the country to date. The tomb was first unearthed in 1997 and captured the imagination of archaeologists due to its grand scale and potential to shed light on the lives of the people who built it.The upper

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan leaves behind a remarkable legacy of service and dedication that profoundly shaped the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as we know it today. A pivotal figure in the nation's formation, Sheikh Tahnoon's contributions spanned diplomacy, security, and fostering unity amongst the emirates. Working closely with the UAE's founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Sheikh Tahnoon played a critical role in the years leading to the unification of the seven emirates in 1971.

United Arab Emirates' Minister of State for Financial Affairs, Mohamed Al Hussaini, recently met with Ousmane Dione, the World Bank's Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The high-level discussion, held at the UAE Ministry of Finance headquarters in Dubai, focused on strengthening collaboration on development initiatives critical to the region's economic growth and prosperity.The meeting underscored the UAE's commitment to working alongside the World Bank in tackling MENA's most pressing challenges. Discussions revolved around leveraging

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Sudan have fostered a strong relationship grounded in mutual respect and close cultural links, according to UAE Ambassador Omar Al-Basha. In a recent interview, Al-Basha highlighted the longstanding cooperation between the two nations, emphasizing that their bond extends beyond political ties."Our relationship with Sudan is unique," Al-Basha said. "It's not just about government-to-government connections; it's about the deep-rooted ties between our people."The UAE has played a significant role in supporting Sudan's economic development. Emirati

Dubai residents experienced a slight increase in living costs last February, according to the latest consumer price index (CPI) data released by Dubai Statistics Center. The index rose by 0.43% compared to January, indicating a modest uptick in inflation.While the February increase was relatively minor, it follows a trend of gradual inflation observed throughout the past year. Since February 2023, Dubai's CPI has risen by approximately 2.5%, driven primarily by fluctuations in specific sectors like housing, transportation, and food.The rise

The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) announced a financial milestone, with its balance sheet reaching a record AED 750 billion (approximately USD 204 billion) by the end of February 2024. This achievement signifies a robust 32.5% surge compared to February 2023, highlighting the UAE's burgeoning financial strength.The CBUAE's balance sheet report, released in late April, detailed a significant increase in its general budget. By February's close, the budget stood at AED 747.62 billion, a substantial leap from

Abu Dhabi residents were treated to a surprise yesterday afternoon when His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, a prominent figure in the Emirate's history, visited the bustling Marina Mall. The unscheduled visit provided a glimpse into the Emirati leader's commitment to connecting with his community and staying informed about the nation's development.Sheikh Zayed's tour, which lasted for approximately an hour, saw him strolling through the mall's expansive corridors lined with international and local brands. The atmosphere remained calm

The 33rd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair buzzed with not just the rustling of turning pages but also the hum of technological change. A panel discussion titled "Artificial Intelligence in International Publishing" brought together industry leaders to explore the complex relationship between AI and the written word.Fareed Zahran, President of the Egyptian Publishers Association, highlighted the information overload that AI has brought to authors. No longer limited by scarcity, writers now face a deluge of data. However, he emphasized that

The Make-A-Wish Foundation UAE recently spread joy and hope by fulfilling the wishes of nine children battling serious illnesses at the Abu ElReesh Japanese Children's Hospital in Cairo, Egypt. The heartwarming ceremony was graced by prominent figures including Mariam Al Kaabi, the UAE Ambassador to Egypt, and Hani Al Zubaidi, CEO of Make-A-Wish Foundation UAE.This initiative exemplifies the UAE's unwavering commitment to humanitarian efforts, extending a helping hand to those in need across borders. Al Zubaidi emphasized this point

Dubai Holding, the investment conglomerate owned by the Dubai ruler, has undertaken a significant financial maneuver. They refinanced an $8.2 billion loan to consolidate debt held by two state-backed developers, Nakheel and Meydan, which they absorbed last month. This strategic move positions Dubai Holding to capitalize on the current boom in Dubai's real estate market.The refinancing replaces older loan facilities with potentially more favorable terms, offering Dubai Holding greater financial flexibility. Emirates NBD Bank and Mashreqbank are underwriting the new

Abu Dhabi is gearing up to host the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) Congress 2024, a marquee event set to convene investors, industry leaders, and policymakers from around the world. Scheduled for May 7th to 9th, the summit will delve into the theme "Adapting to a changing investment landscape: harnessing new potential for global economic development."The focus on adaptation reflects the ongoing shift in global investment trends. With geopolitical realignments and a growing emphasis on sustainability, the AIM Congress aims to

The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) solidified its commitment to global development by actively participating in the 2024 Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group Annual Meetings held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The meetings, which coincided with the IsDB's Golden Jubilee, brought together member states and development partners to discuss crucial issues facing the Islamic world.High-level representatives from the UAE Ministry of Finance, including His Excellency Mohamed Al Hussaini, played a prominent role in the discussions. Mr. Al Hussaini emphasized the

The Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal has postponed the hearing for 84 individuals accused of establishing and running a terrorist organization. The "Justice and Dignity Committee," as it's named, is alleged to have operated clandestinely within the United Arab Emirates. The judge presiding over the case, which falls under State Security Offenses (Case No. 87 of 2023), announced the delay to allow for the completion of defense arguments and the defendants' responses to the prosecution's charges. The next hearing

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has announced the commencement of construction work for a brand new healthcare facility – the Al Mizhar Health Centre. This initiative underscores the DHA's commitment to bolstering Dubai's primary care infrastructure, ensuring ease of access to high-quality medical services for residents across the emirate.The announcement comes on the heels of the recently completed Al Barsha Health Centre, further solidifying the DHA's dedication to its pledge of adding at least one new primary healthcare centre each

Emirates Health Services (EHS) announced a significant milestone in its proactive efforts to identify autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. The health authority's "Early Detection of Autism" program has successfully reached over 43,700 children, highlighting a commendable commitment to early intervention and improved health outcomes for youngsters with ASD.Early detection of ASD is crucial for ensuring that children receive timely access to appropriate interventions and support services. These interventions can significantly improve a child's development and quality of life. The

UAE businesses are setting their sights on the Kuwaiti market, with a two-day investment meet kicking off in Kuwait City on April 28th. The forum, titled "Unlocking Kuwait's Potential," is designed to foster collaboration and explore promising investment avenues between the two Gulf nations.Organized by the UAE Embassy in Kuwait alongside Kuwaiti government entities, the meet brings together key decision-makers, including UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi and his Kuwaiti counterpart, Minister of

The Giving Movement, a United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based clothing company known for its eco-friendly practices, has emerged as a significant contributor to humanitarian efforts in Gaza. Since the recent conflict began, the brand has funneled over 3 million UAE dirhams (approximately $816,798 USD) to Dubai Cares, a leading philanthropic organization in the UAE.These funds are earmarked for immediate relief efforts in Gaza. Dubai Cares, working alongside Anera, a humanitarian organization with extensive experience in the region, is delivering essential supplies

The United Arab Emirates and Oman announced a significant expansion of their economic partnership on April 23, 2024, with the signing of a series of investment agreements valued at a combined $129 billion. This substantial commitment signals a new era of collaboration between the two Gulf nations, encompassing vital sectors like renewable energy, infrastructure, and technology.The landmark agreements were unveiled during a UAE-Oman Business Forum, co-hosted by dignitaries from both countries. The forum served as a platform to solidify existing

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has solidified its status as a premier destination for the world's wealthiest families. Boasting over 120 billionaires and ultra-high net worth individuals (UHNWIs) with a combined net worth exceeding $1 trillion, DIFC has played a key role in propelling Dubai to the top spot in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region for wealthy residents. On a global scale, Dubai now ranks among the top 22 cities for billionaire concentrations.DIFC's success

The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) joined the global chorus in celebrating International Girls in ICT Day on April 25th. The annual initiative, championed by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), aims to bridge the digital gender divide and empower young women to pursue careers in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).This year's theme, "Leadership," resonated throughout TDRA's celebration held at their Dubai office. The event, co-organized with the TDRA Youth Council and the Youth Advisory Council for Sustainable Development