Category: Latest Updates

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Gold prices climbed sharply on Friday, reversing part of this week’s slide as investors stepped back into the market after bullion fell to a four-month low, while traders also watched for any sign that tensions in the Middle East might ease. Spot gold rose more than 3% at its intraday peak before trading about 2.6% higher at $4,491.78 an ounce by afternoon dealings in New York, after touching as high as $4,554.39. US gold futures for

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Exeed has opened a new showroom in Jeddah through Arabian Heritage Motors, part of Al Ghurair Mobility, extending the premium vehicle brand’s physical presence in Saudi Arabia as competition intensifies among Chinese carmakers across the Gulf. The Jeddah launch was disclosed by Al Ghurair in a corporate post and comes after Exeed appointed Al Ghurair as its exclusive distributor in the Kingdom in early 2025.The move signals a steady build-out rather than a standalone retail

Arabian Post Staff -DubaiBanishing delivered a polished front-end result for the United States and Saudi Arabia at Meydan on Saturday, winning the $1 million Group 2 Godolphin Mile and handing a notable success to trainer David Jacobson, jockey Silvestre de Sousa and owners Sharaf Mohammed Al Hariri, David Jacobson and Lawrence Roman. The Godolphin-bred six-year-old beat Commissioner King by 2¼ lengths over the mile on dirt, with Mendelssohn Bay third in a field of 12, stopping the clock at

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Mezza, a new hospitality platform in the UAE, has launched with a model aimed at giving restaurants upfront capital in exchange for future food and beverage credit, offering operators an alternative to bank debt or equity fundraising while also promising a pipeline of diners over time. The company says partner venues can access between AED 20,000 and AED 10 million, with the credit then distributed to app members and redeemed gradually, usually across 12 months.The

Arabian Post Staff -DubaiOmniyat has moved to reassure investors that it has enough liquidity to meet its debt obligations after the Dubai ultra-luxury developer was placed on watch for a possible downgrade, arguing that its cash position and funding profile leave it well equipped to handle maturities without depending on a fresh burst of property sales or a quick return to calmer markets.The company said it held more than AED5.3 billion in cash, cash equivalents and other financial

Arabian Post Staff -DubaiAbu Dhabi Commercial Bank has secured regulatory approval to establish a wholly owned subsidiary in Kazakhstan, opening the way for one of the UAE’s biggest lenders to deepen its footprint in Central Asia and broaden access to conventional and Islamic banking services in one of the region’s most closely watched financial markets.The approval was granted by Kazakhstan’s Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market, which said the new entity would be set up as Abu

Arabian Post Staff -DubaiSaeed bin Suroor heads into the Dubai World Cup meeting with a chance to extend one of racing’s most enduring records, as the Godolphin trainer prepares Dubai Future for a prominent bid in the Dubai Gold Cup on Saturday.The veteran handler, long associated with Godolphin’s rise on the global stage, is aiming to push his tally at the meeting to a new milestone, with victories spanning nearly three decades. His record at Meydan remains unmatched among

Arabian Post Staff -DubaiShareholders of Al Ansari Financial Services have approved a full-year dividend for 2025 at the company’s Annual General Meeting, reinforcing a payout approach that signals stability in earnings and confidence in cash flow generation.The approved distribution includes a final dividend of AED 148.5 million, equivalent to 2 fils per share, for the second half of the financial year. This follows an identical interim dividend paid earlier in 2025, bringing the total annual payout to AED 297

Arabian Post Staff -DubaiMubadala Investment Company has agreed to sell its minority stake in liquid cooling specialist CoolIT Systems to Ecolab, in a transaction led by private equity firm KKR and valued at $4.75bn, marking a significant reshaping of ownership in a sector gaining momentum alongside artificial intelligence and data centre expansion.The Abu Dhabi sovereign investor confirmed that it had signed a definitive agreement, signalling the latest move in a broader strategy to recycle capital from maturing technology holdings

 White House officials said diplomatic channels with Iran remain active despite Tehran’s public rejection of US overtures, underscoring a widening disconnect between rhetoric and back-channel engagement as tensions ripple across the Middle East and global markets.The White House has sought to project continuity in negotiations, signalling that intermediaries and indirect communications are still in play even as Iranian officials outline new preconditions for any de-escalation. The conflicting messages highlight the fragile state of diplomacy after weeks of confrontation that have

Arabian Post Staff -DubaiDubai’s transport regulator has entered a formal cooperation agreement with Dubai Roads and Transport Authority and Union Properties PJSC to strengthen oversight and coordination of road right-of-way management across major development projects, signalling a tighter regulatory push on urban infrastructure as construction activity accelerates across the emirate.The agreement is framed within the provisions of Law No. of 2021, which governs road regulation and usage standards in Dubai. Officials indicate that the collaboration is intended to

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Jazeera Airways is preparing to restore a significant portion of its network, planning to operate about 200,000 seats in April as it attempts to stabilise operations disrupted by a widening regional conflict that has rattled aviation and energy markets.The Kuwait-based low-cost carrier said the planned capacity would amount to roughly 40 per cent of its pre-conflict network, reflecting a cautious but deliberate effort to resume services after weeks of severe disruption caused by hostilities involving Iran, Israel

Arabian Post Staff -DubaiDaeson Technologies has launched an artificial intelligence-powered compliance co-pilot designed to assist Islamic financial institutions in aligning operations with Shariah principles, signalling a growing push to embed automation within governance frameworks across Gulf banking.The system, branded as a Shariah AI Compliance Co-Pilot, aims to support banks and financial entities in navigating complex religious and regulatory requirements by analysing transactions, contracts and product structures against established jurisprudential guidelines. The rollout reflects mounting demand among Islamic lenders for

Arabian Post Staff -DubaiDubai’s healthcare ecosystem is set for a strategic boost after Dubai Health and Dubai Future District Fund formalised a partnership aimed at building a global health technology launchpad, underscoring the emirate’s ambition to position itself at the forefront of digital medicine and biotech innovation.The agreement, structured as a memorandum of understanding, outlines a framework to accelerate investment, innovation and talent development in health technology. Officials described the collaboration as a step towards aligning clinical expertise with

Arabian Post Staff -DubaiEtihad Airways has launched its first direct service to Charlotte, marking a strategic expansion into the southeastern United States as the Abu Dhabi-based carrier seeks to strengthen transatlantic connectivity and tap into a growing business travel market.The inaugural flight landed at Charlotte Douglas International Airport on March 20, operated by the Airbus A350-1000, one of the airline’s most advanced long-haul aircraft. The route links Abu Dhabi with one of the largest financial hubs in the United

Arabian Post Staff -DubaiGross assets held by banks in the United Arab Emirates climbed to AED 5.41 trillion by the end of January 2026, reflecting steady expansion in the country’s financial system amid sustained credit growth and resilient liquidity conditions.Data released by the Central Bank showed assets rose by 1.4 per cent from AED 5.34 trillion at the close of December 2025, extending a pattern of gradual balance sheet expansion that has characterised the banking sector over the

Arabian Post Staff -DubaiSharjah Asset Management has secured a “Best Place to Work” certification, signalling growing emphasis within Gulf investment entities on employee engagement, corporate culture and organisational wellbeing as competition for talent intensifies across the region.The company, which oversees a diversified portfolio spanning real estate, infrastructure and strategic investments for the Sharjah government, said the recognition reflects sustained efforts to build a supportive and performance-driven workplace. The certification process typically evaluates employee satisfaction, leadership practices, diversity policies and

Arabian Post Staff -DubaiAbu Dhabi’s social development agenda has gained fresh momentum as the Department of Community Development signed a partnership with Mbank aimed at strengthening the financial resilience of families across the emirate, reflecting a broader policy shift towards preventive welfare and long-term economic stability.The agreement, announced as part of initiatives aligned with the UAE’s Year of Family, focuses on enhancing access to financial tools, promoting responsible money management, and supporting vulnerable households through tailored banking solutions.

Arabian Post Staff -DubaiAjman University has introduced a doctoral programme in artificial intelligence, positioning it as a research-intensive offering backed by faculty ranked among the world’s top 0.5% of scientists, as the institution seeks to strengthen its standing in advanced technology education and align with the UAE’s broader digital economy ambitions.The new PhD in Artificial Intelligence is designed to focus on high-impact research across areas such as machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing and data science. University officials

Arabian Post Staff -DubaiDiplomatic efforts are under way at the United Nations as members of the Security Council prepare to negotiate a draft resolution that could authorise military action to safeguard commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically vital energy corridors.The proposal, circulated by Bahrain, reflects mounting concern among maritime and energy stakeholders over persistent threats to vessels transiting the narrow waterway, through which a significant share of global oil supplies passes. Diplomats familiar

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Emirates has issued a travel advisory urging passengers to check flight schedules as adverse weather conditions are expected to affect parts of the UAE, raising the prospect of disruptions across air travel and airport operations.The Dubai-based airline said customers travelling during the affected period should verify flight status before heading to the airport and allow additional time for their journeys. The alert comes as weather authorities forecast heavy rainfall, strong winds and reduced visibility in several

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Currency markets shifted sharply on Monday as investors sought safety in the US dollar amid intensifying tensions in the Middle East, triggering a broad sell-off in equities and risk-sensitive assets. The greenback strengthened against major peers, reflecting a flight to liquidity as geopolitical uncertainty deepened and hopes for de-escalation appeared increasingly fragile.Trading in Asia and Europe saw the dollar index climb, reversing earlier softness and reinforcing its role as the dominant refuge during periods of global

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Operations at a major natural gas processing facility in Abu Dhabi have resumed following a disruption that forced a temporary halt to supplies critical for domestic energy needs, while much of the country’s liquefied natural gas output remains curtailed.The plant, regarded as one of the largest gas processing hubs in the United Arab Emirates, plays a central role in supplying fuel for power generation, desalination and industrial use. Its shutdown triggered concerns over energy stability in a

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai More than 20 countries, including the UAE, the UK, France and Japan, have issued a coordinated warning over mounting risks around the Strait of Hormuz, signalling growing concern that instability in one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors could disrupt energy flows and heighten geopolitical tensions.The joint statement, backed by a coalition spanning Europe, Asia and the Gulf, underscored the strategic importance of the narrow waterway through which roughly a fifth of global oil supply

Arabian Post Staff -DubaiA community-focused programme aimed at strengthening social cohesion and shared identity across the UAE has been launched in Abu Dhabi, as Design Commission Abu Dhabi unveiled its “One Nation. One People” initiative under the leadership of Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan.The initiative is positioned as a broad social and cultural platform designed to reinforce values of unity, inclusivity and belonging among citizens and residents. It aligns with the UAE’s declared Year of

Arabian Post Staff -DubaiQatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued a directive requiring all commercial establishments and factories to integrate electronically with its central systems, marking a significant shift towards real-time regulatory oversight across the country’s private sector.The circular obliges businesses, regardless of size or sector, to digitally connect their internal platforms with ministry databases to record and transmit information on inventory, sales transactions and services. Authorities say the move is designed to improve transparency, strengthen compliance monitoring

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Northern Border University secured international recognition at the 51st Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions, winning both a silver and a bronze medal for research projects developed by its faculty, marking a notable moment for Saudi Arabia’s academic innovation landscape.Held in Geneva, the exhibition is regarded as one of the world’s largest platforms for showcasing patented inventions and applied research, drawing participants from universities, research centres and private innovators across dozens of countries. The university’s dual win

Air defence systems in Abu Dhabi intercepted attempted strikes targeting key energy infrastructure, prompting a sharp condemnation from authorities who described the incident as a serious escalation and a breach of international law.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that no casualties were reported after the attempted attacks on the Habshan gas facility and the Bab field, both central to the country’s hydrocarbon production network. Officials said the interception prevented damage to critical installations, underscoring the effectiveness of defensive capabilities amid

Arabian Post Staff -DubaiDubai has activated a “Green Corridor” with ports in the Sultanate of Oman, aiming to streamline the movement of sea and air cargo while cutting transit times and reducing environmental impact across key Gulf trade routes.The initiative, announced by authorities overseeing logistics and customs operations in the emirate, is designed to enable faster clearance of goods through pre-approved procedures, digital documentation, and coordinated inspections between ports and airports on both sides. Officials say the corridor will

Arabian Post Staff -DubaiGroup Amana has been awarded a contract by DP World to deliver a multi-tenant warehouse project at the Jebel Ali Free Zone, marking another expansion in Dubai’s logistics infrastructure as demand for flexible industrial space accelerates.The project, located within Jafza, is designed to support multiple tenants across sectors including trade, e-commerce and light manufacturing. Industry participants say the development reflects a broader push by DP World to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global logistics hub while

Arabian Post Staff -DubaiUnited Arab Emirates has introduced the first phase of a national research and development tax incentives programme, offering businesses a non-refundable tax credit of up to 50 per cent on qualifying expenditures as authorities intensify efforts to position the country as a regional hub for innovation and advanced industries.The Ministry of Finance confirmed that the initiative is designed to stimulate private-sector investment in scientific research, technology development and industrial innovation, aligning with broader economic diversification strategies

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Saudi Arabia’s state energy giant Saudi Aramco has restarted operations at its Ras Tanura refinery, marking a significant step in stabilising crude processing capacity at one of the world’s most strategically important oil hubs. The resumption follows a disruption that had drawn attention across global energy markets already sensitive to supply risks and geopolitical tensions.Ras Tanura, located on the kingdom’s eastern coast along the Arabian Gulf, is widely regarded as a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s downstream

Arabian Post Staff -DubaiQatar Development Bank has launched a package of emergency financing measures aimed at stabilising supply chains and supporting businesses in food and healthcare sectors as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East strain trade flows and drive up costs.The state-backed lender is introducing targeted programmes to ease access to credit for wholesalers, retailers and manufacturers grappling with inventory shortages and rising input prices. Officials say the initiatives are designed to ensure uninterrupted access to essential goods while

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Labour market reforms across the United Arab Emirates are reinforcing its position as a benchmark for regulatory governance, with new data indicating sustained growth in workforce participation, improved compliance standards, and rising employer accountability across sectors.Officials overseeing employment policy point to a steady expansion of the private sector workforce, driven by a combination of flexible labour laws, digitised oversight systems, and targeted initiatives aimed at balancing employer needs with worker protections. The figures reflect a broader shift