Category: Latest Updates

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Gross 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 -Dubai Sharjah 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 -Dubai Abu 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 -Dubai Ajman 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 -Dubai Diplomatic 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 -Dubai A 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 -Dubai Qatar’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 -Dubai Dubai 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 -Dubai Group 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 -Dubai United 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 -Dubai Qatar 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

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Al-Futtaim Health has introduced a programme offering free mental health consultations across the United Arab Emirates, positioning the initiative as part of a broader effort to address rising psychological stress and improve access to care in a region where demand for services continues to outpace supply. The healthcare provider said the consultations are designed to support individuals experiencing stress, anxiety, or emotional strain, with access to qualified mental health professionals without cost barriers. The move reflects growing

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai National Properties has unveiled plans for a 26-storey Grade A commercial tower in Barsha Heights, marking a significant addition to Dubai’s expanding office real estate market and signalling sustained investor confidence in the emirate’s commercial property sector. The development, announced by the real estate arm of National Bonds, is positioned to cater to rising demand for premium office space in Dubai, where occupancy levels and rental rates have strengthened amid steady economic growth and an influx of

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Aramco Stadium has been named Strategic Partner for the 2026 edition of the Sports Investment Forum, a move that underscores the growing alignment between Saudi Arabia’s large-scale sports infrastructure projects and global investment platforms. The event is scheduled to take place from April 20 to 22 at The Ritz-Carlton in Riyadh, drawing policymakers, investors and industry executives as the Kingdom accelerates its push to position sport as a pillar of economic diversification. Organisers said the partnership reflects

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai NextAud.io has secured an exclusive agreement with AdsWizz Inc. to sell advertising inventory across streaming audio and podcasts throughout key Middle East and North Africa markets, marking a strategic expansion in the region’s rapidly growing digital audio sector. The arrangement positions the Dubai-based digital audio advertising firm as the exclusive sales representative for AdsWizz advertising across Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. Under the deal, NextAud. io will also serve as

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai   Capital from a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority has flowed into Hong Kong-based Dignari Capital Partners, strengthening investor interest in real estate-linked private credit across developed markets in the Asia-Pacific region. The commitment targets Dignari’s Asia Pacific Developed Markets Private Credit Strategy, a fund designed to finance property-related opportunities through structured lending and credit investments. The sovereign wealth fund’s wholly owned investment vehicle agreed to provide capital backing for the strategy, marking another step by one of

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai National Human Rights Institution has issued a strong condemnation of Iranian military attacks targeting the United Arab Emirates, describing the strikes as a grave violation of sovereignty and a direct threat to civilian safety and fundamental human rights. The institution said the attacks, which have involved missiles and drones striking or attempting to strike locations across the country since late February, amount to an unacceptable assault on the rights and security of people living in the federation.

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai Municipality has introduced an artificial intelligence-powered beach safety system combining aquatic rescue robots with aerial drones, marking a significant expansion of the city’s coastal safety infrastructure and reinforcing its strategy to integrate advanced technologies into public services. Officials said the new system links robotic lifeguards operating in the water with unmanned aerial vehicles capable of detecting distressed swimmers and delivering flotation devices within seconds. The network relies on AI-based monitoring and real-time communication between drones, beach

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Flight operations at Dubai International Airport were temporarily suspended after a fire broke out near the airfield, prompting authorities to divert several aircraft to Al Maktoum International Airport while emergency crews brought the blaze under control. Authorities in Dubai halted departures and arrivals at the region’s busiest aviation hub as a precaution after flames were reported in the vicinity of the airport’s fuel infrastructure. Officials confirmed that the disruption followed a drone-related incident that struck a fuel

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Aluminium Bahrain BSC, operator of the world’s largest single-site aluminium smelter, has begun a phased shutdown of part of its production capacity in an effort to conserve dwindling raw-material supplies as shipping routes in the Gulf face severe disruption. The company, widely known as Alba, confirmed that it has taken three production lines offline, representing about 19 per cent of its annual output capacity of roughly 1.6 million tonnes. The move forms part of what the company

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Firefighters and emergency teams contained a blaze in the emirate of Fujairah after debris from an intercepted drone fell in the area on Saturday, authorities said, with no injuries reported. Officials confirmed that air-defence systems intercepted the unmanned aerial vehicle before it reached its intended target, but fragments from the interception landed on the ground and ignited a fire. Civil defence crews responded quickly to secure the site and prevent the flames from spreading, according to statements

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States has entered a second week, prompting heightened caution across financial markets in the Gulf while investment banks operating in the region signal that their local operations remain in place despite escalating security warnings. Financial institutions active in the Gulf Cooperation Council have indicated that dealmaking teams and advisory units will continue functioning as normal even as geopolitical risk intensifies. The reassurance came after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Global aviation authorities have begun rolling out a new digital platform designed to eliminate paper documentation for hazardous air cargo shipments, a move aimed at improving safety and efficiency across the air freight industry. The International Air Transport Association has launched DG Digital, a technology integrated into its DG AutoCheck compliance platform that enables shippers, airlines and logistics companies to create and approve Dangerous Goods Declarations electronically. The system replaces manual documentation procedures for more than 3,800

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Approval of a national strategy aimed at expanding entrepreneurship and small-business activity across rural communities has signalled a renewed push to strengthen economic opportunities beyond major urban centres in the United Arab Emirates. The initiative, endorsed by Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in his capacity as Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and Chairman of the Emirates Council for Balanced Development, seeks to stimulate investment, create jobs

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Autonomous taxi operations in Abu Dhabi are expanding across Yas Island as authorities push forward with plans to integrate self-driving transport into everyday mobility. The Integrated Transport Centre, operating under the Department of Municipalities and Transport, announced the extension of commercial driverless taxi services across the island, marking a further step in the emirate’s strategy to build a technology-driven transport ecosystem. The initiative increases the operational footprint of autonomous vehicles serving Yas Island, one of Abu Dhabi’s

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Brent crude could average more than $100 a barrel in March as escalating conflict and shipping disruptions in the Gulf tighten global supply, according to a revised outlook from Goldman Sachs that underscores mounting volatility in energy markets. The investment bank said benchmark Brent prices are expected to average above the $100 mark during March before easing to around $85 a barrel in April, assuming supply flows begin to stabilise. The forecast revision follows rising tensions in