• Lapita sees surge in leisure and wedding bookings in 2023

    Dubai, UAE--Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, has reported a surge in demand, bookings from across leisure and corporate segment last year, With its convenient location between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, expansive outdoor spaces, word-class facilities that include seven meeting rooms, and the Tamure Ballroom able to accommodate up to 700...
  • Alibaba Cloud opens training center in Dubai

    It will be a hub for customers to lift up "digital competence."
  • Ooredoo partners with Dropbox

    It will enable customers to access Dropbox's tools.
  • ADIB unveils new payment hub

    It will help customers to seamlessly process transfers.
  • DEWA records 12.5 million digital transactions in 2023

    DUBAI, UAE - Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) announced that its customers conducted around 12.5 million digital transactions in 2023, compared to around 10 million digital transactions in 2022, an increase of about 25 percent. This reflects DEWA’s leading role in supporting the leadership’s vision to make Dubai the...
  • ENOC and Neste sign MoU to drive sustainable aviation fuel initiatives

    Dubai, UAE--ENOC Group has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Neste, the world's leading producer of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), in a pivotal step towards exploring the possibilities of supplying and purchasing of SAF regionally in the coming years. This ambitious goal underscores ENOC's proactive approach to fostering a...
  • European banks lack transparency on green finance: NGO

    ShareAction said banks amplify "green credentials to their customers and shareholders" but there is a "structural" lack of transparency on what their green finance activities achieve. It examined the green finance commitments and activities of Europe's top 20 banks. Banks are widely criticised for slow progress on the transition to...
  • Tabreed 9M profit at $218m

    This is due to the steady growth in its consumption volumes.
  • Hamriyah Freezone and Amazon UAE sign lease agreement for new logistics center

    Sharjah, UAE--Hamriyah Freezone Authority (HFZA) and Amazon UAE have signed a lease agreement for a new logistics centre which will enhance delivery services for customers in the Northern Emirates. In line with HFZA's vision to bolster economic growth and innovation in the region, the agreement supports Amazon UAE’s commitment to...
  • Air Arabia launches non-stop flights between UAE’s Sharjah, Egypt’s Giza

    SHARJAH/ ABU DHABI, UAE -  Air Arabia announced the launch of a new route operating between Sharjah and Giza city in Egypt. The non-stop flights will connect Sharjah International Airport with Sphinx International Airport with a frequency of five weekly flights starting from  December 6, 2023. Group Chief Executive Officer,...
  • ADNOC Gas signs US$450-550m Chinese supply deal

    Abu Dhabi, UAE--ADNOC Gas today announced an agreement valued between $450 million and $550 million to supply Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to PetroChina International Company Limited (PCI), a subsidiary of PetroChina Company Limited, one of the leading oil and gas producers and distributors in China. This agreement underscores ADNOC Gas’...
  • DEWA commissions 676 11 kV distribution substations in H1 2023

    Dubai, UAE - Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) commissioned 676 11kV distribution substations across Dubai in the first half of 2023. The construction of the substations and associated tasks for new customers required a combined effort of 505,684 man-hours. “We provide an advanced and integrated electricity and water infrastructure...
  • UAE’s digital platform, U.AE, attracts 9.1m visitors in H1

    Dubai, UAE-- Around 9.1 million people visited the UAE’s Government Unified Digital Platform, U.AE, from the start of 2023 until the end of June. According to the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), the jump in the average number of pages viewed was 3.52%, compared to the same period...
  • DEWA exhorts customers to take ‘measures’ in order to avoid fire

    Dubai, UAE--Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has called on the public to take all necessary measures to avoid the risk of fire due to misuse of electrical appliances and connections with increasing temperatures in summer or failure to conduct periodic maintenance. DEWA called on customers to use its smart...
  • ADIB unveils fixed-rate home finance

    In a UAE's first, Istikrar will offer long-term, fixed-rate home finance.
  • Dubai Police records 65,942 ‘transactions’ at smart police stations in H1

    Dubai, UAE-- During the first half of 2023 the Dubai Police has recorded some 65,942 smart transactions at its 22 "smart police stations" spread across the emirate of Dubai. The police said that a total of 65,942 smart transactions were conveniently and smartly processed without any human intervention. These included...
  • Alba posts Q1 profit drop

    The aluminium giant's profit fell 68% to US$126.2mn.
  • DEWA customers can make payments via Samsung Pay

    DUBAI, UAE -  Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has added Samsung Pay to its many options for customers to pay their bills conveniently and securely on various digital channels. DEWA is the first government entity in Dubai to adopt the Samsung Pay option within its digital channels. Users can...
  • Qatar sees record expenditure during Eid holidays

    The entertainment sector, which includes restaurants, cinemas, and theme parks, attracts customers at record rates during the festive period, especially with the introduction of various smart applications that facilitate e-purchasing and e-payment methods, in line with offers and promotional campaigns that attract more clients.
  • Bahrain: The ultimate destination for natural pearl lovers

    Customers at a Bahrain jewellery store study displays of pearls that are, unusually, 100 percent natural -- the result of attempts to preserve a centuries-old industry. While rare elsewhere, natural pearls prised from seabed oysters by divers are the only variety produced in the Gulf kingdom, which is fiercely proud...
  • Empower 2022 net profit $762m

    Firm has proposed dividend of S$115 million for 2nd half 2022.
  • US operations and flights not affected by system outage: Etihad Airways

    Abu Dahbi, UAE--Etihad Airways on Wednesday said its US operations and flights are not affected by the system outage at the Federal Aviation Administration. “Etihad Airways is aware of a technical issue affecting all airline flights in North America. At present, this is not having an impact on our operation, and...
  • Abu Dhabi Chamber enhances digital Effortless Certificate of Origin service

    ABU DHABI, UAE - Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) has launched the updated version of its Effortless Certificate of Origin service, which aims to enhance customers’ experience and reduces the time taken for acquiring the service. This comes as part of its participation in the Abu Dhabi...
  • NBF introduces ‘CVVkey’

    It will shield customers from fraud and online threats.
  • Altawkilat, Saudi auto distributor expanding into UAE

    ALTAWKILAT is one of the largest automotive distributors in Saudi, with over 75 years of experience.
  • Resilience helps UAE banks face global challenges

    Growing assets, increased financing, and enhanced capital adequacy ratios reflect the sector’s resilience and ability to adapt to changes in the world, say key bankers.
  • Word of mouth eventually makes customers custodians of brands through trust and meaningful connections

    People share ideas or content or experiences that reinforce their values or their sense of identity, which is good for their “personal brand”. There’s no better marketing than friends and family recommending products to their peers. Eventually, customers will become custodians of brands, he adds.
  • Fast-paced digital lifestyle of customers key focus of marketers as they seek to beat peers, competitors

    With the use of advanced analytics platforms, marketers can measure consumer engagements, gaining insights into their brand equity, learning to reach different customer segments, and responding with their offerings. This leads to personalized brand experiences for customers, he adds.
  • ADIB enables digital solutions to support UAE IPOs’ push

    ABU DHABI, UAE - Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) announced that its retail customers were able to conveniently participate in the subscription of initial public offerings (IPOs) that were issued this year through its mobile app. ADIB said that 80 percent of clients subscribed IPOs that were issued in 2022...
  • ADAFSA launches first livestock auction market in Abu Dhabi

    ABU DHABI, UAE - The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has announced the launch of the first permanent livestock auction market in Abu Dhabi to help breeders market their animals, develop the livestock sector and promote self-sufficiency. During a press conference, ADAFSA announced that the first auction...
  • Awareness campaign of DEWA digital services ends

    Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has successfully concluded its awareness campaign among customers about its innovative digital services on electricity and water efficiency, reducing wastage and leaks, and following a responsible and sustainable lifestyle.
  • Saudi businesses increasingly go digital as technology offers superior customer engagement, better RoI

    More Saudi businesses embrace engagement technologies to boost customer experience, increase RoI and enhance productivity, says Unifonic VP & MD Ibrahim A Almohaimede.
  • BNPL payments in UAE may reach US$17.5bn by 2028

    A leading retailer in the UAE has said that over 15 percent of its customers have now shifted to 'Buy Now, Pay Later' (BNPL) mode.
  • AI-based call centers cut costs, ring in better KPIs

    Conversational AI contact center deployment saves agents US$80bn in labor expenses by 2026, while global spending on it is expected to hit US$1.99bn by 2022, says a report.
  • ESG strategy of firms in Middle East must not derail

    Winning firms are exploring innovative alternatives, guided by a strong sense of purpose and a flexible strategy. Disruption doesn’t demolish ESG ambitions. It fortifies them, add François Faelli, Global Managing Partner of ESG, Bain & Company and Akram Alami, Partner, Bain & Company Middle East.
  • Facial recognition helps GCC banks verify, curb frauds

    The new technology is the most accurate form of identity verification since biometric data is incredibly hard to fake or replicate, and faces cannot be lost, says an expert.
  • DEWA smart services receive wide praise from customers

    Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) smart services have helped customers raise the efficiency of their electricity and water consumption and reduce waste and leakages.
  • Bank digitization: Customers, convenience & cost

    Not all banks in the GCC are at the same stage of digital adoption. TRENDS reviews which ones are way ahead of the curve and which are still lagging.
  • COVID-19 helps GCC grow its appetite for digital banking

    Banks in the Gulf region were already on the path towards digitization, but the pandemic became the catalyst for accelerated change. As consumers got used to superior online shopping, health, and governmental services, they have increasingly been demanding that banks follow suit with their digital processes and offerings.
  • GCC ripe for digital banking growth

    A high penetration of digital technologies and a tech-savvy younger consumer base among the factors that make the region a fertile ground for the flourishing of online banking. The present laws and regulations in most GCC countries have significantly influenced this sector's development. Aiding the region in its embrace of...
  • Netflix partners with Microsoft to offer cheaper streaming plan

    The ad-supported subscription will be in addition to the three options already available, the cheapest being $10 per month in the United States.
  • Dubai’s luxury retail on the rebound

    The government initiatives make the emirate a safe refuge for both inhabitants and tourists which has fuelled consumer activity. Expat-friendly laws have brighten up the prospects for growth in luxury retail sector.
  • UAE: Where sustainable shopping can be a way of life

    If there is one country in the GCC where the idea of sustainable shopping can take off, it is the UAE. Yet, there is a lot for it to do in order to make the concept work.
  • Unilever posts rise in revenue

    The British firm reported $14.5bn revenue in Q1.
  • India Paytm shares crash on news of regulatory ban, CEO arrest

    Paytm shares nosedived 13 percent Monday after Indian regulators banned the beleaguered payments platform from enrolling new customers and reports its founder was arrested for crashing into a police car.
  • Virgin Galactic re-opens ticket sales for $450,000

    Previously, only people who had paid a deposit to be on a waiting list could buy new tickets -- but now sales are once more open to everyone.
  • Huawei revenues down 29%

    Huawei is the world's biggest supplier of telecoms network gear.
  • Emirates to provide extra baggage for Lebanon-bound customers

    Customers can avail the additional baggage allowance for travel booked on emirates.com, Emirates sales offices, via travel agents as well as online travel agents
  • Emirates NBD’s first half profit rises 17% to Dh4.8 billion

    Total income of the Dubai’s largest bank has jumped 9 percent over the preceding half year due to a marked increase in transactions and stable Net Interest Margins.
  • Dubai Police customers can avail cash deposit facility

    Emirates NBD-enabled service available through bank's 300 plus CDMs Service aimed at minimizing physical contact and government's digitization efforts Emirates NBD, a banking group in the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey (MENAT) region, has enabled remote cash deposits for Dubai Police customers. The service allows the customers to deposit...
  • Oman Insurance relocates employees to new head office

    The office equipped with hot-desking that will enable work from home Digitalization will enhance interaction, communication between the teams Oman Insurance Company, one of the UAE’s largest insurance providers, has relocated its employees from Al Rigga and Maktoum offices to a modern, technology-enabled six-story building located next to Al Ghurair...