Zawya.com - UAE News

Markaz: Sector Report - GCC Water Sector (04-Mar-13)

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:32:00 GMT

The Middle East is one of the most water-scarce regions in the world. The region’s challenge is twofold. On one hand, natural water resources are close to zero, and on the other, water consumption rates in the GCC region are one of the highest in the world. Freshwater resources available in the region are lower than 1% of the total available global freshwater. However, the region is home to almost 6% of the world’s population. Furthermore, its population growth is one of the highest in the world. Click here to read Abstract

Markaz: Sector Report - GCC Water Sector (04-Mar-13)

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:30:00 GMT

This is a PDF report.

UAE GDP up 4.4%, crosses AED1trn

Tue, 21 May 2013 07:28:18 GMT

Strong oil prices allied with expansion in non-hydrocarbon sectors due to high public spending boosted the UAE's real GDP by 4.4% in 2012, official data showed.

UAE leads GCC recovery in attracting capital: Invesco

Tue, 21 May 2013 07:11:09 GMT

UAE is the key beneficiary of private capital flow into the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, according to the fourth annual Invesco Middle East Asset Management Study.

Dubai DSI wins construction deal worth USD460m in Saudi Arabia

Tue, 21 May 2013 06:25:30 GMT

Dubai's Drake & Scull International said its general contracting unit has won a SAR 1.73 billion(USD 460 million) contract from Lamar Investment and Real Estate Development Co. in Saudi Arabia.

RTA to introduce e-services for Dubai motorists

Tue, 21 May 2013 06:13:54 GMT

The e-services will include the renewal of licences for vehicles under three years old, applications for licences for drivers under the age of 21.

Bank in UAE offers 'innovative' incentive to borrow loan

Tue, 21 May 2013 06:13:04 GMT

A bank in the UAE has launched a campaign encouraging people to take out a loan - by offering customers the chance to win back some of the money they have borrowed.

Ajman taxis backdown from raising minimum fare to AED10

Tue, 21 May 2013 06:11:38 GMT

Taxi companies in Ajman that were planning to jack up the minimum fare from AED 3 to AED 10 have backtracked from the plan, after a number of drivers and commuters complained about it.

Dubai among top five world's 'hottest' retail markets

Tue, 21 May 2013 06:06:39 GMT

Dubai has retained its position as the second most important international retail destination globally, with London continuing to hold the top position, reveals CBRE's 2013 edition of How Global is the Business of Retail?

GCC private sector seeks bigger say in decisions

Tue, 21 May 2013 06:05:51 GMT

The private sector in six Gulf hydrocarbon producers is demanding a bigger say in government economic decisions as part of a long term strategy to expand its role in development and become a strategic partner with the public sector.

Gulf Marine Services eyeing AED1.32bn loan

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:35:51 GMT

Gulf Marine Services (GMS), 80% owned by Abu Dhabi-based private equity firm Gulf Capital, is close to securing a AED 1.32 billion Islamic loan from a consortium led by the Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), it was announced.

Air Arabia signs USD350m financing deal

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:33:49 GMT

Air Arabia said on Monday it has signed a USD 350 million financing deal from a syndicate of two GCC banks - Qatar National Bank (QNB Group) and Commercial Bank International (CBI).

Executive cleared in AED44.1m Nakheel graft case

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:32:36 GMT

Nakhleel’s Australian former operations manager has been acquitted of abusing his job at the Dubai Waterfront Project and committing financial irregularities worth AED 44 million.

Door to higher education scholarships opens in UAE

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:30:18 GMT

The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research has announced scholarships for both full and part-time students.

Interior companies see growing demand from Dubai’s hospitality sector

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:29:34 GMT

Local and international design companies say demand is increasing for hospitality interiors and fit-outs due to a growing number of hotel projects announced recently in Dubai.

Dubai retains standing as global retail haven

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:29:16 GMT

A mature marketplace it may be, but Dubai’s retail sector has no intent to slow down. It is getting a lot of help from global retailers intent on getting the word out that they will be ‘opening soon in Dubai’.

Abu Dhabi Film Festival announces recipients of film grants

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:27:48 GMT

The Abu Dhabi Film Festival (ADFF) has announced the recipients of grants of the first cycle of its Sanad Fund for this year.

Dewa’s conservation initiative saves AED16m in educational sector

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:27:07 GMT

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s conservation initiative saved AED 16 million in electricity and water, it was announced at the eighth Conservation Award for the educational sector.

Pioneering the UAE health care sector

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:26:06 GMT

On Sunday, Dubai Health Authority (DHA) took the wraps off ambitious plans to develop state-of-the-art health care facilities. The plan also envisages Dubai becoming a centre for future medical tourists in much the same way as officials in Thailand promote their facilities to foreign visitors in need of treatment.

UAE Ministry of Economy to increase industrial sector contribution in GDP

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:22:27 GMT

The Ministry of Economy is looking to increase the industrial sector contribution in the overall UAE Gross Domestic Products (GDP) up to 25% in the coming years, Sultan Al Mansouri, UAE Minister of Economy and Foreign Trade, said.

UAE enjoys huge foreign capital influx - study

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:21:28 GMT

The UAE is increasingly becoming a preferred destination for foreign private capital as the country proved a safe haven for investors amid the political turmoil in the Arab world.

UAE leads GCC economic recovery

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:20:15 GMT

The UAE is attracting a huge chunk of foreign private capital entering into the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region, thanks largely to the local investment opportunities in the country.

AED330bn approved for developments across Abu Dhabi emirate

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:18:41 GMT

The Abu Dhabi Executive Council has allocated Dh330 billion for the implementation of major development projects over the next five years in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, a good part of which would be invested towards the development of the emirate’s Western Region.

Expatriates in GCC ‘vulnerable to HIV/Aids risk’

Tue, 21 May 2013 04:39:46 GMT

A group of expatriates, especially labourers, are considered a high risk group for contracting HIV/Aids in GCC countries, according to Asr Ahmad Toson, a United Nations Population fund (UNFPA) Representative.

Bank statement required to sponsor family in Dubai

Tue, 21 May 2013 04:38:01 GMT

Residents wishing to sponsor family members in Dubai now have to submit their bank statements to the residency department, Gulf News has learnt.

UAE public and private sectors to get holiday on June 6

Tue, 21 May 2013 04:37:55 GMT

Thursday, June 6, has been declared a holiday for the public and private sectors, extending the weekend to three days.

Middle East construction dispute values fall 42% y-o-y

Tue, 21 May 2013 04:34:27 GMT

Even though construction disputes in the Middle East have dropped by 42% to USD 65 million in 2012 from USD 112.5 million in 2011, the value remains the highest in the world.

Arabtec workers back at work after protest

Tue, 21 May 2013 04:19:59 GMT

Thousands of workers employed by Dubai’s largest construction firm, Arabtec, who stopped work demanding a salary increase and overtime pay are back at their worksites after being promised their issues will be sorted out.

Escrow accounts cannot be attached: Dubai Land Dept

Tue, 21 May 2013 04:16:43 GMT

In the first of its meeting in years, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) answered queries of developers to even assuring them that "escrow accounts cannot be attached by any order".

Air Arabia signs USD350m loan deal for 10 aircraft

Mon, 20 May 2013 13:54:19 GMT

Air Arabia, the low-cost carrier based in the United Arab Emirates, has signed a USD 350 million financing agreement to help buy 10 new aircraft from Airbus.

Dubai World Central begins construction of new agent warehouses at Logistics District

Mon, 20 May 2013 07:39:36 GMT

Dubai World Central (DWC), the world's first purpose-built aerotropolis, has announced new developments at DWC's Logistics District, including the start of construction on the fourth complex of agent warehouses.

Emirates Islamic Financial Brokerage joins Nasdaq Dubai

Mon, 20 May 2013 07:35:08 GMT

Emirates Islamic Financial Brokerage (EIFB), a major Shariah-compliant broker in the UAE, has become a member of Nasdaq Dubai, the region's international exchange.

GCC interior spending to grow 28% to USD9.2bn

Mon, 20 May 2013 06:39:14 GMT

GCC projects spent USD 7.2 billion on interiors and fit-outs in 2012 and expects spends to increase by more than a quarter (28 per cent) to USD 9.2 billion in 2013, said Index International Design Exhibition and The Office Exhibition.

Escrow accounts in Dubai cannot be attached: Land Department

Mon, 20 May 2013 06:32:56 GMT

This means developers will have access to funds and a single legal dispute will not stop funding to a project.

GCC is 13th largest world economy

Mon, 20 May 2013 04:58:25 GMT

Gulf hydrocarbon producers emerged as the 13th most powerful economy in the world in 2011 while strong oil prices allowed them to become the fifth largest exporter with the highest trade surplus, according to a Bahraini minister.

DIFC Investments names new chief executive of DIFC Properties

Mon, 20 May 2013 04:57:15 GMT

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) today announced the appointment of Brett Schafer as CEO of DIFC Properties.

Key expansion and new projects to improve access to health services

Mon, 20 May 2013 04:45:29 GMT

Key expansion and new projects to improve access to health services and make Dubai a formidable player in the global medical tourism sector were announced by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) on Sunday [May 19].

AUD approves AED30m in scholarships

Mon, 20 May 2013 04:43:48 GMT

The Governing Board at the American University in Dubai (AUD) approved AED 30 million in scholarships in its 2013-2014 annual budget.

Young UAE math geniuses compete in arithmetic competition

Mon, 20 May 2013 04:39:16 GMT

Almost 1,800 schoolchildren gathered in Dubai yesterday to prove their arithmetic skills in both competitions hosted by the Universal Concept of Mental Arithmetic System (UCMAS) UAE.

The University of Dubai campus to be completed in June 2015

Mon, 20 May 2013 04:36:42 GMT

The University of Dubai announced plans for a new campus and programs at its 11th graduation ceremony held at the Culture and Scientific Association Auditorium in Al Mamzar yesterday.

Dubai Metro steams ahead

Mon, 20 May 2013 04:29:20 GMT

Dubai Metro has continued to rise in popularity, attracting more commuters everyday.

UAE expat holidays trigger airfare price hike

Mon, 20 May 2013 04:28:32 GMT

Airfares have increased by 20-40% this summer depending on the destination, according to travel agents.

Dubai students score 100% in ICSE exams

Mon, 20 May 2013 04:15:49 GMT

Dubai students did better than their Indian counterparts in both Class 10 and Class 12 exams of the Council of Indian Certificate for Secondary Education (CICSE).

Dubai Holding confirms revival of AED64bn The Lagoons project

Mon, 20 May 2013 04:08:32 GMT

Dubai Holding, a global investment holding company, has confirmed to Emirates 24l7 that it is reviving "The Lagoons" project on Dubai Creek through a joint venture.

Nissan, Infinity vehicles to be recalled in UAE

Mon, 20 May 2013 04:07:18 GMT

Several new models of Nissan's Pathfinder and Infinity's JX would be recalled due to a faulty brake torque.

DIFC Investments names chief executive of DIFC Properties

Sun, 19 May 2013 14:51:13 GMT

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) announced the appointment of Brett Schafer as Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Properties.

BMI: United Arab Emirates Defence & Security Report (May-13)

Sun, 19 May 2013 12:50:00 GMT

Includes 3 FREE Quarterly Updates.We expect the UAE's defence spending to increase by a very significant 13.6% annually to AED157.9bn in 2017; this will reflect an increase of a total of 88.8% over our five-year forecast period. It will take defence spending per capita to AED18,209.Notably, at a time when defence budgets in developed states are under pressure from fiscal constraints, we expect the share of national gross domestic product (GDP) accounted by the UAE's defence sector to continue climbing. It has risen from 5.1% in 2008, to stand at 6.0% in 2012. This is forecast to rise to 7.3% by the end of our 2017 forecast period.The push to establish itself as a key regional defence hub and the ongoing modernisation of defence equipment, as the country seeks to enhance its technological capabilities, will be major drivers of defence expenditure growth. However, the country's ability to support this growth will be predicated on greater state investment and this will be informed by a robust economic growth outlook over our forecast period; we are forecasting average annual real GDP growth of 3.7% to 2017.BMI's UAE Defence & Security Report examines the country's strategic position in the Middle East and the wider world. It provides an overview of the contemporary geopolitical challenges facing the country, and the challenges it may face in the future, especially in the context of tensions with Iran and of the Arab Spring.In addition, the report examines the trends occurring in the country's current and future defence procurement, and the order of battle across its armed forces. The general conclusion is that the UAE will continue to invest heavily in defence procurement, spending more than all the other countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council with the exception of Saudi Arabia and so giving itself a capability edge over many of its neighbours in spite of the relatively modest size of its armed forces.In particular, the UAE and its Gulf Cooperatio

BMI: United Arab Emirates Freight Transport Report (Apr-13)

Sun, 19 May 2013 12:40:00 GMT

Includes 3 FREE Quarterly Updates.The UAE is expected to continue to see strong growth in 2013, across all of its freight modes. The country is rapidly developing one of the world's top logistics markets through investments in ports, airports, rail and free trade zones. These are utilised by the country's air freight and logistics companies, which are becoming a familiar presence throughout the world, serving the globe from their UAE hubs.Headline Industry Data- 2013 Jebel Ali and Port Rashid total tonnage throughput growth forecast at 5.7% and to average 4.8% per annum to 2017.- 2013 air freight tonnes through Dubai airport forecast to grow by 8.8% and to average 6.5% to 2017.- The UAE's total trade real growth in 2013 forecast to be 7.0% and to average 5.7% over the medium term to 2017.Key Industry TrendsRecord Quarter For Etihad Cargo: Etihad Cargo, the freight-carrying wing of UAE-based airline Etihad Airways, has released another record quarterly performance report for Q113, following its strongest annual results yet in 2012. The company continues to outperform the global industry, in common with the other Gulf airlines, and BMI believes that this growth will continue over the course of the year, as the company continues to increase both its carrying capacity and the routes on which it operates.GCC Rail Network Offers Opportunities For Aramex: BMI believes that the new rail network being developed in the UAE, and in the wider GCC, will offer considerable benefits to the emirates once it becomes operational in 2017, not only for the mining and petrochemicals industries, but also for freight and logistics companies working in the region. Major companies are already signing up to use the railway once it is completed, and we project that it will see rapid growth in logistics volumes when it begins operations.ADPC, Agility Sign MoU To Reduce Freight Rates: Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) and Kuwait's logistics company Agility have signed a memo