The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially announced the registration dates for individuals intending to participate in the Islamic pilgrimage, Haj, in the year 2024. The General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments has stated that interested pilgrims can register through their designated application from December 5th to December 21st.
Year: 2023
Gulf Navigation makes bid to take over Brooge Energy
Dubai-based maritime and shipping company Gulf Navigation (GulfNav) has formally proposed the complete acquisition of all businesses and assets from fuel and crude storage provider Brooge Energy Limited. GulfNav has stated that this proposed acquisition is a key component of its growth strategy, aimed at providing an integrated portfolio of logistical services related to oil, petrochemicals, and gas.
New board appointed for Investment Corporation of Dubai
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, has issued a decree to appoint the board of directors for the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD). According to a statement released by the Dubai Media Office on Tuesday, the ICD's board will be chaired by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, under Decree No. (40) of 2023. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, will serve as the vice chairman of the board.
UAE non-oil economy strengthened in September on new order boost
In September, the non-oil private sector in the UAE experienced robust expansion due to the addition of new clients, competitive pricing, and strong underlying economic conditions, resulting in increased demand. The seasonally adjusted S&P Global purchasing managers’ index reading rose to 56.7, up from 55 in August, indicating a significant expansion in the non-oil private sector
UAE unemployment insurance scheme is optional for free zone employees, ministry confirms
Since its implementation on January 1, over 5.7 million individuals have subscribed to the programme. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation in the UAE has confirmed that signing up for the unemployment insurance programme is not mandatory for employees in free zones. Previously, it was widely believed that both Emirati and foreign employees, regardless of their work location, were required to subscribe to the scheme. However, a recent message from the ministry on social media platform X clarified that joining the programme is optional for employees in local and semi-government bodies, as well as those working in free zone companies. The ministry stated that the second phase of the system, which will be implemented on May 2, 2023, will allow employees in local government bodies, semi-government entities, and free zones to register on an optional basis using their ID number. This information was confirmed by a ministry official to The National.
Dubai records sale of first properties on Palm Jebel Ali; plot price revealed
The launch of villas on the island has resulted in property agents queuing up overnight to purchase units for their clients. However, the Dubai Land Department has recently recorded the sale of the first properties of Palm Jebel Ali, which will establish a new benchmark in upscale living in the emirate and become a highly sought-after address for millionaires and billionaires from around the world. The master developer, Nakheel Properties, initiated the sale of villas and plots on the Palm in mid-September, which witnessed an unprecedented demand from property brokers and investors. The first set of residential villas were sold out within hours of the launch, prompting the company to launch the second phase of villas on September 26.
UAE’s first female astronaut ready to embark on space mission after graduation in 2024
Dubai's Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, has announced that in 2024, Emirati astronauts Mohammed Al Mulla and Nora Al Matrooshi will embark on pioneering space missions. Sheikh Hamdan provided an update on the UAE's ambitious space exploration plans following a meeting of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre. He stated that the UAE aims to become a significant contributor to the future of space exploration and elevate its global standing in the space industry through exceptional projects that will benefit humanity. Despite Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi's recent return from the International Space Station, the UAE is already moving forward with its space program.
SNOC’s Al-Mousa: New solar energy station’s capacity at 60 MW
Sharjah 24: The Sharjah National Oil Corporation (SNOC) and Emerge, a subsidiary of Masdar, have entered into a cooperation agreement to establish the largest solar energy station in Sharjah. The station is expected to have a capacity of 60 megawatts and is projected to be operational by 2024.
Italian Football legend Totti brings a smile to young football fans at PureHealth’s SKMC
Francesco Totti, the globally acclaimed Italian football legend, made a heartwarming visit to young patients at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) in Abu Dhabi, a PureHealth subsidiary and one of the leading facilities operated by Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA).
Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone collaborates with Masdar City Free Zone to provide new growth opportunities for businesses
Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone (ADAFZ), a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Airports, has announced a new partnership with Masdar City Free Zone, a thriving business community and sustainability hub, located in Masdar City. The new agreement will enhance space offerings and end-to-end logistics services for businesses in both free zones.