Author: Arabian Media staff
Image credit: WAM Abu Dhabi’s Al Wathba is preparing to host one of the UAE and region’s largest New Year’s Eve celebrations. The higher committee of the Sheikh Zayed Festival is finalising an exceptional program that promises a 62-minute fireworks show, the world’s largest drone performance, and a diverse lineup of cultural and heritage events presented by participating countries, sponsors, and strategic partners. The annual celebration strengthens the festival’s position as a global platform for culture, entertainment, and community connection. By combining large-scale spectacles with interactive cultural experiences, the Sheikh Zayed Festival continues to attract visitors from across the UAE…
Image: Getty Images Binance, the global cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume and users, has secured a major regulatory breakthrough after the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) formally approved the authorisation of its global platform, Binance.com, under a full regulatory framework. The approval marks the first time Binance’s global platform has been authorised under such a comprehensive regime anywhere in the world—a step the company describes as pivotal in its mission to build the most trusted and compliant digital-asset ecosystem. The FSRA licence provides Binance with enhanced credibility and opens access to multiple international markets…
Image credit: Getty Images Oman’s decision to grant visa-free entry to Filipino tourists marks one of its most significant policy shifts in recent years, signaling a broader push to deepen economic, investment, and tourism ties with one of Asia’s fastest-growing markets. The move, which takes effect next year, positions the Sultanate as an increasingly open and competitive destination for global travelers while reinforcing its long-term strategy to diversify partnerships beyond traditional sectors. A spokesperson for the consular department at the foreign ministry in Oman affirmed that the Republic of the Philippines will be added to the list of countries exempt…
Image: Qatar Airways on X State-owned Qatar Airways has appointed Hamad al-Khater as the group’s chief executive officer, effective December 7, replacing Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, the airline announced on Sunday. Al-Meer had taken over the role in October 2023 following the retirement of long-serving chief Akbar Al Baker, who led the carrier for nearly three decades and became one of the most influential figures in global aviation. Hamad al-Khater previously served as chief operating officer at Hamad International Airport and has held senior positions at QatarEnergy, bringing cross-sector operational experience to the national carrier as it continues its global expansion…
Image: Getty Images Shares of India’s IndiGo INGL.NS fell 7.5 per cent on Monday, poised for their worst session in more than a year, after a staffing crisis at the country’s top airline triggered mass flight cancellations and fuelled concerns about spiralling costs. The stock dropped to 4,974 rupees, its lowest level since May 9. IndiGo is reeling from its worst operational crisis after a pilot shortage last week, compounded by inadequate planning for new rules on crew working hours, triggered thousands of flight cancellations, stranded passengers and forced the government to intervene to curb a spike in air fares. On Sunday, the civil aviation watchdog gave the firm 24 hours to explain why it should not…
Image credit: Getty Images The UAE is entering a week defined by elevated humidity, recurring fog risks and a generally steady atmospheric pattern, according to forecasts issued by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). With a combination of surface and upper-air low-pressure systems influencing the region, conditions are expected to remain fair to partly cloudy through the end of the week, offering businesses and residents a clear picture of what lies ahead. Meteorologists report that the country is currently under the impact of an extended surface low-pressure system advancing from the East. Read more-Fog, dust and humidity: NCM warns of…
Image:LinkedIn Carl Grivner, a veteran telecom executive known for leading major network transformations at firms including Pacnet and Colt, heads FLAG at a moment when global connectivity is under real pressure. AI is driving unprecedented demand across subsea routes, hyperscalers are rolling out their own private systems and many high-growth regions are still relying on fragmented legacy networks. FLAG sits right in the middle of this shift, positioning itself as one of the largest privately owned, carrier-neutral subsea cable operators focused on building integrated, region-wide infrastructure rather than isolated builds. In this interview with Gulf Business, Grivner lays out why…
Image: Supplied In this interview with Gulf Business, Jameel Motors chief commercial officer – Mobility – Youssef Hussein details the strategic launch of Farizon’s electric commercial vehicle lineup in the UAE, a move directly aligned with the nation’s ambitious ‘Net Zero by 2050’ policy. He explains how Jameel Motors is creating an integrated ecosystem of service, financing, and partnerships to ensure a smooth, cost-effective transition for commercial fleets. Can you share Jameel Motors’ strategy for entering the UAE market and how it fits into your broader international expansion plans? Jameel Motors’ entry into the UAE market represents a key phase…
Image: Dubai Media Office/ For illustrative purposes DP World has signed an agreement with the Government of Afghanistan to develop and operate the country’s key land border facilities at Torkham and Hairatan, state news agency, WAM, reported. The partnership marks a move to modernise Afghanistan’s main trade gateways and strengthen its role as a strategic transit corridor connecting Central and South Asia. Torkham and Hairatan handle substantial commercial flows. Public trade data show that several billion dollars of goods move across Afghanistan’s borders annually, with Pakistan alone accounting for more than $1.6bn in bilateral trade in 2024. Limited infrastructure and…
Image credit: RTA/Website In a significant push to modernise the emirate’s mobility ecosystem, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has advanced two major initiatives aimed at improving public transport accessibility and service efficiency. With the near-completion of hundreds of new bus shelters and the opening of a new driver training and testing branch in Al Quoz Industrial Area, the authority is reinforcing its commitment to enhancing commuter convenience, supporting sustainable transport, and keeping pace with Dubai’s rapid urban growth. Dubai’s RTA has completed 595 public bus passenger shelters as part of a wider project to install 762 shelters across multiple…