Saudi Arabia has taken a major step in advancing its renewable energy goals by prequalifying 33 companies for its first batch of large-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) projects. The Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC), under the Ministry of Energy, announced the list of selected firms on December 30, 2024. These projects, known as the...
Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power has successfully secured $692 million in funding for a major wind power project in Egypt. The funds will be used to develop, build, and operate a 1,100 MW wind power plant in Suez, marking a significant boost for renewable energy in the region. The financing was provided by several international institutions,...
The UAE Cabinet, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, held its first meeting of 2025 at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi. The session reviewed the country’s remarkable achievements in 2024 and outlined ambitious plans for the year ahead. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed...
Starting April 1, 2025, airlines operating international flights to and from India, including those from the UAE, will need to share detailed passenger information with Indian Customs. This new rule, issued by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), aims to enhance border security and strengthen risk analysis. Under the ‘Passenger Name Record...
Small businesses across the UAE are increasingly adopting digital payment apps to cater to customers who don’t carry cash, moving away from traditional cash transactions. These apps have emerged as a practical alternative to costly point-of-sale (POS) machines, which require significant investment, recurring fees, and business qualifications that many small vendors cannot meet. Entrepreneurs like...
The second week of the Economic Content Creators Programme, organised by the Dubai Press Club with support from the Ministry of Economy, focused on enhancing the skills of digital storytellers in the economic field. Participants took part in various workshops and expert-led sessions aimed at simplifying complex data and crafting engaging narratives. Accoriding to DPC,...
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has announced a detailed plan to incorporate generative artificial intelligence (AI) in its operations, using Microsoft Copilot to enhance services and boost efficiency. The announcement was made during a meeting led by HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, alongside senior management members, as the organization...
Oil prices are expected to average between $70 and $75 per barrel in 2025, down from $80 in 2024, as analysts foresee a global supply surplus and slowing demand from major economies like China. According to The National, the International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts a significant oversupply of up to 1.4 million barrels per day...
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has introduced major reductions in commercial licence fees for non-financial and retail businesses starting 1st January 2025. The move is designed to make ADGM’s jurisdiction, which includes Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands, more attractive for businesses and entrepreneurs. Under the revised fee structure, non-financial businesses will see initial registration...
The Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) have signed an agreement to work together on advancing sustainable and green urban development in the UAE. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reported by WAM, focuses on promoting climate-resilient cities and accelerating efforts toward the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 commitments. The...