Bloomberg The final numbers are in, and the past holiday season was indeed one of the best since the last recession—even if everyone didn’t partake in the good fortune. Sales rose 5.5 percent to $691.9 billion during November and December, the National Retail Federation said. The results exclude spending on cars, gas and restaurants. E-commerce and other sales that occur ...

ABU DHABI / WAM Masdar, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, on Sunday signed a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) with Akuo Energy, the French IPP in renewable energy, to enter into the Krnovo Wind Farm, Montenegro’s first wind energy project. The agreement was signed by Niall Hannigan, Chief Financial Officer of Masdar, and Eric Scotto, Chief Executive Officer of Akuo Energy, ...

ABU DHABI / WAM The UAE stocks maintained their bullish trend on the first trading day of the week supported by the realty sector led by Emaar, which closed on a high note of AED7.30. The positive performance of the Dubai property giant reflected favourably on the entire real estate sector at DFM whose general index rose 0.53 percent, to ...

ABU DHABI / WAM The fifth meeting of UAE – India High Level Joint Task Force on Investments (‘the Joint Task Force’) was held on Sunday in Abu Dhabi, with significant progress being made on a number of key issues of mutual importance. The meeting was co-chaired by HH Sheikh Ham-ed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi ...

Abu Dhabi / Emirates Business Abu Dhabi Financial Group (ADFG), a leading global investment group, has set up its new offices in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) on Al Maryah Island, to allow for further expansion as the company continues on its growth trajectory. Jassim Alseddiqi, CEO of ADFG, said: “ADFG is delighted to have opened its headquarters at ADGM, ...

SHARJAH / WAM The Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) launched four new technological projects by the end of December 2017. These projects come in line with the department’s commitment to accelerate the transition to a smart government model that ensures the provision of innovative services. The projects included the new portal, consumer protection site, SEDD application, and the new digital ...

Dubai / WAM His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Sunday received Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Minister of Interior, and his accompanying delegation, at Zabeel Palace. Prince Abdulaziz conveyed the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz ...

Dubai / Emirates Business The UNLOCK Blockchain Forum which commenced on Sunday at the Ritz Carlton Hotel DIFC has proven once again that Dubai is a vanguard when it comes to attracting innovative experts, blockchain start-ups, and forward looking attendees. Al-Iktissad-Wal-Aamal, the organizers of UNLOCK Blockchain forum were not surprised to receive more than 60 blockchain start-ups from more than ...

Abu Dhabi / WAM The two-week joint military exercise between the ground forces of the UAE and the United States Army, known as, ‘Iron Union 6’, started on Sunday. The exercise is aimed at developing and promoting ties between both countries through training, and exchanging of military expertise, and to raise their combat capabilities and improve skills of their ground ...

Mukalla / WAM An Emirati ship carrying food aid and tents from the UAE has arrived in the Port of Mukalla, to support the local residents of Hadramaut Governorate. The aid is part of the humanitarian efforts made by the UAE through the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), in line with the Year of Zayed Initiative to support Yemen across different ...