DUBAI / WAM Emirates has reached a defining milestone in its ambitious multi-billion dollar retrofit programme with the successful reconfiguration of its first two-class A380 aircraft. The newly refurbished aircraft (A6-EUX) has taken to the skies operating as EK 39/40 between Dubai and Birmingham, featuring sparkling new interiors with Emirates’ latest products in three cabin classes: 76 Business Class seats, …

ABU DHABI / WAM UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has ordered the release of 956 inmates from correctional institutions across the country, ahead of Eid Al-Adha. His Highness has also undertaken to settle any financial obligations arising from the prisoners’ sentences. The humanitarian gesture reflects His Highness’ commitment to promoting the values of compassion and …

DUBAI / WAM Dubai CommerCity on Tuesday announced the enhancement of its integration with the cross-border e-commerce platform, in collaboration with Dubai Customs, Dubai Municipality, and NAQEL Express, to develop the digital trade ecosystem and accelerate the movement of goods across borders. The integration forms part of broader efforts to connect free zones with logistics and e-commerce service providers through …

DUBAI / WAM Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, received Jihad Azour, Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as part of the ongoing discussions and longstanding strategic partnership between the two sides. The meeting reflected the shared commitment to strengthening coordination and consultation on regional and …

SHARM EL SHEIKH / WAM AD Ports Group on Tuesday announced the commencement of cruise services at its three terminals in Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Safaga in Egypt, in addition to facilitating ferry services connecting Safaga and NEOM ports to support transport of Hajj workers between Egypt and Saudi Arabia. In 2024, AD Ports Group signed a 15-year concession …

ABU DHABI / WAM His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, has directed the adoption of a national healthcare system that guarantees comprehensive medical care and health services for all citizens. The system is underpinned by a fully integrated national health insurance scheme covering all emirates of the country. The announcement reflects the leadership’s commitment …

ABU DHABI / WAM The UAE has moved beyond experimentation toward integrating AI into core government functions — grappling in practice with questions of leadership, procurement, sovereignty, and organisational redesign that many governments are only beginning to confront, according to new research published by Yango Group and INSEAD. Governments that treat artificial intelligence as part of their core operating infrastructure …

RAS EL HEKMA / WAM Modon Holding and Montage Hotels & Resorts have announced Montage Ras El Hekma, which will introduce the first branded residences for purchase at Ras El Hekma on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast. This is the first Montage resort in Egypt – supporting the emerging city’s growth as a global hub for leisure, business and tourism. Montage Ras …

ABU DHABI / WAM His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has chaired the UAE Cabinet meeting. The meeting was attended by His Highnes Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court; HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid …

MUSCAT / WAM Data issued by the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf revealed that the Council countries achieved a remarkable milestone in the field of immunisation, as the coverage rate for essential vaccines reached 100 percent during 2024, compared to approximately 84 percent globally. This reflects the efficiency of national immunisation programmes …