ABU DHABI/WAM The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Korea will officially enter into force, on 1st May 2026. The agreement marks a significant step forward in economic relations between the two countries, and is set to unlock new trade and investment opportunities across a range of sectors and support deeper private-sector …

ABU DHABI/WAM The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE), in collaboration with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), has announced the launch of digital bank account opening services through the “Tourist Identity” initiative. The service enables non-resident visitors to open digital bank accounts instantly and securely using …

ABU DHABI/WAM Counsellor Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, Attorney-General of the UAE, has ordered the referral of 13 defendants and six UAE-registered companies to the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal (State Security Court), on charges of illicit trafficking in military materiel, forgery, and money laundering. The decision follows extensive investigations by the Public Prosecution, which revealed that the defendants …

ABU DHABI/WAM UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. During the meeting, the two sides discussed cooperation between the UAE and the Republic of Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region, and ways to expand it in a manner that supports mutual interests and benefits both peoples. They also …

DUBAI/WAM The UAE Circular Economy Council held its first meeting of 2026, chaired by Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism. The meeting took place at Barakat Quality Plus Group, which specialises in the production of fresh foods and juices. Attended by council members representing government, private sector, and academic entities, the meeting discussed the latest developments …

ABU DHABI/WAM Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) sustained its positive momentum in Q1 2026, delivering strong financial performance across the group. According to financial results, the bank recorded a year‑on‑year increase of 8%, with net profit before tax reaching AED 2.1 billion in the first quarter, up 2.3% compared to the previous quarter. The earnings growth reflects healthy balance sheet …

ABU DHABI/WAM Statistics released by Abu Dhabi Customs reveal a significant rise in the emirate’s non-oil foreign trade in 2025, increasing by 36 percent to exceed AED415.4 billion, compared with approximately AED306 billion in 2024. This growth reflects Abu Dhabi’s leading position as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies in external trade, driven by expanding commercial activity and strengthened economic …

ABU DHABI/WAM UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bahrain, who is on a visit to the UAE, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin …

DUBAI/WAM Creators HQ, the first dedicated creators’ hub in the UAE and the Middle East, in partnership with leading content creator empowerment platform Alfan, announced the opening of applications for content creators wishing to join the inaugural cohort of the Social Content Fund programme. This follows the strategic partnership signed between Creators HQ and Alfan during the 4th edition of …

ABU DHABI/WAM Etihad Airways and Air Cambodia have launched a codeshare partnership today, giving Etihad customers easier access to Cambodia’s iconic Angkor Wat temple complex and one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating destinations. Through the partnership, Etihad customers can book flights from across its network to Siem Reap via Phnom Penh on a single ticket, with baggage checked through to …