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  Dubai / WAM The Emirates Health Services (EHS) has announced the launch of a Metaverse-based Virtual Telemedicine Solution using 3D virtual reality technology. The launch is part of transformative projects which leverage advanced technology and promote smart services such as remote health solutions and telemedicine. Through the project, EHS aims to deliver virtual medical consultation services supported by advanced …

  Abu Dhabi / WAM The Arab Monetary Fund (AMF) said that the Arab construction sector has recovered from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, with its contribution to GDP in 2021 amounting to around $186.8 billion, up from $178.3 billion in 2020, or a 4.7% increase. The UAE and Saudi construction sectors contributed the most to their countries’ GDPs, with …

  Bloomberg Oil climbed as China took more steps to unwind its Covid Zero policy and freezing weather across the US prompted refinery closures in the vital Texas Gulf Coast area. West Texas Intermediate traded near $80 a barrel after Beijing announced it will no longer subject inbound travellers to quarantine from early January, the latest step in the dismantling …

Bloomberg The world faces a recession in 2023 as higher borrowing costs aimed at tackling inflation cause a number of economies to contract, according to the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr). The global economy surpassed $100 trillion for the first time in 2022 but will stall in 2023 as policy makers continue their fight against soaring prices, the …

  Bloomberg Russia may reduce its oil output by 500,000-700,000 barrels a day in early 2023 in response to the Group of Seven’s price cap on the nation’s crude exports, according to Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak. “We are ready to partially cut our production early next year,” he said in an interview with Rossiya-24 TV channel, adding the volumes …

  Bloomberg Oil rises, heading for second weekly gain, as Russia said it may cut crude production in response to the price cap imposed by the Group of Seven on its exports, highlighting risks to global supplies in the New Year. West Texas Intermediate climbed to $79 a barrel, putting it on course for a gain of about 6% for …

Muscat / WAM Saeed bin Hamoud Al Maawali, Omani Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, stressed that the digital economy of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region is advancing at a rapid and significant pace, noting its major importance to GDP. He also noted the importance of promoting cooperation between the GCC and its international partners to increase the …

Bloomberg Oil rallied to the highest since early December as US crude inventories decline more than anticipated. West Texas Intermediate futures for February delivery edged above $78 a barrel. US crude stockpiles fall 5.90 million barrels last week, according to an Energy Information Administration (EIA) report on Wednesday. Trading volumes have generally been below average this week ahead of the …

  Bloomberg The European Union (EU) reached an agreement to strengthen and expand its flagship carbon market, endorsing the centerpiece of the Green Deal strategy that aims to make its economy climate-neutral by mid-century. Under a provisional deal announced by representatives of EU member states and the European Parliament, emissions trading will be extended to heating and road transport, and …

Bloomberg  The value of global trade is set to reach a new record this year, increasing by about 12% to an estimated $32 trillion, according to a UN report that signalled a slowdown heading into 2023. “The substantial trade growth during the last year was largely due to increases in the value of the trade of energy products,” the United …