News

ABU DHABI / WAM The UAE has been named the Middle East’s highest ranked soft power nation in Brand Finance’s ‘Global Soft Power Index 2020’. According to Brand Finance, the UAE is in 18th position worldwide in the index and has received a soft power score of 45.9 out of 100. “The UAE’s main soft power strength is its appealing ...

ABU DHABI / WAM The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (Added), and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to enhance cooperation and drive in-country value (ICV), for Abu Dhabi following the success of Adnoc’s ICV programme. Under the terms of the agreement, Added will integrate and standardise Adnoc’s ICV certification ...

ABU DHABI / WAM The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announced the suspension of all flights arriving to and departing from Iran, effective immediately. According to the GCAA, all passenger and cargo aircraft traveling to and from Iran will be suspended for a period of one week, and could be up for extension. The decision is a precautionary measure ...

Bloomberg The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) hasn’t decided yet to extend or modify its agreement to cut oil output, Saudi Arabia’s energy minister said, as the coronavirus batters the global economy and threatens demand for crude. Opec and its allies are to meet next week in Vienna to assess their global cuts policy. Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin ...

ABU DHABI / WAM Since 1971, the UAE’s health sector witnessed numerous milestones and significant achievements, in line with renewed health challenges. The UAE ranks first globally in terms of number of accredited health establishme- -nts, of which 85 percent have obtained global accreditation, as per Joint Commission International (JCI), reports. According to World Health Organisation (WHO), the UAE ranks ...

Bloomberg The worrying prospect that the coronavirus outbreak could become the first truly disruptive pandemic of the globalisation era is renewing doubts over the stability of the world economy. With the death toll approaching 3,000, over 80,000 cases officially recorded and an outbreak in Italy now shutting down the richest chunk of its economy, some economists are beginning to war ...

Dubai / Emirates Business Dubai Food Festival 2020, starts on Wednesday and ends on March 14, promising something for everyone in a thrilling schedule. Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the annual 18-day Dubai Food Festival (DFF) is now in its seventh year, and includes the Foodie Experiences Programme, Dubai Restaurant Week, the Etisalat Beach Canteen, Hidden Gems ...

DUBAI / WAM Enoc Group, the Official Integrated Energy Partner of Expo 2020 Dubai, on Tuesday announced a new milestone in the construction of its Ghaf- tree inspired service station located at the Expo 2020 Dubai site. Construction of the region’s first LEED Gold certified service station has reached an impressive 40 per cent. Work began in August 2019 and ...

ABU DHABI / WAM The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has unveiled the panel of world-class, expert judges who will determine the winners of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Tourism Excellence Awards, a new award scheme that has been launched to honour excellence in the travel and tourism industry. The new Abu Dhabi Tourism Excellence ...

ABU DHABI / WAM The Japanese Ambassador to Abu Dhabi has highlighted the shared values and culture that his country has with the UAE. During a reception celebrating Japanese National Day and the Japanese Emperor’s birthday, Ambassador Akihiko Nakajima said, “When I have a conversation with people in this country, I learn a lot about ‘our’ culture, besides that of ...