News

  Bloomberg Singaporeans are the most pessimistic about the economy in seven years as they’ve grown more gloomy about their quality of life, their income and job security. Mastercard’s consumer confidence index for the city-state plunged to 33.6 in the first half of 2016, down from 44.3 for the previous six months, the company said in a statement on Aug. ...

  Bloomberg Thailand’s economy grew more than analysts estimated in the second quarter as the military government accelerated spending on road and rail projects to help offset weak demand for the nation’s exports. Gross domestic product expanded 3.5 percent in the three months through June from a year earlier, the National Economic and Social Development Board said in Bangkok Monday. ...

  Bloomberg Rising demand, deficits and a crackdown in the Philippines are combining to make nickel one of its most-preferred commodities, according to UBS Group AG, which said the full impact of mine shutdowns in the Southeast Asia nation may be felt only next year when exports fail to ramp up as usual. The government’s audit of standards in the ...

  ABU DHABI / WAM President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, sent a congratulatory cable to the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Memnon Hussein, on the occasion of his country’s Independence Day. Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin ...

  DUBAI / EMIRATES BUSINESS Dubai Financial Group (‘DFG’), a subsidiary of Dubai Group, has sold its 11.8% interest in EFG-Hermes Holding Company S.A E (“EFG”) to Natixis Group (“Natixis”). A European banking leader, Natixis has an extensive international presence with offices in Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia and Australia. Fadel Al Ali, Chairman, Dubai Group, commented: “The sale of ...

  RAS AL-KHAIMAH / WAM Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries, Julphar, announced sales revenue of AED759.7 million in the first half of this year. The company posted a gross profit of AED465.7 million and its net profit for the period was AED133.8 million. Dr Ayman Sahli, Chief Executive Officer at Julphar said, “We have accomplished significant progress. We have launched the real-time ...

  Dubai / Emirates Business Emaar Properties is offering an exclusive lifestyle choice in Dubai Creek Harbour, the 6 sq km master-planned development defined by the iconic new tower that serves as a magnificent beacon of positivity in the heart of the city, and only 10 minutes from the Dubai International Airport. Designed by renowned Spanish/Swiss neo-futuristic architect, structural engineer, ...

  Abu Dhabi / WAM The National Health Insurance Company, Daman, announced that it reached three million members in its 10th anniversary this year. The latest membership figures indicated that the Abu Dhabi Basic Plan has reached around 1.5 million, with membership of ‘Enhanced’ health insurance plans reaching upwards of 720 thousand members. The Thiqa Plan, which was first launched in ...

  Dubai / WAM Dar Al Ber Society (DABS) contributed 226 blood pressure (BP) metres for poor and low-income patients in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. The move, part of the ‘Patient’s smile’ scheme, is meant to ease the suffering of destitute patients with chronic blood pressure and reduce the financial burden on their families. Ali Abdullah Al Shehi, Manager ...

  Dubai / Emirates Business The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) announced the 2nd Annual EMM Science Workshop, which targets students, graduates and educational entities from various UAE universities. The workshop, which will be held on October 3 at The Westin Dubai, Al Habtoor City, will address the science of the Martian atmosphere, as well as various topics about ...