Dubai / WAM Emirates NBD has become the first to successfully go-live at scale with ‘Cheque Chain’, integrating blockchain technology into issued cheques to strengthen their authenticity and minimise potential fraud. Following a successful pilot last year, overseen by Emirates NBD Future Lab, the bank is now rolling out its security-enhancing technology for the benefit of customers across the UAE. ...

ABU DHABI / WAM The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC), announced the launch of a national design competition to select the best design for a gift the UAE will present to the United Nations in New York, dubbed the “Gift of Zayed”. The nationwide competition is an opportunity for all Emirati nationals and residents in the UAE ...

MEXICO CITY / Reuters Norway’s Statoil will evaluate new offshore projects in Mexico, including potential tie-ups with state oil company Pemex, the firm’s top executive said, adding that a first deepwater well in an existing Gulf project will likely be drilled next year. Statoil is focussed mostly on future deepwater opportunities in Mexico but does not rule out others, CEO ...