BLOOMBERG Chinese shares dragged down Asian equities on the first trading day of the year following weaker-than-expected factory data and a speech from President Xi Jinping that flagged the headwinds facing the economy. Crude oil rose. Hong Kong’s benchmark share gauge slid as much as 1.7%, while its peers in the mainland and Taiwan also dropped. The losses drove a …

ABU DHABI/ WAM The UAE is gearing up for a busy 2024 with a packed calendar of international conferences and events. Throughout January, the emirate will play host to a diverse array of gatherings, solidifying its reputation as a premier destination for business tourism and conferences. This surge in activity underscores the UAE’s competitiveness and global appeal in the world …

ABU DHABI/ WAM As part of its commitment to providing exceptional services and promoting cultural exchange, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre (SZGMC) announced the “Sura” Evening Cultural Tours within the mosque premises. These exclusive tours allow visitors to explore the mosque outside regular hours, from 22:00 to 09:00. This initiative reflects the Centre’s strategic plan to elevate the visitor …