Sharjah / Emirates Business Air Arabia PJSC reported strong financial results for the first quarter of 2016 exceeding analyst expectations as the Middle East’s first and largest low cost carrier continued to deliver outstanding performance and attract new customers. Air Arabia reported a net profit of AED114 million for the three months ending March 31, 2016, 34 percent higher ...

  ALKESH SHARMA / Emirates Business As the Middle East region surpasses global surge in air traffic, airlines and airports in this part of the world are making huge investments to spruce up the security of passengers and premises. Massive funds have been moved towards airport system upgrades to ensure seamless passenger experience, focussing solely on the security segment. UAE ...

  Abu Dhabi / Emirates Business Majid Al Futtaim has been awarded two prestigious awards at the MENA Digital Awards 2016 (MDA) and the Festival of Media Awards MENA 2016. The retail pioneer won in two categories: “Best Mobile App” for City Centres’ mobile app at the MDA, as well as “Best Engagement Strategy” for the Corporate Sustainable Responsibility angle ...

  Abu Dhabi / Emirates Business Etihad Airways officially opened its spectacular new Premium Lounge at Melbourne Airport, offering guests a stylish, comfortable environment in which they can relax, re-energise, dine, work or be entertained pre-flight. A natural light filled space with floor-to-ceiling glass, it offers expansive views across the runway. At more than 800m2 with seating capacity for up ...

  Dubai / Emirates Business According to Abu Dhabi-based Business DNA, the region’s retail sector is far from being saturated, and expects the industry to see a growth of 7% to 12% in 2017. The company sees 2016 as a correction year for the industry, even as it looks to drive growth of Abu Dhabi’s underrated retail market. Business DNA ...

  Pyongyang / AFP North Korea’s first ruling party congress for nearly 40 years formally endorsed leader Kim Jong-un’s policy of expanding the country’s nuclear arsenal, as South Korea on Monday dismissed his proposals for military talks and improved ties. The congress, which opened on Friday, has largely been seen as an elaborate coronation for the 33-year-old Kim, securing his status ...

  Tehran / AP Iran test-fired another ballistic missile, the latest in a spate of tests following the implementation of the nuclear deal with world powers earlier this year, according to a report Monday by the country’s semi-official Tasnim news agency. The test-firing of the missile, with a range of 2,000 kilometers, or 1,250 miles, was carried out two weeks ...

  KIGALI / AP A Rwandan government official says at least 49 people have been killed by landslides in the country’s north following heavy rains on Saturday and Sunday. Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs Minister Seraphine Mukantabana told The Associated Press Monday that torrential rains in the area about 80 kilometers (50 miles) from the capital, Kigali, had destroyed several ...

  Aden / AFP Yemen’s president has criticised what he called the “unacceptable” expulsion from Aden of hundreds of people originating from the north, after loyalists drove Iran-backed rebels out of the southern city. “The individual acts of expelling citizens of Taez and other cities (from Aden) is unacceptable,” President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi said late Sunday, quoted by the official ...

  JAFFA / AFP An Israeli soldier went on trial before a military court on Monday, charged with manslaughter after he was caught on video fatally shooting a wounded Palestinian attacker in the West Bank two months ago. The rare case of an active serviceman being charged has polarized Israel, with defense officials criticizing the soldier’s conduct and large segments of ...