DUBAI / EMIRATES BUSINESS Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the mature global financial gateway connecting businesses and institutions with emerging market opportunities across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, has announced the launch of new, redesigned version of its website www.difc.ae The revamped website features an eye-catching layout to offer an engaging user experience and enhanced navigation for accessing detailed ...

ABU DHABI / WAM Zayed University is set to host the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) conference for the first time under the theme, “Aspire, Connect and Empower”, on its Dubai campus from February 22 to 25. The NACADA is an association of professional advisors, counsellors, faculty members, and administrators who are working to enhance the educational development of students and ...

Dubai / EMIRATES BUSINESS Emirates Islamic, one of the leading Islamic financial institutions in the UAE, has contributed AED 200,000 to Ajman Club for Disabled. The contribution from the bank will enable the Ajman-based institution to purchase rehabilitation equipment for the facility. The contribution is in line with Emirates Islamic’s commitment to support community and charitable initiatives in the UAE ...

ABU DHABI / WAM In implementation of the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation has sent a further two relief planes to the Socotra Islands. ...

ABU DHABI / WAM The National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology in a statement on Tuesday urged drivers to be cautious and reduce speed, as well as to leave enough space between vehicles, due to low visibility. The centre also said that there will be cumulus clouds and active winds, lifting dust and resulting in low visibility.

New Delhi / AFP Indian tax authorities have threatened to seize Vodafone’s assets in the country if it does not pay a $2.1 billion tax bill, the company said on Tuesday, the latest twist in a long-running dispute. The UK-based telecoms firm has fought with India’s tax office for years over whether it should pay tax on its $11 billion ...

Tokyo / AFP The dollar held steady against the yen and euro on Tuesday after rallying on newfound confidence across world markets thanks to a pick-up in oil prices and easing concerns about China’s yuan. Crude soared on Tuesday for a third day on reports that of an expected meeting between key producers Saudi Arabia and Russia planned for later ...

Beijing / Bloomberg China’s main government organs have pledged to tackle overcapacity and reduce financing costs and the debt burden of companies as officials seek to underpin growth in the world’s second-largest economy. Authorities will use multiple liquidity management tools, improve macro-prudential management and keep appropriate liquidity levels and stable money market operations, according to a joint statement issued on ...

Taipei / AFP The New Year has brought Taiwan no respite from its economic woes as exports fell in January for the 12th successive month, the longest continuous decline for almost seven years. The island slid into recession in the last quarter of 2015, posting its slowest annual growth since 2009, as China’s economic slowdown and weaker international demand took ...

Beijing / Bloomberg China’s military is closing the technology gap with the US, though the experience of America’s pilots still gives them an “unbelievably huge” edge, according to the Pacific Air Forces chief. General Lori Robinson, in Singapore to attend the country’s air show, said she felt assured that Chinese pilots would act professionally in interactions with the US, citing ...