May, 2023

• 9 May

  ADFD funds AED110m worth of water project in Mauritania

  

  ABU DHABI / WAM Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has signed an agreement with the government of Mauritania to finance a project aimed at providing potable water to the city of Kiffa, which will be sourced from the Senegal River. The contribution from the ADFD towards this strategic project amounts to AED110 million ($30 million). The total value of ...

  Read More »
• 9 May

  Air Arabia Q1 net profit up 17% to AED342m

  

  SHARJAH / WAM Air Arabia (PJSC), the Middle East & North Africa’s largest low-cost carrier, has reported a strong first quarter in both financial and operational terms, recording a net profit of AED342 million for the first three months ending on March 31, 2023, which represents a 17 percent increase compared to the AED291 million profit recorded in the same ...

  Read More »
• 9 May

  Etihad Airways announces seasonal services to Lisbon

  

  ABU DHABI / WAM Etihad Airways is launching its seasonal services into the Portuguese capital of Lisbon on June 18 and is treating its guests with discounted fares. Guests can benefit from this offer to enjoy the old city known for its historical centre, stunning architecture, colourful azulejos, and fantastic food, with fares starting at AED2,995. Arik De, Chief Revenue ...

  Read More »
• 9 May

  Sharjah’s HFZA makes its mark at technology conference in Texas

  

  TEXAS / WAM The Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA) in Sharjah has wrapped up four days of fruitful participation in the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC 2023), which concluded in Houston, Texas, USA. The delegation, led by HFZA Director Saud Salim Al Mazrouei, has showcased the free zone’s unique investment opportunities in the oil and gas sector while fostering collaboration with ...

  Read More »
• 9 May

  Arabian Travel Market ’23 sees 29% Y-o-Y growth in attendees

  

  DUBAI / WAM More than 40,000 people — including 30,000 visitors — attended the 30th edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which concluded last week in Dubai. This not only represents a year-on-year increase of 29% in attendees compared to 2022, it also represents a 5% increase over 2019, establishing a new record for the show, demonstrating that the Middle ...

  Read More »
• 9 May

  Mansour bin Zayed receives Chairman and members of UAE Fatwa Council

  

  ABU DHABI / WAM His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, on Monday received Shaikh Abdullah bin Bayyah, Chairman of the UAE Fatwa Council and members of the council, at Qasr Al Watan. His Highness Sheikh Mansour was briefed about work and plans of the council that aim ...

  Read More »
• 9 May

  Sharjah Ruler affirms importance of cultural exchange with Tunisia

  

  SHARJAH / WAM HH Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, welcomed Dr Hayat Qatat Al-Qarmazi, the Minister of Cultural Affairs of Tunisia, to his palace on Monday. HH Sheikh Sultan emphasised the importance of cultural relations among different Arab countries, which contributes to the achievement of various educational and scientific projects, and ...

  Read More »
• 9 May

  US prepares to fast track $500mn of arms for Taiwan

  

  BLOOMBERG The Biden administration is preparing a $500 million weapons package for Taiwan, using a fast-track authority that it has relied on to speed arms to Ukraine. The package will involve sending existing stockpiles of US weapons or support equipment to Taiwan under what’s known as a Presidential Drawdown Authority. The equipment to be in the package wasn’t immediately known. ...

  Read More »
• 9 May

  At least 21 die after boat overturns in Indian state

  

  KERALA / WAM At least 21 people drowned after a boat capsized off the coastal town of Tanur in the Malappuram district of India’s southern state of Kerala, Reuters reported on Monday. The boat, which was carrying about 40 inbound passengers, overturned as it was overcrowded, said Abdul Nazar, Malappuram district’s junior superintendent of police. It was not immediately clear ...

  Read More »
• 9 May

  Ukraine should get concrete path to join Nato, says Estonia

  

  BLOOMBERG The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (Nato) allies need to spell out the concrete steps for Ukraine to become a member of the military alliance and move beyond repeating the standing position that it’s welcome to join the bloc, according to Estonia’s top diplomat. “It’s not enough anymore just to repeat the already existing position that Ukraine is welcomed to ...

  Read More »