Author: Arabian Media staff
Images: Supplied As the UAE accelerates efforts to build smart, sustainable cities, BEEAH has launched its first major real estate development, Khalid Bin Sultan City. In this interview, Khaled Al Huraimel, group CEO and vice chairman, discusses the company’s move into real estate, the foundational values behind the project, and how it aligns with national and regional urban transformation agendas. What prompted BEEAH’s move into real estate development at this point in its growth journey? At BEEAH, we’ve always pursued a clear mission: to shape a sustainable future and enhance quality of life for all people. Our journey began in…
Passengers traveling from airports in the United Kingdom via Saudi Arabia will no longer be required to undergo security screening during transit. This was made possible following a one-stop security agreement signed between the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia and the Government of the United Kingdom. The agreement – signed in London by Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of GACA, and Dr Rannia Leontaridi, Director General for Aviation, Maritime, and Security at the UK Department for Transport – is a step toward enhancing the experience of transit passengers by streamlining security procedures at Saudi Arabian airports. Completed UK…
Image: PIF Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has established a commercial paper (CP) programme, introducing a new short-term financing tool to complement its existing funding instruments. According to a statement from the sovereign wealth fund, the new program consists of two sub-programmes: a US commercial paper programme and a Euro commercial paper programe, issued through offshore special purpose vehicles. It has secured the highest possible ratings for commercial paper initiatives — P-1 from Moody’s and F1+ from Fitch. The CP programme is designed to enhance PIF’s short-term liquidity and cash management flexibility, supporting its dynamic approach to capital raising.…
Image credit: Srinophan69/ Getty Images Gold prices fell to a near two-week low on Tuesday as risk appetite improved after US President Donald Trump said Iran and Israel had agreed to a ceasefire, denting demand for safe-haven assets. Spot gold was down 0.5 per cent to $3,351.47 an ounce, as of 0257 GMT, after hitting its lowest level since June 11 earlier in the session. Read-Gold gains as Israel-Iran crisis lifts safe-haven appeal US gold futures slipped 0.9 per cent to $3,365.30. “It seems like there’s a good bit of geopolitical risk that’s exiting the market here near term after,…
Image: Getty Images/ For illustrative purposes Oman will introduce a personal income tax on high earners starting in 2028, following the issuance of Royal Decree No 56/2025, according to the state-run Oman News Agency (ONA). The new law comprises 76 articles across 16 chapters and will impose a 5 per cent tax on taxable income for individuals whose gross annual income exceeds OMR42,000, derived from specific income types outlined in the legislation. The Tax Authority stated that the law aims to enhance the country’s fiscal sustainability by diversifying revenue sources beyond hydrocarbons, in alignment with Oman Vision 2040. Personal income…
Image credit: Dubai Media Office/Official X account Airports and civil aviation authorities across the Gulf region have begun resuming operations following temporary disruptions caused by recent regional tensions. While most airspace restrictions have now been lifted, airlines and airports continue to issue advisories, with some flights still delayed or cancelled due to residual operational impacts. Dubai Airports resume operations following temporary pause Dubai Airports has resumed full operations at its airports in the emirate following a temporary precautionary pause. The safety and wellbeing of all travellers and aviation staff remain the highest priority. While Dubai Airports is working with airlines…
Young people in the Middle East now prioritise financial security, mental well-being, and personal purpose over traditional career ambitions like corporate promotions or executive titles, according to a new report from Deloitte Global. The 14th edition of Deloitte’s Gen Z and Millennial Survey is based on responses from more than 23,000 participants across 44 countries and includes detailed insights from the Middle East — one of the world’s youngest regions by demographic. More than 60 per cent of the region’s population is under 30, with two-thirds of Saudi nationals and nearly half of the UAE population falling into this category.…
Image: Supplied As UAE real estate continues its momentum into 2025, new data from UAE-based real estate platform Skyloov reveals the top neighbourhoods capturing attention — and the very different priorities of renters and buyers. The platform, analysed over 44 million search queries and 540 million property views in Q2 2025, offering one of the clearest windows yet into what’s driving real estate decisions across the UAE. Here are the key takeaways from the data: 1. Renters are choosing affordability over flash With rising living costs, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, affordability has become a top concern for renters.…
Americana Restaurants International, the largest out-of-home dining and quick service restaurant operator in the Middle East & North Africa and Kazakhstan, has confirmed it is in talks to acquire Cravia Inc. The development was reported last week, but wasn’t confirmed by any involved parties at the time. Cravia Inc. has been owned by Fajr Capital, a private equity company, since 2016. It has 78 outlets and more than 2,000 employees. In addition to Five Guys and Cinnabon, it operates or manages brands like Zaatar W Zeit, Seattle’s Best Coffee and Carvel. In a notification with Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX),…
Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has recently announced a new law concerning the Sharjah Department of Human Resources. Read-Sharjah approves new employee leave policy This law will apply to all employees working in government agencies—even those that currently operate under their own human resources regulations—until new rules are established. These agencies must now share essential employee information, including salary data, with the Department of Human Resources through approved electronic systems. The goal of the law is to align with evolving HR practices and enhance the overall work environment, ultimately benefiting society.…