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Russia and Turkey would establish a “demilitarized zone” to separate rebels from Syrian government troops and head off an all-out battle

18 Sep 2018

September 17, Russia and Turkey appeared Monday to avert a potential crisis in Syria’s rebel-held Idlib province, announcing they would establish a “demilitarized zone” to separate rebels from Syrian government troops and head off an all-out battle.

The announcement, at a joint news conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, comes after weeks of speculation that an offensive on Syria’s last major opposition enclave would prompt... Read More

Art Dubai confirms end of Abraaj’s 10-year sponsorship deal

17 Sep 2018

Art Dubai, the emirate’s annual art fair, said it has ended its decade-long sponsorship agreement with Abraaj Group, as the private equity firm continues to unravel following allegations of funds mismanagement earlier this year.

“The sponsorship agreement with Abraaj Group expired earlier this year and due to reasons that have been very well documented, the sponsorship will not be renewed,” a spokeswoman for Art Dubai said in an emailed statement to The National on Sunday.

“We... Read More

Crown Prince reveals Tomorrow 2021 plan for Abu Dhabi's economy including Dh20bn for spending next year

17 Sep 2018

Abu Dhabi's drive to accelerate its economic growth will come under the banner of Tomorrow 2021, the Crown Prince revealed on Sunday, in what marks the culmination of a summer of reforms aimed at preparing the emirate for a more prosperous future.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, said the plan includes "50 initiatives that reflect the priorities of citizens, residents and investors". The move is part of an action... Read More

Tiffany CEO Alessandro Bogliolo: 'The business of love is growing' (Video)

16 Sep 2018

Elle Fanning, clad in a hoodie and jeans and sipping on a takeaway coffee, approaches the Tiffany & Co flagship on Fifth Avenue and peers into a window. The melodious opening lines of Moon River, the song made famous by the Audrey-Hepburn classic, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, play in the background. And then rapper A$ap Ferg interjects with a “I ain’t window shopping today”, and everything goes haywire. Fanning is transported into a “Tiffany world”, where she shows off her hip-hop moves amid... Read More

Apple iPhone XS and XS Max launch

13 Sep 2018

It comes in gold, silver and space grey and you can drop it into a filled bathtub without fear.

Apple’s latest iPhone, the XS, also has a 14.7-centimetre screen that grows to 16.5cm with the XS Max. Both also have face ID technology for greater security.

There is a new formulation of its glass screen, the most durable ever for a smartphone, with organic light-emitting diodes for sharper display.

The highly anticipated unveiling of the new products from the American... Read More

Al Habtoor chairman calls for end to UAE WhatsApp 'ban'

11 Sep 2018

A leading Emirati businessman says the de facto ban on WhatsApp voice calls in the UAE should be lifted.

In a video post on his Twitter account, Khalaf Al Habtoor, chairman of the conglomerate Al Habtoor Group, called for the service to be made freely available to customers.

Mr Al Habtoor, who regularly shares opinions on topics in videos on social media, said calls on the messaging service should be allowed in line with the "pioneering" spirit of the country.

In a... Read More

Free parking and adjusted public transport timings in Dubai for Al Hijri New Year

10 Sep 2018

Parking will be free in Dubai on Thursday, September 13, in all public car parks, except multi-level parking terminals, to mark Al Hijri New Year.

Fares will resume on Saturday, September 15, the Roads and Transport Authority said.

Public transport timings will also be adjusted for the Islamic new year, returning to usual scheduling on Friday, September 14.

Dubai Metro:

Stations on the Red Line will be operating from 5am on Thursday until 1am the next day.

Emirates to operate A380 to St. Petersburg during autumn holidays

10 Sep 2018

Dubai, UAE, 10 September 2018 – In response to increased demand for travel during the autumn school holidays, Emirates today announced it will operate its A380 between Dubai and St. Petersburg, temporarily replacing the Boeing 777 aircraft currently operating on the route.

During the period of 25 to 29 October 2018, in advance of the school holidays in Russia, flights EK 175/176 between Dubai and St. Petersburg’s Pulkovo International Airport will be operated by the flagship Emirates... Read More

The end of free parking in Abu Dhabi: new Mawaqif rules come into force

09 Sep 2018

A three-week parking amnesty came to an end on Friday meaning that motorists will now need to pay to park in all public spaces on Abu Dhabi island.

The new scheme was announced on August 18; however, Mawaqif wardens were instructed not to issue tickets during the first three weeks of implementation. This allowed residents the chance to adapt to the new rules.

This period ends on Friday September 7, but since Mawaqif fees do not apply on Fridays, the new regulations are supposed... Read More

Dubai reaped $18bn in benefits from Metro system

09 Sep 2018

The Dubai Metro system, which opened almost a decade ago, added an estimated Dh66 billion ($18bn) to Dubai’s economy by 2016 and accumulated future returns are set to exceed four times what it cost to build the metro by 2030, according to a government-commissioned study.

The metro, which opened in September 2009 and comprises the red and green lines, has cost Dh41bn to build and operate, according to a report by Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Henley Business School at... Read More