Etihad Rail Launches New Safety Campaign as Passenger Services Settle Into Daily Life
Etihad Rail has launched a new phase of its national rail safety campaign, including a public awareness video, following the launch of the UAE's passenger network. The company says safety is a shared responsibility and plans school and community programmes. Dubai's Al Yalayis station opened on September 30.
UAE Steps Up Drive to Protect Children Online as Google.org Backs $2.4 Million Regional Programme
The UAE is strengthening its approach to children's online safety, combining awareness, parental controls and rapid reporting of cybercrime. Google.org has granted $2.4 million to Injaz Al-Arab to teach digital safety to more than 2.3 million children across nine MENA countries. A family event in Dubai runs on October 24 and 25.
All Six GCC States Back UAE's Lana Nusseibeh in Race for UN Secretary-General
The six Gulf Cooperation Council states have unanimously endorsed Emirati diplomat Lana Nusseibeh's candidacy for UN secretary-general. The UAE formally nominated her on October 21. The post becomes vacant when António Guterres's term ends on December 31.
Etihad Cancels Saudi Flights Until November 5 as flydubai Extends Suspensions to October 29
Etihad Airways has cancelled its Abu Dhabi flights to Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah until November 5, while flydubai has suspended Riyadh, Dammam and Abha services until October 29. Airlines cite regional disruption linked to attacks on Saudi airports. Passengers are urged to check flight status before travelling.
Saudi Consumer Spending Jumps 23% in a Week as Back-to-School Costs Surge
Saudi consumer spending rose 23.4% week on week to SR16.51 billion in the week ending Oct. 3, according to Saudi Central Bank point-of-sale data. Education outlays more than doubled, which an economist says is a seasonal back-to-school effect. Hotels were the only major category to decline.
Ronaldo Scores 980th Career Goal as Al-Nassr Beat Diriyah to Reach the Top of the Saudi Pro League
Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 980th career goal as Al-Nassr beat Diriyah 3-0 on the day the Saudi Pro League resumed. The win lifted them level on 19 points with Al-Qadsiah, who thrashed Al-Kholood 5-0. Al-Ahli also won 4-0 away at Al-Fateh.
Visa-Free Schengen Travel for Saudis Draws Closer Ahead of EU-GCC Summit in Riyadh
The GCC's secretary-general says a decision to begin waiving Schengen visas for Saudi, Qatari, Omani, Bahraini and Kuwaiti citizens is "very close" and could be announced at the EU-GCC summit in Riyadh on Oct. 24. A free trade agreement is not expected to be settled at the same meeting. The UAE is currently the only Gulf state with visa-free short stays in the Schengen Area.
Saudia Pilot Killed in Riyadh Airport Attack as Kingdom Condemns Houthi Escalation
Two attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Thursday killed three Saudi nationals, including Saudia pilot Capt. Hamoud bin Ali Alkalthami. Saudi Arabia has called the strikes a blatant act of aggression, and condemnation has followed from abroad. Calls are growing, including from a UK peer, for the Houthis to be designated a terrorist group.
Saudi-Led Coalition Strikes Houthi Missile Network as Yemeni Forces Advance on Bab Al-Mandab
Saudi consumer spending rose 23.4% week on week to SR16.51 billion in the week ending Oct. 3, according to Saudi Central Bank point-of-sale data. Education outlays more than doubled, which an economist says is a seasonal back-to-school effect. Hotels were the only major category to decline.
Capital Group Wins ADGM Licence as Global Investors Keep Flocking to Abu Dhabi
US investment giant Capital Group, which manages $3.6 trillion in assets, has secured a licence from Abu Dhabi Global Market to operate as a regulated investment manager. It joins a growing list of global asset managers setting up in the emirate despite the regional conflict.
IMF Says Iran War Energy Shock Is "Large but Contained" as Gulf Economies Brace for a Contraction
The IMF's managing director says the energy price shock from the US-Iran war has been large but contained so far, though high prices are likely to linger. The World Bank expects GCC economies to contract by an average of 4.3 per cent this year.
UAE Airports Stay Open on Day 220 of US-Iran Conflict, but Flight Cuts and Higher Fuel Costs Linger
Daily life in the UAE continues as normal on day 220 of the US-Iran conflict, with airports open and no security alerts. Residents are still feeling the effects through longer flights, extended airline suspensions and a third straight monthly rise in fuel prices.