The Department of Transport – Abu Dhabi (DoT) and the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) announced the launch of its forthcoming toll gate system in line with the Surface Transport Master Plan (STMP) for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi four toll gates on major bridges leading into the city of Abu Dhabi will be active from 15 October 2019, in a move set to reduce traffic congestion and raise the efficiency of the transport sector. At a press conference held at DoT’s headquarters, with the attendance of DoT and ITC management and media representatives, Department of Transport officials emphasized that the…
Author: Kasun Illankoon
The economic outlook for Bahrain’s economy remains clouded by persistent weakness in government finances, evident by significant fiscal deficits and rising public debt levels, large external financing needs, a general slowdown in non-oil activity and limited prospects for oil sector growth. According to ICAEW’s, latest Economic Insight report, economic growth in Bahrain more than halved last year, from 3.7% in 2017 to 1.8% in 2018, with further deceleration seen in 2019 to 1.6% amid a major drive to overhaul government finances, which include spending cuts, new taxes and other fiscal consolidation measures. Economic Insight: Middle East Q2 2019, produced in…
To highlight its vision for the future of urban mobility and to underscore its commitment to a sustainable future, Uber recently partnered with telecom service provider du, from Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), to demonstrate how consumers can reduce their stress and increase productivity by exploring alternative modes of transport. As part of the initiative, the technology company challenged a number of du employees to swap their personal cars and instead use Uber for a month. Survey results offer an insightful peek into the benefits this change can bring to people’s daily routines. Unsurprisingly, over 66% of respondents said…
The sixth Land Art Generator Initiative (LAGI) design competition has recently concluded and twenty-eight world-changing designs have been shortlisted for a landmark site that could potentially be transformed into a new public park at Masdar City, Abu Dhabi. The shortlisted proposals can be seen on display at the 24th World Energy Congress from September 9–12, 2019. Three hundred teams from more than 65 countries submitted proposals for large-scale works of public art capable of producing clean energy for Masdar City. Sponsored by Masdar, the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, and in partnership with the 24th World Energy Congress, the free…
According to experts, the average service life of today’s lithium-ion batteries is 8-10 years or between 500 and 1,000 charge cycles. Battery makers usually guarantee mileage of between 100,000 and 160,000 kilometres. But rapid battery charging, high numbers of charge cycles, an overly sporty driving style, and extremely high or low ambient temperatures are all sources of stress for batteries, which makes them age faster. Bosch’s cloud-based services are designed to recognize – and counter – these stress triggers. All battery-relevant data – e.g. current ambient temperature and charging habits – is first transmitted in real time to the cloud,…
DarkMatter Group, the region’s first and only fully integrated digital and cyber transformation firm, today announced the appointment of two global leaders to bolster the organisation’s journey in providing smart and safe digital solutions to its clients. Effective immediately, Nilesh Patel will serve as EVP of Secure Solutions and Joshua Knight will serve as EVP of Cyber Defense. Nilesh Patel will lead the Secure Solutions practice to deliver the strategic vision for DarkMatter’ secure solutions portfolio. Mr. Patel most recently served in product and business leadership roles at Palo Alto Networks in San Francisco Bay Area and has previous experience…
Kuwait Integrated Petroleum Industries Company (KIPIC) has awarded Veolia – via its Veolia Middle East subsidiary – the contract for the operation and maintenance of its refinery wastewater treatment plant in Al Zour in southern Kuwait. A $63 million contract for a period of 7 years. It is one of the largest refinery complexes in the world under development. As soon as it is commissioned, the Al Zour refinery will have a production capacity of 615,000 barrels per day, increasing Kuwait’s refining capacity to over 1.5 million barrels a day. Seeking an exemplary installation, Kuwait Integrated Petroleum Industries Company has…
Continued government spending on giga-projects, coupled with growing developments in the entertainment sector, is likely to stimulate demand in the real estate market in Saudi Arabia, as it looks to reduce its reliance on oil, according to JLL’s 2019 mid-year review report. The kingdom’s economy accelerated by 1.6 per cent in the first three months of 2019 compared to 1.3 per cent in the same period last year, according to official government data. With conditions remaining soft across most sectors of the market in the first half of 2019, the hospitality and entertainment industries witnessed a number of major development…
Eltizam Asset Management Group, a leading physical asset management company in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, has announced record growth in H1 2019 in line with its long-term expansion strategies. Eltizam has reported 20 percent growth in revenues for H1 2019 year on year, including growing its property portfolio under management to more than 50,000 units across all territories as well as significant FM contract wins. Looking into H2 2019, Eltizam is presently in negotiations with multiple potential partners in the UAE and across the wider region – including Egypt, KSA and Kuwait, with new deals likely…
Emirates Motor Company Commercial Vehicles (EMC CV), the authorized general distributor of Daimler Commercial Vehicles in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and a member of ALFAHIM Group, concluded the UAE’s first Mercedes-Benz Fleetboard Driving Championship announcing the final winners during a ceremony that took place today at EMC CV’s Mussafah facility. Held in collaboration with Daimler Commercial Vehicles Middle East and organized by EMC CV for their largest Fleetboard clients in Abu Dhabi, the competition aims at recognizing truck drivers and awarding individuals with the best driving skills. The UAE’s first edition kicked off in February 2019 with an initial…