HOSPITALITY-
#1- Ritz-Carlton Reserve coming to Abu Dhabi in 2029: Marriott International will bring its luxury resort brand Ritz-Carlton Reserve to Abu Dhabi’s Ramhan Island in 2029 under an agreement it inked with Eagle Hills, the developer of the coastal destination, according to a statement picked up by Zawya. The reserve will feature 50 luxury villas — including the region’s first floating villas — as well as restaurants and leisure amenities.
The 8th Ritz-Carlton Reserve? Only seven Ritz-Carlton Reserves exist so far, namely in Saudi Arabia, Japan, Puerto Rico, Indonesia, Thailand, China, and Mexico.
#2- Kleindienst Group unveils AED 1 bn development in Dubai: Real estate developer Kleindienst Group launched Marbella Resort Hotel on the World Islands in Dubai, according to a statement. The AED 1 bn five-star hotel features 150 rooms and is surrounded by 500k sqm of private coral reefs. The Andalusian-inspired hotel comes as part of Kleindienst Group’s Heart of Europe project, which offers European-themed developments.
CAPITAL MARKETS-
Mashreq launches securities trading app: Our friends at Mashreq have launched a new stock trading app, Mashreq Trade, the lender said in a LinkedIn post. The app allows secure, 24/7 trading in UAE stock markets, with real-time data and insights. The app is available for download for both IOS and Android users.
AVIATION-
#1- Emirates inaugurates its first offshore lounge: Emirates inaugurated its AED 20 mn lounge at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, its first dedicated lounge outside the carrier’s hometown, according to a statement from the Dubai airline. The facility, which can accommodate over 190 guests, is located at Terminal 1 and will cater to first and business-class passengers, as well as Emirates Skywards Platinum and Gold members.
#2- Air Arabia is launching four weekly direct flights between Sharjah and Vienna, starting 20 December, Wam writes.
BUSINESS-
Ajman Chamber forges closer ties with the Emirates Association for Accountants and Auditors: Members of the Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry met with representatives from the Emirates Association for Accountants and Auditors to discuss means of supporting economic development in Ajman and attracting more investments to the emirate, according to a statement picked up by Zawya. Discussions also took place on exchanging expertise in the fields of accounting and auditing, as well as organizing workshops and training sessions for the chamber’s members.
ENERGY-
#1- Taqa subsidiary Abu Dhabi Distribution Company launched an initiative to promote energy-efficient practices within Abu Dhabi’s industrial sector in collaboration with Agthia Group, Emirates Float Glass, and Arabian Gulf Steel Industries, Wam reports. The initiative will see a platform, dubbed the Energy Efficiency Clubs, created for knowledge exchange, with over 40 industrial sites already participating, representing more than 70% of the manufacturing sector’s electricity consumption.
#2- UAE introduces national green certificates program: The Energy Ministry launched the National Green Certificates Program to promote eco-friendly building practices, according to a statement. The program sets standards for energy efficiency, water management, indoor air quality, and sustainable materials. It includes technical support and consultations for participating businesses to meet sustainability criteria. The initiative is inline with the UAE’s National Demand-side Management Program (pdf) and National Green Building Regulation.
The ministry inked four MoUs to advance the program, including with First Abu Dhabi Bank on green finance for the built environment sector, Aldar Properties for green finance and technical services, Pact Carbon for assistance in accessing the global carbon credit market, and Meagle Energy for energy auditing and verification services.
TOURISM-
The Abu Dhabi Youth Council and the Department of Culture and Tourism have teamed up to launch Guided, an online platform gathering certified Emirati tour guides, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office.
TECH-
ADX-listed crypto conglomerate Phoenix Group and Ras Al Khaimah-based blockchain infrastructure company Internet of People Network (IOPn) partnered up to expedite growth in Ras al Khaimah’s Web3 technology, an ADX filing (pdf) reads.