April 29, 2025

WhatsApp has announced that it will discontinue support for older iPhone models beginning May 2025. Users with affected devices are advised to upgrade to newer models to continue using the messaging service without interruptions.

Saudi Arabia’s leading travel company Almosafer, part of Seera Group, reported steady growth in travel demand among Saudi consumers in the first quarter of 2025, driven by rising interest in both domestic and international markets. Source: Gulf Business

The UAE has overhauled its system for recognizing foreign educational qualifications, reducing required documents from 14 to just four. This change aims to streamline the process, cut bureaucracy by over 70%, and attract international talent to the country’s workforce.

During the Arabian Travel Market 2025, Riyadh Air, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, expressed interest in acquiring Boeing aircraft initially intended for Chinese airlines. This move could accelerate Riyadh Air’s fleet expansion and reflects shifting dynamics in global aviation markets.

At the Arabian Travel Market 2025, Jumeirah Group revealed plans to expand its presence in Dubai with three new properties. This initiative aligns with the city’s strategy to enhance its luxury hospitality offerings and accommodate the growing number of tourists.

Gold prices slipped at the opening of the markets on Tuesday after touching Dh400 per gram on Monday. The Dubai Jewellery Group data showed 24K at Dh399.0 per gram on Tuesday morning, down from Dh400 per gram at the close of the markets on Monday. Source: Khaleej times

The 32nd Arabian Travel Market (ATM) kicked off on April 28 at Dubai World Trade Centre, expecting over 55,000 visitors and featuring 2,800+ exhibitors from 166 countries. International exhibitors make up 67% of the total, with the Middle East contributing 33%. This year’s theme focuses on boosting future tourism through stronger global and regional connectivity.

Rents in Dubai may be cooling in some areas, but many residents aren’t seeing the relief. A large number now face tough choices as landlords impose new rent hikes—often in double digits. What makes it harder is that these tenants had already absorbed similarly steep increases during last year’s lease renewal. Source: Gulf News

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the largest bank in the UAE, recorded a 23% year-on-year rise in net profit for Q1 2025, reaching Dh5.13 billion. Operating income climbed 11% to Dh8.81 billion during the same period. The bank also saw strong contributions from its global operations, which now make up 30% of its total assets

Gold prices in Dubai have increased by AED 5 per gram, just before the Akshaya Trithiya festival on April 30. This rise benefits customers who secured their purchases in advance, while others may face higher costs during the festive period. The price hike is attributed to global marke