News Desk DUBAI: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai revealed that its Call Center (8009090) had received 1,184,100 calls during the first half of 2017 at a response rate of 11 seconds per call, which compares well with the planned response period of 20 seconds per call. It is noteworthy that the Center handled 1,084,635 calls during the …

DUBAI: The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently organised and hosted a workshop in cooperation with the UAE’s Federal Tax Authority (FTA), which aimed to familiarise importers and exporters in Dubai with the forthcoming value-added tax (VAT), as well as mandatory registration procedures associated with the new tax. The second and final workshop, hosted at the Chamber’s premises, was …

DUBAI: dnata, one of the world’s largest air services providers, has ramped up its recycling programme for its fleet of 12,000 units of GSE (Ground Services Equipment) in both of its Dubai hubs (DXB and DWC). Since the launch of the recycling programme this year, over 80 units of GSE have been renewed at the GSE maintenance base, reducing waste generated …

DUBAI: In line with the Year of Giving, Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham JBR reinforces its philanthropic activities over the summer period by joining the StrikeOutALS campaign, and reaching out to UAE Red Crescent. Made popular by the global Ice Bucket Challenge, the hotel helped raise funds for the StrikeOutALS campaign to promote awareness on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Select team …

ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi is marking a new milestone today, as the first three Emirati women graduate as masters (Captain) of 24-Meters vessels from the Maritime Training Centre at Abu Dhabi Ports. Abu Dhabi Ports is the master developer, operator and manager of commercial and community ports within the emirate of Abu Dhabi, in addition to the container terminal at …

MANAMA/MUSCAT: Gulf Air, the Kingdom of Bahrain’s national carrier, recently launched a new codeshare agreement with Oman Air, the national carrier of the sultanate of Oman, that sees the airlines’ combined frequencies between Bahrain and Muscat increase to 6 daily flights. Mr. Ahmed Janahi, Gulf Air Chief Commercial Officer, commented on the agreement: “This codeshare reflects Gulf Air’s consistent drive …

By our correspondent LONDON: British Airways is offering thousands of customers the chance to fly to Europe and back for a grand total of just £35, plus 9,000 Avios as part of its Reward Flight Saver scheme. Customers can book now, enabling them to plan a last minute post-summer getaway or a Christmas market break. Return prices and destinations include: …

ISLAMABAD: With Pakistani entrepreneurs and startups playing a key role in fostering USD 150 billion in exports by 2025, one of the world’s leading entrepreneurship platforms has selected 20 innovators from Pakistan and the Middle East to drive global best practices in this region. At the first-ever ChangemakerXchange Summit for entrepreneurs from across the Middle East, sponsored by social entrepreneurship …

News Desk DOHA: Qatar Airways has today entered into a new interline partnership with growing, full-service Indian airline Vistara, as the Qatari national carrier marks more than 20 successful years of flights to India. The new interline agreement taking effect from 22 August, 2017 will allow Qatar Airways’ passengers to travel seamlessly to and from a wide range of cities within India across …

ABU DHABI: His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, has issued Federal Decree-Law No. 7 of 2017 on Excise Tax, which will be imposed on select products, determined by the Council of Ministers and suggested by the Minister of Finance. As per the Law, the Excise tax rates that shall be imposed on the “Excise …