EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Gulf's retail sector rises to the challenge amid war: Choithrams CEO

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Diversified sourcing strategies, alternative shipping routes and stronger coordination between logistics providers and government authorities have helped maintain continuity in the movement of essential goods, says Mark Mortimer-Davies, CEO of Choithrams, in an exclusive interview with TradeArabia's Sree Bhat.

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45% FLIGHTS RESTORED

Dubai Airports CEO says: 'We will not stop, expansion plans stay unchanged'

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Dubai Airports will press ahead with expansion plans despite aviation disruption caused by the regional conflict with Iran, with Chief Executive Paul Griffiths saying the emirate’s long-term strategy to strengthen its position in global aviation remains firmly on track.

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DISRUPTION HITS TOURISM

Air travel costs increase as jet fuel prices double

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Global airlines are raising ticket prices, cutting some services and reviewing schedules as soaring jet fuel costs linked to the Middle East conflict squeeze margins, while widespread flight disruptions continue to hit passenger traffic and tourism demand worldwide.

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3.1% AVERAGE GROWTH SEEN

Air travel demand will more than double by 2050: IATA

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

International Air Transport Association (IATA) projects global air passenger demand will more than double by 2050, reaching about 20.8 trillion RPKs under a mid-range 3.1% CAGR, with scenarios ranging from 19.5 to 21.9 trillion RPKs depending on growth rates.

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CONCERN OVER FOOD PRICES

Hormuz closure could ripple across global sectors, economies: UNCTAD

Fri, 13 Mar 2026

Shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors, are sending ripple effects far beyond the Middle East, threatening energy markets, freight costs and global supply chains, a United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) study has warned.

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Top This Week

Ohana registers record $1.63bn sales for Manchester City Yas Residences in 72 hours

Mon, 16 Mar 2026

Ohana Development, a leading UAE real estate developer of luxury projects, has recorded AED6 billion ($1.63 billion) in sales in 72 hours for Manchester City Yas Residences by Ohana, a gated waterfront community located along Yas Canal in Abu Dhabi, setting a new sales record in the emirate’s real estate market.

Aramex opens first regional healthcare hub at Dubai South Free Zone

Mon, 16 Mar 2026

Aramex, a leading global provider of comprehensive logistics and transportation solutions, has announced the opening of its dedicated regional healthcare and pharmaceutical hub in the Dubai South Free Zone, marking a significant expansion of its capabilities in the fast-growing life sciences and medical supply chain sector.

Fire reported in Fujairah Oil Industries Zone after drone attack

Mon, 16 Mar 2026

Authorities in Fujairah have confirmed that a major fire broke out in the Fujairah Oil Industries Zone following a drone attack, with no injuries reported.

Dubai International Airport flights begin to resume after temporary suspension

Mon, 16 Mar 2026

Dubai Airports said flights to and from Dubai International Airport are gradually resuming to selected destinations, following the temporary suspension implemented as a precautionary measure.

Oil rises as Trump urges nations to help reopen Hormuz

Mon, 16 Mar 2026

Oil prices rose on Monday as investors weighed renewed geopolitical risk despite US President Donald Trump urging other countries to join efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran said the strategic waterway remained open only to countries that are not directly involved in attacks against it.

Flights from Dubai International Airport suspended temporarily

Mon, 16 Mar 2026

Dubai Civil Aviation Authority announced Monday morning the temporary suspension of flights at Dubai International Airport as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff.

Air India, Air India Express to operate 48 Mideast flights

Sun, 15 Mar 2026

Indian carriers Air India and Air India Express are jointly operating 48 scheduled and non-scheduled flights, to and from the Middle East region on March 16. The duo will continue their scheduled operations to Jeddah and Omani capital Muscat including a total of 10 flights between India and the Saudi port city.

Diriyah unveils 1.9km main spine within mega Saudi development

Sun, 15 Mar 2026

Diriyah Company, the developer of Saudi Arabia's premier historical, cultural, and lifestyle destination, has announced the launch of a 1.9-km-long main spine within its mega development in the kingdom's ancient city. The GrandAvenue will boast iconic landmarks, hotels, offices, retail spaces and residential units.

MotoGP postpones QatarGP to November

Sun, 15 Mar 2026

MotoGP has confirmed that the Qatar Grand Prix, originally scheduled for April, has been postponed to November 8 due to the ongoing geopolitical situation in the Middle East.

Saudi PIF company in deal to develop key initiatives within King Salman Gate

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Rua Al Haram Al Makki Company, a Saudi PIF company dedicated to delivering projects surrounding the Makkah mosque, has collaborated with Alpha Development to explore and develop qualitative urban projects, including initiatives within the King Salman Gate Project.

Oil prices edge lower, but stay above $100 a barrel

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Oil prices edged lower on Wednesday after surging in the previous session, as traders weighed fresh US inventory data and signs of possible export relief from northern Iraq against continuing concerns over Middle East supply disruptions.

Ethiopian Airlines to resume direct flights to Atlanta beginning May 21

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Ethiopian Airlines will resume its direct passenger service between Addis Ababa and Atlanta starting May 21, 2026, after a temporary interruption of the route since February 2026.

Presight unveils first fund investments under its AI Innovation Ecosystem

Tue, 17 Mar 2026

Presight has unveiled the first six AI companies selected to receive investment through its AI Innovation Ecosystem, strengthening the pipeline of technologies designed to power next-generation intelligent systems at national and enterprise scale.

Gulf's retail sector rises to the challenge amid war: Choithrams CEO

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Diversified sourcing strategies, alternative shipping routes and stronger coordination between logistics providers and government authorities have helped maintain continuity in the movement of essential goods, says Mark Mortimer-Davies, CEO of Choithrams, in an exclusive interview with TradeArabia's Sree Bhat.

Arabian Construction Company wins Jubail Island villa project contract

Tue, 17 Mar 2026

Arabian Construction Company (ACC) has secured the contract from Jubail Island Investment Company to deliver the Packages 1 to 5 within its mega development in Abu Dhabi. The scope of work includes construction of premium three- to six-bedroom villas along with other key amenities.

Emirates Drug Establishment sets up task force to support pharma supply chains

Mon, 16 Mar 2026

The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has set up a task force comprising 16 strategic partners involved in pharmaceutical and logistics supply chains across the UAE, including drug manufacturers, medical warehouses, storage facilities and logistics providers.

CBSE cancels all Class 12 board exams in the Gulf countries

Sun, 15 Mar 2026

India's Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Sunday cancelled remaining Class 12 board examinations (scheduled between March 16 and April 10), including papers earlier postponed in several West Asian countries including Bahrain and other GCC countries and Iran amid the ongoing regional conflict.

Gulf's retail sector rises to the challenge amid war: Choithrams CEO

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Diversified sourcing strategies, alternative shipping routes and stronger coordination between logistics providers and government authorities have helped maintain continuity in the movement of essential goods, says Mark Mortimer-Davies, CEO of Choithrams, in an exclusive interview with TradeArabia's Sree Bhat.

Global losses from financial frauds top $422bn in 2025

Tue, 17 Mar 2026

Global losses related to financial fraud in 2025 alone have been estimated at $442 billion, according to an INTERPOL report, which highlighted that since 2024 such activities have increased 54%.

WIPO launches new AI Infrastructure Interchange to discuss IP issues

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) has announced the launch of a new initiative - AI Infrastructure Interchange - for expert dialogue on IP and AI issues that will focus on technical and operational issues and complement ongoing discussions at its other forums.

Makkah taxi fleet to be doubled this year

Tue, 17 Mar 2026

Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites plans to nearly double Makkah Taxi fleet capacity this year to around 1,600 vehicles, supported by the issuance of three new operating licences to taxi companies under its General Transport Center.

Alsayyah Group allocates $27.2m projects to support orphans initiative

Tue, 17 Mar 2026

Alsayyah Group, a leading UAE property developer, has allocated projects valued at AED100 million ($27.2 million) in support of the “Mother of the Nation Endowment for Orphans” campaign, launched by the Endowments and Minors’ Funds Authority - Awqaf Abu Dhabi under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.

Eid Al-Fitr prayers to be held in mosques only in UAE

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

The UAE General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments & Zakat has confirmed that Eid Al-Fitr prayers will not be held this year in open prayer grounds or outdoor spaces, and will instead be confined to mosques across the country in line with the measures adopted by the UAE to ensure the safety of its citizens and residents.

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