logo
Foreign bank penalised for violating UAE regulations

Foreign bank penalised for violating UAE regulations

Dubai Eye4 days ago
The branch of a foreign bank operating in the UAE has been fined AED 600,000 for failing to comply with market conduct and consumer protection regulations.
The penalty follows an inspection by the Central Bank, which found violations of UAE banking standards.
The action was taken under Article 137 of the Federal Law No. 14 of 2018, governing financial institutions.
Authorities say the move is part of ongoing efforts to uphold transparency and integrity across the country's financial sector.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Etihad Reaches Unprecedented 20 Million Passenger Landmark
Etihad Reaches Unprecedented 20 Million Passenger Landmark

Arabian Post

timea day ago

  • Arabian Post

Etihad Reaches Unprecedented 20 Million Passenger Landmark

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Etihad Airways has surpassed the 20 million annual passenger mark for the first time, boosted by strong first-quarter profit and rising customer satisfaction. The airline's operating fleet now exceeds 100 aircraft as it intensifies its global expansion and pursues ambitious 2030 targets. Etihad posted a Q1 profit after tax of AED 685 million, a 30 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Total revenue rose 15 per cent, supported by growth in both passenger and cargo operations. Passenger revenue alone increased by 16 per cent to AED 5.5 billion, reflecting stronger demand and enhanced flight frequency. The carrier flew 5 million passengers in the quarter, a 16 per cent jump year‑on‑year, with a solid load factor of 87 per cent. ADVERTISEMENT Over the past 12 months, Etihad has carried more than 20 million guests—doubling its annual passenger figures in just 30 months—and is now regarded as the fastest-growing airline in the region. Chief Executive Antonoaldo Neves described this milestone as evidence of 'sustained growth driven by expanding demand, a dynamic global network, and a clear strategic focus'. Customer satisfaction surged to record highs, with Q1 scores up 20 per cent versus a year ago. The airline attributed this to refreshed lounge and inflight menus, improved digital services, high-speed Wi‑Fi, and a revamped website and mobile app. Etihad's fleet currently comprises over 100 aircraft, including the return of its seventh Airbus A380 and the delivery of a Boeing 787‑9 with an Emirati crew, alongside its first of three Airbus A350‑1000s. A further 18 aircraft are expected in 2025, highlighted by the introduction of the A321LR narrow‑body fleet on 1 August, which will feature private First Suites, lie‑flat Business seats, 4K entertainment screens, and high‑speed Wi‑Fi across all cabins. The airline has added 27 new routes so far in 2025 and plans to operate nearly 90 destinations by year‑end. These network additions form part of Etihad's longer-term strategy to expand its global footprint to over 125 destinations and grow its fleet to more than 170 aircraft, with the aim of carrying 38 million passengers annually by 2030. Operational efficiency gains also strengthened Etihad's balance sheet. EBITDA rose 32 per cent to AED 1.4 billion, yielding a 21 per cent margin, while net leverage improved to 1.1×, down from 1.9× in March 2024. Cash flow from operations reached AED 1.8 billion, an 11 per cent improvement. These developments follow a broader resurgence at Etihad. The carrier turned around from consecutive annual losses of recent years to report a record USD 476 million profit in 2024, flying 18.5 million passengers that year—a 32 per cent increase—and generating revenue of nearly USD 6.9 billion. The Q1 results affirm progress in cost optimisation, network rationalisation and fleet modernisation initiated under CEO Neves since taking the helm in 2022 under Abu Dhabi sovereign fund ADQ. Looking ahead, Etihad plans to sustain delivery of 20-plus new aircraft annually, including further Boeing 787s and Airbus A350s, to meet projected demand. It is also preparing infrastructure and service upgrades connected to Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport, whose terminal expansion tripled annual capacity to 45 million passengers, reinforcing the city's role as a global hub. On the route front, 16 further destinations have been announced for 2025, complementing an already swift rollout of 27 new routes. The A321LR rollout from August will unlock First Class on single‑aisle sectors, with an upgraded passenger experience including concierge transfers, chauffeur services and luggage‑free travel in Abu Dhabi. Etihad's turnaround, driven by disciplined execution of its 'Journey 2030' strategy, has paid off. With record profits, growing customer satisfaction and a fleet age structure among the youngest globally, the airline is moving ahead of Gulf competitors as a stronger, customer‑centric global carrier.

Arada Eyes $500 Million Sukuk to Fuel Gulf Land Acquisitions
Arada Eyes $500 Million Sukuk to Fuel Gulf Land Acquisitions

Arabian Post

timea day ago

  • Arabian Post

Arada Eyes $500 Million Sukuk to Fuel Gulf Land Acquisitions

Arada Developments, the Sharjah-based property developer, is preparing to raise up to $500 million via an Islamic bond as it joins a wave of Gulf real estate firms turning to debt markets to fund expansion. The group plans to launch the issuance next week to finance new land purchases and capitalise on a construction surge across the United Arab Emirates. The proposed sukuk issue represents a strategic step for Arada to strengthen its position amid intensified regional economic diversification efforts and an escalating boom in property development across the UAE. With past sukuk issuances drawing strong demand, the company aims to repeat that success to secure favourable financing terms. Arada previously issued a $400 million sukuk in June 2024 under its $1 billion programme, followed by a $150 million tap in September that attracted an order book exceeding $1.45 billion. In September 2022, the firm also issued a benchmark $500 million debut sukuk, tightening from initial guidance and attracting strong investor interest. ADVERTISEMENT Regional corporate sukuk issuance has surged, offsetting a dip in sovereign debt. LSEG data show corporate bond and sukuk sales climbed 52% year‑on‑year in the GCC during the first five months of 2025, even as total issuance fell overall. UAE debt issuance grew in the first half of 2025, although green bond and sukuk volumes declined sharply. Within the UAE, developers such as Sobha Realty and Omniyat also issued $500 million sukuk in May, highlighting strong appetite in the Islamic finance market for real estate funding. The overall trend underlines a rising preference for sharia‑compliant financing instruments to support both corporate needs and state diversification agendas. Founded in 2017 by Sharjah's deputy ruler Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi and Saudi Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, Arada has rapidly scaled its presence in Sharjah and Dubai, launching developments valued at AED 60 billion and exploring international expansion into Australia. The company also plans to enter the Australian market fully by the end of 2025. Arada's prior promises to land acquisitions and project funding seem to extend with this latest sukuk. The proceeds will directly support the acquisition of new land parcels, ensuring the company can sustain its pipeline of projects including township developments, wellness‑focused residential schemes and branded hospitality offerings. The firm's decision to revert to debt markets follows its move early this month to seek approval for modifications to financial covenants on its existing $500 million trust certificates due 2027. Arada sought to raise leverage limits—net indebtedness to equity and EBITDA ratios—from current 1.5:1 and 3.0:1 to 2.0:1 and 4.0:1 respectively—prompting a consent solicitation that attracted strong holder engagement. A meeting on July 23 in London will finalise this vote. While global uncertainties—from oil price swings to geopolitical tensions—have weighed on capital markets, Gulf property developers have continued to tap sukuk issuance to spread costs and manage growth. Analysts argue that solid investor interest, particularly from Asia, sovereign wealth diversification and the Emirates' push into non‑oil sectors have sustained this demand.

China moves to encourage foreign reinvestment as FDI slumps
China moves to encourage foreign reinvestment as FDI slumps

Zawya

time2 days ago

  • Zawya

China moves to encourage foreign reinvestment as FDI slumps

BEIJING - China has unveiled new measures to encourage overseas investors to reinvest their profits within the country, its latest efforts to reverse a decline in foreign direct investment. China has in recent months taken a series of measures to boost foreign investment, including opening more sectors to overseas investors, as rising trade tensions due to U.S. tariffs cloud the country's economic outlook. Foreign direct investment in China totalled 358.2 billion yuan ($50 billion) from January to May, down 13.2% from the same period last year, data issued by the commerce ministry showed. Foreign investors are encouraged to reinvest in China, including setting up new firms, increasing capital in existing companies and acquiring shares in Chinese firms, according to a notice issued by several government agencies. The agencies include the state planner, the finance ministry and the commerce ministry and the central bank. China has already introduced tax incentives to encourage foreign companies to reinvest profits earned in the country. Local governments will establish project databases for reinvestment by foreigners and provide project services and support, according to the notice. China will also support foreign investors in using flexible methods such as long-term leasing of industrial land, lease-before-transfer when reinvesting, to help reduce land costs, the agencies said. To further ease investment processes, approval procedures for foreign shareholder loans and Panda Bonds required for eligible reinvestment by foreign firms will be simplified, according to the notice. China's financial institutions have also been tasked with developing innovative products and services to support reinvestment by foreign enterprises, it said. ($1 = 7.1794 Chinese yuan renminbi)

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store