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Iran nuclear talks enter ‘final stage’ : Iran's Vienna gambit

The risk that the United Nations will re-impose the economic sanctions on Iran that were ended by the 2015 nuclear deal hangs over the presidency of hardliner Ebrahim Raisi like a sword of Damocles. This threat may be Raisi's strongest incentive to reach a compromise in the ongoing nuclear talks. By Djavad Salehi-Isfahani..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Iran nuclear talks enter ‘final stage’ : Iran's Vienna gambit

World’s ‘one-of-a-kind’ flying boat ‘THE JET’ set to launch in Dubai

A Switzerland based start-up has signed an agreement with a UAE based company to manufacture and operate ‘THE JET’ – the first clean-energy and hydrogen powered flying boat, the official WAM news agency reported on Sunday.THE JET ZeroEmission, a Switzerland based start-up, signed the agreement with Zenith Marine Services LLC, a UAE based company and DWYN LLC.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.The “one-of-a-kind-boat,” as described by THE JET, will be unveiled in Dubai.The agreement highlights Dubai’s leadership position in attracting future industries as its investment opportunities have encouraged innovative companies to fulfil global ambitions.‘THE JET’ features cutting-edge characteristics and technologies and is reportedly capable of flying in silence over waters at a cruising speed of 35-40 knots.The boat has a capacity of over six passengers and is equipped with two fuel cells and an air conditioner as well as other clean-tech; environmentally friendly technologies that help reduce carbon emissions.“We are pleased to make this announcement from Dubai, and be able to manufacture and launch ‘THE JET,’ which is going to be the world’s first boat to sail without noise, waves, or emissions and have the capability of flying 80 cm above the waters,” Alain Thébault, THE JET ZeroEmission founder, a 2009 world sailing speed record holder and electric Seabubbles prototypes inventor said.“Dubai is an ideal destination for innovators and companies from around the world to develop their innovative projects and reach their desired success, which is why we have announced ‘THE JET,’ a project that I had the privilege of conceiving with the team. We look forward to meeting with those interested in this amazing flying boat at the 28th International Climate Summit (COP28) that will be hosted in the UAE,” he added.The hydrogen-powered flying boat will be delivered to Dubai for a historic inaugural flight, during the next COP28 UAE preparatory meetings, which will be held in November 2023, according to WAM.Developing the renewable energy sector has been among the UAE’s strategic priorities as it views it as mandatory to sustainability.In 2015, Dubai launched the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to produce 75 percent of its energy requirements from clean sources by 2050.Read more:ADNOC named most valuable Emirati brand amidst OPEC’s global energy optimismUAE’s ENEC looking forward to becoming key player in hydrogen production: CEOUAE, Jordan, and Israel sign key pact to mitigate climate change
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: World’s ‘one-of-a-kind’ flying boat ‘THE JET’ set to launch in Dubai

Qimam Fellowship launches 2022 applications for Saudi Arabia’s university students

The Qimam Fellowship has officially launched its fifth edition and has opened applications for Saudi Arabia’s university students to join the 2022 program.The top-ranking leadership development program aims to nurture the Kingdom’s young talent.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.There were a record number of applications last year, with over 19,000 students applying to the program, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.Qimam fellows benefitted from world-class mentorship from leading experts in various fields while virtually networking with their peers and high-ranking officials. The program allowed them to keep pace with global developments in the labor market and ensured they were maximising their education and career potential.“Every person experiences unforgettable moments in their lives, and one of the most prominent moments for me was the Qimam Fellowship program. Qimam was exceptional in all its details. That is why Qimam was and continues to be superior to other programs at the regional level,” Abdulaziz Alogyel, class of 2021, said.Another student from class of 2021 said the program was not what he originally thought it would be.“Before joining Qimam, I thought the program would be a chance for me to gain knowledge and create relationships that come to an end at the close of the program,” Ahmad Alhesyani said. “However, I soon realized its wide scope and the bridges it builds across diverse backgrounds, creating relationships with strong bonds, and offering endless opportunities that continue to accompany me in every moment and everywhere I go.”The Qimam Fellowship program was founded by McKinsey & Company and Dr. Annas Abedin, a McKinsey alumnus and an entrepreneur, to tap into Saudi Arabia's promising young talent to help contribute to the Kingdom's transformation.Qimam was initially launched to discover, train, and prepare the students in the country with the right set of skills required to navigate today’s multifaceted and ever-changing world. Fellows are selected based on their academic performance, their level of initiative-taking outside of the classroom and their ideas and efforts in the field of social responsibility.The program has seen strong growth since its establishment in 2018, starting with 13,000 applicants in the first year and growing to over 65,000 applications to date, with more than half of the students who participated in the program being women.Students with a wide range of academic interests and experience apply from all over Saudi Arabia with an aim to further their careers.Through the program, fellows benefit from one-on-one mentorship from senior public and private sector leaders, leadership training by industry experts and professionals, and visits to the Saudi Arabian headquarters of top national and international companies. Those selected for the program can also take advantage of an exclusive membership in the Qimam Alumni Network and receive an award for completing the program in a widely attended and high-profile ceremony.All students in the Kingdom currently pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree, as well as Saudi nationals studying abroad, are eligible to apply by February 26, 2022. Following a stringent selection process, 50 participants will be notified of their acceptance by April 7 to join the two-week intensive program, which will run from June 21 to July 2, 2022.For 2022, Qimam has partnered with 40 local and international companies that share Qimam’s vision to empower Saudi Arabia’s promising university graduates and future leaders, including Al Arabiya news channel, BWM, Careem, Cisco and others.
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Qimam Fellowship launches 2022 applications for Saudi Arabia’s university students

Saudi Arabia records 4,211 COVID-19 cases, four deaths in 24 hours

Saudi Arabia has recorded 4,211 new COVID-19 cases and four virus-related deaths in the last 24 hours, according to the Kingdom’s Ministry of Health.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.A total of 687,264 cases and 8,940 deaths have now been recorded in Saudi Arabia since the beginning of the pandemic.In the last 24 hours, there were also 5,162 recoveries, bringing the total number to 640,353.Authorities in the Kingdom have now administered a total of 57,071,116 vaccine doses to the country’s population of around 35 million.Saudi Arabia recorded its first omicron case in early December, thought to have come from an undisclosed north African country.Case numbers soared in January as the omicron variant spread worldwide, reaching an all-time-high of 5,928 on January 19.Read more: Saudi Arabia records 3,669 COVID-19 cases, three deaths in 24 hoursCOVID-19 cases plateauing in parts of India but omicron still surgesUAE reports 2,545 COVID-19 cases, two new deaths in 24 hours
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Saudi Arabia records 4,211 COVID-19 cases, four deaths in 24 hours

UAE introduces federal tax on business profits from June 2023: Statement

The United Arab Emirates will introduce a federal corporate tax on business profits starting from June 1, 2023 for the first time, the Finance Ministry announced on Monday, but kept a low base to maintain its attractiveness for businesses.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.A ministry statement carried by state news agency WAM said the tax will be levied on all corporations and commercial activities in the country, except for the “extraction of natural resources” which will remain subject to taxation at the emirate level.The move comes as the oil producer continues to diversify sources of revenue away from oil revenue.In 2018, the UAE introduced value added tax on most goods and services at a standard rate of 5 percent.The ministry said the new regime implies a standard statutory tax rate of 9 percent, as well as a 0 percent rate for taxable profits up to 375,000 dirhams ($102,107.50) in order to support small businesses and startups.Businesses in the UAE, a regional financial hub, are exempted from paying taxes on capital gains and dividends received from shareholdings, it said.The new program left intact the exemption for individuals from income tax, capital gains tax on real estate and other investments, and other earnings that do not come from a business.The UAE corporate tax regime will continue to honor the corporate tax incentives currently being offered to free zone businesses that comply with all regulatory requirements and that do not conduct business with mainland UAE, the ministry said.Read more:UAE drafts new law on charity fundraising to combat money launderingUAE sets 4-year federal budget at 290 billion dirhams focused on social developmentDubai high earners keep more of their salary than anywhere else in world: Report
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: UAE introduces federal tax on business profits from June 2023: Statement