Saeed Ghanem Al Suwaidi, member of SCI’s board of directors, highlighted the campaign’s core mission: Fostering solidarity and mutual support within society. The Joud campaign will aid both local and international families and vulnerable groups through a series of charitable initiatives designed to enhance dignity and promote communal charity.

Campaign initiatives
Iftar meal distribution: Nearly one million Iftar meals will be distributed throughout Ramadan. This includes 870,000 meals within the UAE and Ramadan baskets for more than 25,000 beneficiaries in Sharjah.
Zakat and Eid clothing: Zakat Al Mal and Zakat Al Fitr will be distributed, alongside Eid clothing for 3,000 beneficiaries. In addition, 17,000 Zakat Al Fitr packages will be given to those in need.
Medical and humanitarian aid: SCI has allocated Dh4 million for patient treatment and Dh1 million for home restorations for needy families. The campaign also includes global humanitarian efforts such as building water networks and providing medical care in remote regions.
Abdullah Sultan bin Khadem, Executive Director, SCI, said that the Dh136 million raised through the campaign will directly benefit 1.1 million people. He expressed heartfelt thanks to donors and partners who make such initiatives possible.

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Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, said that these record-breaking results reflect the airport’s status as a global hub for air transport and logistics. He attributed this success to Sharjah Airport’s commitment to providing top-tier services and pioneering travel experiences aligned with its strategic plan to accommodate 25 million passengers annually by 2027.
Al Midfa added that the SAA continues to prioritize enhancing airport facilities, streamlining operations, and promoting sustainability in alignment with the UAE’s aviation sector goals. “This includes expanding partnerships with airlines and launching new travel destinations to meet the needs of passengers,” he said.

Faisal Bin Saoud Al Qassimi, Director of the SAA, also highlighted the airport’s role in driving Sharjah’s tourism and economic growth, supported by advanced infrastructure and robust governance.
Cargo operations
Cargo volumes witnessed an astounding 38.6 per cent growth, reaching 195,909 tons in 2024 compared to 141,358 tons in 2023. The airport handled 14,035 tons through sea-air cargo operations, reinforcing its role as a key logistics hub.

Sharjah Airport significantly enhanced its air cargo efficiency, attracting new airlines. Kenya Airways began cargo operations from Kenya, Somalia, and Tanzania, while UPS initiated weekly routes connecting the Far East, Sharjah, and Europe. The statement said that Tanzania Airlines launched regular flights from Dar es Salaam through Kenya to Sharjah, and Qatar Airways Cargo inaugurated cargo routes between Doha and Sharjah.

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Organized by the Sharjah Youth and Sharjah Girls Association, and approved during the 37th Committee of Ministers of Youth and Sports meeting in the GCC, the program reflects the pioneering efforts of the Rubu’ Qarn Foundation for Creating Leaders and Innovators. Through its various workshops, training sessions, and field visits, participants explored Sharjah’s developmental projects, promoting constructive cooperation and leadership development.

The Omani delegation included Awsaf bint Ali Al Hosni, Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Azizi, Younis bin Juma Al Hakmani, Al Waleed bin Khalid Al Ali, and Hazza bin Eid Al Muqbali. They joined their peers from across the Gulf in honing essential skills, ranging from social and digital acumen to sustainability and effective communication.

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The committee deliberated on 15 key Gulf projects under the 2024 plan, targeting fields such as agricultural irrigation, solar energy systems, and petroleum measurement technologies.
Particular emphasis was placed on digital transformation and artificial intelligence, including the development of standards for industrial robots and electric vehicle charging equipment. Discussions also touched on pioneering calibration and remote sensing technologies, such as space-borne microwave radiation measuring devices.
Faiza bint Hamad Al Musharfi, Director of the National Centre for Measurement and Calibration and Chairperson of the Gulf Technical Committee, highlighted Oman’s pivotal role in unifying Gulf standards. She said that these efforts align with international and local benchmarks, facilitating trade and driving sustainable economic development through expertise and best practices.

She added that the GCC nations are steadfast in their pursuit of economic and industrial integration, ensuring projects align with the region’s future visions and enhancing cooperation on Gulf specifications and standards.

The meeting underscores the region’s commitment to fostering innovation, sustainability, and economic growth through unified standards.

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The workshop aimed to facilitate bilateral meetings between international tourism companies from Asian and European markets and their counterparts in Oman. It is expected to foster partnerships that will promote Oman as a premier destination for golf tourism. The event also seeks to introduce Oman’s key tourism offerings and strengthen collaborations that will drive the growth of this emerging sector.
The program includes tours of some of the Sultanate’s most iconic tourist destinations, including key attractions in Muscat Governorate, North Al Sharqiyah Governorate, and Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate, giving international partners a firsthand look at the diverse tourism experiences Oman has to offer. The goal is to position the Sultanate of Oman as a distinguished global destination for golf tourism, capitalizing on its unique natural beauty and exceptional golf courses.

According to Khalid Mohammed Al Azri, Director of the Tourism Patterns Department at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the workshop is a key milestone for one of the most promising sectors of tourism in Oman—golf tourism. The Sultanate’s distinctive natural features make it an ideal destination for golf enthusiasts, he added.

He further emphasised Oman’s world-class golf courses, including Al Mouj Golf Course, La Vie Golf Course, Ras Al Hamra Golf Course, Ghala Golf Course, and Jebel Sifah Golf Course. These courses offer a unique combination of modern designs and stunning landscapes, providing not only a space for golfers but a complete experience of sports and leisure. The Sultanate’s mild climate throughout most of the year further enhances its appeal as a golf destination.

Highlighting Oman’s strategic location, Al Azri noted that its accessibility via a well-connected airline network makes it an attractive option for visitors from Europe, Asia, and beyond. He also pointed out that Oman offers a rich cultural experience, allowing golf tourists to indulge in the sport while exploring the country’s authentic heritage.

Al Azri stressed the broader benefits of investing in golf tourism, stating that it contributes not only to the promotion of sports tourism but also to the diversification of Oman’s economy and the creation of job opportunities for Omani youth. “We are working closely with our partners, including travel companies, international organizations like IAGTO, and hotel establishments, to provide an exceptional experience for all visitors,” he added.

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In the event that a travel or tourism service provider fails to deliver services as agreed, the Authority has outlined that providers are obligated to take corrective action. These actions include either re-performing the service properly, offering compensation for the shortfall in service, or providing a full refund to the consumer.This reminder aims to ensure that consumers receive the services they were promised and that their rights are protected.

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His Excellency Abdullah Al-Yahya, Kuwait’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the summit’s agenda, which includes discussions on strategic partnerships, cybersecurity, and advancing electrical and railway connectivity between member states.

Kuwaiti media underscored the significance of the summit. Al-Rai newspaper reflected on the GCC’s 43-year legacy of unity and achievement, celebrating its regional and international impact. The publication hailed the summit’s slogan, “The Future is Gulf,” as a beacon of optimism for Gulf citizens and a reflection of the region’s aspirations.
Prominent writer Misfer Al-Nais called for unity, noting the summit’s timing during a period of heightened challenges for the Middle East.

The preparatory meeting for the summit laid the groundwork, with GCC ministers and officials reviewing progress from the 44th summit in Qatar and deliberating on key reports, strategic relations, and pressing international developments.

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The report released by MSX pointed out that the market value went down by 0.196 percent to reach about RO 27.33 billion.

The report added that the value of shares bought by non-Omani investors reached RO 740,000, comprising 8.64 percent. The value of shares sold by non-Omani investors reached RO 2,383,000, comprising 27.82 percent. The net non-Omani investment decreased by 19.18 percent to RO 1,643,000.

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The arrests were part of joint field security campaigns conducted between November 14 and November 20, involving multiple government agencies and security forces.
The detainees included 11,336 individuals accused of violating residency regulations, 5,176 for breaching border security laws and 3,184 for labour law violations.

Among them, 1,547 people were apprehended while attempting to enter Saudi Arabia illegally. Of these, 32 per cent were Yemeni nationals, 65 per cent Ethiopian nationals and the rest from other countries. Additionally, 71 individuals were caught attempting to leave the Kingdom unlawfully.
Authorities also arrested 22 individuals accused of facilitating violations, including transporting, sheltering, or employing illegal residents. The Ministry reported that 22,658 expatriates — 19,651 men and 3,007 women — are currently undergoing legal procedures.

Of those detained, 15,134 individuals have been referred to their respective diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents, 2,656 are finalizing travel arrangements, and 10,666 have already been deported.
The Ministry of Interior warned the public that anyone found helping illegal entry or residency — whether by providing transportation, shelter, or other assistance — faces severe penalties. These include up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to SR1 million ($266,000), and the confiscation of vehicles or property used in such activities.

The ministry also urged residents to report violations by calling 911 in Mecca, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 and 996 in other regions across the Kingdom.

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The holiday will apply to employees across the State’s Administrative Apparatus, public sector entities, private companies and other legal establishments.The Ministry of Labour issued a statement, allowing employers the option to keep operations running during the holiday, if necessary, provided that employees are properly compensated for their work.
The directive aims to balance the celebration of National Day with the operational needs of businesses, ensuring flexibility for both employers and workers while honouring the national spirit.

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On Monday, the Sharjah-based airline announced its financial and operational results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2024.

Airline revenues soared to Dh1.78 billion during Q3 2024, compared to the Dh1.62 billion it posted in the third quarter of last year.

Furthermore, the airline achieved a turnover of Dh1.78 billion, marking a 10% increase compared to the third quarter of last year.

Moreover, from July to September this year, the airline said in a statement that over 5.1 million passengers travelled with Air Arabia Group across its operating hubs, reflecting an 8% increase from the 4.7 million passengers carried in the same quarter of the previous year.
The airline’s average seat load factor — representing the percentage of available seats occupied — increased by 2%, reaching 81% during Q3 2024.
Navigating risks
Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammad Al Thani, Chairman of Air Arabia, said, “The aviation industry continued to face geopolitical and economic challenges in the third quarter, as airlines navigated airspace restrictions in parts of the region, leading to route adjustments and in some cases, flight suspensions.”

He added, “The industry continued to manage inflationary pressures prompted by the ongoing supply chain challenges, currency fluctuations, and fuel price volatility.”
Despite these factors, the airline successfully expanded its network, increased operating capacity, and maintained a strong operating margin, said Sheikh Thani.

“This achievement highlights the resilience of our business model and the strength of our management team,” he added.

First 9 months
That said, for the first nine months of this year, Air Arabia has posted net profits of Dh1.25 billion, reflecting a 5% decrease from the Dh 1.32 billion recorded in 2023. The airline achieved a turnover of Dh4.98 billion, marking a 12% increase compared to the Dh4.45 billion registered in the first nine months of last year.
Over 14 million passengers travelled with Air Arabia across its hubs during this period, representing a 13% growth compared to the number of passengers carried in the same period last year. The airline’s average seat load factor rose by 2%, reaching 82% for the first nine months of 2024.

The airline’s liquidity remained strong during the first nine months of the year, with Dh4.9 billion in cash and cash equivalent.

Al Thani stated, “Throughout the first nine months of 2024, we maintained a strong commitment to growth across all areas of our business and operations. This included expanding our fleet, introducing new routes, and increasing flight frequencies across our operating hubs.” The company chairman said the airline remains committed to strategic growth, disciplined cost management, and delivering exceptional value to its customers for the rest of the year.
Fleet growth
During the first nine months of the year, Air Arabia added six new aircraft to its fleet, bringing its total to 77 owned and leased Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft.

The carrier also expanded its network by launching 22 new routes across its operating hubs in the UAE, Morocco, Egypt, and Pakistan.

Air Arabia has also integrated and deployed phase one of its enhanced fuel management system to further manage and optimise fuel efficiency across the group, which will eventually lead to further emissions reductions.

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The victims – all Emiratis – suffered moderate to severe injuries. The Air Wing of the General Department of Security Support at the Ministry of Interior was called in to rush some of the injured to hospital.
On Friday afternoon, Sharjah Police’s operations room received a report of a four-vehicle collision on Emirates Road, near Al Badiya Bridge towards Bridge No. 7. The crash resulted in injuries to drivers and passengers. Police and National Ambulance teams promptly arrived at the scene.
Lieutenant Colonel Abdullah Al Mandhari, head of the Traffic and Patrols Department at Sharjah Police, attributed the accident to excessive speed and distracted driving. These two violations are the primary causes of most traffic accidents, he added.

Lt Col Al Mandhari highlighted the importance of obeying traffic laws and staying focused while driving, noting that adherence to these rules greatly reduces the risk of accidents that can lead to significant loss of life and property.

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The Met office issued red and yellow alerts across coastal and internal areas for fog until 9am.According to the National Center of Meteorology (NCM) fog was reported over Madinat Hind in Dubai, Khalifa College, Remah, Al Khtam road towards Al Khaznah, and Sweihan regions in Al Ain, over Liwa road towards Madinat Zayed, Mukhayriz, Tal Al Sarab, Bu Hamra, and Hamim road in Al Dhafra region.

Foggy conditions were also reported over Al Maktoum International Airport, over Al Arjan, Al Ajban, and Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi.Motorists were urged to drive carefully due to fog formation causing a deterioration in horizontal visibility. It is reported to drop even further at times, over some coastal and internal areas until 9am, today.According to the NCM, partly cloudy conditions are to expected at times, with humidity by night in some coastal and internal areas.

The maximum temperatures in the internal regions of the country are expected to be between 31 and 37 degree Celsius, while the lowest temperatures are expected to be between 17 and 22 degree Celsius in the internal regions of the UAE. Light to moderate winds are to be expected with the speed reaching up to 30km/hr.

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The deal is expected to be officially signed in the first half of next year.

In September, the two companies entered a non-binding agreement and are currently undergoing a due diligence process for a potential merger, which will also require regulatory approval.

Under the terms of the agreement, Maaden would sell its entire stake in Maaden Aluminium Co. and Maaden Bauxite and Alumina Co. to Alba in exchange for newly issued shares, as reported by Saudi financial news portal Argaam.com.

Alba’s shares, which are listed in Bahrain, will also be cross-listed on the Saudi stock exchange. In September, Maaden acquired a 20.6 per cenrt stake in Alba from Saudi Basic Industries Corp. (Sabic) for around $1 billion (Dh3.67 billion).
Aluminium is a key component in products ranging from beverage cans to electric vehicle batteries. However, its production is highly energy-intensive, producing just one ton requires roughly 14,000 kilowatt-hours of energy, which is equivalent to the amount of power consumed by the average UK household over five years.

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“As of November 4, 2024, Carrefour will cease all its operations in Jordan and will not continue to operate within the Kingdom,” said Carrefour Jordan in a Facebook statement. “We thank our customers for their support and apologize for any inconvenience this decision may cause.” The Jordanian branch of the BDS movement celebrated the news, calling Carrefour’s exit a ‘victory for the Jordanian people’ in an Instagram post.

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SNOC said it would enter into a new area of business with the completion of this project phase and will help balance the gas supply and demand for Sharjah to meet the required supply flexibility for the Emirate’s power sector.
Hatem Al Mosa, CEO of SNOC, said, “The completion of this project is an outstanding achievement considering the local and international supply chain challenges we met during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. It was completed without any operational, safety or environmental incidents.”

He added, “The timely launch of this project is a major new business development activity for SNOC. It will allow us to store excess gas in the winter to satisfy the UAE’s summer peak electricity demand and provide a readily available strategic reserve for energy security, allowing us to respond to unexpected operational or market challenges.”
He added, “The next phase of this project could potentially increase capacity up to four times its current level and can serve the whole of the UAE, and not only Sharjah.”

The second phase concluded with the successful execution of Underbalanced Coil Tubing Drilling (UBCTD) well simulations, a technique in which horizontal legs are drilled in existing wells, thereby enhancing the accessibility of the reservoir, explained SNOC.

The implementation of this technique has substantially improved well performance while significantly lowering the required injection pressure, leading to considerable cost savings, it said.

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As Yango marks its sixth year in the Middle East, the company said in a statement that this expansion strengthens its dedication to advancing digital transformation in the region’s mobility sector. Since its launch, Yango said it has connected over one million drivers with passengers and facilitated over 630 million rides worldwide.
In addition to Oman, Yango has extended its footprint to cities such as Beira in Mozambique, Korhogo in Côte d’Ivoire, Solwezi in Zambia, and Rabat and Tangier in Morocco as well. Recently, Yango introduced a city taxi service in Abu Dhabi, which was developed in partnership with the Integrated Transport Centre’s Abu Dhabi Mobility initiative.

Islam Abdul Karim, Regional Head of Yango Middle East, said, “Our focus extends beyond business growth to the future of smart cities. With AI-driven innovations, Yango aims to improve quality of life and contribute to urban development, aligning with initiatives like We the Emirates 2031. We’re excited to continue delivering convenient, personalised, culturally relevant experiences across the Middle East.”
In Dubai, Yango also launched Yango Rides for Business, which offers corporate transport for SMEs and large enterprises. The service has already transported over 150,000 people and supported more than 2,000 businesses across four countries. Additionally, the Yango app integrates public transport options and Yango Drive, a car rental service featuring over 3,500 vehicles available for personal and business use.

This year, Yango Group unveiled Yasmina, an Arabic-speaking AI assistant and smart home hub designed with cultural sensitivity for Middle Eastern audiences. Expanding its digital ecosystem, Yango Group has introduced Yango Maps for navigation, YangoAds for tech-driven advertising solutions, and Yango Robotics for AI-enhanced warehouse automation.

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Here is your guide to paying for parking in the emirate.What are the two zones?
There are two parking zones in Sharjah – standard parking zone and the seven-day parking zones. While both have the same parking charges, the timings for both are different.

Standard parking zone – 8am to 10pm, Saturday to Thursday
Seven-day parking zone – 8am to 12 midnight, including Fridays and public holidays

You can identify the seven-day parking zones from the blue information signs that are placed there.How much does the parking cost in Sharjah?

• Dh2 for one hour
• Dh5 for two hours
• Dh8 for three hours
• Dh12 for five hours

Note: While the cost for parking is the same, regardless of which zone you park in, how you pay for it can add to the cost. For example, if you are using the mParking option, you will need to factor in a 38 fils per SMS fee. Also, if you pay on an hourly basis, you can save a few dirhams, but run the risk of getting a fine if you do not renew the ticket on time.
Different ways to pay for parking

1. Parking metres – these are placed in all parking areas, and you can pay for parking using cash.
2. mParking – send an sms to 5566 in the following format: Plate sourcePlate numberhours

For plate source, you need to put in the emirate where the car is registered in the following format – Sharjah: SHJ, Dubai: DXB, Abu Dhabi: AUD, Ras Al Khaimah: RAK, Ajman: AJM, Fujairah: FUJ, Umm Al Qaiwain: UAQ

Additional charges of 38fils per SMS apply.

3. Digital Sharjah – You can also pay for the parking, and renew it, online through the Digital Sharjah app, using your phone wallet or credit card. This option helps you save on the extra service charges that come with mParking.
4. Parking permit – Another option that is available to you is getting a monthly parking permit, if you regularly visit certain areas in Sharjah. The permit allows you to park in two zones of your choice, and you can apply for one-month, three-months, six-month and yearly permit. Find out more here.

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The FII conference in Riyadh is running until October 31.

Among the agreements, NBK partnered with Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power on a framework agreement valued at approximately $690 million (Dh2.5 billion) to facilitate ACWA Power’s expansion both domestically and internationally, according to KUNA.

Additionally, the Kuwaiti bank entered into credit facilities agreements with several other Saudi companies.

NBK emphasised that these agreements reflect its commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic transformation strategy.

Saudi Vision 2030 is a governmental programme launched in 2016 with the aim of diversifying the economy away from oil.

The FII is an annual investment conference organised by Saudi Arabia to promote Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s economic vision and to showcase the country’s growing influence in the global economy.

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