Announcements

UAE to host IBBC conference about opportunities in Iraq this week

Published

2 years ago

December 10, 2024

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The Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC) is organizing the IBBC Autumn Conference ‘Growing Opportunities’, on December 13, 2024, at Taj Hotel Dubai. H.E. Abdullah Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy UAE, will grace the occasion to deliver the welcome address.

Talking about the conference, Christophe Michels, Director of IBBC said, “The IBBC Autumn Conference in Dubai 2024 offers unparalleled networking opportunities with top industry leaders and policymakers shaping the future of business in Iraq, UAE and beyond. Attendees will gain invaluable insights and strategies for success in one of the world’s most dynamic economic hubs.”

Iraq is undertaking the most significant expansion in thirty years as the stability in country improves with investment opportunities currently in the region of $400bn, in Infrastructure, housing, and the great Dry Road initiative from Al Faw port to Turkey. Iraq’s GDP is set to rise 5.3% in 2025 (IMF) and stock exchange funds up 17% this year. The national census has recorded 45 million people and is therefore the largest Middle East market.

UAE is also supporting the tech start up ecosystem in Iraq for a new incubator for AI and Fintech, set to be announced in 2025 .

The Conference is hosting most of Iraq’ s leading businesses, including key energy companies, BP, Shell, BGC, their construction partners like Wood group, KSA, GE, Siemens and Financial services giants like SC, IFC and Central Bank of Iraq.

Of note for UAE businesses is the emergence of a new Maritime agency, being developed by IBBCs maritime companies, that will serve the Al Fawr port and Iraq’s ambitions to trade more regionally. Mr Tugrul Titanoglu, CJ-ICM; Mr Ahmed Shaban, Chairman of the IBBC Maritime Committee; Dr Abduladheem Kareem Khalil, Iraq Supreme Maritime Authority;and Al Zaman group will all be present for conversations.

Education too, is evolving to meet the needs of a modern Iraq, and the Minster for higher education is speaking on a dedicated day 12th December, covering primary to higher level with a full house and UK and Iraqi Universities and schools attending.

Mr Vikas Handa, chairman of the conference, says, “For business and investors seeking growth Iraq offers strong returns in a stable environment and is affirming its position as a driver of Middle East opportunity. Meet the people making this happen on 12 and 13th December at the Taj Hotel. We welcome the UAE and all businesspeople.”

Related Topics:#dubaievent #ibbc #trending #uaeevent

Staff Reporter

Announcements

Small businesses in the UAE now have tax relief until 2029

Published

2 days ago

August 7, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Small businesses in the UAE with annual revenues of up to Dh3 million will continue to be eligible for Small Business Relief under the corporate tax regime until the end of 2029.

The Ministry of Finance said on Friday that Ministerial Decision No. 131 extends the period during which eligible businesses can benefit from Small Business Relief to cover tax periods ending on or before December 31, 2029.

The relief was introduced to help reduce the corporate tax compliance burden for smaller businesses and start-ups that meet the eligibility requirements.

Dh3 million threshold remains unchanged

The existing annual revenue threshold of Dh3 million, set under Ministerial Decision No. 73 of 2023, will continue to apply.

The relief applies to tax periods beginning on or after June 1, 2023 and, following the latest amendment, will remain available for subsequent tax periods ending on or before December 31, 2029.

Eligible taxable persons with annual revenue of up to Dh3 million can claim Small Business Relief, subject to meeting the conditions and requirements outlined in the corporate tax legislation.

The relief enables qualifying businesses to benefit from simplified corporate tax compliance requirements.

More time for small businesses

The extension provides eligible small businesses and start-ups with additional tax periods to benefit from the relief while continuing to meet the Dh3 million revenue threshold.

The Ministry said the decision is part of its efforts to support smaller companies and entrepreneurs, strengthen the business environment, and encourage sustainable growth and expansion.

Announcements

August fuel rates announced: UAE petrol prices go up

Published

1 week ago

July 31, 2026

Michael Gomes

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UAE motorists will pay more at the pump from Saturday after the UAE Fuel Price Committee announced higher petrol and diesel prices for August 2026.

The revised rates, which take effect from August 1, are:

Super 98: Dh3.60 per litre (up from Dh3.40)
Special 95: Dh3.49 per litre (up from Dh3.29)
E-Plus 91: Dh3.41 per litre (up from Dh3.21)
Diesel: Dh3.80 per litre (up from Dh3.60)

The increase reverses July’s price reduction and comes after volatility in global oil markets during the past month.

The UAE Fuel Price Committee reviews retail fuel prices at the end of each month, with rates determined in line with movements in international oil markets.

The new prices will remain in effect throughout August 2026.

Announcements

UAE’s Jaywan card can now be used for online shopping on thousands of websites

Published

3 weeks ago

July 21, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Online shopping with the UAE’s Jaywan card just got a major upgrade.

Network International has announced that Jaywan cardholders can now use their cards to pay on thousands of online stores connected to its payment gateway, expanding the domestic payment scheme beyond in-store purchases.

The move is expected to make online payments faster and more convenient while supporting the UAE’s push towards a cashless economy.

What is Jaywan?

Launched by Al Etihad Payments, a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE, Jaywan is the country’s domestic payment card scheme.

It was introduced to provide a secure local payment option, reduce transaction costs and strengthen the UAE’s digital payments ecosystem.

Until now, Jaywan cards were mainly accepted for in-store purchases. With the latest expansion, cardholders can also use them for online shopping across thousands of merchants powered by Network International.

What this means for shoppers

For UAE residents, the update means more flexibility when shopping online.

Whether you’re ordering groceries, booking services or buying products online, you’ll be able to use your Jaywan card anywhere that supports Network International’s payment gateway.

The company says the integration offers secure, fast and seamless online payments, while merchants won’t face additional charges for Jaywan transactions processed through its platform.

A step towards a cashless UAE

The expansion is part of the UAE’s broader strategy to accelerate digital payments and reduce reliance on cash.

By making Jaywan available both in stores and online, payment providers are helping create a more connected digital payment ecosystem for businesses and consumers alike.

As more banks, merchants and payment providers adopt the scheme, residents can expect to see Jaywan accepted across even more everyday payment services in the future.