Business jet departures in the UAE grew 102.2 percent over five years to reach 5,475 flights, according to Honeywell Aerospace data. The expansion is driving increased regional demand for aircraft maintenance, fleet management, and avionics upgrades. Saudi Arabia also recorded 3,727 business jet departures over the same period, representing 42.2 percent growth.
The United States has threatened secondary sanctions against buyers of Iranian crude and confirmed warning letters were issued to two Chinese banks. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated Washington anticipates a pause in Chinese crude purchases as an American naval blockade on Iran takes effect. The Treasury Department also placed new sanctions on more than two dozen individuals, entities, and vessels tied to Iranian oil transport.
Eight Sleep announced that its smart bed technology has been approved as a medical device in Abu Dhabi to support the at-home diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea. The regulatory clearance follows a Health Technology Assessment conducted by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi. Physicians in the emirate can now prescribe the system to calculate Apnea-Hypopnea Index scores based on continuous at-home biometric monitoring.
The UAE Federal Tax Authority, in collaboration with Planet, has launched an artificial intelligence-powered digital platform for tourist Value Added Tax (VAT) refunds. Operational across major airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, the paperless system uses facial recognition to process claims. The upgrade reduces tourist refund distribution times from roughly nine days to one business day.
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