Australian Authorities have cleared the proposal of Abu Dhabi based Etihad Airways to buy stake in Virgin Australia. Etihad Airways expects better revenue and strengthened position with higher stake in Virgin Australia.

The increase in number of commercial licenses issued in Abu Dhabi point towards a higher commercial activity. The number of commercial licenses issued in first quarter of 2012 crossed 2000 mark.

The total number of commercial licenses issued has reached 105,953. 17,866 business owners renewed their commercial licenses during first quarter. 2161 new licenses were issued during the first quarter.

Abu Dhabi Media and BSkyB joint venture Sky News Arabia kicked off with 24-hour Arabic news channel.

Based in Abu Dhabi, Sky News Arabia will compete with Al-Jazeera and Dubai based Al-Arabiya.

Sky News Arabia Chairman Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber said that the region needs more coverage and with rising number of subscribers in the region, the timing to launch a new channel seems perfect.

The new tented cruise terminal at Mina Zayed, UAE would be able to accommodate 1300 passengers and it would provide a new shape to traffic management at the airport. The terminal developed by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, (ADTA), in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Ports Company has been designed for the 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 cruise seasons.

Michael Jackson's sister Janet Jackson's recent show at the Yas Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE, was enough to prove her mastery. The emotional audience welcomed the star from the core of heart and enjoyed her performance lasted till mid night in a very simplistic set with no visual trickery.

Etihad Airways, Abu Dhabi based Airline that faced a large number of challenges of the global market amid recessionary fear prevailing in the region over western debt woes, hoped that though time will over very soon and the firm will return to profit.

The visiting Japanese minister of energy, trade and industry hoped that its relations with Gulf region nations would continue to grow with passage of time. The minister confirmed positive response from Abu Dhabi regarding the renewal of oil concessions in the United Arab Emirates.