{"id":115576,"date":"2026-04-17T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-17T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/?p=115576"},"modified":"2026-04-17T02:49:19","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T02:49:19","slug":"this-morning-dubai-now-has-an-air-taxi-station-energy-infrastructure-repair-bill-balloons-to-usd-58-bn","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/uae\/2026\/04\/17\/this-morning-dubai-now-has-an-air-taxi-station-energy-infrastructure-repair-bill-balloons-to-usd-58-bn\/","title":{"rendered":"THIS MORNING: Dubai now has an air taxi station + Energy infrastructure repair bill balloons to USD 58 bn"},"content":{"rendered":"

A very good morning and happy FRIDAY to you all. <\/strong>We\u2019re feeling cheery because today is very much a good news type of day. <\/p>\n

Iran and the US seem likely to <\/strong>extend the ceasefire<\/a><\/strong> set to expire next Wednesday<\/strong>, with talks pointing to an extension that gives both sides time to iron out details for a comprehensive peace agreement. <\/p>\n

While that could take months \u2014 maybe up to six, sources in the know <\/strong>say<\/a><\/strong> \u2014 it at least avoids a return to conflict<\/strong> and offers a glimmer of hope that an interim agreement over the Strait of Hormuz could come soon. <\/p>\n

Global markets are cheering the news<\/strong> and feeling very optimistic \u2014 a bit too optimistic, policymakers say, as we write in this morning\u2019s Planet Finance, below. <\/p>\n

On the home front<\/strong>, debt markets also seem to be thawing, with analysts telling us spreads are tightening close to pre-war levels. Debt facilities for which bookbuilding had started before the war crossed the finish line, with Abu Dhabi developer Aldar raising a AED 5 bn revolving credit facility from a group of local, regional, and Asian banks. <\/p>\n

Plus: Abu Dhabi continues its M&A spree<\/strong> despite the backdrop, with National Holding\u2019s Emirates International Investment Company acquiring a stake in Joe & the Juice. <\/p>\n

In slightly less positive news, BMI is the latest to slash the UAE\u2019s growth forecast to 1.4% this year<\/strong> \u2014 provided the war lasts through May. <\/p>\n

PSA<\/p>\n

Schools might be back next week, but you won\u2019t be seeing any buses<\/strong> on the road: <\/strong>The Education Ministry is delaying the operation of school buses for now despite the return to in-person learning, according to an X post<\/a>. The ministry said the delay is meant to ensure that transport systems are ready and fully aligned with safety standards. The suspension will be reviewed on a weekly basis with the relevant authorities.<\/p>\n

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<\/a> The<\/strong> Federal Tax Authority is slashing a roster of admin and tax compliance-related penalties by more than half<\/strong> in a move aimed at boosting voluntary tax compliance and improving the ease of doing business in the UAE, state news agency Wam<\/a> reports. The changes, which took effect on 14 April, cover violations across VAT, excise tax, and broader tax procedures, with a clear tilt toward leniency for first-time and corrected errors.<\/p>\n

Fines cut across the board:<\/strong> <\/p>\n