UAE Government rated 'AA' with a 'stable outlook': Fitch Ratings

Agencies
November 12, 2020

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Abu Dhabi, Nov 12: Fitch Ratings Inc, the US credit rating agency, has rated the federal government of the UAE at -AA with a stable outlook.

The move reflects the creditworthiness of the federal government entities and their vibrant resilience to draw plans necessary for sustainable growth while maintaining the highest performance standards for credit control backed by a large group of factors of strength.

The UAE's strong rating score at this important time underscores the state's great ability to overcome economic challenges and develop creative economic, financial and monetary policies that enabled it to weather the current Covid-19 crisis.

Fitch’s rating is based on 18 indexes that measure the economic, financial, banking and monetary sectors in addition to balance of payment and foreign trade.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, hailed the news on Twitter.

“According to Fitch Ratings, the UAE Federal government has achieved rating at 'AA'- with a stable outlook, becoming among the highest in the region. Our rational fiscal and monetary policies are key to the financial stability in the country. My thanks to all work teams in the Federal government for this achievement,” Sheikh Mohammed tweeted.

Fitch Ratings Inc, the US credit rating agency, has rated the federal government of the UAE at -AA with a Stable Outlook.

The move reflects the creditworthiness of the federal government entities and their vibrant resilience to draw plans necessary for sustainable growth while maintaining the highest performance standards for credit control backed by a large group of factors of strength.

The UAE's strong rating score at this important time underscores the state's great ability to overcome economic challenges and develop creative economic, financial and monetary policies that enabled it to weather the current Covid-19 crisis.

Fitch’s rating is based on 18 indexes that measure the economic, financial, banking and monetary sectors in addition to balance of payment and foreign trade.

Commenting on the landmark credit rating achievement, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, affirmed that many elements have been behind the UAE's strong credit rating, on top of which comes the "effectiveness of strategies and policies for the economic, financial and credit sectors, in addition to government institutions’ strong and disciplined performance”.

Sheikh Hamdan added: "The UAE adopts an advanced method and an integrated approach to manage its public finances through the governance of all dimensions of the financial, monetary and credit systems."

He continued: "Teams in the government-related entities (GREs) are able to achieve the boundless Emirati ambition within an integrated and realistic framework in order to contribute to achieving economic goals to continue the comprehensive and sustainable development.

"These teams also meet the needs of citizens and residents, and improve their standard of living, taking into account preserving the vibrancy of the state budget, the balance in government expenditure and keep the size of public debt at its lowest levels."

Sheikh Hamdan indicated that the UAE was one of the first countries in the region to diversify its economy and prepare for the post-oil era, relying on its large financial capabilities, abundant oil reserves and advanced infrastructure.

"The UAE Government has consolidated the fundamentals of a sustainable economy, supported by its strong foreign relations and a wide network of partners around the world, which have made the UAE a global destination for finance and business, and an attractive haven for investors and major global institutions and companies," he said.

The credit reports issued by major international rating agencies since the beginning of this year reflected the resilience of the UAE economy despite the many challenges that have swept the global economy.

The data estimates that the total consolidated assets of sovereign funds in the UAE stand at US$1.3 trillion (Dh4.76 trillion), while the country has large reserves of oil and gas.

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News Network
December 2,2025

A major upgrade in safety and monitoring is planned for Haj 2026, with every Indian pilgrim set to receive a Haj Suvidha smart wristband linked to the official Haj Suvidha mobile app. The initiative aims to support pilgrims—especially senior citizens—who may struggle with smartphones during the 45-day journey.

What the Smart Wristband Will Do

Officials said the device will come with:
•    Location tracking
•    Pedometer
•    SOS emergency button
•    Qibla compass
•    Prayer timings
•    Basic health monitoring

SP Tiwari, secretary of the UP State Haj Committee, said the goal is to make the pilgrimage safer and more comfortable.

“Most Hajis are elderly and not comfortable with mobile apps,” he said. “The smartwatch will help locate pilgrims who forget their way or cannot communicate their location.”

The wristbands will be monitored by the Consulate General of India in Saudi Arabia, similar to mobile tracking via the Haj Suvidha App.

Free Distribution and Training

•    Smart wristbands will be given free of cost.
•    Training for pilgrims will be conducted between January and February 2026.
•    Sample units will reach state Haj committees soon.
•    Final devices will be distributed as pilgrims begin their journey.

New Rules for Accommodation

Two major decisions have also been finalised for Haj 2026:
1.    Separate rooms for men and women – including married couples. They may stay on the same floor but must occupy different rooms, following stricter Saudi guidelines.
2.    Cooking banned – gas cylinders will not be allowed; all meals will be provided through official catering services arranged by the Haj Committee of India.

These decisions were finalised during a meeting of the Haj Committee of India and state representatives in Mumbai.

Haj Suvidha App Launched Earlier

The government launched the Haj Suvidha App in 2024, offering:

•    Training modules
•    Accommodation and flight details
•    Baggage information
•    SOS and translation tools
•    Grievance redressal

Haj 2026 Quota and Key States

•    India’s total Haj quota for 2026: 1,75,025 pilgrims
•    70% (1,25,000) allotted to the Haj Committee of India
•    30% (around 50,000) reserved for Haj Group Organisers

Uttar Pradesh has the largest allocation (around 30,000 seats), though approximately 18,000 pilgrims are expected to go this year. States with high pilgrim numbers include Kerala, Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Dates of Haj 2026

The pilgrimage is scheduled to take place from 24 May to 29 May, 2026 (tentative).
Haj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is mandatory for Muslims who meet the required conditions.

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News Network
November 30,2025

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Udupi: The pontiffs of Sri Paryaya Puttige Mutt, the sacred seat of Jagadguru Shrimad Madhvacharya Moola Samsthanam, have submitted a proposal to the Prime Minister seeking comprehensive development for Udupi district. 

Proposal for International Airport

A key request is the establishment of an international airport. Highlighting that around 1,000 acres of land are available and suitable, the pontiffs noted that the existing Mangalore Airport provides limited international connectivity. They suggested the airport be developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) or as a Greenfield Airport to boost trade, education, healthcare, and spiritual tourism.

Metro and Rapid Transit Connectivity

The proposal also calls for Metro Rail or Rapid Transit between Mangaluru and Udupi. The 55 km coastal stretch experiences heavy daily commuter traffic, causing congestion. The district administration is ready to prepare an initial project report for a Mass Rapid Transit corridor and requested inclusion under national urban mobility programmes to ensure safe, green, and time-efficient regional transport.

Port and Coastal Development

The pontiffs urged the development of an international-standard port with a cruise terminal along Udupi’s coast. They also requested fast-tracking of pending coastal tourism projects and revising Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms to encourage sustainable infrastructure and hospitality investment.

IT, AI and Technological Infrastructure

Support was sought for an IT and AI Innovation Park with incubation facilities under Digital India and Startup India initiatives. The proposal also emphasized the need for strengthened data security and cloud computing infrastructure to boost India’s technological independence.

Sports and Education Initiatives

The pontiffs requested national sports status for Kambala, along with financial and infrastructure support. They also sought the establishment of an AIIMS in Udupi, a new IIT campus, and approval for an IIM to promote higher education in the district.

Representation to the Prime Minister

Sri Sugunendra Tirtha Pontiff and Sri Sushrendra Tirtha Swamiji represented the pontiffs in submitting the comprehensive development proposal to the Prime Minister during his recent visit.

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News Network
November 27,2025

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Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday announced that he will convene a high-level meeting in New Delhi with senior leaders — including Rahul Gandhi, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar — to resolve the escalating leadership turmoil in Karnataka and “put an end to the confusion.”

Kharge said the discussions would focus on the way forward for the ruling party, as rumours of a possible leadership change continue to swirl. The speculation has intensified after the Congress government crossed the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20, reviving talk of an alleged 2023 “power-sharing agreement” between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.

“After reaching Delhi, I will call three or four important leaders and hold discussions. Once we talk, we will decide how to move ahead and end this confusion,” Kharge told reporters in Bengaluru, according to PTI.

When asked specifically about calling Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar to Delhi, he responded: “Certainly, we should call them. We will discuss with them and settle the issue.”

He confirmed that Rahul Gandhi, the Chief Minister, the Deputy Chief Minister and other senior members would be part of the deliberations. “After discussing with everyone, a decision will be made,” he said.

Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah held a separate strategy meeting at his Bengaluru residence with ministers and leaders seen as his close confidants, including G. Parameshwara, Satish Jarkiholi, H.C. Mahadevappa, K. Venkatesh and K.N. Rajanna.
Signalling calm, the Chief Minister told reporters, “Will go to Delhi if the high command calls.”

Shivakumar echoed a similar stance, saying he too would head to the national capital if summoned by the party leadership.

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