World Business

Singapore: Oil prices rose slightly on Wednesday due to concerns over supply, as the US is stepping up efforts to limit Venezuelan oil exports, while a bigger-than-expected drop in US inventories helped support prices. Brent crude futures gained 20 cents, or 0.3%, to $73.22. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose 20 cents, or 0.3%, to $69.20 a barrel. Both crude benchmarks reached their highest levels in three weeks in the previous session. The market received support after data from the American Petroleum Institute showed that US crude inventories fell by 4.6 million barrels in the week ending March 21, indicating strong fuel demand in the world's largest economy. Read Also Apple boss hails 'next generation of developers' on China visit Over a billion pounds of Coke plastic waste to enter waterways: study Apple says Indonesia iPhone sales ban ends in April

Qatar Business

Doha, Qatar: QNB announced the signing of a strategic master agreement with QLM, the leading specialised insurance company to provide innovative insurance solutions to SMEs (small and medium enterprises). This marks a significant milestone in QNB’s mission to deliver innovative financial solutions to the SMEs community. As part of this collaboration, SME customers can meet their financial & insurance needs from QNB and QLM, as one stop shop. The offerings include but not limited to Keyman protection as well as Group protection with tailored coverage that meets their unique business needs. The SME Owner protection cover has been specifically designed to provide 24X7 worldwide insurance protection to key individuals within small and medium enterprises. Commenting on this partnership, Yousef Mahmoud Al Naema, Group Chief Business Officer at QNB, added: “Our partnership with QLM underscores our commitment to offer innovative solutions to SME market. These high-quality insurance packages will ensure business continuity by safeguarding themselves against unforeseen circumstances that could affect the leadership and operations of SMEs. In addition, our medical center financing campaign reflects QNB’s commitment to supporting the healthcare sector. By offering discounted interest rates, we aim to ease financial pressures on medical centers and hospitals, allowing them to focus on providing quality care to their communities.” Commenting on the launch, Fahad Al Suwaidi, Chief Executive Officer, QLM Life & Medical Insurance Company said “QLM, the leading specialty insurer is delighted to announce another innovative initiative to mitigate the risks of SME Business Owners as well as Employees of SME by providing a financial safety and sustainability. QLM believes that Partnerships rooted in Trust will advance by aligning their products with financial inclusion necessities of the community.”

Qatar Business

Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Central Bank has officially announced the Eid Al Fitr holiday schedule for all financial institutions across the country. The holiday will begin on Sunday, March 30, 2025, and continue until Thursday, April 3, 2025. Regular working hours will resume on Sunday, April 6, 2025. This announcement is for all financial institutions, including Qatar Central Bank (QCB), banks, and entities regulated by the Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA). Read Also Eid sweets festival in Qatar to draw large crowds Eid, summer holiday travel: Destinations, best stays, visa essentials Things To Do: Qatar Eid Al Fitr 2025 activities guide On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, Amiri Diwan also officially announced the Eid Al Fitr holiday schedule for ministries, government agencies, and public institutions, as per which holiday begind on Sunday, March 30, 2025, and continue until Monday, April 7, 2025, with employees resuming work on Tuesday, April 8, 2025..