CBUAE to Launch New Index for Actual Overnight Funding Transactions

The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE). Wam
The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE). Wam
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CBUAE to Launch New Index for Actual Overnight Funding Transactions

The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE). Wam
The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE). Wam

The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) will publish a new index for actual overnight funding transactions denominated in UAE Dirham from December 7, 2021, named "DONIA" – Dirham Overnight Index Average, as part of the new Dirham Monetary Framework implementation plan.

The objective of this new index is to provide market participants with data pertinent to the overall state of the actual interbank market and to improve transparency in domestic money market activities.

Governor of the CBUAE Khaled Mohamed Balama said the launch of DONIA facilitates implementation of the new Dirham Monetary Framework.

We, at the CBUAE, are confident that the publication of this new reference rate will not only provide additional transparency to the Dirham money markets but also help the CBUAE in ensuring overnight money market rates are aligned to prevailing Base Rate."

DONIA is the effective overnight reference rate for the Dirham. It is computed as a volume-weighted money market rate for all actual overnight secured and unsecured funding transactions of AED10 million or greater contracted by all banks operating in the UAE, captured through the UAE Funds Transfer System (UAEFTS).

The CBUAE expects that this index will serve as an anchor for banks in determining factors relevant to their daily fixing of interbank rates (EIBOR).

DONIA should also help improve monetary policy transmission in the UAE, underpinned by the transparency in terms of the way it is computed, and the fact that it is a true reflection of actual local interbank market conditions.

The CBUAE has no plans to discontinue the EIBOR once the DONIA is published, as DONIA and EIBOR will co-exist in the domestic markets.

At this stage, DONIA shall not be used to price financial market products offered or structured in the UAE.



Saudi Chambers Federation Asks Companies to Benefit from Temporary Admission System for Goods

The King Abdullah Economic City Port in Saudi Arabia. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The King Abdullah Economic City Port in Saudi Arabia. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Chambers Federation Asks Companies to Benefit from Temporary Admission System for Goods

The King Abdullah Economic City Port in Saudi Arabia. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The King Abdullah Economic City Port in Saudi Arabia. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi Chambers Federation is making rapid efforts to ensure that all local companies and institutions can benefit from this international customs system after Saudi Arabia issued its first ATA Carnet (Temporary Admission Document) last week.

The ATA Carnet is an international customs document issued by an authorized chamber of commerce. It simplifies customs procedures for the temporary admission of various types of goods into countries that are part of the international ATA Carnet guarantee chain, without restrictions, duties, or taxes.

According to information available to Asharq Al-Awsat, the Saudi Chambers Federation has informed all companies and institutions that the federation’s ATA Carnet unit will now be accepting service requests from interested parties.

This step follows the federation's acceptance as an issuing and guaranteeing body for the ATA Carnet, granting carnet holders exemption from customs duties and taxes in member countries’ customs checkpoints.

On Thursday, the Saudi Chambers Federation announced the issuance of the first ATA Carnet since the system was officially implemented. Saudi Arabia has now become the 80th country globally to adopt this international customs system.

In June, the Saudi Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority announced that it would start accepting ATA Carnets across all its land, sea, and air customs points. The move is part of the Kingdom’s commitment to the Istanbul Convention, which supports the business sector and bolsters Saudi Arabia’s position as a global destination for events, exhibitions, and activities.

The authority added that accepting the ATA Carnet is a positive step toward enabling the growth of the international events, exhibitions, and conferences sector. It also supports efforts to attract global exhibitions and conferences while adhering to international best practices and boosting the country’s status as a global destination for economic, tourism, and entertainment events.

The goods eligible for temporary import under the ATA Carnet include items intended for display or use at exhibitions, markets, meetings, or similar events, professional equipment, containers, pallets, packing materials, samples, and other goods related to commercial processes. It also applies to goods imported for educational, scientific, or cultural purposes.