Abu Dhabi Circuit Chief Defends F1 Double Points Change

The International Automobile Federation (FIA) made the points change in a bid to keep the championship alive as long as possible.

Dubai Hotel Occupancies Hit 87.6% In February

HotStats MENA report highlights good month for UAE hotels and Jeddah whereas across the region the trading picture is mixed

Abu Dhabi’s Hilal Bank Considers Capital Hike To Fuel Growth -CEO

The Islamic lender plans to expand its retail and wholesale banking business locally and internationally over the next five years.

Saudi Bans Men From Selling Perfumes And Cosmetics To Women

Only female staff will be allowed to work in stores selling women’s products by October 2016, local media reported.

Kuwait’s Burgan Bank Says To Raise Capital This Year To Comply With Basel III

The increase, which may happen this year, could be “pure capital” or perpetual bonds or both, its chief executive said.

Bahrain Jails 13 For Life Over Protest, Attack – Lawyer

Defendants were accused of attacking two officers and of taking part in an illegal protest, according to their lawyer.

Abu Dhabi’s Waha Capital Secures $750m Credit Facility

The facility replaces the previous $505 million facility secured in 2011.

Dubai Bourse To Hold Roadshow In London

Executives from 13 companies listed on the DFM and NASDAQ Dubai will meet investors on April 28 and 29 in London.

OSN’s IPO Listing Process To Start In Weeks – KIPCO

Officials say London is being viewed as a primary listing for the firm.

Thai Court Throws Out Murder Charges In Saudi ‘Blue Diamond’ Case

The theft of jewels worth $20 million and the disappearance of Saudi businessman Mohammad al-Ruwaili has strained Thai-Saudi relations.

Saudi Dynasty Moves To Forestall Succession Crisis

The Kingdom recently appointed Prince Muqrin as deputy crown prince.

UAE’s Al Etihad Credit Bureau Says It’s Operationally Ready

The federal credit bureau will help financial institutions in the UAE check the creditworthiness of consumers.

Bahrain Watchdog Eases Batelco Broadband Price Restrictions

Batelco’s share of retail broadband subscribers has fallen to 20-30 per cent in 2012 from 70-80 per cent in 2008.

Oman Air To Raise Capital By $519m As Annual Loss Widens

The carrier’s annual loss widened by 16 per cent to OMR113.34 million in 2013.

Qatar Spending To Rise 3.7% To $60bn In 2014/15

The budget is “the largest in the history of the state of Qatar,” Finance Minister Ali Sherif al-Emadi said.

Fuelling Start-Ups In The Middle East

Local initiative Turn8 is fuelling Dubai’s entrepreneurial scene with investor-demo days.

Emaar Launches Samara Villas In Dubai’s Arabian Ranches

The community will feature 177 villas in four styles.

Emirates Receives 46th And 47th A380s, Launches A380 To Gatwick

Dubai carrier’s double-decker fleet now the size of some international airlines

Over 11,000 Users Register For Dubai’s MyID Service

The service provides users access to over 250 government services.

GE Appoints New President, CEO For The GCC

Dalya Al Muthanna is the first UAE national to take on the senior position.

Obama-Saudi King Talks May Ease Friction But No Breakthrough Seen

Friday’s two-hour exchange in the Kingdom did not yield a shared statement or any evidence of policy changes.

UAE’s IT Spending To Top $4.6bn In 2014

The public sector will account for a major chunk of business IT spending in the UAE, a new report says.

Dubai’s Able Logistics Picks Shuaa To Lead Manage IPO

Buyout firm GrowthGate Capital plans to take Able Logistics Group public on the Dubai Financial Market around the end of 2014.

Kuwait’s Oil Exports Fall 3% In 2013

Kuwait’s declining oil export receipts were due to modest global demand and lower oil prices in 2013, a new report says.

Dubai Holding Unit Says 2013 Net Profit Up 178%

Dubai Holding Commercial Operations Group reported a 2013 net profit of Dhs3.3 billion.

Nakheel Awards Dhs700m Construction Contract For Warsan Project

The deal, awarded to Ginco General Contracting, covers the construction of 936 townhouses at Warsan Village.

Obama, Saudi King Discuss Syrian Rebels, Iran, Gulf Security

US President Barack Obama made the remarks during an official visit to the Kingdom.

Godolphin’s African Story Wins $10m Dubai World Cup In Track Record

Godolphin’s reputation suffered a blow last year when its former trainer Mahmood al-Zarooni was banned for administering anabolic steroids.

Saudi JV Jubail Refinery To Reach Full Output By Mid-2014

The joint venture, operated by France’s Total and Saudi Aramco, began a gradual startup of operations last year.

Qatar Buys Helicopters, Missiles In $23bn Arms Deals

The Gulf state announced deals with about 20 global companies, including with Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Airbus and Boeing.