Abu Dhabi’s TAQA To Build UAE Desalination Plant

Construction is expected to start in early 2015 and commercial operations in 2017.

Trading On Dubai’s Main Stock Exchange Suspended

Trading on Dubai Financial Market (DFM) was suspended because of a system malfunction

Japan’s Tohoku Signs 15-Year LNG Deal With Qatar

Tohoku declined to provide any details on how the Qatar gas will be priced.

Does Apple Need A Flagship Store In The UAE?

With rivals such as Samsung promoting themselves heavily in the country, the US giant may have to step up its presence.

Emirates Starting Daily Abuja-Kano Flights

Emirates will soon serve three cities in oil-rich Nigeria

Flydubai Signs Mobile Maintenance Agreement With Boeing

The applications give technicians real-time information to speed up maintenance repairs.

Saudi Airline Flynas Targets UK And South-East Asia

One-time short-haul carrier is embarking on international expansion

Waha Capital 2013 Profit Up 43%

The firm’s total assets grew to Dhs5.2 billion from Dhs4.4 billion a year earlier.

Etihad Regional Starts Geneva-Stuttgart Flights

New route enables Stuttgart passengers to connect with Etihad’s global network via Geneva

New Tourism Fee To Be Levied In Dubai From March 31

Visitors will face an additional charge of between Dhs7 to Dhs20 per room, per night.

Kuwait Finance House Q4 Net Profit More Than Doubles

Net profit rose to 26.4 million Kuwaiti dinars in the three months to the end of December compared to 11.8 million dinars a year earlier.

Obama To Meet Saudi King To Discuss Security

Saudi Arabia’s intelligence chief has said the kingdom is looking at a “major shift” in relations with the United States.

Saudi Arabia To Jail Citizens Who Fight Abroad

The degree underscored concern about Saudis hardened by battle in Syria coming home to target the ruling royal family.

ING Shuts Middle East Asset Management Operation In Dubai

The small Dubai team managed $425 million of assets at the end of 2013.

UAE Officials See Strong Growth, Play Down Inflation Threat

The IMF raised last week its 2014 UAE growth prediction to 4.5 per cent, but warned of a potential property bubble.

UAE Says Ruler In “Reassuring” Condition After Surgery

The Abu Dhabi Crown Prince said “we have passed through a difficult crisis.”

Nearly 50% Of Finance Sector Workers Say Emiratisation Doesn’t Add Value

A bulk of local recruitment in banks is happening at graduate level, which needs to be accompanied by a sound retention strategy.

Dubai Apartment Rents Rise 50% In 2013

Residential sales prices also shot up by 60 per cent last year, says a new report.

Flydubai Plans Benchmark-Sized Bond Issue In 2015

The amount raised will be used for the company’s general operating expenses and to fund some of its aircraft deliveries.

Arabtec Plans To Hire 10,000 Across The Middle East

The Dubai-based construction company is targeting young recruits for the new roles.

Burj Khalifa’s ‘At The Top’ Dubai’s Biggest Attraction

Saudi Arabia provided the most visitors from another GCC country.

Saudi’s Shoura Council To Reconsider 40-Hour Work Week

Saudi Arabia’s advisory body will rethink its decision about reducing working hours in the private sector following an appeal by some of its members.

Abu Dhabi 2013 Growth Accelerated, Sees Strong 2014

GDP growth in 2014 for the emirate has been forecast at 6.7 per cent.

Drake & Scull Wins Dhs110m Contract for Mall of the Emirates’ Project

The contractor will provide MEP works for the mall’s redevelopment project.

Standard Chartered Appoints New UAE CEO

Mohsin Nathani will replace Jonathan Morris, who has resigned from the bank for personal reasons.

Oman’s National Gas CEO Held By Prosecution

The group posted sales of $90.1 million in 2012, according to its financial statements.

Pearl Dubai Sells $1.9bn Assets To Hong Kong Property Group

The sale includes high-end residences and serviced apartments and two five-star hotels within the Dubai Pearl project.

Bahraini Lenders Al Salam Bank And BMI Bank Complete Merger

The merger is being carried out through a share swap of 11 Al Salam Bank shares for every one BMI Bank share.

Dubai’s Union Properties 2013 Profit Soars Eightfold

The company said it was recommending a five per cent bonus share dividend to shareholders for 2013.

Gallacher Retains Dubai Desert Classic Title

Gallacher began the day two shots clear of world number six Rory McIlroy.