Arabtec Reports 114% H1 Profit Rise

The contractor revealed second quarter net profit of Dhs92.4 million, up from a loss of Dhs11.6 million on the same period in 2012.

Qatar Central Bank Sends Draft On Basel III

Banks in Qatar have been waiting for the central bank’s guidance on how debt instruments will be treated under the new Basel standards.

Abu Dhabi Duty Free H1 Revenues Outpace Passenger Growth

Abu Dhabi duty free revenues touched Dhs437.6 million in the first half of 2013, up 17.4 per cent from the same period last year.

UAE’s Abraaj Acquires Student Accommodation Assets In Turkey

The investment firm has acquired a stake in Republika Academic Apartments, which has two buildings in Istanbul.

UAE Manufacturing Sector Urged To Pursue Open Trade Policies

The UAE’s manufacturing sector has been urged to explore exporting to developing countries.

UAE Says Supports Egypt Government’s “Sovereign Measures”

Hundreds were killed as Egyptian authorities cleared out two camps of Mursi supporters on Wednesday.

Police Fire Teargas, Birdshot At Bahrain Demonstrators

Protesters in Bahrain took to the streets to demand democratic change in the Gulf state.

What Lies Ahead For Qatar’s New Emir?

Will the gas nation’s change of Emirship herald a new political era?

St. Regis Abu Dhabi Opens Its Doors

Second St. Regis in the UAE capital combines business with leisure.

Saudi’s Great Labour Challenge – Shifting From An Expat To A Local Workforce

After decades of relying on oil wealth to attract expat labour, will Saudi be successful in adopting the reverse trend by assimilating locals into the workforce?

Emirates, Qantas Boost New Zealand Services

Qantas will operate a new Auckland-Perth service from early December through to February 1, 2014.

Christie’s To Auction $80,000 Breguet Watch In Dubai

The 18- karat gold wristwatch is one of the items on sale at Christie’s watch auction to be held in Dubai this October.

Dubai’s Gold And Currency Exchange Growth Up 55%

The surge in currency volumes trade was driven mainly by Indian Rupee futures and trading in other currencies such as the Euro and Yen.

New Dubai School After Recent Closures

Students from the financially-troubled St Andrews School will be some of the first students at the new academy.

Health Cards For UAE Expats To Cost Dhs500

Ministry-issued health cards allow UAE expats to avail government healthcare services at half the original cost.

Bahrain Tightens Security Ahead Of Planned Protests On Wednesday

Activists calling for democracy say they were inspired by mass protests in Egypt last month.

Construction Begins On Dubai’s Mega Theme Park

On-site work and off-site ride manufacturing has started on the upcoming IMG Worlds of Adventure theme park.

Barclays Reviewing UAE Retail Business For Potential Sale

The bank’s corporate banking, private banking and investment banking activities in the UAE are not part of the review.

UAE Air Traffic Grows 2.9% In July

Dubai recorded the highest share of air traffic with 29,074 movements, the report reveals.

UAE University Studies Cost $27,375 Annually

An HSBC report shows university students in the emirates pick degrees offering the best return on investment.

Abu Dhabi Developer Aldar’s CEO To Step Down

A new chief executive will be announced shortly, Aldar said.

Saudi Inflation Expected To Stabilise At 4.5% In 2013

Saudi’s inflation rate has been dropping for the last four months after touching a 14-month high in February.

UAE’s Abraaj and UK’s CDC Invest $17.5m In India’s Rainbow Hospitals

Rainbow Hospitals, a specialised maternity and paediatric healthcare chain, is based in Hyderabad, India.

Emirates Starting Sialkot Services

Emirates will aim to capitalise on the region’s varied export scene.

Abu Dhabi Doubles Development Fund Capital To Dhs16bn

The activities of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) will also cover the entire nation of the UAE, as per a new ruling.

Deutsche, HSBC Face Deadlock With Saudi’s STC On $1.2bn Loan

Saudi Telecom wants the banks to restructure a $1.2 billion loan taken for Axis Telekom.

Bahrain Will “Forcefully Confront” August 14 Protests – PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa has warned that those behind the planned demonstrations will be punished.

Emaar’s Housing And Land Sales Double

Emaar generated revenue of Dhs1.63 billion in the three months ending June 30 compared to Dhs815.6 million a year earlier.

Dubai’s MAF Signs JV With Gourmet Gulf, Enters F&B Market

Gourmet Gulf holds franchise rights for brands like California Pizza Kitchen, Morelli’s Gelato and YO! Sushi.

Du Retracts Fee Hike On Service Packages After Twitter Outrage

Du customers have now been given an option to unsubscribe from the automatically upgraded home service package within three months.