Qatar Islamic Bank Rules Out 2013 Sukuk Issues

QIB last tapped the market with a $750 million five-year sukuk in October as part of its $1.5 billion sukuk programme.

Abu Dhabi, Dubai Should Compete For Foreign Investment

Competition between the emirates encourages excellence, say officials.

Meydan, Sobha To Develop New Downtown Complex

The complex is to be a cornerstone of the huge Mohammed bin Rashid City, announced last year by Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum.

Saudi Embraces US Oil Boom As Kingdom’s Output Steadies

KSA’s oil minister said it is good news that U.S. crude output has jumped to the highest level in around 20 years.

Boutique 7 Hotel & Suites Opening In TECOM

New small-scale property targets travellers seeking privacy and personalised services.

UAE’s Emal Secures $3.4bn Bank Debt

The $3.4 billion bank financing was split between a $2.925 billion portion from commercial lenders and $475 million from Islamic banks.

UAE’s Sheikh Khalifa Visits The UK’s Queen

HH Sheikh Khalifa will meet prime minister David Cameron on Wednesday.

Qatar’s Ooredoo Q1 Profit Up 13.6%

The telecoms group made a net profit of 808 million riyals ($222 million) in the three months to March 31, up from 711 million in the year-earlier period.

Shell Beats Total To Become UAE’s Sour Gas Partner

The 30-year venture puts Shell in position to renew its role in the UAE’s largest onshore oil concession when that contract comes up for renewal next year.

Mashreq Reports 57% Q1 Profit Jump

The lender made a net profit of Dhs425.3 million ($115.8 million) in Q1, an increase on the Dhs270.8 million from 2012.

Falconcity Of Wonders Appoints Pyramid Designer

The appointment was announced at the Annual Investment Meeting in Dubai. The FCW project is expected to cost Dhs20 billion.

Emaar Properties Q1 Net Profit Slips 8%

The Dubai-based developer’s profit was hit by increasing sales and administration expenses.

IMG Group Announce Dinosaur Concept In Dubai Theme Park

The upcoming theme park has already signed partnerships with Cartoon Network and Marvel.

Bahrain’s Investcorp Sells Armacell For Over $655m

The private equity firm is selling German insulation firm Armacell to Charterhouse Capital Partners.

Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel and Spa Opening May 7

Luxury hotel aims to raise Kuwait’s hospitality profile but its opening has been delayed following the downturn

Damac Launches Akoya, Massive Golf Community Project In Dubai

The development is Dubai-based Damac’s biggest project by size and scale so far.

Only 10% Of UAE Indians Have Adequate Retirement Planning

The majority of the NRIs have investments in illiquid assets and expect familial support during retirement.

Kuwait Parliament Says Can’t Levy Taxes As Services Not Good Enough

The IMF has said that Kuwait’s government needs to include the tax system in its fiscal reforms.

Abu Dhabi Hotels Gain 15% In Total Revenues in Q1 2013

Q1 2013 outshines the Q1 2012 figures in hospitality sector

Abu Dhabi’s Aldar And Sorouh Report Drop In Q1 Revenues

Developers in Abu Dhabi are struggling to emerge from the property market collapse in 2009

Saudi-US Relations Can Withstand North American Oil Boom – Experts

Saudi Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi is giving a major energy speech in the US on Tuesday.

Kuwait’s Agility Reports 46% Rise In Q1 Net Profit

The company posted a net profit of KD10.1 million ($35.5 million) for the first three months of the year.

Bahrain SWF Mumtalakat Not Joining Gulf Spending Spree

The fund holds stakes in 40 Bahraini firms including Batelco and Aluminium Bahrain (Alba).

Dubai Passenger Traffic Grows 20.6% In March

World’s second busiest international hub reports strong volumes from Western and Eastern Europe.

Etihad Launches Mapped Out Tool With LinkedIn

LinkedIn connections are displayed on a map and members can enter search parameters.

Dubai Retailer MAF Close To Finalising Egypt Supermarket Deal

Majid Al Futtaim is eyeing the acquisition of Mansour Group’s Metro chain and discount grocery store Kheir Zaman.

UAE-Poland Mutual Trade Up 13%

The UAE has imported $365 millon worth of Polish products including ceramic and chemical products, machines and mechanical devices, and food products.

Bahrain Picks Banks For Sovereign Bond

Any transaction is expected to be at least $500 million in size, say sources.

Dubai’s ENOC To Introduce Self-Service At 10 Fuel Stations In July

The move aims to improve operational efficiency and will not lead to staff redundancies, confirms fuel retailer.

First Gulf Bank Q1 Profit Up 12%

FGB made a net profit of Dhs1.05 billion ($285.9 million) in the first three months of 2013, up from Dhs934.7 million in the same period of last year.