Dubai’s Atlantis Operator Kerzner Signs $145m Loan Refinancing

Kerzner sold its stake in Dubai’s Atlantis resort to state-owned Istithmar World for $250 million.

UK’s Taylor Woodrow JV Wins Dhs84m Abu Dhabi Airport Contract

A joint venture between Taylor Woodrow and Abu Dhabi contractor Fibrex will work on the airport’s expansion.

Dubai Airport Passenger Numbers Up 11.4% In February

The emirate’s airport handled 5.1 million passengers in February.

Dedicated Filipino Radio Station Launches In UAE

Arabian Radio Network announce the new 24-hour channel in response to growing demand from Filipino nationals.

Dubai Platform Hosts First Islamic Commodity Trade

The Dhs50 million facility was signed by Noor Islamic Bank and Commercial Bank of Dubai.

Saudi Telecom Appoints Chairman As Acting CEO – Sources

Abdulaziz al-Sugair will take the helm following the imminent departure of CEO Khaled al-Ghoneim.

Dubai’s Trade With Iran Drops 31% In 2012

Two-way trade between Dubai and Iran was roughly Dhs25 billion last year.

Oman’s Bank Dhofar Gets $68m After Court Ruling Overturned

The Omani bank lost a court case in June 2011 against Oman International Bank, Ali Redha Trading and Muttrah Holding.

Saudi Aramco Says Committed To China Refinery Project

Aramco Overseas signed a deal in March 2011 with oil firm PetroChina to build a 200,000 bpd refinery.

Around $100 Per Barrel Is Good Price For Oil – Saudi’s Naimi

Current oil prices will not deter economic growth, says Saudi’s oil minister.

Saudi Electricity Sets Initial Price Guidance For Sukuk

Meetings with fixed income investors are scheduled to conclude in London on Monday, having taken place in the United States last week.

Dubai’s Emirates NBD May Price Tier 2 Bond Monday

The dollar-denominated deal aims to boost the bank’s supplementary capital.

Saudi Mulls Banning WhatsApp, Skype

The Kingdom is reportedly in talks with application operators to ensure that they adhere to regulatory requirements.

Sheikh Mohammed Urges New UAE Cabinet To Work As “One Team”

People of the UAE “deserve the best,” Sheikh Mohammed said at the first meeting of the country’s new cabinet.

Dubai’s Al-Braik Plans $200m Silicon Smelter In Abu Dhabi

The $200 million investment will build two furnaces with combined output capacity of 33,000 tonnes per annum.

Banks To Sign $2bn Saudi Rabigh 2 Loan By End-March

A coalition of seven banks will back the dual-tranche, long-term loan, say sources.

Arabtec Signs Dhs500m Contract In Cairo

The Dubai-based construction company is building a twin-tower project in South Cairo.

UAE’s Dana Sukuk Restructuring Vote Postponed To April 23

This is the second time that the meeting has been rescheduled.

Around 10 Million Saudis Stay In Rented Houses

A mixture of issues including the right type and price of housing, in the right locations, is causing a problem in the Kingdom, says report.

FIFA is considering a request from the South American Football Confederation for hosts Qatar to play Ecuador a day earlier than previously planned

Qatar Ready To Host Winter World Cup In 2022

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has said that any request to change the timing of the event from summer to cooler months would have to come from Qatar.

New Chairman For Telecoms Provider Zain Saudi

Fahd bin Ibrahim al-Dughaither has been named the new head of the struggling telecoms operator.

Abu Dhabi Airports Company Appoints Tony Douglas As New CEO

Douglas was formerly CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) and replaces James Bennet.

Interview: Brandy Scott and Malcolm Taylor, Dubai Eye Business Breakfast

Radio broadcasters Malcolm Taylor and Brandy Scott discuss their views on traffic, world record attempts and how the financial downturn benefited their show.

The Cost Of Qatar’s Punchy Spending Style

It is often unclear what Doha wants back from its investments – an ego boost, political, or a financial return.

Apartment Prices In Dubai Marina, JLT Rise 8-10%

Property rates in prime locations have increased substantially in the last six months, says new report.

Arabtec To Raise $650m Via Rights Issue By End-June

The Dubai-based contractor said that the fundraising was part of a five-year expansion plan.

US Imports Of Saudi Crude Oil Up Nearly 300,000 bpd Last Week

Shipments to the US from OPEC’s top producer had dipped earlier in the year.

UAE Set To Award Bab Gas Project To Shell

ADNOC has recommended that Shell win the multi-billion dollar project, sources have said.

Leeds United Owner Says Seeks Investors, Not Buyer

The statement conflicts with comments made by its Bahrain-based parent Gulf Finance House.

Fitch Says Saudi Upgrade Likely, Outlook Positive

The country could get a one-notch upgrade if it makes more progress tackling unemployment and diversifying the economy.