As Obama Blinks On Syria, Israel, Saudis Make Common Cause

Saudi Arabia, like Israel heavily dependent on the United States for arms supplies, is engaged in a historic confrontation with Iran for regional influence – a contest shaped by their leading roles in the rival Sunni and Shi’ite branches of Islam.

India-UAE’s Growing Trade Ties

With trade reaching $75 billion, the UAE and India have strong ties built up over generations of trading and commerce.

UAE Has The World’s “Vainest” Skyscrapers

The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat measured unusable space at the top of the UAE’s tallest buildings.

Inefficient Oil Plants Can Lead To ME Energy Crunch

Use of natural gas to generate electricity will help reduce CO2 emissions.

Qatar Central Bank To Issue $1.1bn In Local Currency Bonds, Sukuk

The debt, to be issued next week, will include three-year and five-year tranches.

Emaar Becomes Official Partner Of Lotus F1 Team

The Dubai developer’s branding will feature on the car as it travels through almost 20 countries per season.

UAE to Spend $25bn On Rail Projects

The amount covers investments in Etihad Rail and light rail metro projects in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Radisson Blu Kuwait Reopens After KD15m Renovation

Well-established property sports chic new look, larger Presidential Suite and enhanced F&B options.

Dubai’s Arabtec CEO Boosts Personal Stake Above 8%

Hasan Abdullah Ismaik’s stake in the construction company is worth about $159 million based on Wednesday’s closing share price.

Abu Dhabi’s ADPC Awards Dhs2.5m Delma Port Contract

Construction firm Parsons will develop 300 metres of concrete wharf and new floating pontoons that will accommodate more than 280 boats.

GCC Education System Needs “Drastic Reforms”

A study finds that Gulf students want better trained teachers and up-to-date teaching methods.

Emirates Starts Stockholm Services

Emirates will be looking to funnel Swedes onto its Asian, Indian and African network.

Booming Saudi Retail Market Fuels Alhokair Expansion Drive

Alhokair net profit rose nearly 37 per cent year on year in the three months to June 30.

Where Should UAE NRIs Invest In India?

As the Indian rupee continues its free-fall, Gulf Business tracks the best investment options in India for NRIs.

Dubai Duty Free Names Banks To Arrange $750m Expansion Loan

The facility will be arranged by Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Emirates NBD and Standard Chartered.

Dubai Shopping Festival 2014 To Start January 2

The biggest shopping extravaganza in the Middle East attracted 4.66 million visitors last year.

Air Seychelles’ First Half Revenues Climb Upwards

Airline benefits from equity partner Etihad, international expansion and improved cargo performance

Egypt Says Ready To Repay $2bn Qatari Loan In Days If Necessary

The funds were supposed to be converted into three-year bonds.

India Approves Deal To Increase Airline Seats To UAE

The agreement allows the nations to add 50,000 additional seats per week for the next three years.

LinkedIn Crosses One Million Members In Saudi

Private and public sector firms in the Kingdom are increasingly using LinkedIn for recruitment, the company said.

No Bubble In Dubai’s Property Market – Stan Chart

The emirate’s real estate market is being driven by fundamentals rather than speculation, said the bank.

Dubai’s Stock Market Touches 8-Week Low On Syria Fears

The index fell 3.7 per cent to close at 2,397 points, its lowest finish since July 11.

UAE’s Coffee Planet Secures European Partnership

The popular local brand will begin selling its coffee bags through 340 Jumbo supermarkets in the Netherlands.

McAfee Opens First Cyber Defence Centre In Dubai

The centre aims to reduce the response time in the event of a cyber crisis in the Middle East.

Saudi Q2 Annual Growth Picks Up, Non-Oil Expansion Is Firm

In a quarter-on-quarter comparison, Saudi GDP fell 1.1 per cent in April-June 2013, the first such decline in a year.

Brazil And Dubai: A Growing Beauty Connection

Latin beauty firms have found a goldmine export market in Dubai and the Middle East.

Saudi Prince Buys 50% In Sheffield United

Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has promised to invest substantial new capital into the club.

Barclays Decides To Sell UAE Retail Bank After Review

The potential sale may impact up to 280 employees, a source said.

Ex-Merrill Lynch Banker Sets Up Boutique Consultancy In Dubai

Ziad Awad, a veteran investment banker with nearly 20 years of experience, is setting up Boardroom Metrics Arabia.

Majid Al Futtaim To Raise $1.5bn Loan To Refinance Debt

The mall operator will use the $1.5 billion facility to replace revolving loans totalling $1 billion.