Bahrain’s Alba 2012 Profit Slumps 54% On Lower Prices

Aluminium Bahrain blamed higher energy costs for the decline in income.

Qatar May Invest Up To $3.5bn In Russian Bank VTB

VTB, Russia’s second largest bank, could issue the Qatari wealth fund with $1.5 billion of new equity, says report.

Abu Dhabi Rents Fall 14% In Q4 2012

Lack of properly developed infrastructure and operational facilities remain off-putting for certain segments of the market, says new report.

Dubai Approves $1.6bn Island Plan

Bluewaters Island development will include the world’s largest ferris wheel.

UAE Rejects Easing Of Foreign Ownership Rules

The council rejected a clause that would allow foreign parties to own stakes of up to 100 per cent in companies.

Saudi Sipchem Signs $280m Refinancing Deals

The first instalment is due to be repaid in the second half of 2013.

Drake & Scull 2012 Net Profit Drops 41.8%

The construction firm attributed the drop to growth in its civil business and the establishment of new offices in Iraq and India.

UAE’s Gulf Capital Buys Stake In Oilfield Services

Gulf Capital, which has around $1 billion in assets under management, did not provide financial terms.

What Happened To Bahrain Air?

Saj Ahmad, aviation expert, says forcing the carrier’s closure may not necessarily benefit Gulf Air.

Flydubai Announces First Net Profit Since Launch

HH Sheikh Ahmed reveals Dubai’s new Al Maktoum International airport is to be inaugurated in October this year.

Kuwait Watchdog Urges Better Islamic Finance Oversight

The number of Islamic financial firms which obey religious principles has increased substantially in Kuwait.

Bahrain Air Shuts Down Blaming Political Unrest

The privately owned airline was flying to around a dozen locations in the Middle East.

Qatar Boosts Tiffany & Co Stake To 8.7%

The Qatar Investment Fund first acquired a 5.2 per cent stake in April last year.

Bahrain Expects Sharp Rise In 2013 Economic Growth

The kingdom’s Economic Development Board estimated GDP grew 3.9 per cent in 2012, up from 1.9 per cent in 2011.

Mashreq Sees 10-15% Profit Rise In 2013

Chief executive Abdulaziz Al Ghurairis optimistic about the bank’s performance this year.

Tabreed’s Unit Plans Dhs549m District Cooling Plant in Saudi

The Saudi affiliate of Abu Dhabi-based utility Tabreed is developing a 55,000 RT project in Mecca.

Damac Launches Partnership With Fendi

The announcement marked a rare public appearance from the chairman of DAMAC, Hussain Sajwani.

Abu Dhabi Projects On Track For Vision 2030

Work is progressing on the emirate’s key projects such as industrial city, Saadiyat island and Al Maryah island.

Oman Airport Reopens After Closure Due To Crash Landing

A Pakistan International Airlines plane crash-landed on a runway at Muscat International Airport.

Sheikh Mohammed Says Employment For Emiratis Is Top Priority

Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed addressed a range of topics during the inauguration of the government summit in Dubai.

Emirates Boss Warns Of More Boeing Woe

Tim Clark says it “could get worse before it gets better” when asked about the Dreamliner issues.

Muscat Airport Closed After Plane Crash Lands

The Pakistan International Airlines plane had 70 people on board but no injuries were reported.

Dubai’s ICD Begins Talks On Refinancing

Dubai’s flagship investment vehicle is scheduled to repay a $2 billion loan.

Dubai’s Ruler Says UAE Will Achieve Ambitious Goals

HH Sheikh Mohammed spoke about the Arab Spring, leadership and life.

Emirates’ Skywards Launching Platinum Tier

Platinum members will receive exclusive benefits usually reserved for First Class passengers.

Fujairah Oil Storage Capacity To Rise In 2013

Securing strategic oil storage space at Fujairah has become a top priority for oil producers.

Japan Offers Nuclear Help To Saudi

The offer from trade minister, Toshimitsu Motegi, was aimed at freeing up extra oil.

Bahrainis Start First Reconciliation Talks Since 2011

Opposition members have expressed very cautious optimism that the talks represent a meaningful step forward.

Emaar’s Stock Surges To Four-Year High

Investors seem to have shrugged off Emaar’s 28 per cent drop in fourth-quarter profit.

Credit Suisse’s Banking Head In Qatar Resigns

Rami Touma, a director at the bank, has been running Credit Suisse’s Qatar investment banking business since 2007.