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

Qatar To Spend $120bn In Seven Years For 2022 World Cup

The tiny Gulf state will spend $220 billion in total as part of its National Vision 2030.

Mubadala Converts Aldar Bonds Boosting Capital 10%

Aldar, which has been bailed out by the Abu Dhabi government over the past two years, plans to merge with rival Sorough.

Drake & Scull Wins QAR300m Qatar Contract

As part of the contract, DSI will undertake MEP works for a mixed-use real estate development in Doha.

UAE’s du Sees Q4 Profit Jump On Tax Write Back

The telecoms operator made a fourth-quarter net profit of Dhs994 million, up from Dhs440 million in Q4 2011

Dana Shareholders To Vote On Restructuring Plan On Mar 14

The Abu Dhabi-listed energy firm missed repayment of its $920 million sukuk last year.

UAE Signs $1.4bn Defence Contracts, Including Drones

The largest deal was for 750 mine-resistant, ambush-protected, all-terrain vehicles from Oshkosh Corp.

UAE Grants Bahrain $2.5bn For Development

The money will be disbursed on an annual basis over the next 10 years.

EXCLUSIVE: Prince Alwaleed Interview – The World’s Most Powerful Arab

Once again, Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud tops the Gulf Business power list. In an exclusive interview, he opens up to Aarti Nagraj on how it felt to double his share price in 2012 and why he fears for the Saudi unemployment timebomb.

Dubai’s Arabtec Wins $272m Fairmont Abu Dhabi Contract

The contract covers building the hotel as well as maintaining its development for one year.

Eurofighter ‘Still In Race’ For India Jet Deal

Rafale jets have the UAE interested but Eurofighter chief says India deal is far from closed.

Qatar Insurance To Sell 20% Stake To Qatar Holding

The company will sell 21.4 million new shares to existing shareholders priced at 45 riyals each.

Emirates Expands In The Philippines

Move provides Emirates with an avenue for growth beyond Manila and travellers with more flying options

Sony Launches Xperia Z Smartphone

A sharp camera and enhanced connectivity are among the model’s attributes

Investcorp Buys Scottish Firm Hydrasun, Plans GCC Expansion

The value of the deal was not disclosed, but it is estimated to be between $150 to $300 million.

India’s Jet Shares Fall After Etihad Revises Deal

Having doubled in value the past 10 months, shares have slumped in the last three weeks as both companies struggle to seal an agreement.

France Woos UAE Over Rafale Fighter Jet Deal

France is hopeful of selling 60 Rafales to the UAE despite criticism of the plane’s manufacturer in 2010.

Kuwait Finance House Q4 Net Rises 24% But Misses Estimates

KFH, Kuwait’s biggest Islamic lender, started a restructuring programme last year.

TAQA Says Found Oil In North Sea Field Off Scotland

Abu Dhabi’s TAQA said that two columns of oil have been found since drilling began in November.

Abu Dhabi Royal Plans $45bn Property Project In Pakistan

The development in Karachi may reportedly include the world’s tallest building.

Emirates A380 Scare Was Just ‘Door Noise’

Airline says no upper deck doors opened mid-flight, nor was there any loss in cabin pressure

Dubai’s Nakheel In Talks To Extend $2.2bn Loan

Ali Rashid Lootah dismissed concerns over Nakheel’s ability to repay its debts, which include a Dhs3.8 billion sukuk.

Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Needs To Revise Jet Airways Deal

Etihad is reportedly in talks to buy a 24 per cent stake in Jet for up to $330 million, say sources.

Almost 60% Of UAE Firms To Hire In Q1 2013

Up to 57 per cent of companies in the UAE are definitely or probably hiring new personnel in the coming three months, finds new survey.

Abu Dhabi’s Aabar Seeks $2bn Loan Refinancing

The company borrowed heavily to build up holdings in a number of major companies, including carmaker Daimler.

Saudi Maaden Restarts Fertiliser Plant

The mining firm shut down the plant for three weeks for maintenance.

Etisalat In Talks Over $8bn Loan For Maroc Telecom Bid

The UAE telecoms firm is planning to finance a bid for Vivendi’s 53 per cent stake in Maroc Telecom.

Saudi’s Kingdom Holding Buys Stake In Chinese Online Retailer

Kingdom Holding already has investments in China’s entertainment and hotel sectors.

UAE’s Air Arabia Q4 Profit Up 6%

The earnings fell short of analysts’ estimates as revenues for the quarter rose 18 per cent.

UAE Mulls New Labour Law For Private Sector

The change will be used to encourage more Emiratis to work in the private sector.

Male Grooming Goes Back To 1847

Negin Fattahi-Dasmal, founder and CEO of The Grooming Company, explains the success behind the region’s first male-only grooming parlour.