Bahrain’s Arcapita Sells Stake In London Care Facilities

The investment firm is currently in the midst of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy process.

Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Reopens After Refurb

Well-known hotel sports ‘chic new look’ and aims to serve as a contemporary city escape for business and leisure travellers

UAE Energy Minister: Current Oil Prices “Good”

Oil prices in 2013 are expected to be similar to prices in 2012, says UAE energy minister Mohammed Dhaen Al Hamli.

Fashion TV Announces New ‘Studio F’ Venture In Dubai

The French broadcasting station’s new venue will act as a fashion studio, a restaurant and a VIP night lounge.

UAE Banks To Push For Delay Of New Mortgage Rules

A UAE central bank circular issued last week said mortgage loans for foreigners should not exceed 50 per cent of the property value.

UAE Employees To See 5% Pay Rise In 2013

Workers in Saudi Arabia are expected to see the biggest salary hikes in the region at six per cent, says new study.

Exclusive: Dubai World Central Airport May Open Early For Passengers

The passenger complex at the new Dubai World Central Al Maktoum International Airport could open as soon as Q1 2013.

Bahrain’s Alba Gets Loans To Pay Off $169m Bond Maturing In 2013

Alba received a five-year $85 million loan from Bahrain’s Gulf International Bank and a three-year loan from a group of banks.

Dubai’s BurJuman Shopping Mall Begins Expansion

A new Carrefour hypermarket and a 14-screen Vox Cinemas multiplex are part of the mall’s renovation plan.

Dubai Islamic Bank To Fully Acquire Mortgage Firm Tamweel

The Dubai-based lender already owns a 58.2 per cent stake in Tamweel.

Banking Special: Kuwait Faces Long And Winding Recovery

Kuwait’s gridlocked political situation is stymying its banking sector.

Banking Special: Good Growth Prospects In Oman

Oman’s economy and its banking sector are performing well.

India’s Jet Airways Confirms Stake Sale Talks With Etihad

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad could pay up to $330 million for a 24 per cent stake in Jet Airways, says source.

Turkey, UAE Sign $12bn Power Production Investment Deal

The project, located in Turkey’s Afsin-Elbistan region, is expected to start production in 2018.

State Spending Could Spur Oman’s Tiny Bourse

Oman’s stock index rose 1.2 per cent last year and outperformed Qatar and Bahrain.

Bounced Cheques Remain Criminal Offence For UAE Expats

Officials clarify that the UAE rule of decriminalising bounced cheques only applies to UAE nationals.

Dubai Telco Du Signs $100m Financing Deal

The telecoms operator plans to use the funds for the future growth of its business.

Etihad Close To Buying Stake In India’s Jet Airways

The Abu Dhabi-based airline is in final stages to acquire a part of the Indian carrier, say sources.

Banking Special: Assets And Profits Soar In Qatar

High oil and gas prices and a large-scale infrastructure programme buttressed Qatar’s banking sector in 2012.

Oman To Create 20,000 Govt Jobs This Year- Minister

The government spent $780 million to create 36,000 jobs for Omanis last year.

UAE’s New Mortgage Rule Will Deter Property Investors – Experts

The UAE central bank recently issued a ruling to limit home loans to foreigners at 50 per cent of the property’s value.

Concourse A Opens At Dubai International

EK003, which took off at 1439 from Dubai to London Heathrow, became Concourse A’s first flight.

Qtel Buys Further $360m Stake In Tunisian Telco

Qatar telecom, along with its Kuwaiti arm Wataniya, now owns a 90 per cent stake in Tunisiana.

TAQA Buys 53.2% Stake In Iraqi Kurdistan Oil Block For $600m

Abu Dhabi National Energy Co(TAQA) confirmed that production was expected to begin in 2013.

Qatar Airways Rebuts LDI Denials

German Emirati joint venture company Lindner Depa Interiors (LDI) denied delaying the opening of the New Doha International Airport.

Saudi PetroRabigh Refinery Halted For 20 Days

A power cut on Saturday has forced the refinery to stop all operations.

Oman Boosts 2013 Spending To $33.5bn

Spending on education, health, housing and social welfare has been boosted by 22 per cent in this year’s budget.

Banking Special: Stable Times For The UAE

The UAE is well capitalised but banking asset quality remains a concern.

Expats Who Bounce Cheques No Longer Risk Prison In UAE

UAE courts have stopped sentencing debt defaulters to prison since last month, say reports.

Oman Awards $108.5m Airport Contract To US Firm

The sultanate is expanding the Muscat airport’s terminal building and the airfield.