UAE Declares Jan 1 Holiday For Private, Govt Sector

Employees will get one-day off to mark New Year’s and resume work on Jan 2.

Etihad Buys 70% In Air Berlin’s Loyalty Programme

The deal will generate $242.70 million in revenue for the German carrier.

Saudi Aviation Body To Allow Fare Rises

The civil aviation will also allow new carriers in an attempt to spur growth.

ENBD Frontrunner For BNP Paribas Egypt Arm

Emirates NBD’s offer was highest in a second round of bidding that took place in December.

Etihad Close To Buying Stake In India Carrier

The Abu Dhabi-based airline is about to buy a stake in either Jet Airways or rival Kingfisher Airlines.

Banque Saudi Fransi Closes $507m Sukuk

The Saudi lender’s issue was around 2.2 times covered by investors.

Abu Dhabi Ports CEO – ‘There Is No Danger Of Overcapacity’

Exclusive: Tony Douglas, boss of ADPC, said the newly opened Khalifa Port will mop up Mina Zayed’s traffic and benefit from rising MENA trade.

GALLERY: Inside Dubai Airport’s New A380 Facility

Take a look at the new Concourse A inside Terminal 3 of Dubai International.

UAE’s First Mega Waterpark Opens In Abu Dhabi

Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi is set to open its doors to the public in the New Year.

Bahrain’s Marina Project Hit By New Delays

The $66 million development is held up again by land issues.

Dubai’s A380 Facility – What To Expect

A look at the new 500,000sqm Concourse A that has the capacity to handle 15 million passengers a year.

Oman Secures New Subcontinent Traffic Rights

Exclusive: Oman Air announces new flights into India and Pakistan.

Dubai’s Habtoor Hotel Renovated In 2013

The five-star resort will see its 446 rooms and F&B outlets refurbished.

Dubai Airport Tests New A380 Terminal

The new concourse A at Terminal 3 was tested by 1,000 volunteers.

Kuwait Emir Opens New Parliament

Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah warned against ‘lawless behaviour and chaos on the streets.’

Green Shoots For Private Equity Sector

Interest in deals is up say experts, but closing deals is still lacking as billions of dollars in dry powder lies waiting.

UAE’s Central Bank Delays New Exposure Rules

Following complaints from several banks, requirements on liquid assets have been postponed.

Kuwait’s Zain Pays Saudi Unit’s $231m Motorola Debt

The telecoms operator covered the costs Zain Saudi owed the U.S. firm.

Islamic Bank Of Britain Takeover Deadline Extended

Qatar’s Masraf Al Rayan will have until the new year to decide on a proposed takeover of the lender.

Dubai’s Damac Launches New Project

The developer has announced its first major project since 2008 with a 53-storey tower in Downtown Dubai.

Saudi’s King Abdullah Leaves Hospital

The 89-year-old king has left hospital after a four-week visit for a back operation.

GALLERY: Inside The Fated Boeing Dreamliner 787

Boeing’s Dreamliner 787 promises more efficient fuel technology and cleaner air for passengers.

Qatar Airways Grounds New Boeing Dreamliner

The airline’s chief executive criticises Boeing as electrical faults force new 787 to remain on the tarmac.

Manchester City Halve Losses After Title Win

The Abu Dhabi-funded club reports record revenue as Etihad-influenced commercial revenue doubles.

Oman Eyes Broader Role For Private Sector To Create Jobs, Diversify

Unemployment in the Gulf state currently stands at around 24 per cent, according to the IMF.

BP Allowed To Bid In Abu Dhabi Oil Concession

The British oil company was originally excluded from the process after not receiving a qualifying letter.

Drake & Scull Wins New $720m Saudi Contract

The contract is to build the third phase of the Jabal Omar development in Mecca.

Qatar Airways Starts London Dreamliner Flights

Qatar Airways took delivery of the first of 60 Dreamliners last month with the third 787 joining the airline’s fleet a few days ago.

The Gulf’s First Private Pension Launches

Bahrain’s Takaud hopes its product will help MENA companies struggling to deal with an ageing population.

Emirates Receives Five Planes In December

The additional widebody planes will help serve the carrier’s ongoing network expansion