Dubai’s Property Market Ranked World’s Strongest

The emirate’s residential property index jumped 13.46 per cent in 2012.

UAE’s Aldar And Sorouh Reach Initial Merger Deal

The two Abu Dhabi-based property developers have a combined market capitalisation of about Dhs10 billion.

Dubai’s Just Falafel Plans 20 New UK Stores In 2013

The company has launched it’s first store outside the Middle East in London.

Dubai’s DEWA Plans $1bn Islamic Bond Issue

The proceeds of the sukuk will be used to refinance existing debt and to invest in company projects.

Rotana Kick-Starts Dhs2bn Al Ghurair Expansion

The number of stores at the adjacent shopping centre is set to rise from 200 to 350 this year.

Almost 10,000 Illegal Residents Exit UAE After Amnesty

The UAE government’s two-month amnesty programme extends until February 4.

Abu Dhabi Awards $653m Louvre Contract To Arabtec

The Louvre museum in the emirate is due to be completed in 2015.

Bahraini Islamic Banks Complete Rare Gulf Banking Merger

Capivest, Elaf Bank and Capital Management House have merged after more than a year of negotiations.

Nakheel Issues $33m Sukuk As Part Of Debt Deal

The proceeds will be used to settle trade creditor claims against the Dubai developer.

Dubai’s Cautious Property Comeback

The emirate’s real estate sector edged backed to life in 2012.

Dubai Rents Up 7% In 2012, To Rise Further In 2013

Apartment rents in Dubai rose seven per cent year-on-year, while villa rents increased six per cent year-on-year in 2012, says new report.

Qatar Airways Starts Gassim Flights

It marks the airline’s fifth route in Saudi, alongside Riyadh, Jeddah, Medina and Dammam

Gulf Air To Drop Three Routes

Gulf Air cited “commercial reasons” for the decision, which will place the carrier under renewed scrutiny.

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.