Barwa Bank Eyes Potential IPO On Doha Bourse

The Qatari lender, part-owned by Qatar Holding, revealed profits last year of 243.7 million riyals.

First Gulf Bank Eyes Five-Year Bond

The Abu Dhabi bank is planning a $500 million bond as an existing one to mature in 2017 yields 2.7 per cent.

UAE Banks Lending Limit Deadline Passes

The date set for banks to reduce their exposure to the government has passed with no word from the Central Bank.

Cityscape Insight: A Look Ahead To The GCC’s Biggest Property Event

As the region’s largest real estate event approaches, the man behind Cityscape Global says it will be their biggest event post-2008.

Qatar Airways Not Planning To Join Oneworld

Chief Executive Al-Baker says his airline will not join British Airways as part of the airline alliance.

GE Announces $1bn Saudi Investment

The global corporate is pumping funds into energy, healthcare and innovation in the Kingdom.

Dubai’s DIFC To Stage Forum For MENA Leaders

In partnership with Deutsche Bank, the new DIFC Forum will open up discussions on doing business in the MENA and Asia regions.

Etihad Airways’ Revenue To Top $5bn Says CEO

Abu Dhabi’s flag carrier is eyeing further minority stakes in global airlines in continuing bid to compete with local rivals.

Abu Dhabi Airport Growth Outpaces Dubai Rival

Growth in the first eight months of the year at Abu Dhabi’s International Airport jumped 21.5 per cent.

Emaar Sells Nuran Marina Hotel To Abu Dhabi Firm

The Dubai-based developer sold its serviced apartments marina asset to Eshraq Properties in the second quarter of the year.

Clash Of Cultures In Booming Qatar

As Qatar modernises itself for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, conservative traditionalists express concern.

How To…Get A Job In Dubai

Gulf Business spoke to Toby Simpson, managing director of the Gulf Recruitment Group, to find out the best way to start a new career in the hotly favoured tax-free city of Dubai.

ADCB Takes Legal Action Against Sheikh Hamdan’s Firm

Zabeel Investments allegedly owes $107 million to the Abu Dhabi bank which has filed for legal procedures.

HP To Launch Envy 2X Hybrid Tablet In ME

The new tablet-laptop hybrid will be launched in the region next month along with the release of Windows 8.

Habtoor Group Re-Jigs Management

The changes are in preparation for the UAE firm’s proposed IPO in 2013.

Vogue Café To Open In Dubai This Year

The publisher of the glossy will open the café in Dubai Mall later this year.

Kuwait To Pass 2012/13 Budget Via Decree Soon

The draft budget, outlined in March, anticipates a spending increase of about 13 per cent.

Bahrain’s GFH To Arrange Leeds United FC’s Acquisition

Gulf Finance House will lead the purchase of the football club’s parent company, though no dates or terms are announced.

National Bank Of Fujairah Replaces Barclays On Eibor Panel

NBF will take the international bank’s seat on the UAE rate panel following Barclays’ Libor scandal.

Saudi Downplays Virus Impact On Haj

Although no new cases of the virus have been detected so far, Saudi officials and the WHO are monitoring the situation.

Qatar Islamic Bank Plans Dollar-Denominated Sukuk

A whistle-stop tour of Singapore, UAE and London as Deutsche Bank, HSBC and QInvest LLC are mandated for the Islamic bond.

J.P.Morgan Invests $20m In Dubai E-Commerce Startup

The London-based investment fund has backed online fashion site Namshi just one year after it launched.

Bahrain’s GIB Updates $4bn Bond Programme

Gulf International Bank’s bond programme is 97.2 per cent owned by the Saudi government, giving a safer level of risk.

Kuwait Faces Parliamentary Deadlock After Court Ruling

The oil exporter had petitioned the court to change the electoral boundaries, but the opposition say this would favour government-friendly candidates.

UAE’s First Gulf Bank Eyes Bond Issue

FGB has hired five banks for a new benchmark bond, according to sources.

Abu Dhabi’s Economy To Grow 3.9% This Year

The figure is down on previous forecasts blamed on a drop in oil production but 5.7 per cent growth is predicted for 2013-2016.

Morocco Selects Saudi-Led Group For $1bn Solar Deal

A consortium led by Saudi International Company for Water and Power (ACWA) won the major contract.

Qatar And France Agree Suburbs Relationship

The Gulf state will help set-up a Franco-Qatari fund aimed at investing millions of Euros into depressed French suburbs.

Dubai’s JAFZA Posts 20% Drop In H1 Profit

State-owned Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) attributed the fall in H1 profit to rising costs.

Dubai’s DEWA Eyes Sukuk Issue In 2013

Proceeds from the issue will be used for repayment, said DEWA CEO, Saeed Mohammed al-Tayer.