Hamptons MENA Reports 19% Growth In Dubai Property

The real estate firm recorded improved sales in established communities such as Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina.

Dubai International Boat Show Welcomes Superyacht Builders

Dubai opens its boat show as survey reveals 60 per cent of world’s top 100 superyachts are in the Middle East.

Oman’s Bank Muscat Gets $195m Equity Investment

International Finance Corp is to buy into the lender with a 5.28 per cent private share placement.

Emirates Banks Association To Change Name

The group will now be known as UAE Banks Federation to better reflect ‘the union of UAE banks’.

UAE’s Etisalat Writes Down Foreign Units By $769m

Last year the operator wrote off the $827 million value of its Indian operation in its 2011 fourth-quarter results.

Bahrain’s Ahli United Bank Sees 11.8% Q4 Profit

The lender said earlier this month it was seeking regional acquisition targets after selling a 29.4 per cent stake in Qatar’s Ahli Bank.

Saudi King Swears In Shura Council’s First Women Members

King Abdullah is seen as having pushed to cautiously advance the role of women in Saudi society.

Qatar To List $12bn Firm With Wealth Fund Assets

Qatar Holding’s vice-chairman says the firm will invest in shares, bonds and private equity.

Emaar Says India Roadshow Gets “Strong Response”

The developer is showcasing its Dubai-based properties to Indian investors.

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.