Boeing on track to deliver flydubai’s first 737 MAX in 2017

Testing of the new aircraft is slated to begin in the first half of 2016.

Emirates obtains naming rights for UK’s Spinnaker Tower

The structure, situated in Portsmouth, will be renamed Emirates Spinnaker Tower and rebranded in red.

Attacks on Shi’ites create pivotal moment for Saudi state

The government has allowed Shi’ites to set up community protection groups to search people entering mosques and checkpoints to monitor entrances to villages after the attacks.

Scotland fans go easy on Qatar but Amnesty up the heat

There had been widespread calls among Scotland supporters to boycott the match with Qatar because of human rights concerns.

Cheap oil to push UAE into first fiscal deficit since 2009 -IMF

The UAE’s consolidated fiscal balance is expected to swing to a deficit of 2.3 per cent of gross domestic product in 2015 from a 5.0 per cent surplus last year, the IMF said.

Egypt’s EFG-Hermes plans Saudi Islamic fund as market opens up

EFG-Hermes says nearly a third of its $3 billion of assets under management is in Saudi Arabia, with $265 million managed by its Saudi unit.

Mubadala GE joint venture says looks at options for future structure

The joint venture was studying options in the wake of the U.S. conglomerate’s decision to exit most of its GE Capital operations.

Global nuclear power sector rebounds as Fukushima horrors fade

While some countries have rolled back their nuclear plans, others like the UAE are steaming ahead.

Growing regional turmoil challenges UAE’s safe haven status

The UAE was a safe haven for both Arab and foreign investors during the Arab Spring. But as regional tensions loom bigger, will the country be able to uphold that title?

Stung by FIFA furore, Qatar’s soft power at risk

Qatar must work even harder to protect its brand after U.S. prosecutors charged select FIFA officials with corruption and opened investigation into 2018 and 2022 bids.

With oil low, wealthy Abu Dhabi tightens belt a notch

Less money is going towards high-profile investments abroad and there is a renewed emphasis on developing the domestic economy, bankers and businessmen say.

Etihad-backed Alitalia unveils new cabins, services and livery

Seats and services are now more closely aligned with partner Etihad.

Emirates inks air-rail codeshare with France’s SNCF, adds 19 new destinations

The deal will help boost Emirates network in France and ease connectivity for passengers.

Foreign firms wary of Saudi expansion on opening up of bourse

Regulatory obstacles and uncertainty about the size of fund inflows are deterring foreign firms from undertaking any quick build-up in their staffing and office space in Riyadh.

Dubai Parks and Resorts begins leasing retail, dining units in Riverland

The entrance plaza will feature about 50 dedicated outlets along with various street dining options.

Dubai named fourth most popular city among international visitors

The emirate is expected to receive about 14.3 million international visitors this year, up by 8 per cent from 2014, a new study says.

Emaar Properties trims Egypt listing price, sees up to $334m float

The flotation will involve 600 million shares, equivalent to 12.99 per cent of the company, offered at a price between 3.5 pounds and 4.25 pounds.

FBI extends FIFA scrutiny to World Cup host bids of Russia, Qatar

The U.S. law enforcement official said the review of the bids would be part of a probe that goes beyond the indictments.

Saudi stadium plan scaled back as oil drop bites -sources

About 11 new grounds were to be built as a means of growing the game in the kingdom but sources said only two will be built as state spending is hit by low oil prices.

Qatar says ‘prejudice and racism’ behind criticism of 2022 World Cup

Foreign Minister Khaled al-Attiyah said the country was being unfairly targeted over allegations of graft in the vote that won it the World Cup.

Qatar says air strikes ineffective without Iraqi national dialogue

Qatar’s Foreign Minister Khaled al-Attiyah said the international community was not doing enough to pressure all parties in Iraq to start national reconciliation.

Saudi names suspects in mosque bombing, offers $1m bounty

The ministry also offered a $1.9 million reward for information that would avert any future attacks.

Low oil prices, regional tensions dent business confidence in the UAE

A new survey found a large quarter-on-quarter dip in UAE hiring during Q1 2015.

Qatar hits back at allegations of worker deaths in FIFA stadiums

The country said that not a single worker has died in its construction sites, dismissing rumours of 1,200 worker deaths.

Saudi may issue government bonds this year -IMF official

Bond issues are being considered after global oil prices plunged last year.

Dubai Emaar Properties beachfront project to cost $2.7 bn

The project will have 4,000 residential units, 300 hotel rooms, and 250,000 square metres of retail outlets.

UAE oil minister says correction not over yet

The minister was upbeat as he noted that the supply glut in the market has reduced significantly.

Emirates NBD expects 12-15% growth in retail business in 2015

Oil price volatility is not expected to impact Emirates NBD’s retail growth estimates, a senior official said.

42% of UAE employees find workplace stressful – report

A study of 564 UAE employees also found less than half believed their company took an interest in their wellbeing.

UAE non-oil business growth slows marginally in May – PMI

Output growth rose to a three-month high index reading of 62.8 points in May but the increase in new orders fell.