UAE to become Marriott’s largest MENA market after Starwood deal

Marriott will become the “number one hospitality operator for Expo 2020,” according to MEA president Alex Kyriakidis

WHO praises UAE in fight against polio

The UAE has contributed more than $128m since 2013 in support of global efforts to eradicate polio

72,000 Saudi female graduates apply for just 5,000 education posts

Application deadlines extended after e-recruiter site inundated with applications

Saudi offers oil cut if Iran freezes output

The offer, which has yet to be accepted or rejected by Tehran, was made this month

Saudi Arabia needs 8,000 tourist guides by 2030

Prehistoric Hail rock art and Madain Saleh heritage site pose promising attractions to non-Muslims

Obama vetoes 9/11 Saudi bill, sets up showdown with Congress

President Obama said the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act would hurt US national security and harm important alliances

India wants to add UAE, Saudi oil for strategic reserve

India is exploring two to three other models for sourcing oil

Longer visas for Dubai property investors will boost market – experts

Issuing such visas will encourage a retirement market in Dubai

Long weekend expected in the UAE to mark Islamic New Year

Three-day weekend expected at the beginning of October

Saudi builder Binladin says government started to pay dues

The firm was hard hit last year as low oil prices forced the government to delay payments

New index to be launched in Dubai to measure Arab reading habits

The index will be launched at the upcoming annual Knowledge Summit in Dubai

UAE to take in 15,000 Syrian refugees

The Emirates aims to share the burden of the Syrian refugee crisis

Abu Dhabi approves plans to develop Khor Al Maqta market

The project will feature Emirati-inspired architecture

Dubai-based media firm doubles its maternity leave

Omnicom Media Group MENA has increased its maternity leave entitlement to 90 days

$4.3bn Kuwait International Airport expansion to be completed ahead of schedule

The expansion, which includes a new passenger terminal, was originally due to be finished in six years time

UAE has the highest number of international schools globally

The number of international schools in the country has risen by over 15 per cent in the last year

US Congress lacks votes to override Obama veto on 9/11 bill – US-Arab Relations CEO

John Duke Anthony said the “better argument will prevail”, according to reports

Former RAKIA CEO held in Jeddah airport over alleged $1.5bn fraud

Khater Massaad was detained under an arrest warrant issued by the Ras Al Khaimah government

UAE says Algiers oil talks aimed at consultation, not decision-making

Members of OPEC will meet on the sidelines of the International Energy Forum next week

Dubai startup MoveSouq closes $3m funding round

The amount raised will be used by the startup to expand services

UAE-led network seeks global halal standards

The emirates is seeking to position itself at the centre of a market that could be the biggest industry in the world by 2030

Dubai ruler renames street after Saudi’s King Salman

One of the emirate’s most important roads will now bear the name of the Saudi ruler

Acer to launch world’s thinnest laptop Swift 7 in the UAE in November

The notebook will be priced at an estimated Dhs5,000

Pictures: Dubai’s Meraas opens new chocolate boutique

The new chocolate-themed boutique, cafe and restaurant is open in the City Walk retail complex

Prince Charles and Camilla to visit UAE this November

They will also visit Bahrain and Oman during the official trip

Qatar’s emir criticises Obama’s Syria policy

Obama’s Syria policy has been predicated on the goal of avoiding deeper military entanglements in the Middle East

BECO Capital leads investment round for Dubai-based Wrappup

Wrappup is claimed to help prevent inefficient meetings by allowing users to flag important moments in a recording

Saudi Shoura Council approves recruitment of male domestic workers from Bangladesh

The kingdom began recruiting female domestic workers from the country last year

White House presses Congress on bill allowing 9/11 families to sue Saudi Arabia

The Senate sent the bill to Obama last week, giving him a 10-day window to veto the measure

Dubai’s Emirates to begin charging for seat selection

New fees apply for certain economy class fares