Live: Updates from Gitex 2015

All the news and views from the region’s biggest ICT event

Tecom’s Dubiotech, EnPark to jointly form new entity – Dubai Science Park

Dubai Science Park will include over 280 business partners and focus on life sciences and alternate energy solutions

Saudi Electric signs $1.07bn utility contract for housing projects

The contract, signed between the firm and the Ministry of Water and Electricity, is for 29 projects being implemented by the Ministry of Housing

Exclusive: Dubai Duty Free’s Colm McLoughlin on building a successful business

Having been in his post since 1984, executive vice chairman Colm McLoughlin talks about the leadership and innovation necessary to create an efficient business operation

Nakheel awards Dhs 2.3bn construction deals for retail projects

The developer has confirmed the builders of Deira Islands Night Souk, Warsan Souk and The Circle Mall

Dubai’s ruler issues open data law for Dubai Smart City

The new law will make non-confidential data accessible to researchers, investors and service developers via an integrated platform

United Arab Emirates soldier, aid worker killed in Yemen

It was not immediately clear whether there was any link between the killings of the aid worker and the soldier

Saudi’s Naimi says sees oil demand improving

Oil prices have almost halved in the past year because of excess supply

ISIL claims responsibility for deadly attack on Saudi Shi’ites

A gunman killed five people in an attack on a Shi’ite Muslim meeting hall in Saudi Arabia on Friday

Dubai’s property market slows, but developers remain upbeat

Although Dubai’s real estate market has been sliding, the emirate has seen several new launches

UAE job market to gain full momentum in 2017

Opportunities in the lead up to Expo 2020 will result in large-scale job creation, says expert

Home Centre chief not worried by IKEA

The Landmark-owned brand is planning to increase its footprint by 50 stores in the next five years

Saudi state claws back unspent money as finances tighten

Ministries are being told that if money is not fully spent on the projects for which it was originally allocated, the remainder must be sent back to the Treasury

US approves $495m deal to sell Black Hawk helicopters to Saudi Arabia

The deal is expected to help improve Saudi’s defense capabilities

Apple to open new stores in Dubai and Abu Dhabi on Oct 29

As expected, the stores will be located in Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates and Abu Dhabi’s Yas Mall

Saudi Arabia targets Russia in battle for European oil market

Russia has for years been muscling in on Asian markets where Saudi Arabia was once the unchallenged dominant supplier

UAE to save Dhs 9.1bn by slashing fuel subsidies

The majority of savings from fuel subsidy cuts will be pumped back to the economy in the form of various investments, the UAE’s minister of energy said

Bahrain’s Gulf Air in final talks to buy 50 aircraft -CFO

Gulf Air said negotiations with manufacturers were expected to finish by the first quarter of 2016

Arab coalition slowing aid efforts in Yemen – U.S. Navy report

The Arab coalition denied the allegation and said it was keen for ships to take in relief

Nakheel awards Dhs 27.5m contract for road works at Jumeirah Village Circle

The developer also said that it has issued a tender to build a new road that will link the community to Hessa Street

Saudi bourse regulator tightens curbs on anonymous investors

The Capital Market Authority told licensed brokers that they would have to open an account in the name of each client rather than using the name of the broker or someone else

Hilton to open new hotel under Curio collection in Dubai

The two-tower Rosemont Hotel and Residences is set to open on Sheikh Zayed Road in 2018

Bahrain Investcorp’s U.S. unit buys eight residential properties for $400m

Investcorp acquired properties in the metropolitan areas of Las Vegas, Denver, Chicago, Atlanta and Dallas, it said in a statement

Abu Dhabi’s Al Noor Hospitals to merge with Mediclinic

Post the deal, Al Noor will be called Mediclinic International plc, a statement said

Exclusive: Gargash plans new Alfa Romeo showroom in Abu Dhabi

UAE-based distributor Gargash Motors will also be enhancing its Alfa showroom in Dubai

Middle East’s first 7-Eleven store opens in Dubai, more planned

The new 2,000 square foot store is located near Downtown Dubai and a second is planned for Marina

Saudi foreign minister: No future for Bashar al-Assad in Syria

Adel al-Jubeir said that Riyadh’s position on Syria had not changed

UAE, Germany plan talks over Air Berlin-Etihad code share

Air Berlin and Etihad are still awaiting approval for this winter’s flight schedule

Saudi brings forward state spending deadline in budget clampdown

The kingdom is grappling with a budget deficit which economists estimate could total $120bn or more this year

Apple iPhone 6s review: First impressions

Enhanced camera capabilities and 3D Touch are interesting features