Bahrain says it has broken up Shi’ite group involved in terrorism

Last year, Bahrain declared Saraya al-Ashtar and two other anti-government groups terrorist organisations.

Qatar may lose 2022 World Cup hosting rights – FIFA official

The head of FIFA’s audit and compliance committee has warned that any evidence of wrongdoing may revoke the Gulf state’s hosting rights.

Etihad Airways in expanded codeshare deal with Air France-KLM

The two carriers will share codes on more flights starting this year, opening more European cities to the Abu Dhabi-based airline’s customers.

Government to retain 75% stake in Kuwait Airways

Under a new proposal, 20 per cent of the airline’s shares will be offered to Kuwaiti citizens and 5 per cent to current and retired employees.

Saudi Supreme Court upholds blogger’s sentence

Raif Badawi was sentenced to 1,000 lashes, a 10-year jail term and a fine of SAR 1 million last year.

Dubai’s IMG awards construction contract for City of Arabia project

The deal to construct the Avenue 353 villa project has been awarded to McFadden International Construction Group.

Saudi-led air strikes kill 44 in attack on Yemeni army compound

More than 100 people, including civilians, were also wounded in the attack, according to reports.

Saudi Arabia arrests 45 suspects in mosque bombing case

The arrests come after the government declared a reward for helping nab the suspects in the mosque bombing case and for providing information about future attacks.

UAE’s National Drilling Co. signs $543m in deals for 14 new rigs

One offshore and one onshore rig will be manufactured in the UAE as part of the deals.

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.