Dubai’s Damac Plans Mega Shopping Strip In AKOYA Development

The 1.3km AKOYA Drive, resembling Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and Champs Elysees in Paris, will include F&B options and retail outlets.

Emaar Launches Second Phase Of BLVD Crescent Project

The second phase of the project will have over 70 one to three bedroom apartments within a 20-storey tower, Emaar said in a statement.

Dubai’s Ruler Issues Decree To Establish Six New Wildlife Sanctuaries

The legislation aims to protect natural habitats in Dubai and develop and promote ecotourism.

Dubai To Have Region’s Largest Entrepreneurship Centre

The centre, which will be launched in Q1 2015, will be within free zone technology park, Dubai Silicon Oasis.

Saudi To Fine Employers Holding Back Domestic Workers’ Pay

New regulations will come into effect within 60 days to protect the rights of domestic workers in the Kingdom, a labour ministry official said.

Dubai’s Emaar Properties Says Malls Unit Raises $1.5bn Islamic Loan

Emaar said the loan is repayable in seven years and carries a profit rate of 1.75 per cent over the London interbank offered rate (Libor).

Qatar 2022 World Cup Hit By New $5m Corruption Claim

New report claims former FIFA member Mohamed Bin Hammam paid $5 million to senior officials in exchange for their support for Qatar’s bid.

Dubai’s RTA Awards Dhs802m Contract For Phase III Of Water Canal Project

The work on the third phase of the project will start in June and is scheduled to be completed by 2016, RTA said.

Saudi Cement Recommends H1 Dividend Of SAR3.5 Per Share

Shareholders owning the company’s stock at the end of trading on July 1 will qualify for the dividend, the company said in a statement.

Etihad Starts Los Angeles Flights

Today’s inaugural flight marks Etihad’s fourth US destination and one of the longest flights globally

Bahrain Opposition To Boycott Election Unless Political Deal Reached

Bahrain has been in turmoil since protests led by Shi’ite Muslims erupted in 2011 after similar uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia.

Saudi Telcoms Firm Mobily Ends Talks To Buy Stake In Smaller Rival

Analysts say the main attraction for Mobily, an affiliate of the UAE’ Etisalat, was to acquire Atheeb’s landline licence.

Qatar Airways Delays Taking First A380 By Several Weeks

Delays in jetliner deliveries can cause disruption and extra cost for airlines as they reassign aircraft to fill the gap.

Battling Inertia – Kuwait’s Dilemma Continues

Can Kuwait overcome its bureaucratic and social hurdles to attract foreign investors and complete its $106 billion development plan?

Prince Alwaleed Sees 130% Investment Hike After Chinese Firm JD.com Listing

The Saudi businessman and his Kingdom Holding Company invested $250 million for a combined stake of 2.5 per cent in the Chinese online retailer.

Air Serbia Passengers Rise On Etihad’s Connectivity

Revenues rise 47 per cent on back of Etihad Airways’ global connectivity, growing codeshare partners and introduction of three Airbus aircraft

UAE Customers to Benefit From Fixed Network Sharing Deal Between Telcos- Analyst

The deal, expected to be in place by the end of 2014, will intensify competition between the two telcos in the UAE.

Dubai Ranks As World’s Second Biggest Retail Destination – Report

The emirate came closely behind London, and significantly ahead of New York, Moscow and Shanghai

Funds To Cut UAE, Qatar Exposure After MSCI Upgrade – Survey

Only 20 per cent of the funds surveyed expect to increase their allocations to UAE equities in the next three months.

Saudi Health Minister Says Working With WHO To Fight MERS

MERS was identified in 2012 in Saudi Arabia, and has infected a total of 565 people in the Kingdom.

Arabtec CEO Invests $1bn In Company, Increases Stake To 21.46%

Hasan Ismaik, who took charge early last year, previous held an 8.03 per cent stake in Arabtec.

Hunt For MERS Source Should Look Beyond Camels – Veterinary Officials

The deadly new virus has killed 186 people in Saudi Arabia.

Dubai’s Emaar Properties Secures $1.5bn Islamic Loan – Sources

The new loan replaces an existing facility worth $980 million which was raised in 2011 and was secured against Dubai Mall.

Bahrain Clarifies Basel III Capital Rules, Eyes 2015 Rollout

Bahrain’s decision could influence regulators in other Gulf states such as the UAE and Qatar that have not yet clarified their stance.

UAE’s TRA Rejects Over 134,000 Mobile Number Switch Requests

Out of 190,185 mobile number porting requests received, only 55,555 were successfully transferred, the UAE’s telecom regulator said.

Qatar Airways Launches Edinburgh Flights

Scottish passengers and companies now have better access to Asian and Australasian markets

Emirates To Start A380 Mumbai Services In July

The Dubai carrier will also deploy larger Boeing 777 aircraft to Delhi and Hyderabad

Qatar’s RasGas Signs Deal With E.ON To Supply LNG To The UK

The three-year contract has the potential to supply up to around two billion cubic meters over its term.

Etisalat’s Tanzania Telecoms Business Defaults On $96m Loan

Zanzibar Telecom, which uses the brand name Zantel, has struggled against larger rivals Vodacom and Bharti Airtel.

Saudi Court Sentences Man To Death For Sedition

This is the second time in a week that the death penalty has been imposed on a man involved in unrest in Qatif.