Moody’s upgrades Abu Dhabi rating from negative to stable

Policy reforms and strong growth prospects led to the ratings change

Abu Dhabi economy showing signs of recovery- official

The emirate’s gross domestic product is expected to grow 3 per cent this year

Saudi launches new platform ‘HUB1006’ to support SMEs and start-ups, provide more jobs

The new platform aims to “remove bureaucratic barriers associated with growing a business in Saudi Arabia”

UAE stores to offer Ramadan discounts worth Dhs300m on 10,000 items

The discounts will range from 50 to 75 per cent and be available at 600 outlets across the country

Oman appoints banks ahead of debut public dollar sukuk

The planned sale is expected to raise around $2bn

Dubai sees over 126% rise in new businesses launched during Q1

New businesses launched in Dubai during Q1 reached 308, compared to 136 in Q1 2016

S&P cuts Oman’s credit rating to junk as cheap oil shrinks external reserves

S&P lowered Oman’s sovereign rating by one notch to BB+ from BBB- with a negative outlook

Dubai’s private sector sees strongest growth in 26 months

Improving business conditions in the construction sector aided overall growth

Restoring public allowances to cost Saudi about SAR7bn in 2017

The government slashed the allowances last September, but announced last month that it would restore them

UAE’s non-oil private sector still facing challenges

Job creation remains subdued and pricing power is limited, finds monthly Emirates NBD survey

Saudi prince says economic reforms working, promises huge investments

Prince Mohammed first described his reform plans to the public almost exactly a year ago

Restored Saudi public sector perks may avert recession

Saudi restored financial allowances for civil servants and military personnel on Saturday

Saudi to award licences to 15 US firms in May

The licences are expected to be awarded to companies in technology, pharmaceutical and other sectors

Ras Al Khaimah launches economic zone to oversee its two main free zones

The new authority will oversee Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone and RAK Investment Authority

Saudi to suspend, restructure unfinished projects worth billions of dollars

Many of the projects are relics of a decade-long boom of high oil prices and lavish state spending

Dubai reveals new holiday home regulation

Dubai’s private sector sees strongest growth in two years

The growth was driven by an expansion in output and new orders

Business activity growth in UAE’s private sector touches 25-month high

Business activity was led by new projects, a further general improvement in economic conditions and market demand

Four Gulf central banks hike rates after Fed, others may follow

Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain raise rates in a bid to protect their currencies

UAE economy expected to grow 4% in 2017 – minister

The growth will be aided by the UAE’s increasing attractiveness as an investment destination

Introduction of VAT ‘biggest’ driver for job creation in the UAE – report

The UAE is anticipated to see new hires in areas including consultancy, advisory, legal, strategy and tax this year

Saudi King Salman begins month-long Asia tour to promote investment

The king is expected to visit Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan and China

Dubai Holding launches new investment firm to support start-ups

The company will enable new businesses in the region to access capital

Dubai tops GCC in global cities ranking

The cities were ranked on business activity, human capital, information exchange, cultural exchange, and political engagement

Dubai’s non-oil private sector sees strongest growth in nearly two years

Rising output and new orders led to an improvement in business conditions

Pressure on Qatar state finances easing as oil prices climb

Qatar’s economy is expected to grow 3.4 or 3.5 per cent this year

UAE approves new visa scheme to attract ‘talented’ professionals

The initiative will focus on the tourism, health, and education sectors

Saudi’s non-oil private sector improves, jobs growth remains slow

The kingdom’s non-oil firms noted sharp increases in output and new business

Costa Rica to use UAE as ‘launching point’ into the Gulf region

Costa Rica has announced the launch of a new embassy in Dubai

Abu Dhabi approves ‘intelligent’ transport system in Al Ain

A Dhs114m contract for develop infrastructure for the system has been approved

Qatar and Azerbaijan discuss economic cooperation

Both countries are significant producers of oil and gas