UAE Loan Demand Growth Moderating, Credit Standards Tightening -Central Bank

Lower oil prices had only a minor impact on UAE credit conditions, with no effect on demand for business loans or credit standards, a new survey shows.

Stock News: Saudi Arabia Rises On Oil, Egypt Falls On Tax Concerns

Brent crude hit a new 2015 high of $66.93 per barrel on Thursday before easing slightly on Friday.

UAE’s EIBOR Panel To Stop Fixing Rates On Saturdays

Currently, a fixing is scheduled for every day other than Friday.

Kuwait’s KIPCO Q1 Net Profit Rises By 17%

Net profit in the three months to March 31 was KD12 million.

Bahrain’s GFH Says To Buy Mall In Saudi Arabia For $48m

The investment will produce an average semi-annual cash return of 12 per cent, GFH said.

Bahrain Central Bank Puts Bank, Insurer Into administration

the central bank did not elaborate on why it took the action against Future Bank and Iran Insurance Co.

Saudi Central Bank Says Would Welcome Insurance Mergers

A number of Saudi insurance firms have been loss-making for years because of severe competition in the market.

RBS Returns Qatar Banking licence, Country Head Departs

RBS, 79 per cent owned by the British government, is shrinking its corporate and institutional banking business in the Middle East.

Global Investment House Says Files To Relist In Kuwait

The timing for the listing would be dependent on approval from Kuwait’s Capital Markets Authority.

Qatar Wealth Fund To Open New York Office As U.S. Portfolio Grows

The office opening is part of the fund’s strategy to shift its focus from Europe to Asia and the US.

High Living Costs Impact UAE Residents’ Ability To Leave An Inheritance- Survey

The majority of UAE residents want to leave behind an inheritance but only a fraction are confident of doing so, a new survey says.

Oman’s United Finance Gets Acquisition Proposal From National Bank Of Oman

Any deal would require the approval of the board of directors, the shareholders and the regulators, United Finance said in a statement.

Kuwait Stock Regulator Plans Changes To Align Market With Global Norms

Kuwait’s regulator is looking to improve the investment environment in the country.

UAE Bank NBAD Expects Costs To Jump 10.9% In 2015 – CFO

The lender reported a marginal increase in first-quarter net profit.

Dubai Investments Posts 6.5% Q1 Net Profit Rise

The conglomerate said its net profit was Dhs282 million in the first quarter of 2015.

UAE Bank NBAD’s First Quarter Net Profit Hampered By Costs

NBAD made a net profit of Dhs1.42 billion in the first quarter of 2015.

Dubai’s ENBD Sets Pricing For $500m 5-yr Bond At Midswaps Plus 150 bps

The size of the issue was capped at $500 million and books exceeded $650 million with more accounts to respond.

Saudi Al-Bassam, Sumou Holding To Set Up $751m Fund To Invest In Turkey

The group is aiming to work with state firms such as TOKI, Emlak Konut and Kiptas.

Different Arab money

Oman Fund, Spanish Firm To Finance Spanish Companies Abroad

The new fund will focus on companies interested in doing business in Oman as well as other Gulf countries, East Africa, and South and Southeast Asia.

UAE Finance Execs Hiking Pay To Retain Top Talent – Survey

One third of companies in the country have increased counter offers to avoid losing key employees, finds Robert Half survey.

Dubai’s Emirates NBD Sets IPTs For $500m, 5-Year Bond Issue

Rated Baa1/A+ by Moody’s and Fitch, ENBD has mandated HSBC, Morgan Stanley, Standard Chartered Bank and itself as bookrunners.

Saudi Central Bank Foreign Assets Drop In March To Cover Budget Gap

Net foreign assets reached SAR2.59 trillion in March, their lowest level since July 2013.

Abu Dhabi Rolls Out Red Carpet For Market Makers, May Outweigh Dubai

Both the DFM and ADX say they are in talks to attract market makers.

Dubai’s DP World Says Shareholders Approve Limited Share Buyback

The approval was granted at the firm’s annual shareholder meeting, according to a bourse filing.

Topaz Closes In On Loan Worth Upwards Of $550m – Source

Emirates NBD, First Gulf Bank, Gulf International Bank, HSBC, Noor Bank and Standard Chartered will provide the loan, three sources told Reuters.

UAE Aviation Firm Sanad Says Raises $90m Loan

The transaction will increase the company’s total borrowing to $600 million.

Saudi’s Itqan Capital To Add Brokerage, PE Fund To Services

The new business will be developed as a joint venture with Bahrain-based brokerage Mubasher Financial Service.

Dubai Financial Market Q1 Net Profit Falls 69%

The firm made a net profit of Dhs67.7 million ($18.4 million) in the three months to March 31.

Bahrain’s Investcorp Appoints Kirdar As New Chairman

Kirdar will replace Abdul-Rahman Salim al-Ateeqi, who will retire as chairman at the end of the current fiscal year on June 30.

Dubai’s DP World Eyes Dollar Bond – Sources

The Dubai-based firm could raise between $750 million and $1 billion from the bond.