Bahrain’s Ibdar Bank Eyes Larger Deals After Three-Way Merger

Ibdar was launched as a brand on Monday following the merger of Capivest, Elaf Bank and Capital Management House.

Qatar’s Masraf Al Rayan Agrees Terms Of Islamic Bank Of Britain Offer

The bank did not disclose the actual terms of the offer.

Bank Muscat To Recover Pre-Paid Card Fraud Amount

The lender lost $39 million in a global pre-paid card fraud.

Prince Alwaleed’s CFO To Leave Kingdom Holding – Sources

Shadi Sadeek Sanbar has worked with the firm for over eight years and is seen as a close aide of the Saudi billionaire.

Dubai Stock Market Ends At 5-Year High After Expo Win

The index climbed 1.6 per cent to finish at 2,946 points, its highest close since October 2008.

Dubai Expo’s Benefits To Outweigh Costs – Stan Chart

Dubai’s grand expenditure plans for Expo 2020 will add value to the emirate’s economy.

Dubai Proposes Islamic Savings Scheme For Expats

Employers would pay money earmarked for future retirements into a central system that would manage the money under Islamic principles.

Dubai Stocks Surge 4% On Expo Win

The emirate’s bourse rose above the 3,000 point level for the first time since November 2008.

Dubai’s Expo Win Will Boost Public Finances – Barclays

A successful Expo bid will boost Dubai’s economy but a risk of debts due to overspending looms.

UAE Bank Assets Total $560bn – Central Bank

The confidence in the UAE banking sector is quite strong, says Central Bank governor.

Dubai To Soon Publish New Sukuk Standards

Dubai launched a major drive to develop its Islamic business sector in January this year.

Saudi Hospitality Firm Al-Hokair Plans 2014 IPO

The entertainment and hospitality firm could be valued at about $680-$690 million, sources said.

First Eurozone Islamic Bank Planned For Luxembourg

The consortium plans to launch the new lender in the fourth quarter of 2014.

London IPO Of Dubai’s DAMAC 75% Covered

The deal is scheduled to price on Tuesday so that trading can begin on Wednesday.

Citigroup Can’t Block Abu Dhabi Arbitration Over $7.5bn Stake

The case arose from one of Citigroup’s earlier efforts to shore up its capital base.

Dubai Holding Unit Mulls Sale Of German Packager Mauser

The deal is expected to be worth between 1 billion euros ($1.4 billion) and 1.5 billion, sources say.

Dubai’s Ruler Approves 2014 Budget

Government spending next year is estimated to rise by 11 per cent year-on-year, with salaries and wages accounting for 37 per cent of the total.

Rising Tsunami Of Demand For Islamic Finance – Expert

Leaders from the Islamic finance world converged in Dubai for the Global Islamic Economy Summit.

UAE Pay-TV Network OSN Secures Five-Year $200m Facility

The proceeds of the facility will be used to further grow and strengthen its core business, said OSN.

Abraaj Group’s Senior Partner Stefanel Leaves Firm

Matteo Stefanel was head of special situations group, managed accounts and real estate at Dubai-based Abraaj.

Mashreq Executive VP: The Changing Shape Of Retail Banking

Farhad Irani, EVP and head of retail banking group at the UAE’s Mashreq, spoke to Gulf Business on Mashreq’s performance in 2013 and the state of the banking market.

Dubai Residents Priced Out As Living Costs Rise

Dubai expats’ housing allowance levels lag when compared to the sharp rise in rents and inflation.

UAE Has World’s Most Attractive Tax Framework

The UAE and other GCC countries continue to have low taxation polices which has helped boost trade in turn.

UAE Shows Strong Potential For Digital Banking

The UAE is expected to spearhead digital banking in the GCC, which is being seen as low on digital banking readiness.

Pension Not A Priority For UAE Expats

Most expatriates would prefer to invest a sudden windfall in property, finds survey.

NBAD Appoint StanChart Banker To Head SF Business

Aleem Khan previously ran the structured trade finance business for StanChart MENA and Americas.

Abu Dhabi’s Aldar To Start Sukuk Roadshow On Nov.21

The developer will hold investor meetings in the UAE, Singapore, London, Hong Kong and Switzerland.

Qatar Exchange Cancels Day’s Trades After Technical Problem

The exchange has said it hopes to resume trading as usual on Wednesday.

Kuwait To Grant Africa $1bn In Development Loans

The loans would come on top of investments by Kuwaiti companies in a number of sectors.

GCC’s Consulting Market Booming At $2bn

Middle East accounts for the majority of thought leadership produced globally on emerging markets.