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.

Saudi Bourse To Impose Tougher Penalties For Big Losses

Under the new rules, trading in companies with losses of more than 75 per cent will be suspended for one day.

Six Arrested In $45m Global Cybercrime Involving RAKBANK, Bank Of Muscat

The five men and one woman, all residents of New York City, were accused of being members of an unnamed global cybercrime organisation

Dubai Regulator Sues Deutsche Bank Over Disclosure Denial

The DFSA sent a first notice to the German bank in July asking for information on wealth management clients.

Al Ghurair Calls For Sanctions To Back UAE’s New Mortgage Law

Banks who violate the new rule should be fined and suspended, says Abdulaziz al-Ghurair, head of the UAE Banks Federation

UAE’s First Gulf Bank To Expand Into New Foreign Markets

The lender expects to obtain banking licences in China and South Korea and is also considering expanding into Indonesia and London.

Dubai’s Expo Win Could Spark Talent War With Qatar

Dubai’s successful Expo bid could result in a tug of war with Doha for experienced regional talent.

HSBC Launches Dhs1bn International SME Fund

HSBC’s fund will be open to firms having an annual turnover of 30 billion dirhams or more.

Saudi Ma’aden Progressing Well In Bank Finance Deal Talks

The cash will be used to fund the Umm Wual development at Waad Al-Shimal City

Oman’s Public Wage Bill Could Rise By $2.3bn In 2014

A royal order to standardise salaries and grades across the public sector is projected to cost OMR800-900 million.

Kuwait Finance House Q3 Net Profit Up 17%, Beats Estimates

The Islamic lender’s net profit rose to KD39.3 million.