UNB’s Q3 Net Profit Falls 15%, Misses Forecasts

Net profit for the first nine months of this year fell to Dhs1.44 billion from Dhs1.47 billion in the prior-year period.

UAE Plans Islamic Finance Authority Backed By Legislation

A centralised approach to supervising Islamic finance is increasingly being adopted around the globe.

Jumeirah Group Raises $1.4bn Loan For Expansion

Luxury hotel chain has said the loan will help fuel further local and international expansion.

Dubai Holding Says Unit To Repay 750m Euro Bond

Dubai Holding was hit hard by Dubai’s property market crash and corporate debt troubles of 2008-2010.

Qatar Exchange Demands More Foreign Investment To Boost IPOs

The limits on foreign ownership of individual stocks have become obstacles to growth as the Gulf’s capital markets gradually become more international.

Britain Plans First Western Country Sukuk Issue

The new proposal is less than a fifth of the size of the original and is designed to boost London’s status rather than to diversify Britain’s investor base.

National Bank Of Abu Dhabi Posts 8% Profit Fall

Third-quarter net profit at the lender fell eight per cent to Dhs1.04 billion from Dhs1.12 billion in the year-ago period.

UAE Banks Are Taking Too Many Risks – IIF

The international body cautioned the UAE to be proactive in framing policies that would insulate the economy from major problems.

Saudi’s Kingdom Holding Posts 1% Q3 Net Profit Rise

The firm, owned by billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, attributed the profit gain to an increase in gains on investments

Dubai’s Emirates NBD Eyes Turkey Buy Amid Foreign Expansion

The lender aims for 20 per cent of its revenues to come from overseas markets in five years

UAE’s First Gulf Bank Posts 13% Q3 Net Profit Gain

The lender, majority-owned by Abu Dhabi’s ruling family, made a net profit of Dhs1.19 billion for the three months ended Sept. 30

The Euro Crisis Floors Politicians, Save Merkel

Merkel was the only European politician to remain steadfast and outperform the global crisis, says Joe Hawa, chief market analyst, Alpari ME.

Kuwait’s PM Says Welfare State Is “Unsustainable”

The International Monetary Fund has repeatedly warned against rising government spending in OPEC member Kuwait.

Kuwait Bourse To Launch Derivatives Trading Next Year

A Kuwaiti investment firm has already expressed interest in trading options.

UAE Banks Federation Announces Inaugural Conference

The Middle East Banking Forum will be held on 26 November, and attract top tier representatives from regional and international lenders.

Bahrain’s Arab Banking Corp Names Kawan As Permanent CEO

Khaled Kawan replaces Hassan Ali Juma, who retired from the bank in July

UAE Approves Higher Federal Spending For 2014

UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed said that half of the federal budget of Dhs46 billion will go for development and social benefits

UAE’s Financial Advisory Businesses Buck Global Trend

Nearly three out of four UAE financial advisers are in a growth phase, a study found.

Bahrain In Early Stages Of Bank Merger Wave

The tiny kingdom’s banking industry was hit hard by the global financial crisis and, since 2011, by political unrest.

Western Expats Rank UAE As Ideal Residence

Despite high levels of expenditure on luxury, UAE-based western expats were also found to be spending on investments.

Oman’s Renaissance Unit Prices $350m Debut Bond

The five-year offering carried a coupon of 8.625 per cent

US Judge Narrows Masreq Claims Versus ING Over Investment Losses

Dubai-based Mashreq alleged ING Groep NV lost over $40 million of its money by investing it in “toxic” securities.

UAE’s First Gulf Bank Acquires 100% Stake In Islamic Finance Firm

FGB raised its ownership from 40 per cent to 100 per cent in Aseel Islamic Finance

UAE Signs $4.9bn Aid Package To Egypt

Over $1 billion of the money pledged will go to supply Egypt with fuel

UAE’s Local Banks Aggressively Grab Market Share

Local banks have been quick to lend more and offer more sophisticated services as international banks nurse lingering wounds.

Dubai Business Confidence Soars On Expo Hopes

Dubai’s business confidence is at a record high as the announcement of the Expo 2020 host city nears.

Dubai’s Emirates NBD Q3 Net Profit Trimmed By Provisions Spike

The lender made a net profit of Dhs775 million in the three months to September, up 21 per cent from Q3 2012.

Dubai’s New Property Rules Reduce Risks For UAE Banks

Despite signs of economic improvement, banks are still dealing with asset quality problems from the 2008 crisis, says Fitch

Damac Boss: UAE Banks “Too Timid”, Not Lending Enough

The Dubai-based property developer said that facilitating mortgages for non-residents would help drive real estate investments.

UAE Firms To Increase Wages By 5.2% In 2013

According to a Mercer survey, the UAE’s above global average pay rise is a long running trend in the region.