Dubai Platform Hosts First Islamic Commodity Trade

The Dhs50 million facility was signed by Noor Islamic Bank and Commercial Bank of Dubai.

Oman’s Bank Dhofar Gets $68m After Court Ruling Overturned

The Omani bank lost a court case in June 2011 against Oman International Bank, Ali Redha Trading and Muttrah Holding.

Top 10 Biggest IPOs Of All Time

China holds the first and second biggest initial public offerings ever as Asian and U.S. companies go head-to-head.

Credit Card Use Boosts MENA’s GDP Growth

The UAE’s GDP saw a rise of $4.2 billion thanks to a rise in electronic payments. Saudi Arabia’s GDP saw growth of $4.7 billion.

Saudi Electricity Sets Initial Price Guidance For Sukuk

Meetings with fixed income investors are scheduled to conclude in London on Monday, having taken place in the United States last week.

Dubai’s Emirates NBD May Price Tier 2 Bond Monday

The dollar-denominated deal aims to boost the bank’s supplementary capital.

Banks To Sign $2bn Saudi Rabigh 2 Loan By End-March

A coalition of seven banks will back the dual-tranche, long-term loan, say sources.

Standard Chartered Seeks Egypt Acquisition, Plans Iraq Push

In the Gulf region, the bank will focus on lending opportunities in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, says regional head.

Gulf Bonds’ Huge Order Books Not As Solid As They Seem

Recent bond issues have seen heavy bids but perform poorly in the secondary market.

GCC’s Islamic Banking Assets’ Growth Slows To 14%

Growth in 2012 was up on 2011, far outperforming conventional banking assets’ growth of 8.1 per cent.

US Imports Of Saudi Crude Oil Up Nearly 300,000 bpd Last Week

Shipments to the US from OPEC’s top producer had dipped earlier in the year.

Fitch Says Saudi Upgrade Likely, Outlook Positive

The country could get a one-notch upgrade if it makes more progress tackling unemployment and diversifying the economy.

Dubai’s DEWA Says No More Sukuk Issues Before 2015

DEWA’s $1 billion Islamic bond issued in February drew very strong demand.

Oman’s Bank Muscat To Price $500m Bond

Despite attracting more than $2.5 billion of demand so far the size of the bond will not be increased.

Abu Dhabi’s Al Hilal Bank To Issue Sukuk In Q3

The lender expects to obtain a credit rating in the coming two or three months.

Drake And Scull Wins Saudi, UAE Contracts Worth $100m

The contracts include Dhs287 million worth of work awarded by Al Rajhi Bank to construct facilities in Riyadh.

Investcorp Struggling To Sell Armacell Amid Lower Bids

Potential buyers Charterhouse, HgCapital and Pamplona were likely to submit bids 100 million euros under its price tag.

Dubai’s ICD Launches $2bn Loan Refinancing

The five-year senior unsecured financing will replace the remaining $2 billion five-year tranche of an original $6 billion loan.

Qatar’s CBQ To Buy 71% Of Turkey’s Alternatifbank

The value of the transaction is seen at around $460 million.

Mobius Wants To Double Investments in Saudi Arabia

Veteran emerging markets investor Mark Mobius remains bullish on the Middle East region.

Qatar To Increase FIFA 2022 Spending In 2013

Government spending related to the World Cup will hit almost $115 billion between now and 2022, says new study.

Saudi Electricity Picks Banks For Dollar Sukuk Sale

Saudi Electric last tapped the international bond market in March 2012 with a $1.75 billion two-part Sukuk.

UAE Central Bank Orders Speedy Mortgage Review

The central bank has previously backed off from enforcing regulations after complaints from the banks.

Bahrain Central Bank Sees 4% GDP Growth

The forecast is lower than the Economic Development Board’s prediction last month of 6.2 per cent for 2013.

UAE Central Bank Says Discount Window On Track

Last September the central bank announced it would develop its monetary policy framework enabling banks to borrow intra-day and overnight funds.

Sovereign Wealth Funds To Hit Record $5.6 Trillion By Year-End

SWF assets grew eight per cent in 2012 to reach $5.2 trillion, says study.

UAE Central Bank Says Will Enforce Curbs On Risk

The regulator is looking to implement previously issued rules and policies.

Dubai Islamic Launches $1bn Tier 1 Sukuk

Arranging banks said order books totalled $14 billion, indicating massive demand for the deal.

Societe Generale’s Egypt Arm Net Income Up 3%

Last month Egypt’s financial regulator approved an offer by Qatar National Bank for NSGB.

Abu Dhabi In Nearly $7bn Oil Investment In Malaysia

The emirate has signed an agreement for a petroleum storage facility in Malaysia’s Johor state.