Emirates NBD Expands Into China

The lender opens Beijing office to tap rising financial ties between the UAE and China.

Trafigura Gets $400m Loan From ME Banks

One of the world’s largest commodity traders has turned to Gulf-based banks to widen its lending pool.

The Rise Of Remittance

As remittances grows, Gulf Business investigates whether huge currency volatilities present a challenge or an opportunity for investors.

UAE Central Bank Plans Discount Window, Says Outlook Positive

The discount window will improve liquidity management practices in the country, the central bank said.

The Rise Of Dim Sum Bonds

Gulf firms are increasingly chasing Asian liquidity.

Egypt Sees IMF Deal In 2 Months, Eyes World Bank Aid

Egypt’s government is hoping to receive a $4.8 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund.

Dubai’s Al Habtoor To Raise $1.6bn In IPO

The family-owned business plans to issue new shares as it prepares to float on the stock market.

Dubai’s DIFC Sees 6% Rise In Registered Firms

The Dubai International Financial Centre had 899 active registered companies as of H1 2012.

Global Sukuk Demand Far Exceeds Supply -E&Y

Current outstanding demand for Islamic bonds totals an estimated $300 billion.

UAE’s Al Habtoor Eyes Potential IPO In Dubai

The family conglomerate said that it was financially prepared to go public.

Barclays Sees Middle East Driving Investment Bank

The lender leads M&A advisory rankings in MENA with $4.7 billion of deals this year, according to Dealogic.

Top 10 Sovereign Wealth Funds

As the notoriously private wealth vehicles gain increased visibility, especially with their emerging markets investment push, Gulf Business lists the top 10 SWFs in the world.

Bahrain’s Economy Shrinks In Q2

Real GDP expanded but ongoing political unrest continues to dampen the country’s growth.

Qatar National Bank To Buy SocGen’s Egyptian Arm

The bank has hired JP Morgan to advise on its planned buyout of the French bank’s Middle Eastern asset.

Barclays Appoints Jenkins To Fill Diamond’s Shoes

The banking group appoints a new chief executive to repair its damaged reputation following the Libor scandal.

Top Start-up Funds In The Middle East

With entrepreneurship in the region witnessing an unprecedented boom, funding options are also on the rise.

China’s ICBC Posts Strong H1 Growth In ME

ICBC ME posted a pre-tax profit of $36 million in the first half of the year, up 157 per cent from H1 2011.

Qatar-Barclays Payments Face Fraud Probe

Fees from Qatar Investment Authority paid to the British bank are being scrutinised by the UK’s Serious Fraud Office.

Egypt’s President Rules Out Currency Devaluation

Mohamed Mursi confirms there will be no new taxes and will look to investment to fix the country’s economy.

Kuwaiti Firm Alleges Carlyle Sold Fund Without Licence

Kuwaiti investment firm NIG is now seeking approval for its lawsuit against Carlyle to be heard in Kuwait rather than the US.

Arab Bank Board Appoints New Chairman

Jordan’s largest lender has elected Sabih al-Masri to head the bank after the sudden resignation of Abdel Hamid Shoman.

Top 10 Performing Banks In The GCC

Saudi Arabia’s banks post bumper profit growth and lead the region’s banking recovery.

NBAD Ranked Middle East’s Safest Bank

The National Bank of Abu Dhabi comes highest in the region for world’s safest banks; Europe take top five spots.

Palestine Bank Comes To Dubai

BoP will launch its Dubai office in 2013 to serve 200,000 Palestinians.

The Top 50 Banks In The GCC

The region’s banks witnessed a moderate recovery last year with continued overall gains expected for 2012.

Biggest Banks In Kuwait

Banks are slowly recovering from the 2008 fall out but the impact of a major government spending spree is yet to be fully realised.

Biggest Banks In The UAE

Higher capitalisation and new profits in the UAE are threatened by the Eurozone and weak global growth.

Biggest Banks In Saudi Arabia

Strong government regulation and hefty public spending have buoyed the Kingdom’s banking sector.

Biggest Banks In Qatar

Massive public spending and impressive GDP growth saw a bumper year for Qatar’s banking sector.

Biggest Banks In Oman

Increased consumer lending and new banks will put the country on a solid footing this year.