UAE Mulls Uniform Corporate Tax Rate

A study is being conducted to check the economic impact of the move, which will introduce a single tax rate across the seven emirates.

ME Holds $500m In Start-Up Funds

Regional investors are ready to provide up to half a billion dollars to promote new businesses in the Middle East, say industry experts.

Emirates NBD Approves 20% Dividend

Emirates NBD said that its shareholders had approved a cash dividend of 20 fils per share for 2011.

Al Futtaim Gets $500m Egypt Mall Loan

The Mall of Egypt will be one of North Africa’s largest shopping centres.

DP World To Repay $3bn Loan Early

The port operator has said that it will pay off its loan, which matures in October, six months ahead of schedule.

First Gulf Lends $350mn to AKT

The UAE lender’s loan will help Indonesian coal producer AKT to meet its working capital needs.

Abraaj Buys 50% Stake In The Entertainer

Abraaj is making the acquisition through its subsidiary, Riyada Enterprise Development.

A Road Less Bleak?

After a tough couple of years, could 2012 be the year that lackluster regional stock markets regain their shine?

Bahrain’s SWF Names New CEO

Mumtalakat has appointed ALBA chairman Mahmood Hashem al-Kooheji as its new CEO.

Local Banks Increase Global Lending Slice

The debt crises in the West has spurred an upsurge in lending for local banks.

ENBD Launches $1bn Bond

The five-year bond is the third issue by Emirates NBD this year and the second by a UAE bank this week.

DIB Announces 12.5% Dividend

The lender had earlier said that it was advised by the UAE central bank to cut its dividend to 10 per cent.

Emaar Proposes 10 Fils Dividend

The property developer said that it will discuss the proposal with shareholders during its annual general meeting on April 23.

Betting On The Future

The future of the UAE’s insurance industry looks secure, say industry experts.

UAE Cuts Amlak Debt By $1.1bn

However, the UAE Economy Minister said that resuming trade in Amlak stocks will take more time.

NBAD Launches $750mn Bond

The five-year dollar bond is being issued under the National Bank of Abu Dhabi’s $5 billion programme.

Bahrain’s Arcapita Files For Bankruptcy

The investment house filed for US bankruptcy protection after it failed to reach a $1.1 billion debt deal with creditors.

Bahrain Unrest Hikes Salaries By 10.5 %

Average monthly salaries for some expatriates have gone up by more than 10 per cent this year compared to 2011.

Investcorp Acquires UK Education Group

The Bahraini investment group has taken over the GL Education Group, a UK-based education solutions provider.

Sorouh Elects New Chairman

The Abu Dhabi property developer, which is eyeing a possible merger with Aldar, replaced its chairman last week.

Arab Spring Hits Investor Confidence

The regional unrest will continue to dampen investor confidence in the Middle East this year, according to a survey by the CFA Institute.

Kuwait Airways Strike Costs $1mn

The strike caused by the carrier’s employees over a pay hike led to the cancellation of 10 flights within a four-hour period.

UAE To Reduce Debts Of Nationals

The central bank has instructed lenders to find means of reducing the debt burden of UAE nationals.

GCC Banks Need Better Services

While banks in the region are returning to pre-crisis levels of profit, they have to improve efficiency, says AT Kearney.

Tunisia Eyes Islamic Finance

The Tunisian government has set up a working group with Islamic finance experts to study its development in the country.

Aldar, Sorouh Dealings “Transparent”

The merger talks between the two Abu Dhabi-based developers are in compliance with corporate governance, a senior official has said.

World Developers Offered Refund

Thailand island investors on The World development have been offered a full refund.

Dubai CFOs On Hiring Spree

The majority of financial executives in Dubai are planning to increase staff this year, according to a survey.

Dubai Bank Ratings Removal Requested

Emirates NBD requests withdrawal of Dubai Bank’s Fitch and Moody’s ratings.

ADX Denies Trade Inquiry

The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange has denied reports that it’s going to investigate trading patterns of Aldar and Sorouh.