UAE, Qatar Stop Trade Finance To Iran

The move follows the stringent financial and trading sanctions imposed by the US and EU on Iran.

UAE To Cap Credit Card Interest Rate

The UAE’s central bank is reportedly planning to limit credit card interest rate at 18 per cent annually.

Qatar’s GDP Grew 19% In 2011

According to the IMF, Qatar’s economy is expected to grow six per cent in 2012.

MAF Launches $400mn Sukuk

The mall operator is undertaking several new projects across the Middle East this year.

NBK Posts Flat 2011 Profits

The Kuwaiti bank reported a net profit of KD302.4 million in 2011 compared to KD301.7 million in 2010.

UAE To See 4% Growth in 2012

According to the country’s Economy Minister, the Arab Spring has spurred growth in the UAE.

QIA To Buy Credit Suisse London HQ

Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund is expected to acquire the property in a “few weeks.”

Investors Optimistic On Africa

More than one in two institutional investors see Africa as an attractive region to invest in over the next decade.

Japan’s Trade Deficit Raises Concerns

The country’s first trade deficit since 1980 raises questions how Japan will finance its huge public debt.

Kuwait To Privatise Stock Exchange

The move will make the bourse the second publicly traded stock exchange in the region.

Kingdom Budget Surplus

Saudi Arabia almost doubles income forecast, announcing a budget surplus of $81.6 billion for 2011.

Bearish 2011 For UAE Stock Markets

The value of shares traded reached its lowest level since 2004.

SMEs Fight for Funding

As the UAE climbs into steady recovery, is it any easier for small businesses to access bank lending?

Gulf Banks Shut Out US Clients

Obama’s intrusive regulations are simply too much trouble.

GCC Flinches At Debt Crisis

The region’s deepest insecurities have once again been exposed by another crisis to emerge from the US and eurozone economies.

The Demise of Independent Islamic Scholars?

After years of pressure, Islamic scholars in the Gulf are finally modernising their operations, much to the delight of Western financial organisations

Qatar’s Global Rise

The richest place in the world, the region’s most peaceful country, and winner of the World Cup bid, the stars have never been more aligned for the tiny Gulf state.

IPO No Go

Low liquidity and weak confidence continue to dampen the Gulf’s IPO pipeline. Stringent local market guidelines must be relaxed to improve cashflow.

Gold Rush

As the global economy reels from fresh Euro and US woes, the gold price is set for a dizzying ascent.

Local Teens Splash The Cash

Middle East kids are some of the highest spenders in the world, with a growing appetite for branded gadgets.

Independence Day

The region welcomes its first non-executive director ‘match-making’ service as it strengthens corporate governance regulation.

Abu Dhabi’s Big Catch

The world’s biggest caviar factory in Abu Dhabi is the latest addition to the UAE’s world record list.

GCC And Australia Ramp Up Deals

Western Australia Premier Colin Barnett revealed a growing trade relationship with the GCC for minerals and agriculture.

Tapping Into The Middle East’s Onshore Wealth

Local banks and wealth managers must tap into the onshore wealth of the Middle East’s millionaires.

Very Uncertain Times

Emirates NBD’s CIO Gary Dugan on an uncertain year ahead, and why Dubai’s busy roads are a great micro-indicator.