New Tourism Fee To Be Levied In Dubai From March 31

Visitors will face an additional charge of between Dhs7 to Dhs20 per room, per night.

Kuwait Finance House Q4 Net Profit More Than Doubles

Net profit rose to 26.4 million Kuwaiti dinars in the three months to the end of December compared to 11.8 million dinars a year earlier.

Online Video Key To Monetising News Content

Brightcove CMO suggests online video is the solution for media companies looking to monetise their online offering.

Obama To Meet Saudi King To Discuss Security

Saudi Arabia’s intelligence chief has said the kingdom is looking at a “major shift” in relations with the United States.

Saudi Arabia To Jail Citizens Who Fight Abroad

The degree underscored concern about Saudis hardened by battle in Syria coming home to target the ruling royal family.

ING Shuts Middle East Asset Management Operation In Dubai

The small Dubai team managed $425 million of assets at the end of 2013.

UAE Officials See Strong Growth, Play Down Inflation Threat

The IMF raised last week its 2014 UAE growth prediction to 4.5 per cent, but warned of a potential property bubble.

UAE Says Ruler In “Reassuring” Condition After Surgery

The Abu Dhabi Crown Prince said “we have passed through a difficult crisis.”

Marriott MEA To Open 13 New Hotels By 2017

New openings include Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, Rwanda and Ghana.

Nearly 50% Of Finance Sector Workers Say Emiratisation Doesn’t Add Value

A bulk of local recruitment in banks is happening at graduate level, which needs to be accompanied by a sound retention strategy.

Dubai Apartment Rents Rise 50% In 2013

Residential sales prices also shot up by 60 per cent last year, says a new report.

Flydubai Plans Benchmark-Sized Bond Issue In 2015

The amount raised will be used for the company’s general operating expenses and to fund some of its aircraft deliveries.

Arabtec Plans To Hire 10,000 Across The Middle East

The Dubai-based construction company is targeting young recruits for the new roles.

Burj Khalifa’s ‘At The Top’ Dubai’s Biggest Attraction

Saudi Arabia provided the most visitors from another GCC country.

Saudi’s Shoura Council To Reconsider 40-Hour Work Week

Saudi Arabia’s advisory body will rethink its decision about reducing working hours in the private sector following an appeal by some of its members.

Abu Dhabi 2013 Growth Accelerated, Sees Strong 2014

GDP growth in 2014 for the emirate has been forecast at 6.7 per cent.

Drake & Scull Wins Dhs110m Contract for Mall of the Emirates’ Project

The contractor will provide MEP works for the mall’s redevelopment project.

Standard Chartered Appoints New UAE CEO

Mohsin Nathani will replace Jonathan Morris, who has resigned from the bank for personal reasons.

Oman’s National Gas CEO Held By Prosecution

The group posted sales of $90.1 million in 2012, according to its financial statements.

Pearl Dubai Sells $1.9bn Assets To Hong Kong Property Group

The sale includes high-end residences and serviced apartments and two five-star hotels within the Dubai Pearl project.

Bahraini Lenders Al Salam Bank And BMI Bank Complete Merger

The merger is being carried out through a share swap of 11 Al Salam Bank shares for every one BMI Bank share.

Dubai’s Union Properties 2013 Profit Soars Eightfold

The company said it was recommending a five per cent bonus share dividend to shareholders for 2013.

Gallacher Retains Dubai Desert Classic Title

Gallacher began the day two shots clear of world number six Rory McIlroy.

UAE Summons Qatari Ambassador Over Muslim Cleric’s Comments

In a recent sermon Youssef al-Qaradawi condemned the UAE as a country which was against Islamic rule.

GCC Petrochemical Exports To Surge In 2014 – GPCA

GCC petrochemical exports are expected to rise due to the Bali Package, which aims to cut the cost of trade by 15 per cent.

Yas Mall To Open On Formula One Weekend

The mall – measuring 2.5 million sq ft – will operate 400 stores and a 20-screen cinema.

Tiger Woods Vows To Work On Putter After Muted Dubai Showing

The 14-times major winner birdied the last three holes for a one-under-par final round of 71 on the Majlis course.

National Bank of Abu Dhabi To Hire Over 100 UAE Nationals In 2014

The bank is on a hiring spree as it grows its commercial business and expands overseas.

Dubai’s Aramex Q4 Net Profit Up 16% On International Revenues

The company made a net profit of Dhs76.4 million in the three months to December 31.

Saudi Electricity Raises SAR4.5bn From Sukuk Sale

SEC said at the beginning of January that it had chosen banks to arrange the riyal-denominated transaction.