Saudi Mall Owner Othaim Plans Debut Local Currency Sukuk

The transaction is likely to be worth between SAR500 million and SAR1 billion, sources said.

Aldar Launches Units For Rent At The Arc, On Abu Dhabi’s Reem Island

Leasing of the properties, which are located on Reem Island, will begin this week.

Dubai’s Damac Plans Mega Shopping Strip In AKOYA Development

The 1.3km AKOYA Drive, resembling Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and Champs Elysees in Paris, will include F&B options and retail outlets.

Emaar Launches Second Phase Of BLVD Crescent Project

The second phase of the project will have over 70 one to three bedroom apartments within a 20-storey tower, Emaar said in a statement.

Dubai’s Ruler Issues Decree To Establish Six New Wildlife Sanctuaries

The legislation aims to protect natural habitats in Dubai and develop and promote ecotourism.

Egypt To Collect Foreigners’ Capital Gains Tax On Each Transaction

The expected amount to be collected from this tax will range between 3.5 billion pounds and 4.5 billion pounds, Egypt’s finance minister said.

Saudi To Fine Employers Holding Back Domestic Workers’ Pay

New regulations will come into effect within 60 days to protect the rights of domestic workers in the Kingdom, a labour ministry official said.

Egyptian Govt Says It Is $9.8bn Over Budget On Fuel Subsidies

Energy prices in Egypt are among the lowest in the world, and the government spends more than a fifth of its budget keeping them down.

Dubai’s Emaar Properties Says Malls Unit Raises $1.5bn Islamic Loan

Emaar said the loan is repayable in seven years and carries a profit rate of 1.75 per cent over the London interbank offered rate (Libor).

Qatar 2022 World Cup Hit By New $5m Corruption Claim

New report claims former FIFA member Mohamed Bin Hammam paid $5 million to senior officials in exchange for their support for Qatar’s bid.

Dubai’s RTA Awards Dhs802m Contract For Phase III Of Water Canal Project

The work on the third phase of the project will start in June and is scheduled to be completed by 2016, RTA said.

Saudi Cement Recommends H1 Dividend Of SAR3.5 Per Share

Shareholders owning the company’s stock at the end of trading on July 1 will qualify for the dividend, the company said in a statement.

Etihad Starts Los Angeles Flights

Today’s inaugural flight marks Etihad’s fourth US destination and one of the longest flights globally

Bahrain Opposition To Boycott Election Unless Political Deal Reached

Bahrain has been in turmoil since protests led by Shi’ite Muslims erupted in 2011 after similar uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia.

UAE Says Sisi Represents “New Hope” For Egypt

The UAE is one of the main supporters of the government in Egypt and has showered it with aid since its military ousted elected Islamist president Mohammed Mursi last year.

Saudi Telcoms Firm Mobily Ends Talks To Buy Stake In Smaller Rival

Analysts say the main attraction for Mobily, an affiliate of the UAE’ Etisalat, was to acquire Atheeb’s landline licence.

Qatar Airways Delays Taking First A380 By Several Weeks

Delays in jetliner deliveries can cause disruption and extra cost for airlines as they reassign aircraft to fill the gap.

Shipping Firms Shy Away From Iran Despite Deal To Ease Sanctions

An Iranian trade source said the country was relying more on its domestic shipping fleet or using land routes.

Five Minutes With… Jim Moaddab, COO, Caramel Group

Jim Moaddab, COO at F&B specialist Caramel Group gives his insight into the company’s expansion plans and the UAE restaurant market.

Egypt Approves New 10% Capital Gains Tax On Stock Market Profits

The tax is part of the first phase of income tax reforms in the country expected to bring in 10 billion Egyptian pounds.

Habtoor Leighton Group Wins $395m Contract

The project will also include serviced apartment buildings, nine hotels and a marina.

UAE’s Bar And Restaurant Segment Becoming Too Overcrowded

Local restaurant chief warns the Emirates’ F&B market is being spread too thinly.

Prince Alwaleed Sees 130% Investment Hike After Chinese Firm JD.com Listing

The Saudi businessman and his Kingdom Holding Company invested $250 million for a combined stake of 2.5 per cent in the Chinese online retailer.

Air Serbia Passengers Rise On Etihad’s Connectivity

Revenues rise 47 per cent on back of Etihad Airways’ global connectivity, growing codeshare partners and introduction of three Airbus aircraft

Gold Slips To 16-Week Low On Firm Dollar, Equities

Spot gold fell to $1,251.50 an ounce – its lowest since Feb. 4.

With Sisi Voted President, Will Egypt See A Rise In GCC Investments?

The Gulf states have pledged billions of dollars worth of aid to Egypt since former President Mohamed Mursi’s ouster last year.

UAE Customers to Benefit From Fixed Network Sharing Deal Between Telcos- Analyst

The deal, expected to be in place by the end of 2014, will intensify competition between the two telcos in the UAE.

Dubai Ranks As World’s Second Biggest Retail Destination – Report

The emirate came closely behind London, and significantly ahead of New York, Moscow and Shanghai

Funds To Cut UAE, Qatar Exposure After MSCI Upgrade – Survey

Only 20 per cent of the funds surveyed expect to increase their allocations to UAE equities in the next three months.

Apple To Get Beats, Music Mogul Jimmy Iovine For $3bn

The deal is seen as Apple’s effort to jump-start an uneven attempt to make headway in music streaming.