Arabtec’s Net Profit More Than Doubles

The Dubai-based contractor said is planning a series of acquisitions and mergers.

“Saudi Liberals” Website Founder Sentenced To 10 Years In Jail

Badawi was arrested in June 2012 and charged with cyber crime and disobeying his father.

Airbus Set For A350 Safety Approval In Late Summer- EASA

Airbus has said tests are going well on its new lightweight, medium-sized jet, developed at an estimated cost of $15 billion.

Omantel Q1 Net Profit Rises 18%, Beats Estimates

Omantel attributed the profit rise to a 29 per cent increase in wholesale revenue.

Iran, Six Powers Hold ‘Useful’ Nuclear Talks; Agreement Elusive

The next round of senior-level negotiations is due to take place next week in Vienna.

Emaar Confirms Four Dubai Inns

The budget hotel rooms span 26 sqm, with prices around Dhs300 a night

Saudi’s Abdul Mohsen Al-Hokair Gets Regulator Nod For IPO

The IPO will be divided into two sections and conducted as a book-build offering, the statement said.

AECOM Wins $28m Jeddah Metro Contract

The company will supply pre-programme management consultancy services and staff.

Hyatt Launches New Dubai Hotel Concept, Eyes Gulf Expansion

The group will launch four new projects in the UAE and Saudi Arabia by 2015, officials said.

Kuwait Zain Pays $12.5m To Up Stake In Bahrain Unit To 63%

Zain did not explain why it had done the deal but its chief executive said last year that the Kuwaiti telco wanted to retain majority control of the subsidiary.

Gulf Customs Union Plan Needs Compromises To Start On Time – Kuwait

The full functioning of the Gulf Customs Union has been partly delayed by disagreements over a formula on how to divide customs revenues between the states.

Saudi’s Algosaibi Says Creditors To Get Min 20 Cents On Dollar Under Debt Plan

The firm said it would pay 10 per cent of claims as an upfront payment and would target a total recovery for creditors of between 40 and 60 per cent of their due cash.

Oman Says Govt May Cut Petrol Subsidies, No Bond Plans For 2014

Further privatisations of state-owned companies in Oman were also unlikely to take place in 2014, its financial minister said.

Kuwait’s KIPCO Q1 Profit Rises 20%

KIPCO’s first-quarter revenue rose 19 per cent to 137 million dinars.

Aramex Partners With InPost For Middle East Parcel Locker Network

The JV will see parcel lockers for the collection of e-commerce purchases setup across the region.

Swiss-Belhotel Set For ME Expansion

The hotelier is currently mulling six projects in Dubai, says chairman.

Leighton Group In $78mn Hotel Deal

The 206 room, five star property will be located at the Saraya Bandar Jissah complex

Saudi Tadawul CEO Says Looking To Go Public “Soon”

The Kingdom’s stock market saw five initial public offers of shares in 2013 worth around $506 million.

Dubai’s Choithrams Inks Deal With British Retailer Tesco

Tesco frozen, dry grocery, organic food and FMCG products will available during the first stage of the rollout, the retailer said.

Dubai’s Union Properties Q1 Profit Jumps Eightfold

The company’s profits rose on the back of gains from the sale of investment properties.

ADMC To Build Business Hotel in Europe

The six storey property is set for a 2015 completion.

Middle East & Africa Visitors To Grow 11.4% Annually

The Middle East is expected to benefit from the high rate of outbound travel spend by Asian travellers, a study says.

Barwa Real Estate To Sell Project To Qatari Diar For $2bn

The deal is part of an agreement by Barwa to sell assets worth a $7.1 billion to Qatari Diar.

Saudi Group Algosaibi Seeks Truce In Debt Dispute

Saudi Arabian conglomerate Ahmad Hamad Algosaibi & Brothers’ failure in 2009 left debts estimated at more than $7 billion.

Dubai Inn Rolls Out First Phase Of Hotels

The value hotel brand plans to supply over 1,750 new hotel rooms and serviced residences.

Middle East Hotels Face Challenge In Increasing RevPar- Report

Increasing supply is set to intensify the challenge to maintain hotel’s RevPar levels.

Abu Dhabi Firm Signs Deal To Develop $9.7bn Project In Greece

The project includes the redevelopment of the former international airport in Hellenikon, Athens.

Egypt’s Economy Seen Just Meeting 2013/14 Growth Target

The country’s economy is predicted to grow 2.1 per cent this fiscal year, finds poll.

GCC’s Fiscal Surpluses To Shrink As Oil Prices Weaken

Oil prices are set to drop to $106 per barrel in 2014 and $101 next year from around $108 now.

Dubai Will Repay 2015 Debt On Time

State-linked firms are likely to repay obligations ahead of schedule.