Bahrain Hikes Salaries For Government Workers

The benefits are estimated to cost the government BD6 million annually.

Oman Government Plans To Borrow $1bn In 2014

The government plans to borrow half of that amount overseas from commercial banks and “strategic partners”.

RAK Airways Suspends Operations

The airline said that it has suspended operations due to increased operating costs and regional instability.

Oman Budget Sees Slowdown In Spending Growth

Spending this year is projected at $35.1 billion, up five per cent from the original expenditure plan in the 2013 budget.

UAE Slashes Prices of 205 Drugs

The Ministry of Health has reduced the prices of 14 drugs used for the treatment of diabetes in a move to make medicines affordable.

Gulf Stocks To Start 2014 On Strong Note

Regional stock markets are projected to reflect expectations for solid global economic growth this year.

Month-Long Dubai Shopping Festival Begins

Themed ‘Shop At Your Best’ the festival this year features 150 events and activities.

Syrian Electronic Army Says Hacked Into Skype’s Social Media Accounts

The group also posted the contact information of Steve Ballmer, Microsoft Corp’s retiring chief executive, on its Twitter account.

GCC Roundup 2013: Telecoms And IT

The region was focused on finding alternate terrestrial cable routes in 2013, writes Paul Brodsky, senior analyst at TeleGeography.

Saudi Morality Police May Relax Rules On Prayer Times

All shops in Saudi Arabia are supposed to shut for half an hour during the daily Muslim prayers.

Ex-Head Of Bankrupt US Law Firm Appointed As Top UAE Legal Adviser

Law firm Dewey & LeBoeuf was one of the US’ largest and most profitable law firms.

Nakheel To Award Contract For Jumeirah Islands In Jan 2014

Construction of the project is expected to be completed within two years after awarding the contract.

Damac Offers Property Buyers Free Lamborghini Aventador This DSF

The Dubai-based developer has promised customers free luxury cars as part of its Dubai Shopping Festival promotion.

Bahrain Says Probing Torture Claims By Men Jailed In Bombs Case

Three men in the Kingdom have been jailed for 15 years for two homemade-bomb attacks.

Bahrain Fuel Price Hike In Doubt As MPs Boycott Debate

Bahrain’s National Oil and Gas Authority (NOGA) announced plans on Dec. 23 to raise the price of diesel from Jan. 15.

Gold Notches Biggest Annual Loss In Three Decades

After a 12-year bull run, gold has shed 28 per cent in 2013.

Egypt Telecom Regulator To Issue Unified Telecoms License

The move would allow landline monopoly Telecom Egypt to offer mobile services.

Dubai Media City To Monitor Visitors On New Year’s Eve

Visitors will be asked to present valid ID proof when entering the freezone.

Saudisation To Slow Retail Sector Growth

Lower demand and higher local wages are expected to drag growth in Saudi Arabia’s retail sector, says NCB Capital.

Middle East Funds Most Bullish About Egypt Equities – Survey

The Reuters survey found that 47 per cent of managers were likely to put more money into Egyptian equities, up from 33 per cent in November.

Abu Dhabi To Build Green Road To Dubai

The five-kilometre pilot project will link the existing Abu Dhabi- Dubai main road (E11) and the new Abu Dhabi-Dubai main road (E311).

Shuaa Capital CEO Macdonald To Leave Company

The company has not yet named a replacement for the CEO, but has announced other management changes.

Nakheel To Award Contract For The Pointe At Palm In Q1 2014

Dubai developer is currently evaluating construction bids for the retail and entertainment complex.

Gold On Track To Post Biggest Annual Loss Since 1981

The precious metal looks set to end this year down around 28 per cent as investors shifted money to equities.

Bahrain Jails Five For 15 Years For Bomb Attacks

The men were convicted of carrying out two attacks, including one during last year’s Formula 1 race.

Dubai Refreshments To Open Merger Talks With Abu Dhabi Refreshments

Both firms are franchisee holders for the distribution of Pepsi Co products.

Saudi Arabia Seeks Bids To Build Integrated Gas/Solar Plant

The 550-megawatt integrated solar combined cycle plant will be located near Tabuk on the Red Sea coast.

Reel Cinemas Receives 9m Visitors In 4 Years

The megaplex at The Dubai Mall marked 25 per cent growth in audience turnout this year compared to 2012.

Al Jazeera Says Four Journalists Held In Egypt After Hotel Broadcast

Al Jazeera’s offices in Cairo have been closed since July 3

Burj Khalifa Apartment Prices Soar 25% In 2013

Apartment prices at Burj Khalifa currently stand at Dhs3, 750 per square feet – a 50 per cent increase from February 2009.