Qatar Airways Starts Hangzhou Flights

Doha carrier flies into scenic Hangzhou which features a rapidly expanding hi-tech and hotel scene

Arabtec Launches New Property Arm In UAE

The builder said it would set up real estate development units in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

UAE Telcos Launch Mobile Number Portability

The mobile number portability service will come into effect on December 30.

Alitalia In Talks With Etihad For Possible Investment

The struggling Italian carrier is studying other options as well, said its CEO.

Apple’s iPhone 5 Is UAE’s Most Popular Smartphone – TRA

iPhone 5 had a marketshare of 2.8 per cent in the third quarter, slightly higher than Samsung’s Galaxy S3.

Saudi Oil Minister Says Market Fears Oil Shortages

Al- Naimi played down any suggestion the Kingdom was ready to cut production to accommodate increased supply.

BAE Systems Falls After UAE Halts Eurofighter Talks

The company had been in discussions with the UAE about a deal possibly worth around $9.82 billion.

Dubai Ranks 23 Among World’s Most Expensive Office Markets

Dubai’s office rental market growth is driven by the emirate’s favourable economic and investor-friendly conditions.

Five Investment Tips For 2014: Coutts

Investors must step up the risk ladder to see gains, says the private bank.

Commercial Bank Of Dubai Obtains $450m Loan

Proceeds from the three-year loan will be used for general business purposes.

Bahraini Batelco’s Foreign Ambitions Crimped

The Bahraini operator bought Cable & Wireless Communications’ (CWC) Islands division for $570 million in April.

Etihad Signs Codeshare With Aegean Airlines

Agreement provides Greeks with greater global connectivity and Etihad with improved access to Greece and mainland Europe

Dubai’s Abraaj Plans Further Turkey Deal Next Year

Abraaj bought 80 per cent of dairy producer Yorsan Gida Mamulleri AS for an undisclosed price this month.

Dubai’s Empower Said To Appoint Banks For $600m Financing

Empower is planning a takeover of rival utility Palm District Cooling, say sources.

UAE Plans To Hike Emiratisation In The Media Sector

Currently emiratisation in the UAE’s media industry stands at just a little over 25 per cent.

Flora Hospitality Unveils Dhs750m Dubai Expansion

Non-alcoholic chain embarks on new growth curve following Expo win

US Burger Chain Steak ‘n Shake To Launch In Saudi

The company plans to open 50 restaurants across the Kingdom in the coming years.

Different Arab money

Bank Of London And The Middle East Sees Gulf Sukuk Issuance Picking Up

Backed by rising economic confidence in the Gulf, tenors of newly issued sukuk will tend to become longer, says BLME CEO.

National Bank Of Kuwait CEO Dabdoub To Retire After 30 Years At Helm

Dabdoub helped transform NBK from a local bank into a major regional lender with offices in 16 countries.

Kuwaiti Gets 5-Year Jail Term For Insulting Ruler

The convicted man’s lawyer said the ruling against Kuwaiti Mohammad al-Mikhyal was “harsh” and did not take into account his mental health problems.

Saudi’s SEC Signs $366m Japanese-Backed Loan For Jeddah Power Plant

The facility, funded by Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ and Mizuho Financial Group, is part of a wider $2 billion finance package for the Jeddah South project.

Saudi British Bank Prices SAR1.5bn Capital-Boosting Sukuk

The Islamic bond has a lifespan of seven years, with a clause allowing the bank to redeem the paper after five years.

Top 10 Google Search Terms In The UAE

Ramadan 2013, Gangnam Style and smartphones’ search queries top Google 2013 trending list for the UAE.

Bank Dhofar Seeks Talks With Bank Sohar Board On Merger Proposal

A merger between the two lenders will create the second-largest bank in Oman with assets of about $10 billion.

Al Jazeera Weighs Bid For $1bn Turkish Pay-TV Firm Digiturk

Al Jazeera’s interest in Digiturk stems from the pay-TV operator’s access to football rights in the country, sources said.

Emaar’s Board Approves Phased Conversion of Bonds to Shares

The conversion of all the bonds is estimated to lead to the creation of around 420 million shares.

Dubai Ruler Establishes Centre To Boost Islamic Economy

The centre will work towards promoting Dubai as a centre of Islamic finance.

Expo 2020 Allegations By Gulf News “Baseless”, Says Pakistan

The newspaper defends its decision to publish the editorial, which accuses Pakistan of betraying the UAE by not supporting Dubai during the Expo 2020 vote.

Dubai Reveals Roll-Out Plan For Mandatory Health Insurance

Larger companies will need to implement the law by October 2014, says Dubai Health Authority.

Global Immigrants Send $500bn Back Home to Poorer Nations

he US is the largest source of remittances, sending $123.3 billion in 2012, the Pew analysis of World Bank data shows.