Dubai’s Nakheel Makes Dhs218m Sukuk Profit Payment

The developer said it has instructed Deutsche Bank, the registrar and paying agent for the sukuk, to pay the amount to trade creditors.

UK Introduces Electronic Visa Waiver For Emiratis

The document is issued immediately via a secure website and can be obtained online from anywhere in the world.

Kuwait’s Investment Dar Gets A Third Of Creditors To Accept Deal

The sharia-compliant investor defaulted on a $100 million Islamic bond payment in 2009.

Egyptian Forces Arrest Qataris At Al Jazeera’s Cairo Office

Four Qatari police officers were among those arrested, according to a state newspaper.

Gulf Leaders Concerned By Iran’s Plans For More Nuclear Plants

Iranian media have said Tehran is in serious talks with Russia to construct new nuclear power stations.

Grand Cinemas Appoints New CEO Ahead Of Expansion

The Middle East’s largest cinema group has aggressive plans to expand into Qatar and Bahrain in the coming year.

Private Equity Chief Warns Against Overseas IPOs

TVM Capital MENA chairman says overseas IPOs don’t work out in the long term.

MENA’s M&A Deal Values Rise By 76% In Q3

Increased investor interest in the Middle East is indicative of the region’s recovery, EY said.

Dubai World Central, Emaar Launch Mega Project Ahead Of Expo 2020

The lifestyle development, located within DWC, will include a golf course, hotels, retail outlets and a business hub.

Most Overused Word On LinkedIn UAE Is ‘Responsible’

The second and third most popular buzzwords in the UAE were ‘effective’ and ‘strategic’.

IEA Boosts 2014 Global Oil Demand Forecast On US Recovery

The International Energy Agency estimated that oil demand will increase by 1.2 million barrels a day next year.

Etihad Mulls investment In Alitalia

The Abu Dhabi carrier is expected to decide on whether to buy a stake in the troubled Italian airline “just before Christmas”, a source said.

Marriott Targets Four-Fold Dubai Growth On Expo 2020 Win

Global operator plans to have 10,000 rooms in the city by 2020

UAE Telcos Drop BlackBerry’s BBM Channels

Both du and Etisalat have said they will no longer offer the new social media service.

Middle East Ad Revenues To Grow By 6.3% in 2014

After remaining flat throughout 2013, Middle East ad revenues are expected to rebound in the coming year.

Chuck Hagel Underscores Support For Syrian Moderates

The U.S. Defense Secretary met with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad and Defence Minister Hamad bin Ali al-Attiyah.

Qatari Oil, Gas To Have Limited Impact On GDP Growth

The IMF forecast in November Qatar’s oil GDP would grow just 0.4 per cent in 2013 and decline by 1.1 per cent next year.

OPEC Cuts Output Closer To 2014 Demand, Upbeat On Economy

OPEC expects demand for its oil in 2014 to average 29.57 million barrels per day.

Dubai Investors Launch New Early-Stage Venture Capital Firm

The firm will focus on investing in high impact Middle East tech start-ups, say founders Paul Kenny and Arya Bolurfrushan.

Saudi Online Consumer Habits Increase Risks For Banks

Despite experiencing cyber attacks, the majority of Saudi Arabian consumers have not installed anti-virus software on their systems.

Saudi Aramco Said to Supply Full January Crude Volume to Europe

Aramco has the option to reduce monthly sales volumes to term buyers.

Viceroy Dubai Palm Jumeirah Begins Construction

The $1 billion project will offer 479 rooms and suites and 222 Viceroy Residences with sea views.

Abu Dhabi Paces Up Plans For Permanent Cruise Terminal

Abu Dhabi has grand plans to develop its permanent cruise terminal facility to cash in on the emirate’s growing cruise tourism market.

UAE To Handle Nearly As Many Passengers As China – IATA

Governments in both countries “recognise the value of connectivity provided by aviation”.

UAE Retailer Pure Gold Plans Dhs500m Expansion By 2020

The group hopes that the investment will create employment opportunities for around 1800 to 2000 people.

Cathay Pacific Moves Dubai Freighter Operations To DWC

The carrier said its 14 weekly passenger services will continue to operate through Dubai International.

UAE’s NBAD Steps Up Hiring Ahead Of Expected Expo Boom

National Bank of Abu Dhabi plans to add around 900 jobs to its current headcount of 6,500 next year.

Qatar Has No Plans To Issue Debt On International Markets In 2014

The country’s finance minister said that Qatar would focus on the local market.

UAE’s E-Commerce Industry Ranks 25th On Global Index

The UAE’s e-commerce industry has good growth potential and infrastructure but poor consumer behavior and market size.

Gulf Firms Consider Bid For Occidental MidEast Stake

Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Development Co, Qatar Petroleum and Oman Oil Co have formed a consortium.