Cyber Security – The Gulf’s Looming Concern

As the Middle East’s tech landscape is challenged by the use of social media and smartphones, experts warn that companies need to be prudent about their online safety policies.

Saudi Arabia, Kuwait Tighten Controls On Clerics

In Kuwait the authorities have resumed the monitoring of sermons.

Saudi’s Housing Market – The Home Stretch

Property ownership remains a distant dream for many Saudi nationals, writes Syed Hussain.

Expo 2020 Win: Infrastructure Boost Expected

Dubai’s Expo win has paved the way for a slew of infrastructure developments in the emirate.

Expo 2020 Win: Impact On Dubai’s Jobs Market

More than 277,000 jobs are forecast to be created between 2013 and 2021, with around 40 per cent of them in the travel and tourism sector.

Dubai Stock Market Ends At 5-Year High After Expo Win

The index climbed 1.6 per cent to finish at 2,946 points, its highest close since October 2008.

Dubai Expo’s Benefits To Outweigh Costs – Stan Chart

Dubai’s grand expenditure plans for Expo 2020 will add value to the emirate’s economy.

Dubai Proposes Islamic Savings Scheme For Expats

Employers would pay money earmarked for future retirements into a central system that would manage the money under Islamic principles.

Gulf Arab States Say Syrian Opposition Should Attend Geneva

Saudi Arabia and Qatar are the main backers of the Syrian National Coalition and the Free Syrian Army.

Dubai Stocks Surge 4% On Expo Win

The emirate’s bourse rose above the 3,000 point level for the first time since November 2008.

UAE Foreign Minister To Make Rare Visit To Iran

UAE’s Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed is expected to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and other officials.

US President Obama Phones Saudi King Abdullah About Iran Nuclear Deal

Iran signed an interim deal with six world powers to curb its nuclear programme.

Dubai’s Expo Win Will Boost Public Finances – Barclays

A successful Expo bid will boost Dubai’s economy but a risk of debts due to overspending looms.

UAE Bank Assets Total $560bn – Central Bank

The confidence in the UAE banking sector is quite strong, says Central Bank governor.

UAE Firm Brings Salmon Farming To The Desert

The project cost Dhs100 million, and is expected to start selling locally produced salmon within six to eight months.

Qatar’s Ooredoo Launches $1.25bn, 5-Year Sukuk

The company plans to use net proceeds from the sale for general corporate purposes including re-financing existing indebtedness.

Blatter Backs Qatar, Says Criticism Is Unfair

The Fifa president has said Qatar’s labour rights situation is “unacceptable” amid a wave of negative headlines.

Saudi Aramco Denies Suffering Another Cyber Attack

In August 2012 Aramco suffered an attack on 30,000 computers.

Dubai To Soon Publish New Sukuk Standards

Dubai launched a major drive to develop its Islamic business sector in January this year.

Dubai Expo 2020 Win Will Spur Property Market – CBRE

A negative Expo result for Dubai may cause a short-term dip in sentiment levels, added the CBRE report.

Dubai Airport Sees 55m Passengers In First 10 Months of 2013

Passenger traffic through Dubai International Airport rose 15.1 per cent year-on-year in October.

Saudi Hospitality Firm Al-Hokair Plans 2014 IPO

The entertainment and hospitality firm could be valued at about $680-$690 million, sources said.

Dubai’s Arabtec To Increase Target Engineering Stake

The deal will be funded by the proceeds from Arabtec’s recent rights issue.

First Eurozone Islamic Bank Planned For Luxembourg

The consortium plans to launch the new lender in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Iran Deal Stirs Wary Optimism In Dubai

Dozens of ships that line Dubai’s docks make the 12-hour journey across the Strait of Hormuz a few times each month.

Kuwait Airways Chief Suspended Over Jet Airways Plan

Sami al-Nisf was suspended after plans to buy used aircraft despite a government request to stop the deal.

London IPO Of Dubai’s DAMAC 75% Covered

The deal is scheduled to price on Tuesday so that trading can begin on Wednesday.

Citigroup Can’t Block Abu Dhabi Arbitration Over $7.5bn Stake

The case arose from one of Citigroup’s earlier efforts to shore up its capital base.

New Fujairah Grain Silos To Start Operating In Months

The silos will have the capacity to store up to 275,000 tonnes of grain.

Etisalat Fined For Blocking Du’s Promo Texts

The case comes ahead of the launch of mobile number portability next month.