Bahrain’s Investcorp Acquires 25% Stake In ‘Fitness Time’ Operator

Investcorp buys stake in Saudi-based Leejam, a health and fitness club company that operates the Fitness Time brand.

Update: Shares In Dubai’s Union Properties Surge After Trade Resumes

Trading was briefly halted after the developer failed to disclose the results of a board meeting.

Sheikh Mohammed’s New Book Highlights Leadership Strategies

Sheikh Mohammed’s latest book, Flashes of Thought, talks about time management, positive thinking and creativity.

Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa Opens Today

Luxury resort will be predominantly targeting well-heeled leisure guests although a ballroom and six meeting rooms are available

Serbia Seeks To Borrow Up To $3 Billion From UAE – Official

The money will be used to repay “the most difficult debts” and regurgitate the economy, said Serbia’s deputy prime minister.

Occidental Seeks Buyers For Stake In Middle East Unit

Sources say the company could sell 30 per cent to 40 per cent of its Middle East business unit.

US, Russia Agree On Syria Weapons, Obama Says Force Still Option

The accord demands that Syrian President President Bashar al-Assad account for his secret stockpile within a week.

SocGen Avoiding Goldman Missteps With $300m Sukuk Plan

Goldman Sachs tried to follow HSBC in late 2011 with a $2 billion sukuk programme, but Islamic scholars and analysts questioned whether the bank was obeying religious principles.

UAE “Does Not Have To Provide Citizenships”

While global trends are indicative of more countries offering citizenships, the UAE is not dependant on citizenships to attract investment.

Ex-Barclays Team Plans London-Based Islamic Asset Firm

Arabesque is due to open to investors in the first quarter of 2014 and will focus on value-based investment strategies.

Saudi Khodari Sees Labour Fee Impact Continuing

In 2012 the Labour Ministry began charging companies a fee of 2,400 riyals for each foreign worker they employed above their number of Saudi staff.

Wasl Properties Announces 90 Villas For Jumeirah

Construction of the project will use green initiatives and eco-friendly systems.

Saudi Arabia “Capable For Meeting Any Demand”

Saudi Arabia produced record high volumes of crude in August as it boosted output for the second time in two years.

Kuwait To Transfer $2bn Aid To Egypt

Kuwait’s state news agency said the package would comprise a $2 billion central bank deposit, a $1 billion grant and $1 billion in oil products.

Oman-Iran Gas Pipe Unlikely Within 2 Years

Oman has been agreeing to buy gas from Iran as far back as 2005 but the two sides have never finalised terms.

Mashreq CEO – ‘Credit Bureau Will Stop Banks Lending For 6-12 Months’

Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair says new data body will highlight the number of debt-burdened consumers in the UAE.

Dubai’s Dhs12bn Solar Park On Schedule

The project will be completed in phases and will have a production capacity of 1000 MW of electricity.

Abu Dhabi To Invest $5bn In Russian Infrastructure

The accord with Abu Dhabi is expected to be signed during talks between Putin and Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed on Thursday.

Al Hilal Bank Eyes Sukuk Issue In Q4

The five-year-old Islamic bank was assigned its first credit ratings earlier this week.

World Cup 2022 Will Be A Winter Affair

Now Blatter’s admitted it was a mistake to award the rights to Qatar’s summer months, only a time-efficient loophole will prevent a winter tournament, writes Gulf Business reporter Neil Churchill

Dubai’s Mashreq Raises 2013 Profit Forecast

Mashreq chief executive Abdulaziz al-Ghurair had said in February that he was optimistic about the bank’s performance this year.

Timeline: The Apple iPhone From Origin To iPhone 5S

Gulf Business traces the lineage of the iPhone 5S back to its initial concept.

UAE Banks’ Net Profit To Rise 20%

Total assets of UAE banks grew eight per cent to Dhs1.9 trillion in the first six months of this year, while net profit during the period was Dhs13.6 billion.

StanChart Appoints MENA CEO As Head Of Islamic Arm

Christos Papadopoulos will lead the bank’s expansion in sharia-compliant banking.

UAE’s Retail Market Attractive Despite High Rents

Average retail rental rates in Dubai and Abu Dhabi were $114 and $71 per square feet per annum respectively.

Ibis To Launch Business Card

Perks include 10 per cent off room rates, 5 per cent on early booking summer and winter deals and guaranteed room availability.

Dubai’s Non-Oil Foreign Trade Up By 16%

Dubai’s foreign trade growth during the first half has exceeded the expected growth rate for the entire year.

Gates Hospitality Bringing More London Flavours To Dubai

The Dubai-based company has taken the lease for the 15,000sq ft Reform Social & Grill Dubai in The Lakes from Emaar.

Conrad Dubai To Open September 2013

Hilton luxury brand’s first GCC property times launch for start of peak corporate season.

ME Insurance M&A Activity At All Time Low

Transactions in the Middle East between July 2012 and June 2013 dropped to nine deals as compared to 13 in the previous year.