Baskin-Robbins Opens 650th Middle East Store

The opening also marked the U.S.-brand’s 34th year in the UAE as figures show it occupies 69 per cent of the local market share.

DP World Increases Dubai Port Capacity

The extension of Terminal 2 by one million TEU increases total capacity to 15 million TEUs.

Middle East Companies Must Use Mobile Sites – Google

Businesses are relying too much on apps and are not capitalising on the region’s high levels of internet and mobile penetration.

Residential Rents Rise in Riyadh, Jeddah

While rents in Riyadh rose by seven per cent on average, lease rate for villas in Jeddah were up around four per cent, says new report.

Dubai International Records 18.9% Growth In May

Australia was the fastest growing destination with 50 per cent growth following the launch of Qantas flights

Dubai’s Nakheel In Talks To Refinance $2.2bn Loan

The developer almost defaulted on its debts and agreed to a $16 billion restructuring in 2011.

Qatar To Change PM Under New Emir – Reports

The current minister of state for interior affairs, Sheikh Abdullah bin Naser al-Thani, will succeed the Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani.

The Energy Behind Qatar’s Rising Power

The oil and gas sector generated over half of Qatar’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2012.

Dubai Hires C.Suisse For Tunisia Telco Stake

Emirates International Telecommunications is stepping up sales from its telecoms portfolio to help repay Dubai’s debt pile.

Saudi Arabia Labels Syrian War On Rebels “Genocide”

Saudi foreign minister Prince Saud al-Faisal criticised Iran, Russia and Hezbollah for backing and arming Syrian president Bashar al-Assad.

Can Dubai Truly Become A Global Fashion Hub By 2020?

Experts believe the emirate has what it takes to achieve its ambitious goal.

World’s Largest Construction Firm To Invest In $1bn Dubai Hotel

China State Construction Engineering Corporation will make its first-ever Middle East investment in the Viceroy Dubai Palm Jumeirah project.

Emirates NBD Announces Stan Chart’s Nelson As New CEO

Emirates NBD had previously said Pudner will see out his role until the end of the year when the change of position is expected to happen.

Another Dreamliner Forced Into Emergency Landing

The plane, operated by United Airlines, was flying from Houston to Denver in the U.S. when it was forced to turn around and land back at its origin.

Bahrain Parliament Approves 11% Rise In Budget Spending

Budget expenditure in the small non-OPEC oil exporter is now expected to total 3.62 billion dinars in 2013, up from 3.26 billion actually spent last year.

Etihad Starting Daily Sao Paulo Flights In August

The airline has been quick to increase capacity on the newly launched route.

Etihad Cargo Unveils Latest B747-8 Freighter

The freighter is being deployed on a new round-the-world routing in conjunction with Atlas Air.

IN FULL: Qatar Emir’s Abdication Speech

Here is the text of outgoing Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani’s abdication speech in which he handed over power to his son.

Qatar’s Outgoing Emir, A Visionary For The Gulf State

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani has announced the transfer of power to his son, Crown Prince Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.

Royal Jet’s New-Look Business Jet Takes Off

The $9m upgrade sees greater emphasis on technology and entertainment

Qatar Declares Bank Holiday On Tuesday

The emir of Qatar is to hand over power to his son the Crown Prince on Tuesday.

Qatar Emir Steps Down, Hands Power To Son

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani had long planned to abdicate in favour of 33-year-old Crown Prince Sheikh Tamim.

Yemen’s Remittances Hit By Saudi Labour Crackdown

Up to 53,000 Yemenis staying illegally in Saudi have been deported since the beginning of this month.

Lenovo Launches Smartphones In UAE, Saudi

The PC maker has introduced six new models to the market, with prices ranging from Dhs499 to Dhs1,999.

Qatar Airways To Operate Dreamliners To Scandinavia

The Doha-based airline will operate the Boeing 787 on services to the capital cities of Sweden, Denmark and Norway.

Burj Khalifa’s Online Profile Reaches New Heights

The towering Dubai landmark has become the first skyscraper globally to be mapped out by Google Streetview.

Kuwait’s United Real Estate Raises KD60m Via Bond

The amount will be mainly used to refinance existing paper.

Dubai Holding Hires Citi To Advise Axiom Sale

Many of Dubai Holding’s units have had to hold talks with banks to extend liabilities and restructure debt.

Kempinski Gears Up For ME Expansion

But work on its long-awaited Palm Jumeirah hotel in Dubai remains ongoing and it is unlikely to open until late 2015.

Dubai’s Arabtec Extends $650m Share Offer Period

The closing date for subscriptions has been extended to July 4 from June 23.