Abu Dhabi’s New Financial Zone To Offer Tax-Free Benefits, Customs Exemption

The Global Marketplace Abu Dhabi could become a competitor to Dubai, currently the Gulf’s premier financial centre.

Dubai Developers Talk Big At Property Show

Emaar’s Alabbar has suggested Dubai may build a tower taller than the Burj Khalifa.

Majority Prefer To Work With Friends Over Competence

A study by the director of Abu Dhabi’s INSEAD business school warns homogenous teams at work can be dangerous.

Falconcity Of Wonders Appoints Taj Arabia Management

The Taj project, which will be constructed by the Link Global Group, will be one of the focal points in the huge FCW development.

Damac To Announce New Brand Partnership Soon

The Dubai-based developer has already tied up with high-end brands such as Fendi, Paramount and Versace.

Alabbar: ‘Greed Is Natural, Flippers Can’t Be Stopped’

Dubai’s Emaar chairman says trade is part of human DNA but risks can be minimised.

Qatar Airways Dreamliner Flies Again; On Board With CEO Al Baker

All operational 787s were grounded in January but on Wednesday Qatar Airways flew one on a return flight from Dubai to Doha.

Qatar Islamic Bank Rules Out 2013 Sukuk Issues

QIB last tapped the market with a $750 million five-year sukuk in October as part of its $1.5 billion sukuk programme.

Abu Dhabi, Dubai Should Compete For Foreign Investment

Competition between the emirates encourages excellence, say officials.

Meydan, Sobha To Develop New Downtown Complex

The complex is to be a cornerstone of the huge Mohammed bin Rashid City, announced last year by Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum.

Saudi Embraces US Oil Boom As Kingdom’s Output Steadies

KSA’s oil minister said it is good news that U.S. crude output has jumped to the highest level in around 20 years.

Boutique 7 Hotel & Suites Opening In TECOM

New small-scale property targets travellers seeking privacy and personalised services.

UAE’s Emal Secures $3.4bn Bank Debt

The $3.4 billion bank financing was split between a $2.925 billion portion from commercial lenders and $475 million from Islamic banks.

UAE’s Sheikh Khalifa Visits The UK’s Queen

HH Sheikh Khalifa will meet prime minister David Cameron on Wednesday.

Qatar’s Ooredoo Q1 Profit Up 13.6%

The telecoms group made a net profit of 808 million riyals ($222 million) in the three months to March 31, up from 711 million in the year-earlier period.

Shell Beats Total To Become UAE’s Sour Gas Partner

The 30-year venture puts Shell in position to renew its role in the UAE’s largest onshore oil concession when that contract comes up for renewal next year.

Mashreq Reports 57% Q1 Profit Jump

The lender made a net profit of Dhs425.3 million ($115.8 million) in Q1, an increase on the Dhs270.8 million from 2012.

Falconcity Of Wonders Appoints Pyramid Designer

The appointment was announced at the Annual Investment Meeting in Dubai. The FCW project is expected to cost Dhs20 billion.

Emaar Properties Q1 Net Profit Slips 8%

The Dubai-based developer’s profit was hit by increasing sales and administration expenses.

IMG Group Announce Dinosaur Concept In Dubai Theme Park

The upcoming theme park has already signed partnerships with Cartoon Network and Marvel.

Bahrain’s Investcorp Sells Armacell For Over $655m

The private equity firm is selling German insulation firm Armacell to Charterhouse Capital Partners.

Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel and Spa Opening May 7

Luxury hotel aims to raise Kuwait’s hospitality profile but its opening has been delayed following the downturn

Damac Launches Akoya, Massive Golf Community Project In Dubai

The development is Dubai-based Damac’s biggest project by size and scale so far.

Only 10% Of UAE Indians Have Adequate Retirement Planning

The majority of the NRIs have investments in illiquid assets and expect familial support during retirement.

Kuwait Parliament Says Can’t Levy Taxes As Services Not Good Enough

The IMF has said that Kuwait’s government needs to include the tax system in its fiscal reforms.

“All Megatrends In Favour Of Africa” – Experts

The first day of the third Annual Investment Meeting in Dubai began with a heavy focus on investment in Africa.

Abu Dhabi Hotels Gain 15% In Total Revenues in Q1 2013

Q1 2013 outshines the Q1 2012 figures in hospitality sector

Abu Dhabi’s Aldar And Sorouh Report Drop In Q1 Revenues

Developers in Abu Dhabi are struggling to emerge from the property market collapse in 2009

Saudi-US Relations Can Withstand North American Oil Boom – Experts

Saudi Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi is giving a major energy speech in the US on Tuesday.

Gold Slips As ETF Holdings Hit Lowest Since Sept 2009

The SPDR Gold Trust, the world’s largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, said its holdings fell 0.22 per cent to 1,080.64 tonnes.