Emirati Female Entrepreneurs On The Rise

Men still 2.8 times more likely to start a business in MENA as the UAE ranks 22nd on a global survey for ease of setting up a company.

Samsung Galaxy S4 Launch: The Countdown Begins

The new smartphone is reportedly powered by a new processor and said to include a unique eye-scrolling feature.

Bahrain Central Bank Sees 4% GDP Growth

The forecast is lower than the Economic Development Board’s prediction last month of 6.2 per cent for 2013.

35% In GCC Use Social Networking For Business

YouGov and dudu.com survey reveals behaviour of internet users in the GCC.

FAA Approves Dreamliner Test Flights

But no timeframe has yet been given as to when Dreamliners will return to service globally, and the FAA has warned additional testing may be necessary.

Obama Picks New US Ambassador To Libya

Deborah Jones, a former ambassador to Kuwait, has been appointed to the post.

Egypt Court To Hear Appeal On Sunday Over Vote Ruling

A body representing the state said it had lodged an appeal with the Administrative Court against its ruling last week.

UAE Central Bank Says Discount Window On Track

Last September the central bank announced it would develop its monetary policy framework enabling banks to borrow intra-day and overnight funds.

Sheraton Dubai Creek To Close For Upgrade

The renovation will start on July 8 and is expected to take up to 10 months.

Sovereign Wealth Funds To Hit Record $5.6 Trillion By Year-End

SWF assets grew eight per cent in 2012 to reach $5.2 trillion, says study.

UAE Central Bank Says Will Enforce Curbs On Risk

The regulator is looking to implement previously issued rules and policies.

Dubai Islamic Launches $1bn Tier 1 Sukuk

Arranging banks said order books totalled $14 billion, indicating massive demand for the deal.

Societe Generale’s Egypt Arm Net Income Up 3%

Last month Egypt’s financial regulator approved an offer by Qatar National Bank for NSGB.

Broker FIS Says Relocating Ship Futures To Dubai

Managing director John Banaszkiewicz says the broker will take advantage of Dubai’s proximity to Asia.

“Be Brave,” Global Creative Head Tells ME Advertisers

Erik Vervroegen, international creative director, Publicis Worldwide, a judge at the Dubai Lynx Awards, says regional work is “world-class.”

OPEC Sees Oil Demand Downside Risk, Rising Supply

OPEC, the source of more than a third of the world’s oil, expects the U.S. economy to expand by 1.7 per cent in 2013.

Gulf States Buy Stake In Virgin Mobile’s Middle East Unit

Richard Branson’s Virgin Group and GIC will be the joint largest shareholders in Virgin Mobile Middle East & Africa.

Thousands Of South Asian Workers Strike At Oman Airport

Workers are demanding better safety conditions after a worker died in an accident on Monday.

Abu Dhabi In Nearly $7bn Oil Investment In Malaysia

The emirate has signed an agreement for a petroleum storage facility in Malaysia’s Johor state.

UAE Announces Cabinet Reshuffle; Replaces Energy Minister

The cabinet reshuffle includes four new ministers and one new ministry.

Emirates Sends A380 Signal To Mauritius

Special service marks island’s 45th anniversary of independence – and serves as a capacity-raising hint from the airline

UAE Consumer Confidence Lowest In The GCC

The country scored much lower than the other Gulf states on the latest MasterCard Index of Consumer Confidence.

Dubai’s Arabtec To Buy Rest Of Target Engineering

The construction firm already has 60 per cent stake in Target, an oil and gas construction business.

52% Of UAE Female Employees Intend To Quit

Survey finds only 31 per cent of female employees would stay put if offered a job elsewhere.

Dusit Gears Up For Regional Expansion

Its second Dubai property falls under the rapidly growing dusitD2 brand, which targets young and successful business and leisure travellers

Obama Meets Arab American Leaders Before Middle East Trip

Obama met about 10 leaders on Monday to seek input for his meetings in the region.

Saudi Binladin Group Meets Investors Ahead Of Sukuk Sale

The size and pricing of the sukuk will be decided during roadshows taking place over the next fortnight.

UK Government Promotes London As Islamic Finance Hub

More than $34 billion worth of Islamic bonds have been issued through the London Stock Exchange.

Qatar Makes First New Gas Find In Over 40 Years

The discovery was made at the 4-North offshore block near Qatar’s massive North Field.

Nomura’s EMEA CEO To Leave Bank

John Phizackerley had previously said he planned to beef up staffing at the lender’s Dubai office.