Sony Launches Xperia Z Smartphone

A sharp camera and enhanced connectivity are among the model’s attributes

Investcorp Buys Scottish Firm Hydrasun, Plans GCC Expansion

The value of the deal was not disclosed, but it is estimated to be between $150 to $300 million.

India’s Jet Shares Fall After Etihad Revises Deal

Having doubled in value the past 10 months, shares have slumped in the last three weeks as both companies struggle to seal an agreement.

France Woos UAE Over Rafale Fighter Jet Deal

France is hopeful of selling 60 Rafales to the UAE despite criticism of the plane’s manufacturer in 2010.

Gold Bounces Off 6-Month Low; Jewellers Buy

The precious metal fell to around $1,598 an ounce on Friday, its weakest since August.

Kuwait Finance House Q4 Net Rises 24% But Misses Estimates

KFH, Kuwait’s biggest Islamic lender, started a restructuring programme last year.

TAQA Says Found Oil In North Sea Field Off Scotland

Abu Dhabi’s TAQA said that two columns of oil have been found since drilling began in November.

A Dent In Dubai’s Property Recovery?

Could the UAE central bank’s initiative to impose mortgage caps in the country have a negative impact on the fledging real estate revival?

Abu Dhabi Royal Plans $45bn Property Project In Pakistan

The development in Karachi may reportedly include the world’s tallest building.

Emirates A380 Scare Was Just ‘Door Noise’

Airline says no upper deck doors opened mid-flight, nor was there any loss in cabin pressure

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

Ali Rashid Lootah dismissed concerns over Nakheel’s ability to repay its debts, which include a Dhs3.8 billion sukuk.

Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Needs To Revise Jet Airways Deal

Etihad is reportedly in talks to buy a 24 per cent stake in Jet for up to $330 million, say sources.

Almost 60% Of UAE Firms To Hire In Q1 2013

Up to 57 per cent of companies in the UAE are definitely or probably hiring new personnel in the coming three months, finds new survey.

Abu Dhabi’s Aabar Seeks $2bn Loan Refinancing

The company borrowed heavily to build up holdings in a number of major companies, including carmaker Daimler.

Saudi Maaden Restarts Fertiliser Plant

The mining firm shut down the plant for three weeks for maintenance.

Etisalat In Talks Over $8bn Loan For Maroc Telecom Bid

The UAE telecoms firm is planning to finance a bid for Vivendi’s 53 per cent stake in Maroc Telecom.

Saudi’s Kingdom Holding Buys Stake In Chinese Online Retailer

Kingdom Holding already has investments in China’s entertainment and hotel sectors.

UAE’s Air Arabia Q4 Profit Up 6%

The earnings fell short of analysts’ estimates as revenues for the quarter rose 18 per cent.

UAE Mulls New Labour Law For Private Sector

The change will be used to encourage more Emiratis to work in the private sector.

Geopolitical Sanctions Weigh On Dubai Consumer Banking

The emirate is sensitive to the issue given its geographical positioning to countries targeted by sanctions.

Gold Demand Falls For First Time In 3 Years In 2012

Asians bought less jewellery and Western investment dipped, the World Gold Council said.

Dubai’s New Island Project Will Boost Property Market

The emirate has announced plans to build a Dhs6 billion island project that will include the world’ largest ferris wheel.

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank To Begin Bond Meetings

The UAE lender said earlier this week it had mandated lead arrangers for the $500 million issue.

Oman Posts $8.4bn Budget Surplus For 2012

The surplus is equivalent to 12 per cent of the sultanate’s 2011 GDP.

Bahrain’s Alba 2012 Profit Slumps 54% On Lower Prices

Aluminium Bahrain blamed higher energy costs for the decline in income.

Qatar May Invest Up To $3.5bn In Russian Bank VTB

VTB, Russia’s second largest bank, could issue the Qatari wealth fund with $1.5 billion of new equity, says report.

Abu Dhabi Rents Fall 14% In Q4 2012

Lack of properly developed infrastructure and operational facilities remain off-putting for certain segments of the market, says new report.

Dubai Approves $1.6bn Island Plan

Bluewaters Island development will include the world’s largest ferris wheel.

UAE Rejects Easing Of Foreign Ownership Rules

The council rejected a clause that would allow foreign parties to own stakes of up to 100 per cent in companies.

Saudi Sipchem Signs $280m Refinancing Deals

The first instalment is due to be repaid in the second half of 2013.