Trade Between Arab Region, Brazil Hits $26bn In 2012

Trade flows between the regions increased by 3.26 per cent in 2012 compared to the previous year.

Air Seychelles Records $1 Million Profit

Etihad’s 40 per cent stake in the airline a year ago has produced a financial turnaround

Dubai Developer Emaar’s 2012 Apartment Sales Double

Emaar made a revenue of Dhs2.5 billion from apartment sales last year, compared to Dhs1.1 billion in 2011.

Current Oil Prices Will Not Deter Asia Growth – Saudi’s Naimi

Naimi’s comments follow recent warnings that weak economic growth could hobble global oil demand this year.

Libya Halts Telco Management Contract – Etisalat CEO

Etisalat is keen on winning the contract to run state-owned Libyan Post, Telecommunication and Information Technology Co.

Saudi Shipper Bahri Eyeing Debut Islamic Bond

HSBC’s Saudi Arabian unit, JP Morgan Chase and Samba Financial Group are frontrunners to manage the sukuk sale.

Qatar To Increase FIFA 2022 Spending In 2013

Government spending related to the World Cup will hit almost $115 billion between now and 2022, says new study.

UAE Opens World’s Largest Concentrated Solar Power Plant

The 100-megawatt, grid connected power plant, Shams 1, will generate clean energy to power 20,000 homes in the UAE.

Saudi Telecom CEO Khaled al-Ghoneim Resigns

Ghoneim, who was appointed CEO in June 2012 is the latest STC senior management executive to quit.

Qatar Seeks Partners for $12.1bn Marks & Spencer bid

Qatar Investment Authority has reportedly approached several large private equity houses to jointly bid for British retailer Marks & Spencer.

Small Gas Leak Near Kuwait’s Burgan Field Controlled

Kuwait Oil Company said no one was injured by the gas leak.

Saudi Electricity Picks Banks For Dollar Sukuk Sale

Saudi Electric last tapped the international bond market in March 2012 with a $1.75 billion two-part Sukuk.

Saudi Aramco, Dow Petchem JV Launches Islamic Bond Offering

The Sukuk forms part of a $12.5 billion debt package currently being raised to fund the construction of a $20 billion petrochemical complex.

Dubai’s First Al-Sufouh Tram To Arrive In December

About 52 per cent of the overall project has been completed so far, say officials.

UAE Central Bank Orders Speedy Mortgage Review

The central bank has previously backed off from enforcing regulations after complaints from the banks.

Qatar’s Ooredoo In Loan Talks For Maroc Tel Bid

The Qatari firm is in talks with around 9-10 banks about committed financing for a bid.

REVEALED: Top 10 Middle East Advertisements In 2012

A cross-section of the best print, TV and integrated ad campaigns from across the region.

Bahrain Crown Prince Must Prove Himself By Actions – Wefaq

Sheikh Ali Salman, leader of the Shi’ite-led group al-Wefaq, says he welcomed Crown Prince Salman al-Khalifa’s appointment.

Locals Venture Into Business In Changing UAE

Is the government finally succeeding in persuading a significant number of local citizens to start their own firms?

UAE’s Dana Gas Sukuk Restructuring Vote Postponed To March 21

Abu Dhabi-listed energy company Dana missed repayment of its $920 million sukuk that matured in October last year.

Dubai Lynx Awards 2013 Announced

Y&R Dubai bags agency of the year award for the third year in a row.

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.