Dubai’s Shuaa Launches Saudi Lease Financing Company

Jeddah-based Gulf Installments will focus on offering Sharia compliant services to SMEs in Saudi Arabia.

Dubai’s Ruler Approves Dhs3.3bn Nakheel Projects

Sheikh Mohammed has ordered work to start on the Dhs2.5 billion Nakheel Mall project in Palm Jumeirah and Dhs800 million Pointe project.

UAE’s Dana Gas 2012 Net Profit Rises 20%

The energy firm is currently restructuring a $920 million Islamic bond.

Gulf States Hand Morocco First Chunk Of $2.5bn Aid Package

Sources said Morocco had finalised the agreement with the GCC states during a summit in Riyadh last month.

Oman Rules May Spur Reform Of Islamic Finance Scholars

Oman is the last country in the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council to introduce Islamic banking.

BlackBerry 10: First Industry Reactions In The UAE

The new smartphone, launched globally on Wednesday, received positive reactions.

Abu Dhabi Stock Market Makes Biggest Monthly Gain In 5 Years

The market rose 9.5 per cent in January, mainly driven by a rise in bank shares.

Dubai’s Emaar Q4 Misses Forecasts As Profits Down 28%

Although revenues rose 20 per cent during the quarter, the developer’s profit was hit by rising costs.

India’s Jet Airways-Etihad Deal Imminent

A government source said Etihad was in talks to pick up a 24 per cent stake in Jet for $330 million.

Abu Dhabi’s Sorouh Q4 Net profit rises 21%

The property firm, which is in the midst of a merger with Aldar, posted a net profit of Dhs118.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2012.

Emirates NBD Sees Q4 Net Profit More Than Triple To $170m

The lender’s profits rose on lower impairments and increased non interest income.

BlackBerry’s BB Z10 To Launch On Feb 10 In UAE

The new touch screen smartphone will be priced at Dhs2,599 in retail stores.

Exclusive: Kaspersky CEO Rules Out IPO

Eugene Kaspersky rejects public listing but says cyber terrorism is a growing reality.

Exclusive Video: Omega Dubai Desert Classic Preview

Golf Digest Middle East editor Robbie Greenfield with interviews and analysis on the historic tournament.

UAE’s NBAD Eyes Overseas For Growth

Earnings from international clients rose four per cent in 2012.

BlackBerry Launches New BB10

Simultaneous launches took place around the world including in Dubai.

Dubai Property Prices Record 30% Growth In 2012

The most significant price rise was seen in villas located in premier locations, finds new report.

Saudi’s Kingdom Holding In Islamic Financing Push

The firm, owned by Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal, has formed a sharia board to raise more of its funds through Islamic finance.

Tamweel Repays $300m Five-Year Sukuk

Tamweel has been the focus of a full takeover offer by its majority shareholder Dubai Islamic Bank.

BlackBerry 10 Launches Today: Will RIM Survive?

The new range of BlackBerry smartphones are expected to determine the future of Canada-based Research In Motion (RIM).

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank Q4 Profit Jumps 32%, Beats Estimates

ADCB’s fourth quarter profit rose on higher net-interest income and lower provisions.

UAE’s First Gulf Bank Q4 Profit Up 12%, Beats Forecast

The lender’s profits were boosted by higher interest income and Islamic financing.

Kuwait Pledges $300m In Syria Aid At Donor Meeting

The UN is seeking up to $1 billion in aid for Syrian refugees outside the country and $500 million for humanitarian work inside the war-torn country.

HSBC’s Oman Unit Sees 62.7% Drop In 2012 Profit

HSBC Bank Oman, formed by a merger of HSBC’s Oman unit and Oman International Bank, made a net profit of OMR5.8 million in 2012.

Bahrain’s Investcorp Reports Massive Rise In H1 Profit

The investment firm’s net profit rose to $39.2 million for the six months ended December 31, up from $5.2 million in the same period a year ago.

High-Profile Islamic Finance Firm Dar Al Istithmar Closes

Most of its staff moved to Khalij Islamic, another investment firm with offices in London and Dubai, says sources.

Saudi’s Maaden Eyes $7bn Finance

The money will fund the Umm Wual phosphate project at Waad Al-Shimal City.

Mubadala In $2bn Refinancing Launch

Banks taking part will also be chosen for future work.

Qatar To Invest $1.34bn In Greek SMEs

The Greek investment scheme is similar to a Qatari plan to invest in Italian companies.

Foreign “Smart Money” Lifts Dubai Stock Exchange To 34-Month High

The Dubai index is buoyed by foreign investors buying into the emirate’s economic recovery.