UAE’s Financial Advisory Businesses Buck Global Trend

Nearly three out of four UAE financial advisers are in a growth phase, a study found.

Bahrain In Early Stages Of Bank Merger Wave

The tiny kingdom’s banking industry was hit hard by the global financial crisis and, since 2011, by political unrest.

SABIC’s 2014 Outlook Improving With Q3 Profit Rise

The company’s sales in the third quarter rose nine per cent to 48.8 billion riyals over the same period in 2012.

Western Expats Rank UAE As Ideal Residence

Despite high levels of expenditure on luxury, UAE-based western expats were also found to be spending on investments.

The Business Of Securing The Web – Kaspersky Interview

Garry Kondakov, chief sales, marketing & support officer at internet security firm Kaspersky Lab, talks increased IT security awareness, B2B and B2C trends and expansion plans in the Middle East.

Oman’s Renaissance Unit Prices $350m Debut Bond

The five-year offering carried a coupon of 8.625 per cent

Pictures: Dubai’s New Al Maktoum International Airport

Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central begins passenger services on October 27.

LIVE: Launch Of Passenger Flights At Dubai’s New Airport

Al Maktoum Airport at Dubai World Central welcomes inaugural passenger flight today.

Bahrain Defends Use Of Teargas Following Criticism

The Gulf state has reportedly has plans to buy 1.6 million canisters of the material.

Dubai’s Ruler Approves New Jumeirah Corniche Project

The project will include the development of the emirate’s longest corniche, stretching across 14 kilometres.

US Judge Narrows Masreq Claims Versus ING Over Investment Losses

Dubai-based Mashreq alleged ING Groep NV lost over $40 million of its money by investing it in “toxic” securities.

UAE’s First Gulf Bank Acquires 100% Stake In Islamic Finance Firm

FGB raised its ownership from 40 per cent to 100 per cent in Aseel Islamic Finance

Dubai World Central Starts Passenger Flights

European low-cost carrier starts four new services this week, projecting Dubai into the realm of two-airport cities

Saudi Women Break Driving Ban, Defying Warnings

Organisers of the campaign say their call for women to drive on Saturday was not a political protest

UAE Signs $4.9bn Aid Package To Egypt

Over $1 billion of the money pledged will go to supply Egypt with fuel

UAE’s Local Banks Aggressively Grab Market Share

Local banks have been quick to lend more and offer more sophisticated services as international banks nurse lingering wounds.

Abu Dhabi Energy Fund IPIC Repays $2bn Acquisition Loan

IPIC has interests in a number of European-based companies, including Spain’s CEPSA and Austrian oil group OMV.

Emaar Posts 50% Q3 Profit Jump

Emaar made Dhs581 million in the quarter ending September 30 compared with Dhs387 million in the corresponding period in 2012.

GCC Must Slash Energy Consumption – Oman Minister

Officials have called for a collective effort from GCC countries to curb their energy subsidies.

Dubai Taxi Corporation Launches Windows 8 Mobile App

The new app is designed to help users who suffer from hearing disabilities.

Dubai Business Confidence Soars On Expo Hopes

Dubai’s business confidence is at a record high as the announcement of the Expo 2020 host city nears.

Emirates Receives 10th Boeing 777 Freighter

The Skycargo division will move its operations to Dubai World Central’s Al Maktoum International Airport in May

Dubai’s Emirates NBD Q3 Net Profit Trimmed By Provisions Spike

The lender made a net profit of Dhs775 million in the three months to September, up 21 per cent from Q3 2012.

Dubai’s New Property Rules Reduce Risks For UAE Banks

Despite signs of economic improvement, banks are still dealing with asset quality problems from the 2008 crisis, says Fitch

Emarat Cancels Jet Fuel Tender, To Buy Via Private Talks

The fuel retailer cancelled a tender seeking 90,000 tonnes of jet fuel for November to December delivery

Dubai’s Arabtec Wins $53m Deal To Complete Palm Island Hotel

Arabtec will build two mixed-use towers for the 332-room Tiara Hotel on Palm Jumeirah

Qatari Emir’s Daughter Tops Global Art Power List

Sheikha al-Mayassa al-Thani, who heads the Qatar Museums Authority, was chosen for her willingness to spend at a rate estimated to be $1 billion a year.

Emirates Aims To Fly 70 Million Passengers In 2020

The airline will be the largest carrier on the planet by international passenger traffic, says president, Tim Clark.

World Trade Center Mall Opens In Abu Dhabi

The new mall features 160 shops, over 20 dining outlets and an eight-screen cinema.

MENA Ad Industry At A Crossroads

It’s about time we all grew up, writes Reda Raad, COO, TBWA\RAAD.