UAE’s Aldar And Sorouh Reach Initial Merger Deal

The two Abu Dhabi-based property developers have a combined market capitalisation of about Dhs10 billion.

Dubai’s Just Falafel Plans 20 New UK Stores In 2013

The company has launched it’s first store outside the Middle East in London.

Dubai’s DEWA Plans $1bn Islamic Bond Issue

The proceeds of the sukuk will be used to refinance existing debt and to invest in company projects.

Rotana Kick-Starts Dhs2bn Al Ghurair Expansion

The number of stores at the adjacent shopping centre is set to rise from 200 to 350 this year.

Citigroup CEO Corbat Names New Executive Team

The bank’s new organisational chart shows 13 managers under Corbat.

Almost 10,000 Illegal Residents Exit UAE After Amnesty

The UAE government’s two-month amnesty programme extends until February 4.

Abu Dhabi Awards $653m Louvre Contract To Arabtec

The Louvre museum in the emirate is due to be completed in 2015.

Bahraini Islamic Banks Complete Rare Gulf Banking Merger

Capivest, Elaf Bank and Capital Management House have merged after more than a year of negotiations.

Nakheel Issues $33m Sukuk As Part Of Debt Deal

The proceeds will be used to settle trade creditor claims against the Dubai developer.

Dubai’s Cautious Property Comeback

The emirate’s real estate sector edged backed to life in 2012.

Dubai Rents Up 7% In 2012, To Rise Further In 2013

Apartment rents in Dubai rose seven per cent year-on-year, while villa rents increased six per cent year-on-year in 2012, says new report.

Qatar Airways Starts Gassim Flights

It marks the airline’s fifth route in Saudi, alongside Riyadh, Jeddah, Medina and Dammam

Airberlin CEO Steps Down

The German airline, in which Etihad has a 29 per cent stake, will now be headed by strategy chief Wolfgang Prock-Schauer.

Gulf Air To Drop Three Routes

Gulf Air cited “commercial reasons” for the decision, which will place the carrier under renewed scrutiny.

Bahrain’s Arcapita Sells Stake In London Care Facilities

The investment firm is currently in the midst of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy process.

Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Reopens After Refurb

Well-known hotel sports ‘chic new look’ and aims to serve as a contemporary city escape for business and leisure travellers

Emirates Expands Asian Network

A fifth daily non-stop service is being introduced between Dubai and Bangkok, swelling services to 35 flights a week from March 31.

UAE Energy Minister: Current Oil Prices “Good”

Oil prices in 2013 are expected to be similar to prices in 2012, says UAE energy minister Mohammed Dhaen Al Hamli.

Gold Prices Crawl Up, Shaky US Jobs Data Supports

The precious metal had dropped to a more than four-month low of $1,625.79 on Friday.

UAE Banks To Push For Delay Of New Mortgage Rules

A UAE central bank circular issued last week said mortgage loans for foreigners should not exceed 50 per cent of the property value.

UAE Employees To See 5% Pay Rise In 2013

Workers in Saudi Arabia are expected to see the biggest salary hikes in the region at six per cent, says new study.

Exclusive: Dubai World Central Airport May Open Early For Passengers

The passenger complex at the new Dubai World Central Al Maktoum International Airport could open as soon as Q1 2013.

Egypt Committed To IMF Talks – New Finance Minister

Egypt is holing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund to get a $4.8 billion loan.

Bahrain’s Alba Gets Loans To Pay Off $169m Bond Maturing In 2013

Alba received a five-year $85 million loan from Bahrain’s Gulf International Bank and a three-year loan from a group of banks.

Loss Of Connectivity Costs Businesses

As Tata Communications continues investing in the region, Radwan Moussalli, managing director – MENA, Tata Communications reveals the impact of network outages on Middle East companies.

Turkey To Talk To Qatar About LNG Plant

Turkey is planning to build an LNG terminal on the Gulf of Saros to meet increasing demand.

Dubai’s BurJuman Shopping Mall Begins Expansion

A new Carrefour hypermarket and a 14-screen Vox Cinemas multiplex are part of the mall’s renovation plan.

Dubai Islamic Bank To Fully Acquire Mortgage Firm Tamweel

The Dubai-based lender already owns a 58.2 per cent stake in Tamweel.

Banking Special: Kuwait Faces Long And Winding Recovery

Kuwait’s gridlocked political situation is stymying its banking sector.

Banking Special: Good Growth Prospects In Oman

Oman’s economy and its banking sector are performing well.