2012 One Of “Bloodiest Years” For Journalists

A total of 121 journalists were killed last year, says international journalists’ group.

India’s Jet Airways Confirms Stake Sale Talks With Etihad

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad could pay up to $330 million for a 24 per cent stake in Jet Airways, says source.

Turkey, UAE Sign $12bn Power Production Investment Deal

The project, located in Turkey’s Afsin-Elbistan region, is expected to start production in 2018.

Emirates Upgrades Lusaka And Harare

A three-class Boeing B777-300ER will be deployed from February, providing more seats and cargo space

Over 60,000 Dead In Syria Conflict – UN

More than one-in-five deaths occurred in the city of Homs, says UN-commissioned study.

Wealthy Gulf Investors Begin To Eye Africa

Africa’s vast lands, fast economic growth and a sense of political stability are all attracting regional investors.

State Spending Could Spur Oman’s Tiny Bourse

Oman’s stock index rose 1.2 per cent last year and outperformed Qatar and Bahrain.

New Route Boosts Dubai-Georgia Trade Links

FlyGeorgia has begun services to Dubai, its fourth Middle East route

Bounced Cheques Remain Criminal Offence For UAE Expats

Officials clarify that the UAE rule of decriminalising bounced cheques only applies to UAE nationals.

Dubai Telco Du Signs $100m Financing Deal

The telecoms operator plans to use the funds for the future growth of its business.

Etihad Close To Buying Stake In India’s Jet Airways

The Abu Dhabi-based airline is in final stages to acquire a part of the Indian carrier, say sources.

Global Banks Rethink Middle East Model As Deals Slump

International banks are shrinking their regional businesses as deal activity dries up.

Banking Special: Assets And Profits Soar In Qatar

High oil and gas prices and a large-scale infrastructure programme buttressed Qatar’s banking sector in 2012.

Oman To Create 20,000 Govt Jobs This Year- Minister

The government spent $780 million to create 36,000 jobs for Omanis last year.

UAE’s New Mortgage Rule Will Deter Property Investors – Experts

The UAE central bank recently issued a ruling to limit home loans to foreigners at 50 per cent of the property’s value.

Concourse A Opens At Dubai International

EK003, which took off at 1439 from Dubai to London Heathrow, became Concourse A’s first flight.

Qtel Buys Further $360m Stake In Tunisian Telco

Qatar telecom, along with its Kuwaiti arm Wataniya, now owns a 90 per cent stake in Tunisiana.

TAQA Buys 53.2% Stake In Iraqi Kurdistan Oil Block For $600m

Abu Dhabi National Energy Co(TAQA) confirmed that production was expected to begin in 2013.

Kingfisher Plays Down License Expiry

The license withdrawal shows regulators remain concerned by the airline’s funding plans and it is another blow for the carrier which had hoped to mark the new year with a return to operations

Qatar Airways Rebuts LDI Denials

German Emirati joint venture company Lindner Depa Interiors (LDI) denied delaying the opening of the New Doha International Airport.

Brent Rises Toward $112 As US Approves Fiscal Deal

Brent crude prices were also buoyed by promising data from top energy consumer China.

US Fiscal Cliff Avoided: President Obama Hails Deal

The Senate-backed deal was passed late on Tuesday in the House of Representatives.

Top Cities For Middle Eastern Property Investors

Property investment company IP Global lists the prime global locations for regional real estate investors and explains why they are attractive hotspots.

Saudi PetroRabigh Refinery Halted For 20 Days

A power cut on Saturday has forced the refinery to stop all operations.

Oman Boosts 2013 Spending To $33.5bn

Spending on education, health, housing and social welfare has been boosted by 22 per cent in this year’s budget.

Banking Special: Stable Times For The UAE

The UAE is well capitalised but banking asset quality remains a concern.

Expats Who Bounce Cheques No Longer Risk Prison In UAE

UAE courts have stopped sentencing debt defaulters to prison since last month, say reports.

Oman Awards $108.5m Airport Contract To US Firm

The sultanate is expanding the Muscat airport’s terminal building and the airfield.

US Senate Approves Deal To Avert Fiscal Cliff Crisis

The agreement is now pending a vote in the House of Representatives.

Saudi To Develop Midyan Gas Field In 2013

Saudi oil minister Ali Naimi confirms that the natural gas field will start production within “short period.”