Russia Unveils $25bn Oil Link To Pacific

The East Siberia-Pacific Ocean (ESPO) pipeline aims to expand sales to the US and cement Russia’s place as a dominant force on international crude markets.

UAE Bad Loan Provisions Drop For First Time Since Crisis

Provisions set aside for specific NPLs fell slightly to Dhs65.3 billion at the end of October from Dhs65.4 billion in September.

Air India Expands GCC Operations In 2012, Looks To Grow

The Indian carrier recently launched the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft between Dubai and New Delhi.

UAE’s United Arab Bank Obtains $125m Club Loan

The loan amount will be used for general corporate purposes.

Brent Climbs Above $109, US Budget Talks Eyed

Investors are hoping for a last minute deal in the US to avert the so-called fiscal cliff.

Gold Slips On US Budget Woes, Jewellers Buy

The precious metal is still on track for a 12th straight year of gains.

Egypt Slaps New Controls On Travelling With Cash

Travellers going to and from the country can now carry only up to $10,000 in cash.

Iraq’s Asiacell Seeks To Raise $1.35bn From IPO

Asiacell will sell 67.503 billion shares at a price of at least 22 Iraqi dinars per share.

Stocks News- Kuwait Drops The Most In 3 Weeks

The fall in the index was led by Kuwaiti investors selling out profitable positions ahead of holidays.

Dubai-Based QE2 Liner Not To Be Scrapped

Former owner Cunard dismisses reports that the Queen Elizabeth II liner will be scrapped.

Oil Dips As Fears Of ‘Fiscal Cliff’ Intensify

If unresolved, the US “fiscal cliff” budget crisis could erode oil demand in the world’s top consumer.

Abu Dhabi Airport Sees 10% Rise In Nov Passenger Traffic

Over 13.4 million passengers passed through the capital’s airport in the first 11 months of this year.

Abu Dhabi Lender ADIB Starts Sudan Branch

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank is the UAE’s first lender to receive a banking license in the African nation.

UAE Top Destination For Euro Expats

Survey shows ‘significant increase’ in investment from Europe.

SABIC Affiliates In Deal To Build New Petchem Plant

The plant, located in Jubail, is expected to start production in the second half of 2014.

Dubai Targets 66m Passengers In 2013

Dubai International Airport is set to surpass its projected passenger traffic target of 56.5 million in 2012.

RAK To Open Two Key Hotels In 2013, Eyes More Tourists

The 632-room resort Rixos Bab Al Bahr will be joined by the 349-room Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah.

Yemen Sets 2013 Budget With $3.2bn Deficit

The forecast deficit is 21 per cent higher than the deficit originally projected by the government for 2012.

Saudi and UAE Will Remain Regional IPO Hubs In 2013

Capital markets in the MENA region raised $2 billion in 2012, up around 134 per cent from 2011, says Ernst & Young.

Dubai’s MAF Group Eyes Egypt Supermarkets In $300m Deal

The Majid Al Futtaim group is reportedly in talks to buy the supermarket business of Mansour Group.

Qatar Increases 2013 GDP Growth Forecast To 4.8%

The Gulf state had predicted a GDP growth rate of 4.5 per cent for 2013 in June.

Over 65% Of MENA Workers Eye New Jobs In 2013

Almost half of the region’s employees are planning to request a higher salary for 2013, finds new survey.

Top 10 GCC Travel Trends In 2012

Airline partnerships and new hotel launches marked a busy year for the region’s travel industry.

Dubai’s du Secures $500m Debt Facility To Fund Business

The telecoms operator signed a $100 million three-year loan facility with Singapore’s DBS Bank last week.

UAE Warns Citizens To Avoid Lebanon Travel

The warning has been issued because of the “difficult and sensitive political circumstances in Lebanon,” says ministry.

Bidding For Saudi Midyan Gas Field Extended Again

Midyan, developed by Saudi Aramco, is expected to start production in 2013.

GCC Locals Buy More Property Within Region

Inter-GCC real estate ownerships rose 20.5 per cent last year, according to official statistics.

Qatar To Pump 200m Euros A Year Into French Soccer Club, PSG

Qatari fund QSI bought French club Paris Saint-Germain in June 2011.

Britain’s BAE Wins $4.1bn Omani Contract

Under the deal, BAE will deliver 12 Typhoon and eight Hawk aircraft to Oman’s armed forces starting in 2017.

Egypt’s Constitution Approved In Vote

The Muslim Brotherhood said 64 per cent of voters backed the charter after two rounds of voting.