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.

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.