Bahrain Unrest Hikes Salaries By 10.5 %

Average monthly salaries for some expatriates have gone up by more than 10 per cent this year compared to 2011.

Investcorp Acquires UK Education Group

The Bahraini investment group has taken over the GL Education Group, a UK-based education solutions provider.

New iPad Out In UAE

Apple’s third generation iPad is finally available in select locations across the UAE.

Arabtec To Hire “Thousands”

The Dubai developer also said that its funding needs have eased, and that it has no plans to renew talks with Aabar for a stake sale.

Saudi Oil Exports Rose In January

The Kingdom’s oil exports rose 143,000 barrels per day in January compared to December, according to the Joint Data Initiative.

Sorouh Elects New Chairman

The Abu Dhabi property developer, which is eyeing a possible merger with Aldar, replaced its chairman last week.

The Problem With Daily Deals

Daily deal websites are having to face down criticism that their vouchers degrade brands and the business model is a passing fad.

Ecclestone: “Nobody’s Going To Shoot”

F1 boss says there won’t be violence at Bahrain race and protests should be peaceful.

Arab Spring Hits Investor Confidence

The regional unrest will continue to dampen investor confidence in the Middle East this year, according to a survey by the CFA Institute.

Why Gas Is A Rising Star

Peter Shaw-Smith outlines the global story of gas, which countries are producing the most LNG, and why it matters.

Kuwait Airways Strike Costs $1mn

The strike caused by the carrier’s employees over a pay hike led to the cancellation of 10 flights within a four-hour period.

UAE To Reduce Debts Of Nationals

The central bank has instructed lenders to find means of reducing the debt burden of UAE nationals.

GCC Banks Need Better Services

While banks in the region are returning to pre-crisis levels of profit, they have to improve efficiency, says AT Kearney.

Tunisia Eyes Islamic Finance

The Tunisian government has set up a working group with Islamic finance experts to study its development in the country.

The Road To Profit

Despite the threat of regional upheaval and global downturns, the UAE is still the darling of the luxury car industry.

Aldar, Sorouh Dealings “Transparent”

The merger talks between the two Abu Dhabi-based developers are in compliance with corporate governance, a senior official has said.

UAE Spa Industry Tops $10bn

The region has witnessed a growing shift towards the wellness experience.

World Developers Offered Refund

Thailand island investors on The World development have been offered a full refund.

Emirates Hires 3,800 Cabin Crew

Emirates plans to hire 3,800 new cabin staff this year, taking its total number of in-flight crew to nearly 20,000.

Dubai CFOs On Hiring Spree

The majority of financial executives in Dubai are planning to increase staff this year, according to a survey.

Dubai Bank Ratings Removal Requested

Emirates NBD requests withdrawal of Dubai Bank’s Fitch and Moody’s ratings.

ADX Denies Trade Inquiry

The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange has denied reports that it’s going to investigate trading patterns of Aldar and Sorouh.

Investcorp Buys US Properties

The Bahraini investment company has acquired a portfolio of properties in the San Francisco Bay Area for $65 million.

Zain Names New CEO

The indebted telco has appointed Fraser Curley as chief executive, its third CEO in six months.

ENBD May Lay Off 15% Of Staff

According to sources, the UAE-based bank is planning to let go of its employees to cut costs. The bank has refused to comment.

SAP To Invest $450mn In MENA

The global software firm is planning to hire 500 new employees and open more offices in the region.

Qapco, Taiwan’s CTCI Sign Deal

Qatar Petrochemical Company has awarded construction contracts worth QR604 million to expand its ethylene plant.

Dubai Mulls Essex House Hotel Sale

Government-owned Dubai Group is currently reviewing the potential sale of the Manhattan-based property.

GCC Oil And Gas Reserves Worth $65trn

The region’s hydrocarbon reserves account for almost a third of the world’s reserves, says QNB Capital.

StanChart Seeks Saudi Licence

The bank has reportedly applied for a full commercial banking licence to expand its operations in the kingdom.