National Bank of Abu Dhabi Eyes South Korea

NBAD, which opened an office in Shanghai earlier this year, plans to expand its presence in Asia.

UAE Approves 2013 Federal Budget, No Deficit

As per the budget, total spending for the year will be Dhs44.6 billion.

Qatari Draft Media Law Criticised By Rights Group

Human Rights Watch described the law as “a commitment to censorship”.

Etihad Signs Multi Million Deal With Airbus

Abu Dhabi’s flagship carrier has bought two new A330-200s and converted seven A320s into the larger A321.

UAE’s Dana Gas Will Not Repay $920m Sukuk On Maturity

The Sharjah-based gas firm has reached a standstill agreement with bondholders, say sources.

DP World’s Terminal Volumes Drop Slightly

The world’s third-largest port operator recorded a 0.7 per cent year-on-year fall in the third quarter.

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank Eyes Sukuk Sale

The lender has mandated HSBC, Morgan Stanley, National Bank of Abu Dhabi and Standard Chartered to arrange the roadshows.

Cairo Property Demand To Increase – Analysts

The Cairo real estate market could be poised for recovery as investor confidence returns due to a more stable political environment after the appointment of a new government

Saudi Labour Costs Highest In GCC

Construction labour costs in the Kingdom are 51 per cent higher than in Qatar, says new report.

Bank Of Sharjah Profits Up 1%

The lender grew its total number of assets by five per cent while its shareholders’ equity dropped by two per cent.

Doha Bank Eyes London Share Sale To Boost Capital

The Qatari lender hopes to increase capital by up to $1.6 billion in 2013.

GCC States Should Cut State Spending Growth -IMF

Their combined budget surplus could turn into a deficit by 2017, the International Monetary Fund has warned.

Abu Dhabi’s TAQA Seeks New Terms For Dutch Gas Transport Tariffs

TAQA has a 60 per cent stake in Netherlands’ 4.1 billion cubic metre Bergermeer storage facility.

Souq.com Receives New Buyer, Naspers Limited

South African media group Naspers has acquired a minority stake in the Middle East e-commerce site, for a rumoured $40 million.

Emirates, Etihad Cancel Flights As Hurricane Sandy Nears

The massive hurricane is expected to hit the US east coast on Monday evening.

Brent Slips Near $109 As Hurricane Sandy Approaches US

Six East Coast oil refineries representing 1.19 million barrels per day could potentially be hit by the deadly storm.

Gold Holds Slight Gains, But Firm US Dollar Weighs

Investors were now waiting for the US payrolls report and the US elections.

Expat-Owned Start-Ups Thriving In UAE

Data from government department, Dubai Internet City and a local awards highlights the success of expat-owned companies.

TAQA Hires Banks For $2bn Loan Refinancing

The financing will include a three-year and a five-year revolving credit facility.

15 Step Guide For Attending Conferences

Are you all conferenced-out? Read Dr Corrie Block’s 15-step guide to making friends, saving time and winning deals at your next event.

Fashion Brand Brioni Opens Shop In Dubai

CEO Francesco Pesci speaks to Gulf Business about the brand’s expansion in the Middle East, its PPR takeover and James Bond.

Top Technology Tips For Banks

Lenders need to put customers at the centre of what they do, writes Steve Bertamini, CEO of Consumer Banking at Standard Chartered.

HSBC Bank Oman 9-Month Profit Drops 4.2% On Provisions

The lender made a net profit of OMR10.57 million in the first nine months of the year.

Hands On Review: Apple iPad Mini

Stuff magazine gets its mitts on the real live iPad Mini in California, US, and gives the full lowdown.

Apple’s iPad Mini To Reach UAE Before Year-End

Apple’s new smaller tablet is expected to ‘officially’ reach UAE shelves within the next three months, say retailers.

Etisalat Q3 Profit Up 28% After Indonesia Sale

The UAE’s leading operator reported third-quarter net profit of Dhs2.21 bilion and revenue of Dhs8 billion.

Meet The Apple iPad Mini

The iPad mini packs a smaller 7.9 inch display and thinner body.

Groupon And YaDig Launch Review Partnership

New alliance will see regional website’s reviews published on global giant’s website.

Apple’s Supercharged iPad 4 Is Here

Apple’s souped up iPad 4 is twice as fast as the previous model.

Emaar Reports 4.7% Drop In Q3 Profit

Dubai’s prominent developer reveals slight drop in Q3 revenue and profit, despite rise for January-September.