Saudi Arabia, UAE Among Top Five Defence Importers In 2014 – IHS

The Kingdom overtook India to become the world’s biggest weapons importer in 2014, research company IHS said.

Gunmen Kill More Than 12 ISIL Militants In Eastern Syria

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attacks.

GCC’s Rich Confident About Local Economies Despite Oil Price Fall

The Gulf’s wealthy prefer to invest in the region with 83 per cent of the high net worth individuals wanting to keep their assets closer to home, a survey said.

Egyptian Court Adjourns Trial Of Al Jazeera Journalists To March 19

A court last month released Mohamed Fahmy and Baher Mohamed on bail after over a year in detention.

Revealed: Gulf Expat Salaries Up Nearly 8%

Significant pay increases at C-level were among the factors driving overall salaries up over the last year, according to the Gulf Business 2015 Salary Survey.

Dubai’s Plans For Affordable Housing Will Help Market Mature – Cluttons

Rents in the emirate have surged more than 50 per cent in the last two years, prompting calls for affordable units in the market.

Chinese Firm Wins Dhs150m Contract For Falcon Island Project In RAK

China Harbour Engineering Company will carry out the marine and infrastructure works for the luxury project.

Stock News: Gulf Markets Neutral To Negative After Oil’s Slide

Brent crude slid 1.2 per cent to $59.73 a barrel on Friday and posted its biggest weekly loss since January.

Almost 45% Of MENA Working Women Say Paid Less Than Male Peers

The majority of working women in the region (77 per cent) currently work for a male manager, finds new survey.

Oman’s Bank Sohar Cuts Proposed Cash Dividend On Central Bank Advice

The lender said it had revised its proposed cash payout to four per cent from six per cent.

Drop In Shale Output Caused Oil Price Rebound – Kuwait Oil Minister

He said projections showed prices might improve this year, but added that they might also stay between $50 and $60 a barrel.

Saudi Arabia Rejects Rights Criticism After Flogging Of Blogger

A statement said the Kingdom’s constitution ensured the protection of human rights because it was based on Islamic Sharia law.

FIFA President Blatter Calls On Iran To Allow Women Into Stadiums

Iran is bidding against the UAE to host the 2019 Asian Cup and the ban on women is expected to damage their chances.

10 Foreigners Missing After Libya Oilfield Attack

Islamist militants attacked the Al-Ghani field last week, killing 11 guards.

Louis Dreyfus Ships Big US Ethanol Cargo To Middle East

Dreyfus is sending about 280,000 barrels of ethanol from the Port of New York to Jebel Ali in the UAE.

“Jihadi John” Link Deepens Security Unease In Kuwait

Security officials acknowledge that youths from Gulf Arab states have trekked in their hundreds to fight for ISIL in Iraq and Syria.

Apple’s Rivals Hope Its Watch Will Boost Their Own Wearable Tech

Apple’s new Watch is expected to be launched at an event announced this week.

Egypt No Longer Sees Full Tourism Recovery In 2015

Tourism accounts for 11.3 per cent of Egypt’s economy and 19.3 per cent of its foreign currency revenues.

Egypt Aims For Final Arabtec Housing Deal By Mid-March

Arabtec said last March that it had reached agreement with Egypt’s army to build a million homes at 13 locations around the country.

Fujairah Oil Storage Capacity May Rise 75% By 2020

The Fujairah port, which lies outside the Strait of Hormuz, a vital Gulf oil export route, has seen a boom in storage facility building since late 2009.

Etihad To Launch Daily Flights To Tehran From April

The carrier currently operates three flights a week between Abu Dhabi and the Iranian capital.

Kerry Briefs Iran’s Gulf Rivals On Nuclear Talks

Gulf countries fear that Iran is using its atomic programme to develop nuclear weapons capability, something Tehran denies.

UAE Ranked Third In Global Muslim Travel Index

The Emirates was the top destination for Muslim tourists in the Middle East, which had five countries among the top 10 in the global list.

Emirates Airline President Plans Talks In Washington Over Subsidy Row

US carriers accuse Gulf airlines of receiving more than $40 billion in government subsidies since 2004.

Qatar, Saudi, Kuwait Among Top 10 Nations Globally For Luxury Spending

Wealthy individuals in the three GCC nations especially spend on imported luxury goods and premium travel, finds new report.

Croatia Mulls Loan From UAE To Refinance Costly Debts

The loan could be worth around $2 billion and enable the EU member to refinance debt.

Sheikh Mohammed Launches Museum Of The Future In Dubai

The museum will produce futuristic inventions and support the UAE’s goals to be the most innovative country in the world.

Dubai’s Nakheel Says 90 Villa Units Delivered At Jumeirah Village Circle

The Jumeirah Village Circle villas project, launched in December 2013, sold for a combined value of Dhs275 million.

Emirates Says Has Had Extensive A380neo Discussions

Emirates has said it would look at placing an order for up to 200 A380neo jets to replace its current fleet and drive further expansion.

Mobily Shares Surge On Hopes For Indirect Government Support

The Saudi telecoms operator’s stock had been suspended for a week until Thursday.