Dubai Islamic Bank Targets 15-20% Loan Growth In 2015 – CEO

DIB’s net interest margin would stay at around 3.6 per cent in 2015, the bank’s chief executive said.

Qatar-Based Cleric Urges Protests In Egypt On Uprising’s Anniversary

Qaradawi’s outspoken support for the Islamist movement has previously contributed to a diplomatic rift between Qatar and its Gulf Arab allies and Egypt.

UAE Retailer Marka To Develop UEFA Champions League-Themed Stores

The first retail and dining concept store is set to open in Abu Dhabi’s Yas Mall in May, with plans also lined up for Dubai.

Dubai’s Residential Rents Surged 10% In 2014

Home prices in Dubai rose 15 per cent in 2014, with the last quarter seeing sluggish growth, a new report says.

Dubai’s Deyaar Q4 Net Profit Falls 43%

The company’s 2014 annual profit was Dhs281.9 million, up 82 per cent compared to 2013, it said.

Dubai Islamic Bank Q4 2014 Net Profit Rises 64.1%; Hikes Dividend

The bank’s net profit for 2014 was Dhs2.8 billion.

Saudi Foreign Affairs Minister Undergoes Back Surgery In The US

Prince Saud Al-Faisal is undergoing physiotherapy following the surgery, the official Saudi Press Agency announced.

Japan Condemns Apparent ISIL Execution, Demands Hostage Release

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called the apparent killing of Haruna Yukawa “outrageous and impermissible.”

Unit Of Dubai’s Drake & Scull Wins $49m Contract

Gulf Technical Construction Co will provide civil, architectural and MEP services for a high-rise residential tower in Dubai.

Stock News: Smooth Saudi Succession, ECB Easing May Support Gulf

The markets of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain are closed on Sunday because of King Abdullah’s death.

Obama, World Leaders Head To Saudi Arabia To Offer Condolences

Russia’s PM Dmitry Medvedev, UK’s PM David Cameron and French President Francois Hollande are also visiting Saudi to offer condolences.

Dubai Airspace Faces Temporary Shutdown Due To Unofficial Drones

Officials said that the drones were flown for recreational purpose by members of the public.

US Firm CH2M HILL, UK’s Mace Win Bid To Build Dubai Expo 2020 Site

A consortium led by the two firms will undertake the construction of the Dubai Trade Centre Jebel Ali development.

Dubai Builder Arabtec Wins $152m Contracts In Abu Dhabi

The contracts, awarded by ADNOC and ADCO, were awarded to Arabtec’s Target Engineering unit.

Ultra Electronics Says Oman Airport IT Contract Terminated

The contract was worth about 207 million pounds when won in 2011.

Gulf Banks Flourish In 2014 On Strong Economic Growth

Gulf banks have recorded much improved net profit numbers in 2014 driven by higher loan growth, increased non-interest income and reduced provision charges.

Dubai International Airport: Flying High

A bustling hub for global aviation, Dubai International Airport has not sat idle when it comes to large-scale investments in expansion and upgrades.

New Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Marks Generational Shift

Saudi Arabia’s Interior Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, was named Deputy Crown Prince on Friday.

UAE Announces Three Day Mourning For Saudi King

UAE President Sheikh Khalifa praised King Abdullah as one of the most notable leaders of the Arab region.

Saudi King Abdullah Dies, New Ruler Is Salman

King Abdullah, 90, had ruled Saudi Arabia as king since 2005 and was hailed as a great reformist.

OPEC+meeting

New Saudi King Seen Holding Line On OPEC Policy

King Salman is expected to broadly continue Abdullah’s policies, analysts say.

Profile: New Saudi Ruler King Salman Bin Abdulaziz

The 79-year-old King Salman will have to navigate turmoil caused by violence across the region.

Saudi Arabia To Delay Activist’s Flogging For Second Time

Badawi, founder of the “Free Saudi Liberals” site, was sentenced last year to 10 years in jail, a fine of SAR1 million and 1,000 lashes.

Saudi’s Tasnee Signs $319m Loan To Buy More Of Cristal

In December, Tasnee bought 13 per cent in Cristal – one of the world’s largest producers of titanium dioxide – for SAR1.8 billion.

Bahraini Fund Mumtalakat Won’t Sell Assets To Plug Any Budget Shortfall

The fund holds stakes in Bahraini companies including Aluminium Bahrain, Gulf Air and Batelco.

Pullman Opens In Jumeirah Lakes Towers

Second Pullman hotel in Dubai targets business and leisure travellers in the fast-growing community

Asian workers take a break at Friday Market in Kuwait City

Kuwait To Arrest 100,000 Illegal Expats

The crackdown will be the largest operation ever, conducted by the authorities in Kuwait, an official said.

Oil Prices Rise Above $50 Ahead Of Expected ECB Move

The ECB’s Executive Board has proposed a programme that would allow it to buy $58 billion of bonds a month starting in March.

Different Arab money

Growth In Gulf Arab Oil States To Slow Moderately This Year

Analysts believe GCC governments will be able to use huge financial reserves to keep state spending high.

IMF Cuts UAE’s 2015 Growth Forecast

The Gulf country is expected to see a growth of 3.5 per cent for 2015 and 2016, according to IMF’s latest update.