Japan’s Mitsubishi, Tepco win $2.5bn Qatar gas plant bid

The 2.4 GW plant, located 20km south of Doha, is scheduled to begin operations in 2017.

Saudi’s Emaar Economic City says expects tenant inflow to accelerate

The developer expects to attract about 50 new companies to establish operations this year, versus 35 last year, and thinks it will sell around 2,500 residential units in 2015.

US Embassy urges citizens to be cautious in Abu Dhabi’s rural areas

The warning comes after an individual was hit and run repeatedly in Al Bahia, a rural area of Abu Dhabi.

RTA mulls car rental scheme for metro users

The scheme, when implemented, is expected to lessen carbon emissions, increase the use of public transport and reduce car ownership.

Saudi king vows to punish those behind suicide attack

The monarch promised to punish all those who are linked to the attack, intensifying its crackdown on terrorism.

UAE releases two Qataris sentenced for insulting local leaders

The UAE justified the pardon, saying that it wanted to smoothen its relationship with ally Qatar.

UAE banks discuss plan for centralised Islamic finance board

The banks said that it is working closely with the central bank in setting up a Higher Sharia Authority that would complement and oversee the work of individual sharia boards.

Kuwait’s Burgan Bank to consider expanding in UAE, Saudi, Egypt

The bank did not expect to make any acquisitions this year, but said that it would at some later date as a number of foreign banks in the Middle East pulled out.

Etihad to respond to US government on subsidy claims by May end

The carrier will be the first among the three Gulf airlines to file an official response.

US approves sale of 10 MH-60 Seahawk helicopters to Saudi Arabia

The proposed sale would improve Saudi Arabia’s capability to meet current and future threats from enemy weapons systems.

Saudi clerics urge calm as village hit by ISIL seethes

Thousands of protesters took to the streets of al-Qadeeh town on Friday evening, hours after a suicide bomber killed 21 worshippers in a packed Shi’ite mosque.

Oman refinery firm borrows $910m from local, Gulf banks

The money will be used to “meet general corporate requirements and certain projects currently being considered”, the company said.

“Barbarians at the gate” as Middle East business leaders meet

The conference was suffused by concern that Islamic State’s expansion could derail efforts to boost trade and investment in much of the Middle East.

Two Saudis killed in rocket attacks launched from Yemen – SPA

SPA quoted a Civil Defence official as saying that a child was killed and three other children were wounded on Friday in the al-Tawal region.

Saudi Interior Ministry says mosque bomber belonged to ISIL

The attack was one of the deadliest assaults in recent years in the Kingdom, where sectarian tensions have been aggravated by nearly two months of Saudi-led air strikes on Houthi rebels.

Gulf banks increase lending footprints in Asia, Africa

Previously Gulf banks largely participated as junior partners in international syndicated loans but that picture is changing gradually.

Saudi regulator seeks to prosecute 9 Mobily officials – report

The offenders reportedly include board members and senior executives who were in charge at the time violations were committed in Mobily.

Airbus sees “significant” orders at Paris Airshow in June

Airbus’ A400M will be displayed on the ground at the Paris Airshow, but will not take part in daily flying displays.

GCC, EU plan joint aviation agreement

Officials from both the regions held extensive talks recently to discuss an agreement based on liberated skies.

Abu Dhabi announces two new MERS cases

Health officials said that both patients are in a stable condition and are receiving the necessary medical care.

Kuwait’s Al Ahli Bank buying Egyptian unit of Greece’s Piraeus Bank for $150m

The transaction, which requires approvals from the central banks of Kuwait and Egypt, stands to benefit both lenders.

Amnesty report says 2022 FIFA World Cup host Qatar still failing migrant workers

The Gulf state denied the accusation, claiming several of the allegations were inaccurate.

Saudi shells hit Yemen aid office, killing five – local official

Artillery fire and air strikes hit the town of Maydee along Yemen’s border with Saudi Arabia in Hajja province.

Over 30% of consumers choose 20% salary cut over giving up mobile phone – study

The global mobile technology industry made revenues of almost $3.3 trillion in 2014 and is directly responsible for 11 million jobs.

Dubai’s Amlak Finance shares to resume trade on June 2 after 6-year suspension

Trading in Amlak was halted as credit markets dried up and the emirate’s real estate prices began a near-50 per cent tumble from their peak.

US regulators decline to curb expansion of Gulf airlines over subsidy row

The regulators refused to take any action while they review whether the Gulf carriers received unfair subsidies.

Dubai’s Amanat buys 4.14% stake in Al Noor Hospitals

Amanat was set up to invest in education and healthcare businesses in the UAE and other Gulf states.

Visa, FIFA sponsor, expresses “grave concern” over Qatar workers

The announcement came two days after the pressure groups renewed their call on FIFA sponsors to put pressure on the governing body over the issue.

Boeing appoints Bernie Dunn as head of Mideast business

Dunn had been president of Boeing Turkey and North Africa since July 2012 and succeeds Jeff Johnson.

Saudi regulator cancels Arabian Contracting float at company request

Last week, approval was issued for the sale of a 30 per cent stake in Arabian Contracting, with the offer set to run between June 10 and 16.