As $35bn Omnicom-Publicis Merger Collapses, Ad Firms Start Thinking Small

Experts say last week’s break-up was due in large part to a clash of cultures and egos.

Narendra Modi Wins India’s Election With A Landslide

Congress faces worst-ever result, Rahul Gandhi may lose seat.

Saudi’s Ma’aden Plans $1.5bn Rights Issue, HSBC To Advise

The company plans to use the money to expand its phosphate and gold operations, and increase funding for its aluminium business.

Saudi’s $1.6bn Kingdom Tower Set for December 2018 Completion

The over one kilometre tall Kingdom Tower will replace Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, 828 metres tall, as the highest in the world.

Bahraini Lender ABC Names Hopkins As CFO Effective June 1

Hopkins spent 18 years at Standard Chartered including as CEO for Europe.

UAE Sees 20% Rise In Job Changers

70,000 workers moved between employers in the UAE last year, according to the Ministry of Labour.

Saudi Arabia Establishes MERS Centre To Stem Outbreak

The new centre aims to ensure cross ministry coordination and disease control in the Kingdom.

UAE Says No Plans For More Financial Aid To Egypt For Now

The UAE and other Gulf states promised more than $12 billion in loans and donations to support the Egyptian economy after Mursi’s removal.

More OPEC Oil Needed To Balance Market This Year -IEA

Global oil demand growth will be slightly higher than previously thought in 2014, at 1.32 million barrels per day (bpd), the IEA said.

Qatar To Set Up Deposit Insurance, Including Islamic Scheme

The scheme is part of a strategic plan for Qatar’s financial sector developed by the country’s three regulatory bodies.

Arabtec Inks Deal To Be Regional Sponsor For Man City

The three-year sponsorship deal will allow Arabtec to have access to specific rights of the use of Manchester City brand.

Dubai Developer Emaar’s Villa Sales Drop In Q1

The decline was partly offset by an increase in revenue from its hospitality and rental portfolio.

Saudi Arabia Reports 10 More Deaths From MERS Virus, 20 Other Cases

Five of the deaths were reported on Tuesday and five on Wednesday, according to statements on the health ministry’s website.

Qatar Airways Launches London Business Class and Hofuf Flights

Doha carrier identifies gap for focused premium product on highly competitive route

Different Arab money

Saudi-Based IDB Says Plans Benchmark Sukuk Issue Around May 2015

In February, IDB, which has a top-notch AAA rating, priced a $1.5 billion, five-year sukuk, its largest ever Islamic bond.

MSCI Includes Nine UAE Stocks, 10 Qatari Stocks In Emerging Markets Index

QNB, Industries Qatar and NBAD will be the three largest additions to the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.

UAE’s Dana Gas Q1 Profit Falls 32%

Dana made a net profit of Dhs164 million ($44.65 million)in the three months to March 31, up from Dhs241 million a year ago.

Saudi King Appoints Son As Governor Of Riyadh Province

Moves in the ruling family are closely watched at home and abroad for clues on who will rule the world’s top oil exporter.

Saudi Aramco, Sumitomo Face Higher Costs For Petrochemical Plant Expansion

The expansion plan was originally estimated to cost around $7 billion.

Dubai’s ICD Launches Upsized Sukuk, Smaller Bond Issue – Leads

The fund will now raise $700 million from an Islamic bond with a six year lifespan, up from the $500 million it had previously said it would raise.

Abu Dhabi’s TAQA 2014 Capex Forecast At $2.15bn – CFO

The capex forecast for the year is lower than the $2.37 billion which the company spent in 2013.

Qatar Sets Out Labour Reforms After Rights Criticism, But No Timetable

The proposed reforms include replacing a contentious sponsorship law, known as “kafala”, in which workers need their employer’s permission to change jobs.

Saudi Developer ACWA Confirms Fransi As IPO Adviser

The company said it is trying to get the initial public offering completed this year.

Dubai’s Ruler Approves Dhs2bn Creek Front Project

The project will include a floating market, hotels, restaurants, art galleries and shops for Emirati handicrafts.

UAE’s Etisalat Completes $5.7bn Maroc Tel Stake Buy From Vivendi

Etisalat has bought into Maroc Telecom through a separate legal entity, Etisalat International North Africa (EINA).

Many UAE Banks Mulling Use Of Emirates ID As ATM Cards- Official

The EIA official did not rule out the possibility of an extra charge being levied if the banks started using the Emirates Identity Cards for financial transactions.

Oman’s Bank Sohar To issue $182m Capital-Boosting Convertible Bond

The issue, which will be done as a private placement, will help boost the bank’s core capital.

Dubai’s ICD Tightens Price Guidance Ahead Of $1bn Debut Bond

Investor orders worth around $2 billion have been placed so far, a document from lead arrangers said.

Yahoo Buys Mobile “Self-Destruct” Messaging App Blink

The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

US Urges Gulf To Unite Against Threats Like Iran

U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel addressed a meeting of GCC defence ministers in Jeddah.