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.

Qatar Labours On As Reforms Fail To Take Shape

Despite promises to overhaul its labour laws to prevent the abuse of migrant workers, Qatar is yet to take firm action.

Iran’s Isolated Banks May Have Slow, Painful Return To Global System

Smothered in bad debt and shut out of the global system by sanctions, Iranian banks badly need to resume business with foreign lenders.

King’s Absence From US Summit Shows Saudi Displeasure Over Iran Push

Analysts and diplomats in the Middle East described King Salman’s decision to skip the meeting at Camp David this week as a snub.

Regional Crises Push Turkey, Saudi Closer Despite Ideological Rift

The rapprochement between two of the Middle East’s biggest powers already appears to be paying dividends in Syria.

Will Gulf Carriers Triumph Over US Airlines In The Subsidy Row?

Dto Gulf airlines really get unfair assistance from their governments, or are US carriers looking to stifle the competition?

Have Saudis Succeeded In Maintaining Their Oil Market Share?

Figures from Asia’s top three importers show that the Kingdom is more or less holding its ground in market share, writes Reuters’ columnist Clyde Russell.

Abu Dhabi’s Property Market: Stable And Slowing

The emirate’s real estate is expected to stabilise this year, but the negative impact of lower oil prices could be felt in the longer term.

Trickle, Not Flood Of Foreign Money Likely As Saudi Bourse Opens Up

Many barriers such as strict foreign ownership limits, rules for settling traders and its long way into MSCI index are some of the factors curbing a flood of foreign money.

Will Low Oil Prices Impact Middle East Hotels’ Performance?

CBRE Middle East’s Associate Director Phil Rist talks about the impact of oil price volatility on Middle East’s hotels.

Different Arab money

GCC Banks Tighten Credit For Small Firms As Cheap Oil Prices Hit

Banks are demanding tougher terms such as more collateral, stricter documentation and shorter tenors.

GCC Turns To Energy Sharing To Sustain Low Power Costs

Energy sharing is an idea whose time has come, but subsidy removal is an idea that should have been implemented years ago.

Saudis Under Time Pressure To Break Yemen Stalemate

Yemenis warn that the longer the fighting lasts, the harder it will be to restore meaningful state control.

Where There’s A Will, There’s A Way: The New DIFC Wills & Probate Registry

DIFC’s new Wills and Probate Registry gives non-muslims certainty in inheritance matters.

Abu Dhabi Rolls Out Red Carpet For Market Makers, May Outweigh Dubai

Both the DFM and ADX say they are in talks to attract market makers.

As Yemen Bombing Slows, Saudi May Struggle With Peacemaker Role

Riyadh now faces a test of its diplomatic skills in trying to arrange talks among Yemen’s fractious elites.

Online Store Merger Prods Luxury Goods Makers Towards Internet

Top brands such as Prada and LVMH’s Christian Dior still baulk at the idea of selling clothing online.

Some Banks Win, Some Lose In Dubai’s “Islamic Economy”

Dubai is planning to be a centre for an “Islamic economy” with sharia-compliant businesses ranging from banking , trade, food preparation, fashion, education and tourism.

Jumbo Jets Airbus A380, Boeing 747 Face A Make Or Break Year

There were zero orders placed by commercial airlines for new Boeing 747s or Airbus A380s last year.

From Film To Fashion, Dubai Bids To Be Creative Capital For Arab World

The emirate’s new 21 million sqft design district is set to include galleries, studios, workshops, boutique stores and museums, plus office and residential space.

Gulf Arabs Eye Obama Overtures With Suspicion In Wake Of Iran Talks

Obama said last week that the greatest security threat for the Sunni Gulf was not Iran but poor governance and extremism at home.

Will GCC’s Renewable Energy Projects Feel The Oil Drop Pinch?

The recent drop in oil prices will not negatively impact the GCC’s renewable energy projects, affirm experts.

Iranian Establishment Faces Risks If Nuclear Deal Fails

Failure to finalise the deal would generate levels of public dismay that could hurt authorities, say experts.

Gulf Bank Results To Show Signs Of Strain From Low Oil Prices

Retail banking rules, bad loan worries and property sector weakness are some other factors that could impact the profitability of the lenders.

Saudi Request For Help In Yemen Puts Pakistani PM In A Bind

Joining the Saudi-led coalition could inflame a sectarian conflict in Pakistan, where around a fifth of the population is Shi’ite.

Public Saudi Welcome For Iran Nuclear Deal Masks Private Unease

Arab leaders have been alarmed by Tehran’s drive to expand its influence and tighten its grip through allied forces and militias on Arab states.

Potential Loopholes Could Limit Impact Of Saudi Land Tax

One area of uncertainty is the minimum size of land to be taxed, and whether the tax will apply only to completely undeveloped land.

UAE Banks Apply Lending Brakes

With oil prices down sharply from June 2014 levels, and economic growth lagging, lending in the UAE is anticipated to slow in 2015.

Is Dubai The Gulf’s New Creative Hub?

With swelling advertising budgets and projects such as the Dubai Design District, the emirate is pitching its creative credentials.

GCC Rail Project: Less Chug, More Sputter

Uncomfortably close to the 2018 completion date, the GCC rail project is swamped by delays and challenges.