Dark Clouds Over Lebanese Banks

The turmoil in the Arab region will affect Beirut’s financial sector, says Matein Khalid, fund manager in a royal investment office.

Leading In the Fast Lane

An engaged workforce will help you get ahead in 2012, says Dr. Tommy Weir, advisor on emerging market leadership.

Testing Breakeven Oil Prices

As GCC governments’ budgets soar, so do breakeven oil prices.

Shariah Carbon Credits Planned

Islam could hold the key to turning around the Gulf’s dismal environmental record.

M&A Activity Yet To Fulfill Promise

While much of the region is overbanked, there’s little hope for mergers anytime soon.

OPEC Secretary General El-Badri

The Secretary General holds the keys to the world’s oil supply as the global economy teeters in the balance.

Bahrain: Challenges On Many Fronts

The island nation faces sluggish growth and a rise in non-performing loans due to political turmoil.

Saudi Arabia: Strength At The Top

Strong government regulation and hefty public spending have buoyed the Kingdom’s banking sector.

Defying Gravity

After 30 months of recession, revolution and soaring oil prices, flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith tells Jonathan Sheikh-Miller why even a potential global double dip won’t spoil his bold expansion plans.

GCC Banks In Good Position For Basel III

Banks are focusing on building Tier 1 capital to meet stringent global liquidity regulations.

GCC Retail Banking Expands

Difficult conditions mean banks are spreading their retail wings to attract customer deposits and loans.

Sir Rocco Arrives In Abu Dhabi

The famous British hotelier tells Jonathan Sheikh-Miller why he’s not fazed by talk of Abu Dhabi over-supply.

Kuwait: Market Still Lacks Real Momentum

Banks are slowly recovering from the 2008 fallout, but the impact of a recent government funding drive remains to be seen.

Qatar: Punching Above Its Weight

Massive public spending and impressive GDP growth spell a bumper year for Qatari banks.

Oman: Steady As She Goes

Increased consumer lending and new Islamic banks will put the country on a solid footing for 2012.

Private Jet Usage Soars

The Arab Spring boosted private jet travel as diplomats and business leaders engaged in peace talks.

Jordan And Morocco To Join The GCC?

The Arab spring has reignited interest in Jordan and Morroco joining the GCC but not all the member countries agree.

The Demise of Independent Islamic Scholars?

After years of pressure, Islamic scholars in the Gulf are finally modernising their operations, much to the delight of Western financial organisations

What’s Your Leadership Brand?

Big brand companies are led by leaders with a strong personal brand, writes leadership expert, Tommy Weir

Getting Your Investment Strategy Right

Investors are advised to go bearish, says Matein Khalid, advisor in a royal funds office

The Future Of GCC Private Equity

The systemic risk in GCC private equity funds was grossly underestimated by investors who assumed that the region’s equity and property bubbles would last forever.

The Grand Habtoor

Khalaf Al Habtoor is sure that Dubai is once more a very sound investment.

He’s Still The One

Thomas Lundgren, boss of The One furniture chain, tells Alicia Buller how he swerved bankruptcy and burn-out to launch new stores.

The Arab Spring: Democratic Dawn, Economic Twilight

No matter the concessions to regional unrest, controlled state economies may not offer a solution in a networked global economy with unfettered capital markets.

Time After Time

Alicia Buller hangs out with Georges Kern, suave CEO of luxury watch-maker IWC Schaffhausen, at the Laureus World Sports Awards.

An End To Saudi’s Housing Woes?

With only around 10 per cent of Saudi’s currently owning their home, the new mortgage laws could be set to boost real estate firms, banks and society overall.

IPO No Go

Low liquidity and weak confidence continue to dampen the Gulf’s IPO pipeline. Stringent local market guidelines must be relaxed to improve cashflow.

What’s The West’s Problem?

Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways, speaks out on his detractors and his record order book.

Gold Rush

As the global economy reels from fresh Euro and US woes, the gold price is set for a dizzying ascent.

Can This Man Save Damas?

Anan Fakhreddin, the man charged with salvaging the reputation of Damas jewellery firm, tells Alicia Buller why he’s got one of the most difficult jobs in the region.