Gulf Airlines Target Italy As Transit Point For Expansion

Gulf carriers, looking for routes on which to deploy their fast-growing fleets, have spotted a shortage of long-haul flights and have expanded into Italy.

Interview: Clint Ippoma, BassBuds COO, On Making The Right Sounds

Ippoma explains how he is hoping to crack the competitive personal audio market.

Five Minutes With.. Benny Parihar, Managing Partner, CRYO Health

Benny Parihar, explains why he has brought cryotherapy to the Middle East and how he is expanding the CRYO Health business regionally.

How To Rule The World Like… Jiang Jianqing

Jianqing is the chairman of the Industrial & Commercial Bank of China (ICBC).

Top Tips To Develop Loyalty Programmes For Retail Banks

James Berry, e-commerce director from reward and ancillary revenue programme provider Collinson Latitude shares his top tips for developing personalised customer reward programmes for retail banks.

Cashing In On Mobile-Savvy Travellers

There are opportunities for the air transport industry to engage with customers and generate new revenues, writes the vice president business management airport solution line – SITA, Middle East, India and Africa.

Are You A Micromanager?

Micromanagement is very costly for the company, writes Dr. Corrie Block, a regional business development consultant based in Dubai.

Will Al Sisi Help Bring Egypt Back On Track?

Political stability has returned to Egypt under President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi but it yet to be seen if the former Army man be able to command its faltering economy back to life.

UAE Government’s Social Media Usage Improves Transparency

UAE government’s use of social media is revolutionising governance but experts say that challenges persist.

Where Are Arab Investors Buying Property In London?

Middle Eastern investors are causing a marked shift in London’s prime property market.

Oil Market Proves Mightier Than OPEC

Prices above $100 are unsustainable because they lead to too much new supply and too much demand destruction, writes Reuters columnist John Kemp.

Sohar Port Challenges Gulf Rivals As Oman Pushes Beyond Oil

Sohar is starting to compete for traffic with Jebel Ali and other top Gulf ports, as part of a far-reaching plan by Oman to diversify its economy beyond oil.

30 Seconds On The Business Of… Community Malls In The UAE

Gulf Business speaks to Neelesh Bhatnagar, director of Oasis Centre.

Saudi Bank’s $6bn IPO Ignites Religious Controversy

The controversy underlines how Saudi Arabia’s conservative brand of Islam can complicate economic decision-making in the Kingdom.

Are You Prepared For Your Retirement?

The best way to enjoy a financially secure retirement period is to start saving early, writes Edward Mainwaring-Burton, a senior financial planner with Acuma Independent Financial Advice.

Privately, Saudis Tell Oil Market: Get Used To Lower Prices

The Saudis now appear to be betting that a period of lower prices will be necessary to pave the way for higher revenue in the medium term.

Matein Khalid: Is The Bank Bull Market Near A Peak?

All is not right on the Gulf macroeconomic and banking horizon, writes Matein Khalid, a global equities investor and advisor to regional family offices.

The Gulf’s IPO Boom

Market watchers suggest the lack of regional IPO activity in recent years could soon be a distant memory.

Sudden IPO Rush Threatens UAE Listings Market Revival

After five years without an IPO of notable size, Emaar Malls Group attracted orders worth more than $47 billion for its $1.58 billion Dubai listing last month.

Threat To Syrian Town Tests Patience For U.S. Strategy

The current strategy requires Western patience that grows thinner with each headline of gruesome Islamic State atrocities or videos depicting beheadings of American or British hostages.

How To Find The Perfect CEO

There are some key competencies required of a leader, say global executive search firm DHR International’s Ayman Haddad and Keith Giarman.

Private Banking Special 2014: The Contenders

Both the onshore and offshore banks in the region want to profit from the crucial challenge of cultural diversity, writes Eduardo Leeman, chief executive officer, Falcon Private Bank.

Revealed: Top 10 Countries For Expatriates

The UAE is ranked 33 among 61 countries on the list, according to a new global survey of expatriates.

Private Banking Special 2014: The Rise Of Asia

Singapore and Hong Kong offer service quality, professionalism and expertise, writes Fouad Hamiyeh, head of UAE Offices, Crédit Agricole Private Banking.

Private Banking Special 2014: Qatar Calling

Qatar has immense potential for wealth managers, writes Arjuna Mahendran, chief investment officer – Wealth Management at Emirates NBD.

Private Banking Special 2014: Cost, Consolidation And Complexity

Only firms with the required capital, platform, profitability and a clear strategic focus will be successful in this competitive industry, writes the head of J.P. Morgan Private Bank for the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia Clerics Step Up Anti-Islamic State Drive At Haj

About three million Muslims, among them 1.4 million from abroad, are expected to perform haj this year.

Tommy Weir: It’s Never Good Enough For Dubai

‘It’s good enough’ is a phrase you’ll never hear in Dubai, writes the author of ’10 Tips For Leadership In The Middle East’.

Has Dubai’s Property Market Finally Lost Steam?

Although this year’s Cityscape saw bigger displays and numerous new project launches, experts say the market is leveling off.

Saudi Arabia Fears Yemeni Tumult May Boost Its Main Foe Iran

The capture of Yemen’s capital Sanaa by Houthi fighters, who have ties with Iran, has jolted Saudi Arabia.