Home > Uncategorized

Uncategorized

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.

Oman: Steady As She Goes

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

Qatar: Punching Above Its Weight

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

Getting Your Investment Strategy Right

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

Emirates Flying High

As many airlines focus on cutting losses and battling through a probable downturn, one Gulf carrier has loftier ambitions.

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.

Calling For Growth

Regional telcos are throwing cash at data investments and looking further afield as high penetration levels squeeze profits.

The Grand Habtoor

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

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.

Hot Shot

Paul Kenny, founder of group-discount site Cobone, tells Alicia Buller about his plans to build the biggest dot-com in the region.

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.

Big Fat Greek Holiday

Ionian island Mykonos will bring out the epicurean in us all, writes Sara Hamdam.

Banking On Stability

V Shankar, CEO of Standard Chartered says the unrest is inflating banking wages but he’s confident the UAE will be the financial services powerhouse for the region.

Banking On Change

Ahead of the World Cup, Qatar has disallowed conventional banks from holding Islamic finance arms and crunched down on lending limits. Ryan Harrison investigates the reasons behind the mandates and asks whether the rulings will set a precedent across.

When Brands Go Bad

The Gulf states face a painful image clean up operation on the international stage if the region doesn’t turn around matters fast .

Review: The Aston Martin Virage

The Aston Martin Virage is designed to get you quickly from point A to B in comfort and style. That it does with aplomb.

Swiss Banks Cast Their Eyes East

In the wake of the tax evasion clampdown in the West, Swiss banks are aggressively pursuing the emerging markets, says Raymond Baer, chairman of billion dollar investment bank Julius Baer.

Kingdom, Come

Abundant oil resources remain Saudi Arabia’s largest blessing and burden.

The UAE’s Train Journey

In just over two years, Abu Dhabi is set to roll out first stages of its Etihad rail plan.

The Tragedy And Density Of Bahraini Finance

Its rare to get a second chance in capital markets, but Bahraini’s credentials will ensure the island survives political unrest.

A Call For Dignity

Leaders that ignore dignity in the workplace could be landed with office protests and uprisings.

Review: LG Optimus 2X

Does the dual-core smartphone deliver?

Turbulent Times

It’s been a mixed bag for Middle East airlines as they battle with regional uprisings on the ground, but UAE profits have soared as passengers flock to safer climes.

Nothing Is Going To Stop Us Now

Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways, speaks exclusively to Alicia Buller about Western detractors, rising oil prices, and why there’s enough future global demand to fill his record order book.

Revolution? But Has Anything Really Changed?

Amid all the unrest, it’s easy to assume there will be great change. But new beginnings must also be managed effectively for ultimate success.

MBAs Rising

Course enrolment is on the upswing as the employment market opens up.

Why Women Rule The world?

While men focus on big-ticket purchases, it is the females of the world who oil the wheels of the global economy with regular impulse buys, house-upkeep, undergarments and socks (yes, socks).

In Sickness And in Wealth

As the region’s economy grows at a juggernaut pace, will the Gulf’s billion dollar medical industry be able to meet the dual challenges of lifestyle diseases and a vast, ageing population by 2025? Alicia Buller investigates.

The Game Changer

In an exclusive interview, Abdulkareem Abu Alnasr, CEO of Saudi’s largest bank NCB talks about his hopes for the Kingdom’s economy, why name lending is a fallacy and how it feels to be the man that runs the region’s biggest financial institution.