Fitch rates Saudi budget as ‘positive’ but warns of future budget deficits

The agency said that the impact of economic reforms on citizens will depend on the pace and extent of their implementation

Dubai Address fire: What comes next?

The cause for the dramatic blaze that engulfed the luxury hotel in Dubai on New Year’s Eve is still unknown

Saudi Arabia tightens security at Iraqi embassy as tensions rise

Officials say the step is just a precautionary measure

UN, US condemn attacks on Saudi embassy in Iran; Kuwait recalls ambassador

Tensions continue to mount between the Gulf states and Iran over the execution of a Shia cleric in Saudi Arabia

UAE short-term visas can be converted to residency permits without exiting country

Officials clarify that visit visa rules are unchanged and that they cannot be extended after they expire

Dubai’s ruler meets Microsoft CEO Nadella, discusses smart city plans

Satya Nadella met with Sheikh Mohammed in Dubai and held talks on collaboration

About 57% of UAE workers will switch sectors for career development-poll

The majority of UAE professionals value career development very highly, a new study finds

GE wins contract worth nearly $1bn for new power plant in Saudi

Under the contract, GE will provide the engineering, construction and provision of gas turbine services for the Waad Al Shamal plant

Oman’s tourism agency Omran appoints new CEO

Wilson’s appointment comes as Omran looks to boost tourism in the sultanate

Saudi cuts diplomatic ties with Iran after embassy attack in Tehran

Iranian diplomats and staff have been asked to leave the kingdom, as a row over Saudi’s execution of a Shia cleric escalates

Emaar appoints Dutco to restore fire-damaged Address hotel

The developer said that a team of consultants was already at the site but did not reveal when the hotel is expected to reopen

UAE public holidays for 2016 officially announced

National Day holiday will be two days, Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha will be three days

What to expect from Dubai Shopping Festival 2016

Retail slowdown could mean bigger discounts with ‘part-sale’ already starting at 30 per cent

Oman cuts spending, budget deficit to reach $8.6bn in 2016

State spending is estimated to fall 11 per cent in 2016 to reach OMR 11.9bn as oil prices squeeze finance

Dubai’s ruler commends role of emergency services after hotel fire

The blaze at the Address Hotel Downtown Dubai on Thursday night gutted most of the building

UAE supports Saudi after kingdom executes 47 including Shiite cleric

Those executed were found guilty of terrorism offences

Logistics – one of the keys to a successful Dubai expo

Innovation in logistics and transport will be key to a successful Expo 2020, writes Mohammad Alkhas

Adapting to Darwinian forces across the business landscape in 2016

Low commodity prices, weakening currencies and slowing growth in China will continue to impact businesses

Sheikh Mohammed’s latest book Flashes of Wisdom hits shelves

The book contains quotes collated from various speeches, poems, books and other sources

Video: Massive fire engulfs Address Hotel in Dubai ahead of New Year festivities

Officials confirm that there are no casualties; fireworks continue as planned at neighbouring Burj Khalifa

Bahrain sentences 29 over attack on policemen in 2014

The court revoked the citizenship of two defendants while others were ordered to pay fines for damages incurred during the blast.

Oman announces plans to increase corporation tax, cut spending, subsidies

The sultanate is expected to post a budget deficit equivalent to 17.7 per cent of GDP in 2015

New Year’s Eve: Mega 8-act fireworks display at Burj Khalifa to be streamed live at Times Square

The building’s façade will be wrapped with over 357,000 LED nodes for the display

Exclusive: Dubai’s new $1bn IMG theme park 80% complete

The upcoming indoor theme park will open to public in early 2016

Kuwait to axe 25% of expat teachers

Foreign teachers of ‘social studies’ to be given three months notice to leave

Emirates forecasts travel to peak on New Year weekend

Over 174,000 people, excluding transit passengers, are expected to visit Dubai between December 28 and January 2

UAE to lift 6-month employment ban from January 2016

The removal of the ban is part of labour reforms introduced in September this year

Security beefed up across the world ahead of New Year festivities

Security beefed up across the world ahead of New Year festivities. Brussels has cancelled its New Year’s Eve fireworks while extra security measures are in place across Europe and the US

Abu Dhabi airport sees boost in UK passenger traffic

The airport saw passenger traffic dip month-on-month in November

New $100m Dragon City mall opens in Bahrain

The mega Chinese themed shopping mall hosts more than 500 companies