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Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons Buys Al Manara

UAE’s luxury watch retailer Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons has acquired Abu Dhabi-based jewellery chain, Al Manara.

Etihad Cancels Seven Airbus A350-1000s

The Gulf carrier reduced its Airbus A350 order, cancelling aircraft worth $2.3 billion at current list prices.

UAE, Saudi Pledge More Oil To South Korea

The Gulf states have assured South Korea that they will make-up for any shortfall of oil supply from Iran.

Starwood To Open 40 MENA Hotels By 2017

The international hotel operator is planning to add 13,000 new rooms to the region by 2017.

Shuaa Capital Narrows Q1 2012 Loss

Dubai-based Shuaa Capital reduced losses by 67 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter of the year.

Air Arabia Posts 11% Hike In Q1 Net Profit

The low cost carrier recorded a net profit of Dhs49.2 million during the first quarter of the year.

Dubai’s MOE To Open 20 New Stores In 2012

Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates will host Prada’s third biggest store worldwide and American pancake house IHOP.

Arabtec Group Identified For $3bn Airport Deal

An Arabtec consortium is in final talks for a $3 billion contract to expand Abu Dhabi’s international airport.

Heathrow’s Arabic Speaker Hiring Spree

The airport is increasing measures to cater to the rising number of visitors from the Gulf.

GCC States May Start Joint Police Force

The Gulf countries are discussing means to improve regional security issues.

DEWA Solar Plant Attracts Global Demand

The Dubai utility received several Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from international firms for 10MW plant.

Dubai Plans To Build Undersea Hotels

Dubai’s Drydocks World has signed an agreement with a Swiss firm to build the new hotels.

Dubai’s DFSA Appoints New Chief Executive

Ian Johnston will take over from Paul Koster, who completes his term at the financial services regulator.

Qataris Spend $4,100 Per Day On Travel

Compared to the rest of the world, GCC nationals on average spend 260 per cent more on airfares.

Royal Jet Starts Luxury Travel Services

The Abu Dhabi-based private jet operator has partnered with a UK based travel firm to offer luxurious holiday packages.

Emirates May Acquire Other Airlines

Emirates Airlines will acquire other carriers at “the right time,” its chairman Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum has said.

Flydubai Plans To Raise Ticket Prices In 2012

The low cost carrier is planning to hike ticket prices due to increasing fuel costs, said its CEO, Ghaith al-Ghaith.

Libya Banks On UAE To Rebuild Nation

Exclusive: Libyan economy minister wants to follow the UAE’s country model to attract foreign direct investment.

Dubai’s Hotels Post 24% Q1 Rise In Revenues

The emirate’s hotels also recorded a nine per cent rise in guest numbers during the first quarter of the year.

Dubai Sukuk To Fund Airport Expansion

Dubai will use the proceeds from its $1.25 billion Sukuk to expand its airport, according to Sheikh Ahmed al Maktoum.

RAK Plans $250m Tourism Push In 2012

The emirate is aggressively developing its hospitality sector and aims to attract 2.5 million visitors by 2015.

GCC Visitors Flock To Munich

Last year, 80 per cent of the Gulf travellers visited the German city for medical reasons.

Dubai Islamic Posts 11% Q1 Profit Hike

The bank reported a net profit of Dhs245 million for the first quarter of the year.

Arab Spring Impact On UAE “Subtle”

Despite popular belief, the UAE’s hospitality sector did not benefit in a major way from the Arab Spring, said experts.

GCC May Soon Have E-Visa Platform

Jumeriah boss, Gerald Lawless, said the GCC could introduce an electronic visa platform for global visitors.

Kerzner Sells Stake in Dubai’s Atlantis

Istithmar World confirmed it has acquired a 50 per cent stake in the landmark Dubai hotel for $250 million.

Dubai Gets 12,000 New Hotel Rooms

The emirate will see a flood of new hotels rooms in the next three years said STR Global.

Sorouh Posts 30% Profit Rise

Abu Dhabi developer sees gains from government projects and higher rental income.

Aldar’s Q1 Profit Soars

The Abu Dhabi develop beats expectations with Dhs478 million profit for the first quarter.

ENBD CIO Dugan Resigns

Gary Dugan will be joining Royal Bank of Scotland unit Coutts in Singapore, according to sources.