Emirates-Qantas Deal Proves Dubai Airline Is “Big Power Broker”

The deal has just received conditional approval from Australia’s regulatory body.

Arab Leaders Set Up $1bn Fund For Jerusalem

Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, said his country will contribute $250 million to the fund.

Gold Holds Near $1,600, Upbeat US Data Dents Appeal

Gold is likely to remain in consolidation in the next few months, say experts.

Australian Regulator Gives Qantas-Emirates Alliance Conditional Approval

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said the airlines had to maintain at least their pre-alliance capacity on routes between Australia and New Zealand

Abercrombie & Fitch Joins Hollister In Dubai

The American fashion label will launch its first Middle East store in the emirate in 2014.

Former Deyaar CEO Shahin Sentenced To 15 Years In Dubai Prison

Zack Shahin has been convicted of embezzling Dhs30 million along with the three other men.

Egypt To Apply Gains Tax In QNB Bid For NSGB

Individual shareholders and investment funds holding minority stakes in NSGB will have to pay a 10 per cent tax on their gains.

UAE’s Mulk Holdings To Build $10m Aluminium Plant In India

The facility is part of the company’s expansion strategy and is expected to generate over 2,000 jobs in India.

Dubai’s Trade With Iran Drops 31% In 2012

Two-way trade between Dubai and Iran was roughly Dhs25 billion last year.

Top 10 Biggest IPOs Of All Time

China holds the first and second biggest initial public offerings ever as Asian and U.S. companies go head-to-head.

Saudi Aramco Says Committed To China Refinery Project

Aramco Overseas signed a deal in March 2011 with oil firm PetroChina to build a 200,000 bpd refinery.

Credit Card Use Boosts MENA’s GDP Growth

The UAE’s GDP saw a rise of $4.2 billion thanks to a rise in electronic payments. Saudi Arabia’s GDP saw growth of $4.7 billion.

Standard Chartered Seeks Egypt Acquisition, Plans Iraq Push

In the Gulf region, the bank will focus on lending opportunities in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, says regional head.

Arabtec Signs Dhs500m Contract In Cairo

The Dubai-based construction company is building a twin-tower project in South Cairo.

YouTube Reaches 1 Billion Monthly Users

Nearly one out of every two people on the internet now visits the video-sharing website.

Top 10 Technology IPOs In 2012

Apart from Facebook, how many other tech IPOs in 2012 can you remember?

Why BMW Shares Will Outperform Daimler

Chinese consumers will drive auto revenues in 2013, says Matein Khalid, fund manager in a royal investment office.

GCC’s Islamic Banking Assets’ Growth Slows To 14%

Growth in 2012 was up on 2011, far outperforming conventional banking assets’ growth of 8.1 per cent.

US Imports Of Saudi Crude Oil Up Nearly 300,000 bpd Last Week

Shipments to the US from OPEC’s top producer had dipped earlier in the year.

Leeds United Owner Says Seeks Investors, Not Buyer

The statement conflicts with comments made by its Bahrain-based parent Gulf Finance House.

Obama Talks Tough On Syria, Counsels Patience With Iran

The long-running Middle East peace process took a back seat at the start of Obama’s four-day tour.

Emirates Signs 5-Year Sponsorship Deal With Barcelona Open

As part of the deal, the airline will have promotional rights to branding and digital elements of the tennis tournament.

YouTube Users In MENA Can Now Monetise Original Content

The video-sharing website has started its partner programme in Saudi Arabia, UAE and Egypt.

IATA Raises Profit Outlook For World’s Airlines

The International Air Transport Association expects the industry to make a net profit of $10.6 billion this year.

UAE Oil Firm Lamprell Fined Dhs13.3m By London Regulator

The UK’s Financial Services Authority said Lamprell failed to inform the market of its deteriorating financial position on time.

Dubai-Based GFH Capital In Talks To Sell Leeds United Soccer Club

GFH Capital purchased the club from majority shareholder Ken Bates at the end of last year.

US Fertilizer Firm Enters Phosphate Joint Venture In Saudi Arabia

US-based Mosaic Co plans to invest up to $1 billion in a joint venture with Saudi firms Ma’aden and SABIC.

Top 10 Busiest Airports In The World

A country’s global aviation reach is at the top of its bragging rights, with these airports seeing more passengers than any others.

Occidental Sees $200m Q1 Hit Due To Qatar Maintenance

First-quarter sales volumes will be down by around 40,000 bpd partly due to production issues in the MENA region.

Qatar’s CBQ To Buy 71% Of Turkey’s Alternatifbank

The value of the transaction is seen at around $460 million.