Air India Expands GCC Operations In 2012, Looks To Grow

The Indian carrier recently launched the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft between Dubai and New Delhi.

Brent Climbs Above $109, US Budget Talks Eyed

Investors are hoping for a last minute deal in the US to avert the so-called fiscal cliff.

Christmas Celebrations Across The World

Images from around the world of people rejoicing Christmas.

Gold Slips On US Budget Woes, Jewellers Buy

The precious metal is still on track for a 12th straight year of gains.

Egypt Slaps New Controls On Travelling With Cash

Travellers going to and from the country can now carry only up to $10,000 in cash.

Iraq’s Asiacell Seeks To Raise $1.35bn From IPO

Asiacell will sell 67.503 billion shares at a price of at least 22 Iraqi dinars per share.

Stocks News- Kuwait Drops The Most In 3 Weeks

The fall in the index was led by Kuwaiti investors selling out profitable positions ahead of holidays.

Oil Dips As Fears Of ‘Fiscal Cliff’ Intensify

If unresolved, the US “fiscal cliff” budget crisis could erode oil demand in the world’s top consumer.

Yemen Sets 2013 Budget With $3.2bn Deficit

The forecast deficit is 21 per cent higher than the deficit originally projected by the government for 2012.

Saudi and UAE Will Remain Regional IPO Hubs In 2013

Capital markets in the MENA region raised $2 billion in 2012, up around 134 per cent from 2011, says Ernst & Young.

EXCLUSIVE: Interview With Jeff Immelt, GE Global CEO

Jeff Immelt, global boss of GE, opens up to Aarti Nagraj about ramping up regional spend, the challenge of leading 300,000 people and whether he sleeps at night.

Over 65% Of MENA Workers Eye New Jobs In 2013

Almost half of the region’s employees are planning to request a higher salary for 2013, finds new survey.

Top 10 GCC Travel Trends In 2012

Airline partnerships and new hotel launches marked a busy year for the region’s travel industry.

UAE Warns Citizens To Avoid Lebanon Travel

The warning has been issued because of the “difficult and sensitive political circumstances in Lebanon,” says ministry.

GCC Locals Buy More Property Within Region

Inter-GCC real estate ownerships rose 20.5 per cent last year, according to official statistics.

Britain’s BAE Wins $4.1bn Omani Contract

Under the deal, BAE will deliver 12 Typhoon and eight Hawk aircraft to Oman’s armed forces starting in 2017.

Egypt’s Constitution Approved In Vote

The Muslim Brotherhood said 64 per cent of voters backed the charter after two rounds of voting.

Emirates NBD To Buy BNP Paribas Egypt For $500m

The Dubai bank will also make an offer to minority shareholders for the remaining 4.8 per cent.

Private Equity Group In Abu Dhabi Healthcare IPO

The group is looking for new advisers after dropping HSBC and JP Morgan Chase.

Emaar Signs $500m Deal For Turkey Project

Emaar Square will house over 1,000 luxury homes, a 180-bedroom five-star hotel and the largest shopping mall in Turkey.

Starwood’s Aloft Opening In Iraq

It marks the global operator’s third property in the city, following deals for a Sheraton hotel and Four Points by Sheraton hotel earlier this year

Oil Rises On U.S. Fiscal Cliff Optimism

As the White House edges closer to a resolution, investors pour cash into oil and equities.

UAE Says Egypt Media Plot Claims ‘Fabricated’

The UAE Foreign Minister has summoned Egypt’s ambassador to discuss the claims.

Saudi Arabia Bans Brazil Beef Imports

The decision follows Egypt’s ban after fears of mad cow disease case.

GCC In 2012: A Retrospective

The last 12 months have seen robust regional spending, consistently high oil prices and the continuation of Obama’s presidency.

VIDEO: Google’s Incredible Snapshots Of 2012

Its zeitgeist of the year includes the Arab Spring, Egypt elections and pilgrimage to Hajj.

Etihad Buys 70% In Air Berlin’s Loyalty Programme

The deal will generate $242.70 million in revenue for the German carrier.

Egypt’s New Public Prosecutor Resigns

Talaat Ibrahim was appointed to the position by President Mursi in November.

Oil Flow At Iraq’s Kirkuk-Ceyhan Pipeline Resumes

Technical failure brought oil flow to a halt on December 8, and again on Saturday.

Green Shoots For Private Equity Sector

Interest in deals is up say experts, but closing deals is still lacking as billions of dollars in dry powder lies waiting.