Nakheel Posts Q1 Profit

The Dubai-based developer’s first-quarter revenue rose 159 per cent to Dhs1.35 billion in the first quarter of the year.

DIFC Unit To Sign $1bn Loan

The loan will be partly guaranteed by the Dubai government, according to sources.

ME Airlines See 16% Growth

Passenger demand in the region grew 16 per cent year-on-year in April, according to the IATA.

Abu Dhabi Bank Opens UK Branch

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank’s UK branch, located in an upscale development, hopes to target wealthy Gulf clients in Britain.

Oil Hits Seven-Month Low

Crude oil prices dropped to nearly $100 per barrel fueled by fears about the Eurozone crisis.

Top 10 IPOs In The GCC

Gulf Business rounds up the top IPOs issued in the region in terms of capital raised, as revealed by Ernst and Young.

Facebook Has 45m MENA Users

The social networking site has opened an office in Dubai to try and boost advertising revenues from the region.

Yum! Restaurants Double To 2,800

Taco Bell is to join KFC and Pizza Hut as a recognised restaurant brand in the Middle East, says CEO.

Qatar Arrests Five Over Mall Blaze

Five management staff from the Villagio Shopping Mall have been detained over the incident that killed 19 people.

Kuwait’s Global Posts Q1 Loss

Kuwait’s Global Investment House saw its net loss narrow to $39.3 million in the first quarter of 2012.

Zuckerberg Drops Off Billionaires List

The Facebook CEO has lost $1.5 billion in the last five days, losing his spot among the world’s 40 richest people.

UAE Issues Midday Work Ban

The ministry of labour has said that outdoor workers will get a two and a half hour midday break from June 15.

Qatar Safety Questioned

A day after a shopping mall blaze killed 19 people, two more fires have broken out in the country.

Iron Maiden’s Lead Pilot

A preview to Bruce Dickinson’s exclusive interview with Gulf Business, discussing airlines and the Middle East.

Saudi Issues Travel Warning

The Kingdom has warned its citizens not to travel to Yemen due to increasing insecurity in the country.

Almarai In $4.2bn Investment Plan

The five-year plan will fund the expansion of the Saudi Arabian dairy company and boost its product innovation.

Dubai’s Economy Grew 3.4% In 2011

Improving tourism and strong trade flows helped the emirate’s GDP reach Dhs306.2 billion last year.

Qatar To Spend $49bn This Year

The Gulf state reveals its budget for the 2012/2013 fiscal year, estimating a surplus of QAR28 billion.

Egypt’s President: The GCC’s Pick?

The Muslim Brotherhood’s Mursi and ex-PM Shafiq will contest in Egypt’s run-off presidential elections in June.

Saudi Needs Spectrum Change

Freeing up spectrum for Saudi’s telecoms operators may add $95.5 billion to the economy by 2025, said GSMA.

19 Killed In Qatar Mall Fire

Ministry officials have not yet determined the cause of the fire and are investigating the incident.

UAE Plans Multiple Entry Visa Permit

The country plans to introduce multiple entry visas for cruise tourists by September this year.

Flydubai Gets $172m Financing

The amount, secured from a unit of Standard Chartered Bank, will be used to buy two new aircraft.

Saudia Catering Unit To Launch IPO

Saudi Arabian Airlines has got approval to list 30 per cent of its catering unit on the Kingdom’s stock exchange.

IP – GDF Suez Deny Monopoly Issues

Exclusive: Utility company International Power-GDF Suez does not face market concentration in the ME.

MENA Residents Become Richer

Survey shows majority of residents are either the same or better off than this time last year.

Bahrain Rents Slump

Residential rents in some areas have fallen to 2005/ 2006 levels, and occupancy levels have reached as low as 30 per cent.

JAFZA To Repay $2bn Sukuk Early

A majority of JAFZA’s stakeholders have consented to the early redemption of the Sukuk, due in November.

Kingdom Holding Sells $200m Hotel

Prince Alwaleed’s Kingdom Holding Company will retain its stake in the Fairmont San Francisco Hotel.

Islamist, Ex-PM Eye Egypt’s Top Spot

The Muslim Brotherhood and an ex-PM have secured the most votes in the first round of Egypt’s presidential elections.