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.

Salesmen Banned From Saudi Perfumeries

Cosmetics and perfume shops in the Kingdom will only be allowed to employ women staff from June 30.

BAE Nears Signing $800m Saudi Hawk Deal

UK defence firm BAE is close to signing a deal to sell up to 30 Hawk aircraft to Saudi Arabia, according to reports.

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.

Emirates Scoops Accolades At BTME Awards

The Dubai-based airline bagged four awards at the Business Traveller Middle East (BTME) Awards 2012.

MENA M&A Market Rebounds

The regional merger and acquisition (M&A) market bottomed out last year, say experts.

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.

MENA IPOs Raise $82.8 Million In Q1 2012

The capital raised in Q1 2012 was almost four times higher than Q1 2011, but 63 per cent lower than Q4 2011.

GCC States May Start Joint Police Force

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

Entrepreneurs Should Just Do It

Aspiring entrepreneurs face many challenges, but experts say the way to success is to stop asking and start doing.

Omantel Posts 12.9% Q1 Net Profit Rise

The Omani telecoms company reported a net profit of $75.58 million during the first quarter of the year.

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.

Nissan Infiniti Sales To Grow 25% In 2012

Exclusive: The Japanese carmaker will sell 200,000 units this year, said global executive vice president.

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.

Kuwait Backs Private Sector Wage Rises

Kuwait’s government has proposed wage increases of up to KD330 per month for private sector workers.

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.

Riyadh Airport Expansion To Start In Q4 2012

Saudi Arabia expects the project to be completed in 2015, the General Authority for Civil Aviation has said.

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.

MENA To See 195m Tourists By 2030

According to UNWTO, tourist arrivals in the region are set to grow seven per cent per year over the next 20 years.

GCC Visitors Flock To Munich

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