Lacoste Builds ME Brand Presence

The brand hopes to increase its regional visibility by continuing to sponsor events like the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship.

Abraaj Consortium Eyes Viking

The UAE-based private equity firm is holding talks to acquire Viking, an integrated oilfield service company.

Almarai May Increase Pepsi JV Stake

The Saudi dairy company is currently in talks Pepsico to up its 48 per cent stake in IDJ, their joint venture firm.

UAE Traffic Fatalities Drop In 2011

The number of people killed in traffic accidents fell by 12.8 per cent last year, according to the interior ministry.

Mumtalakat Head Resigns

Talal Al Zain is leaving Bahrain’s $9 billion sovereign wealth fund to set up an investment firm.

Mannai’s 2011 Profits Soar

The Qatari conglomerate saw net profits for the year increase by 21 per cent year-on-year to reach $76.6 million.

ABC Islamic Bank Nets $8.1mn Profit

ABC Islamic Bank announced a net profit of $8.1 million for 2011, based on lower provisioning.

Buffett Chooses Successor

The billionaire revealed that an unnamed individual had been selected to replace him as the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway.

Investcorp Close To Selling US Mall

The mall is part of a mixed-use development project located in Bellevue, Washington, that Investcorp invested in five years ago.

‘Make’ – The New Business Hub

Gulf Business pops into Dubai’s newest office-creative space targeted at mobile entrepreneurs.

Nomura To Offer Tadawul Access

The Japanese bank has received approval to offer foreign investors access to Saudi Arabia’s bourse.

World’s Richest Nation: Qatar

The Gulf country with a GDP of $88,000 in 2010 qualifies as the world’s wealthiest nation, according to Forbes.

DFM Index Books 2011 Losses Of 17%

The Dubai Financial Market, the worst performing Gulf bourse last year, managed a small fourth quarter profit.

US Eyes UAE For Military Aircraft Sale

The UAE has reportedly expressed interest in buying the V-22 Osprey, a tilt-rotor aircraft from the US.

UAE To See $15bn Deals In 2012

Construction contracts worth $15 billion will be signed in the country this year according to Ventures Middle East.

Taqa Raises $215mn From Sukuk Sale

The ten-year Malaysian ringgit-denominated Islamic bond carried a 4.65 per cent profit rate.

New App To Control Kids

The mobile app released by Norton in the UAE, will allow parents to monitor their children’s smartphone activities.

Qatar’s UDC In Investor Talks Again

The company’s plan to raise QAR160 million through a share issue had ended after an investor pulled out.

IMF Warns About Rising Oil Prices

The Fund said that higher oil prices are posing a rising threat to the global economy.

Top 10 Global Trends

New business models based on innovation and the latest technologies will make the cut, according to Frost & Sullivan’s top trends.

Abu Dhabi Airport Welcomes More Passengers

More than 1.1 million passengers passed through the UAE capital’s international airport during January 2012.

Air Arabia 2011 Net Profit Falls 13%

The airline’s net profit for the fourth quarter of 2011 increased by seven per cent year-on-year to reach Dhs78.7 million.

Al Baraka Net Profits Rise

The Bahraini banking group reported a 10 per cent increase in full year net profits for 2011.

Etisalat To Outsource Services

The telecoms operator will not let go of any UAE citizens as part of the move, which is part of a restructuring plan to cut costs.

Muburak’s Trial Reopens Wounds

Egyptians are concerned about the transparency surrounding the former ruler’s trial.

Saudi Faces Rising Oil Demand

The Kingdom is concerned about keeping the global oil market well supplied as demand from Asian countries increases.

Panel Meets To Discuss Gulf Union

The high-profile GCC Commission studying the formation of the Gulf Union is holding its first meeting in Riyadh.

Etisalat To Shut Down India JV

The decision follows the ruling of an Indian court to cancel 122 telecoms licences in the country amid a corruption scandal.

Dubai Raises $675mn For Tram Project

The proceeds from the dual-currency loan will be used to fund the first phase of the Al-Sufouh project.

Al Jaber CEO To Be Replaced: Sources

Abu Dhabi-based Al Jaber Group may hire a new CEO as part of a $1 billion restructuring plan, according to sources.