Gulf governments maintain spending to drive growth despite oil price slump – report

The report, however, warned that GCC governments’ capital spending levels could dip if oil prices continue to fall

The World’s Worst Passports For Travel in 2015

Which citizens face maximum visa restrictions and have the fewest travel options?

Two Abu Dhabi TV journalists injured in Yemen

Both journalists are stable and have been flown to Abu Dhabi for further medical care, officials said

Gulf rises on strong oil; Dubai tests chart barrier

Dubai’s stock index was up 1.0 per cent at 3,694 points after an hour

Smartphone review: Honor 7

Gulf Business gets a sneak peek of Huawei’s new Honor 7 ahead of its regional launch

Islamic State kills 22 in attacks on Yemen govt, Gulf troops, mosque

It was the first known direct Islamic State assault on the Yemeni government and the Saudi-led coalition

Citi appoints new CEO for Bahrain business

Usman Ahmed will also head the bank’s Islamic investment banking division

UAE’s Abraaj raises $191m for Mexico investment

The publicly traded certificates will be used to invest in mid-sized Mexican businesses that have strong growth potential

Different Arab money

GCC pension funds worth $397bn, represent $15,000 per national

New EY report urges GCC governments to relook at existing pension fund models to ensure they are sustainable

India’s SpiceJet launches Dubai flights from Amritsar and Calicut

The low-cost carrier will begin operating the two routes from November 15

UAE provides $581.5m in aid to Syrian refugees

The sum is split between food aid, multi-sector aid, shelter, health and support services

UAE provides $207m of aid to Yemen

The country is contributing towards the recovery and rehabilitation of Aden and neighbouring governorates

Dubai’s ruler launches Dhs 1bn global aid foundation

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Global Initiatives project will focus on education, innovation and the eradication of poverty

UK’s Cameron urges Saudi Arabia not to execute Shi’ite protestor

Ali al-Nimr was handed the death penalty after taking part in demonstrations in Saudi Arabia’s eastern province

HotelTonight launches in Dubai, plots regional expansion

Following its Dubai launch, the app will gradually expand to the other emirates and neighbouring countries

Iran expels second-ranking Bahraini diplomat in Tehran

Diplomatic relations between Bahrain and Iran have been strained after the former accused Iran of being behind recent bomb attacks on the island kingdom’s security forces

New Indian channel launches in Middle East, targets South Asian expats

Senior executive at Rishtey Asia confirms content has been curated for the local market

Emirates begins second daily service to Boston

The new service is anticipated to boost passenger and cargo capacity on the route

Nexus 6P will be launched in the Middle East

Previous smartphones from Google’s flagship Nexus line have not been officially launched in the region

Saudi Arabia says deeply concerned at Russian attacks on Syria

Officials from the kingdom have said no ISIL targets were present in the areas attacked by Russia

Huawei Smart Watch Metal Strap

Huawei launches new smartphone, watch in the Middle East

The Chinese firm is the third largest smartphone vendor in the Middle East by market share, behind Samsung and Apple

Iran’s leader condemns Saudi over haj crush, demands bodies of pilgrims

At least 239 Iranians pilgrims were killed in the stampede near Mecca and 200 others are still missing

Qatar Airways to launch daily direct flights to Sydney from March 2016

The new route launch comes after Australia and Qatar agreed to boost flight capacity by 50 per cent

Gulf-backed Yemeni forces battle Houthis for strategic territory

The seizure of the Marib dam by militiamen fighting alongside Gulf troops is their biggest success in several weeks

StanChart aims to hire financial crime compliance staff in Middle East

The bank is hiring a head of sanctions for the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan

Dubai’s dnata acquires 30% stake in Italy’s Airport Handling

Under the agreement, dnata will also have a call option to acquire a further 40 per cent share

Twitter may expand 140-character limit with new product

The company’s executives are also discussing changes to how the character limit is measured

Death toll from air strike on Yemen wedding party rises above 130

The Saudi-led coalition conducting air strikes in Yemen has strongly denied any role in the wedding party carnage

Lenovo launches 6.8-inch smartphone in the Middle East

The device is aimed to cater to a younger demographic who rarely make calls

UAE salaries predicted to rise by 5% in 2016

Inflation also expected to fall to around 2.7 per cent, report finds