GCC States May Start Joint Police Force

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

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.

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.

GCC Visitors Flock To Munich

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

Qatar Airways To Defer A380 Delivery

The airline’s CEO Akbar al Baker expressed concerns about wing cracks on the aircraft.

Dubai Islamic Posts 11% Q1 Profit Hike

The bank reported a net profit of Dhs245 million for the first quarter of the year.

Arab Spring Impact On UAE “Subtle”

Despite popular belief, the UAE’s hospitality sector did not benefit in a major way from the Arab Spring, said experts.

GCC May Soon Have E-Visa Platform

Jumeriah boss, Gerald Lawless, said the GCC could introduce an electronic visa platform for global visitors.

World’s Richest Arabs Revealed

Two Arabs made it onto the Sunday Times Global 50 rich list, with a combined fortune of $39 billion.

Kerzner Sells Stake in Dubai’s Atlantis

Istithmar World confirmed it has acquired a 50 per cent stake in the landmark Dubai hotel for $250 million.

Dubai Gets 12,000 New Hotel Rooms

The emirate will see a flood of new hotels rooms in the next three years said STR Global.

Sorouh Posts 30% Profit Rise

Abu Dhabi developer sees gains from government projects and higher rental income.

Aldar’s Q1 Profit Soars

The Abu Dhabi develop beats expectations with Dhs478 million profit for the first quarter.

ENBD CIO Dugan Resigns

Gary Dugan will be joining Royal Bank of Scotland unit Coutts in Singapore, according to sources.

Qatar-Led Group Takes Over Damas

A consortium led by Qatar’s Mannai Corp said that its $445 million offer for a majority stake in the Dubai jeweler has been accepted.

Saudi Firms Face Fines For Excess Expats

Private companies in Saudi who hire expatriates in excess over the number of Saudi employees will have to start paying penalties.

Kuwait’s Surplus Jumps 78%

The country’s current account surplus increased mainly because of a rise in exports.

Dubai Launches $1.25bn Sukuk: Sources

The two-part Islamic bond reportedly received strong demand in the market.