Abu Dhabi announces two new MERS cases

Health officials said that both patients are in a stable condition and are receiving the necessary medical care.

Kuwait’s Al Ahli Bank buying Egyptian unit of Greece’s Piraeus Bank for $150m

The transaction, which requires approvals from the central banks of Kuwait and Egypt, stands to benefit both lenders.

Amnesty report says 2022 FIFA World Cup host Qatar still failing migrant workers

The Gulf state denied the accusation, claiming several of the allegations were inaccurate.

Saudi shells hit Yemen aid office, killing five – local official

Artillery fire and air strikes hit the town of Maydee along Yemen’s border with Saudi Arabia in Hajja province.

Dubai’s Amlak Finance shares to resume trade on June 2 after 6-year suspension

Trading in Amlak was halted as credit markets dried up and the emirate’s real estate prices began a near-50 per cent tumble from their peak.

Dubai’s Amanat buys 4.14% stake in Al Noor Hospitals

Amanat was set up to invest in education and healthcare businesses in the UAE and other Gulf states.

Visa, FIFA sponsor, expresses “grave concern” over Qatar workers

The announcement came two days after the pressure groups renewed their call on FIFA sponsors to put pressure on the governing body over the issue.

Saudi regulator cancels Arabian Contracting float at company request

Last week, approval was issued for the sale of a 30 per cent stake in Arabian Contracting, with the offer set to run between June 10 and 16.

DFSA fines United Investment Bank Limited $56,000

The financial freezone regulator said the bank was guilty of flouting anti-money laundering rules.

Dubai property rents drop, unlikely to rise sharply in the short-term – report

Average rents across the emirate are down 1.5 per cent compared to the same time last year, says Cluttons’ latest report.

Saudi Arabia, partners turn down Chinese requests for extra oil

Research found Saudi Arabia’s share of Chinese crude imports dropped to just over 30 per cent in May from 36.5 per cent in April.

Dubai house prices to fall further this year – Cluttons

Home values slipped 0.8 per cent in the first quarter, leaving average prices 0.5 per cent lower than a year earlier and 19.4 per cent below the 2008 peak, a new report says.

Emaar says IPO for hospitality unit remains on hold

The Dubai-based company has said that the IPO for EHG will be dependent on the right market conditions.

UAE’s Abraaj Group to invest $30m in Middle East SMEs

The company is investing in a new fund, which aims to address the funding gap for SMEs in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia region.

Dubai’s Emaar announces intention to float Egypt unit on Cairo bourse

Emaar said it would use some of share sale proceeds to fund new developments in Egypt and grow its land bank in the country.

UAE’s RAKBANK makes offer to buy RAK National Insurance

The bank is looking to buy all or some of the shares of the insurance company at a price of Dhs3.64 a share.

UAE sentences five Qataris to jail for insulting leaders on Twitter

All accused in the case were also charged with a fine of Dhs1 million for the offence in addition to the jail term.

Qatar Airways to fly A350 to Munich

Bavarian city set to become second German destination to have double-daily A350 flights

Despite rumours, Apple remains mum about Dubai store’s launch in August

The tech giant will open its biggest store worldwide in Dubai this summer, say reports.

UAE salaries to grow by 6% in next 12 months- survey

The majority of HR directors in the UAE noted a return of salary inflation for existing and new employees, a new study says.

Five luxury homes you can buy for $1m

Property site Lamudi lists five properties in emerging markets around the world that have a price tag of around $1 million.

Dubai World Trade Centre converted to a freezone

The move aims to boost Dubai as a hub for regional and international exhibitions while also attracting local and international investments.

Saudi Arabia advertises for eight new executioners

No special qualifications are needed for the jobs whose main role is “executing a judgement of death” and to perform amputations on those convicted of lesser offences, an advert showed.

Saudi Arabian Airlines fined $1.6m for breaking EU aviation law

The airline was fined by the Belgian government for breaching EU carbon emissions rule.

Kuwait Finance House may sell properties, cut small number of jobs

The bank may auction the properties or offer them to be run by other operators, depending on market conditions, an official said.

Dubai named world’s second most important shopping destination

About 55.7 per cent of retailers in Dubai are international brands while the city attracted 45 new global brands last year.

MAG 5 JV launches new affordable residential tower in DWC

The project, valued at Dhs700 million, will comprise of 1,000 residential units and will be ready for handover by 2018.

Saudi Arabia’s March oil exports highest in over 9 years – data

The country shipped 7.898 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude in March, up from 7.350 million bpd in February and 7.474 million bpd in January.

Dubai Islamic Bank picks arrangers for potential dollar sukuk

DIB has mandated First Gulf Bank, HSBC, Maybank, National Bank of Abu Dhabi, Standard Chartered Bank and itself to arrange the meetings in Asia and Europe.

ICBC Dubai branch narrows price guidance for benchmark 5-yr dollar bond

The deal, rated A1 by Moody’s, has so far attracted orders totalling more than $3.5 billion from investors, a document showed.