Officials clarify that the UAE rule of decriminalising bounced cheques only applies to UAE nationals.
International banks are shrinking their regional businesses as deal activity dries up.
High oil and gas prices and a large-scale infrastructure programme buttressed Qatar’s banking sector in 2012.
The government spent $780 million to create 36,000 jobs for Omanis last year.
The Senate-backed deal was passed late on Tuesday in the House of Representatives.
Spending on education, health, housing and social welfare has been boosted by 22 per cent in this year’s budget.
The UAE is well capitalised but banking asset quality remains a concern.
UAE courts have stopped sentencing debt defaulters to prison since last month, say reports.
The agreement is now pending a vote in the House of Representatives.
Government expenditure is up six per cent from 2012, while revenues are forecast to rise 7.8 per cent in 2013.
Saudi’s behemoth banks were flush with capital in 2012.
The Kingdom’s aviation authority launched its first sukuk in 2012 and raised SAR15 billion to fund the Jeddah airport development.
2013 revenue projected at a conservative SAR829 bn, according to Emirates NBD, as spending on education and healthcare to increase.
UAE-based bank to add 10 new branches in 2013; move headquarters to Sharjah, says CEO.
The Gulf state’s inflation rate will slow to 4.1 per cent next year, says central bank chief.
The government plans to spend $219 billion in 2013, 19 per cent higher than the amount budgeted for 2012.
Many Gulf banks recorded slightly better performance in 2012 but regional differences are apparent. Overall, the region has swerved the ongoing global growth weakness.
The country faces political problems and a hangover from banks that were affected in the global economic crisis.
Attractive interest rate levels and abundant secondary liquidity in the market are expected to drive demand.
William Berridge, FX strategist at Barclays reveals the expected trends in the currency market.
Provisions set aside for specific NPLs fell slightly to Dhs65.3 billion at the end of October from Dhs65.4 billion in September.
The loan amount will be used for general corporate purposes.
Travellers going to and from the country can now carry only up to $10,000 in cash.
The fall in the index was led by Kuwaiti investors selling out profitable positions ahead of holidays.
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank is the UAE’s first lender to receive a banking license in the African nation.
The forecast deficit is 21 per cent higher than the deficit originally projected by the government for 2012.
Capital markets in the MENA region raised $2 billion in 2012, up around 134 per cent from 2011, says Ernst & Young.
Bahrain shows biggest increase; Qatar shows biggest decrease in savings sentiment.
The sultanate last year became the last country in the GCC to introduce Islamic finance.
The Dubai bank will also make an offer to minority shareholders for the remaining 4.8 per cent.