Qatar’s Central Bank Comfortable With Interest Rates

Sheikh Abdullah bin Saud al-Thani estimates two to three per cent inflation for 2012.

Billionaires Get Richer But Millionaires Lose Money

A new report says the ultra-rich have increased their fortunes and successfully managed the global downturn.

Dubai’s DFSA Fines E&Y, Arqaam Over Iranian Art Valuation

E&Y and Arqaam were accused of failing to comply with international accounting standards.

Kuwait Aims To Boost Rainy Day Fund

The government plans to allocate around 25 per cent of state revenues into the fund.

Dubai To Issue Bond To Refinance Maturing Debt

The emirate has Dhs6.5 billion ($1.8 billion) of debt maturing in April 2013.

Spurring Growth In Iraq’s Banking Industry

William C. Keliehor aids financial development in Iraq, a country where only 15 per cent of the population has a bank account.

10 Biggest GCC Sukuks In 2012

As more regional and international companies turn to Islamic bonds to raise capital, Gulf Business lists the biggest Sukuks issued so far this year.

Qatar Islamic Bank Board Backs $1.5bn Sukuk Programme

The bank has hired HSBC, Standard Chartered, Deutsche Bank and QInvest to manage the issuance.

EFG Hermes Shareholders Approve QInvest Deal

Egypt’s biggest investment bank, EFG Hermes and Qatar’s QInvest had reached an agreement in May 2012.

Deutsche To Trim ME Investment Banking Staff

The German lender is laying off several senior staff in Dubai, according to sources.

UAE’s First Gulf Hires Banks For $800m Loan

The loan facility will be used to fund the Abu Dhabi-based bank’s growth and expansion.

Dubai Group Eyes Stake Sale In Lafarge Venture

Debt-ridden Dubai Group is reportedly in talks to sell its 45 per cent stake in a joint venture firm with cement maker Lafarge.

RBS, Other Banks Sue Dubai Group Over $10bn Debt

The three banks failed to reach a restructuring deal with Dubai Group, the investment vehicle of Dubai Holding.

Daman Puts IPO On Hold Until 2014

The Dubai-based investment company blamed a lack of liquidity in the market for postponing its IPO and preventing Dubai’s full recovery.

Gulf Bank To Finance $2bn Kuwaiti Projects

The deals, in the oil and power sectors, will increase the bank’s market share in corporate financing.

Emirates NBD Expands Into China

The lender opens Beijing office to tap rising financial ties between the UAE and China.

Trafigura Gets $400m Loan From ME Banks

One of the world’s largest commodity traders has turned to Gulf-based banks to widen its lending pool.

The Rise Of Remittance

As remittances grows, Gulf Business investigates whether huge currency volatilities present a challenge or an opportunity for investors.

UAE Central Bank Plans Discount Window, Says Outlook Positive

The discount window will improve liquidity management practices in the country, the central bank said.

The Rise Of Dim Sum Bonds

Gulf firms are increasingly chasing Asian liquidity.

Egypt Sees IMF Deal In 2 Months, Eyes World Bank Aid

Egypt’s government is hoping to receive a $4.8 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund.

Dubai’s Al Habtoor To Raise $1.6bn In IPO

The family-owned business plans to issue new shares as it prepares to float on the stock market.

Dubai’s DIFC Sees 6% Rise In Registered Firms

The Dubai International Financial Centre had 899 active registered companies as of H1 2012.

Global Sukuk Demand Far Exceeds Supply -E&Y

Current outstanding demand for Islamic bonds totals an estimated $300 billion.

UAE’s Al Habtoor Eyes Potential IPO In Dubai

The family conglomerate said that it was financially prepared to go public.

Barclays Sees Middle East Driving Investment Bank

The lender leads M&A advisory rankings in MENA with $4.7 billion of deals this year, according to Dealogic.

Top 10 Sovereign Wealth Funds

As the notoriously private wealth vehicles gain increased visibility, especially with their emerging markets investment push, Gulf Business lists the top 10 SWFs in the world.

Bahrain’s Economy Shrinks In Q2

Real GDP expanded but ongoing political unrest continues to dampen the country’s growth.

Qatar National Bank To Buy SocGen’s Egyptian Arm

The bank has hired JP Morgan to advise on its planned buyout of the French bank’s Middle Eastern asset.

Barclays Appoints Jenkins To Fill Diamond’s Shoes

The banking group appoints a new chief executive to repair its damaged reputation following the Libor scandal.