Saudi Offers Cautious Support To US In Battle Against Islamic State

The Saudi leadership remains mistrustful of U.S. President Barack Obama after a series of disagreements following the Arab Spring.

Why Cheaper Oil Is Not A Big Threat For Gulf Economies

The price of Brent crude has sunk by nearly $20 from its June peak to as low as $96 a barrel in recent weeks, its lowest level since mid-2012.

Dubai, The World’s Hospital?

The UAE’s amended visa policy is a step forward in Dubai’s goal of attracting 500,000 medical tourists per year by 2020.

Assad’s Army Stretched But Still Seen Strong In Syria’s War

Military experts say the Syrian army looks set to remain the strongest player in a war that has killed more than 191,000 people.

What To Expect From Cityscape Global 2014 In Dubai

This year’s edition of the property event promises huge stands and mega launches, and expects over 35,000 attendees.

Saudi Corporate Earnings Growth Set To Jump Before Bourse Opening

The combined net profits of Saudi Arabia’s leading companies are expected to rise 17 per cent in 2014.

Fate Of United Kingdom Hangs In Balance After Latest Scotland Polls

Scotland will hold a historic referendum on independence this Thursday to decide whether to remain as part of the UK.

As Air Accidents Rise, Will Aviation Insurance Premiums Follow Suit?

The rise in accidents has set the bills soaring for aviation insurers, with firms looking at annual losses worth $2 billion this year.

Why Libya Desperately Needs To Clean Up Its Act

Without a settlement, Libya’s economy could run dry.

Retailers Seen Unlikely To Warm Up To Apple Pay

The NFC technology, which uses wireless technology to transfer data over short distances, has failed to catch on due to the high costs involved.

Fashion World Divided On First Look At Apple Watch

Many praised the watch for its clean aesthetic, but some bloggers and editors said it had a masculine aura.

Bahrain To Get Vote Of Confidence With First 30-Year Bond Issue

Market participants with direct knowledge of the deal said that Bahrain would be able to issue its first 30-year debt by taking advantage of good sentiment towards the Gulf in general.

Apple’s Rivals Hope Its iWatch Makes “Wearable” Work

Media reports have pinpointed 9 September as the date Apple will introduce its long-rumoured smartwatch.

Saudi Bristles As Turmoil Looms Large In The Middle East

The Kingdom is wary of the growing influence that the Islamic State is wielding across the region.

In Northeast Syria, Islamic State Builds A Government

The group, famous for its beheadings, provides electricity and water, pays salaries, controls traffic, and runs nearly everything from bakeries to courts.

Experts Urge Global Action As Ebola Death Toll Rises

The Ebola virus has claimed over 1,900 lives since the outbreak began in West Africa late last year. Is enough being done to stop its lethal spread?

Different Arab money

Reviving Bond Issues From GCC To Draw Big Demand Despite Geopolitics

Gulf bond issues, expected to start next month, are likely to include a sovereign sukuk from Sharjah and a sovereign U.S. dollar conventional bond from Bahrain.

Iraq And Syria Pose Saudi Dilemma – Failed States Or Iran Proxies

The Kingdom’s preferred Sunni allies have lost out to militants, and Riyadh faces its nightmare scenario of watching two key Arab states become proxies for its rival Tehran or perpetual failed states.

Libya’s Oil Recovery May Be Short-Lived As Country Risks Falling Apart

Libya’s oil production rose significantly during the last two months but experts say the ongoing internal conflict could be counterproductive.

What’s In The Gaza Peace Deal?

Both sides have agreed to address issues such as the release of Palestinian prisoners and Gaza’s demands for a sea port.

Game Over: Has Sony’s PS4 Won The Console War?

Figures indicate that the PlayStation 4 has performed much better than its rival, Microsoft’s Xbox One.

Pressure On Europeans To Take More Action Against Islamic State

Political leaders in Britain, France and Germany have so far ruled out joining military action in Iraq.

Special Report: The End of Iraq?

The country we all know as Iraq may never be the same again and that poses problematic questions for the stakeholders in its economy.

Why World Economies Are Taking A Turn For The Worse

Heightened geopolitical risks and developments in emerging market economies are hampering growth.

Lackluster Gold Prepares For Long Period Of Stagnation

With the dollar strengthening and equities showing a better return, the metal has run out of reasons to rise.

How To Do Mobile Marketing Right

Mobile technology made the world complex for marketers, writes Dirk Henke, MD, Eastern Europe & MEA at mobile ad tech firm Criteo.

As Saudi Bourse Opens, Foreigners Face Clash Of Investment Cultures

The Kingdom’s regulator announced last month that it open the $580 billion Saudi market to international institutions.

Different Arab money

The SME Gap In Islamic Financing

Opportunities for SME lending in Islamic finance remain relatively untapped despite a huge demand for Sharia-compliant products in the region.

Frequent Flyer Schemes Revamped As Airlines Struggle To Grow Profits

Frequent flyer programmes, with their rich customer data, have become a currency of their own.

As Etihad Finally Signs Deal With Alitalia, What Next?

Etihad has set out its “roadmap” to return the troubled Italian carrier to profit by 2017.