Banking On Gulf Wealth: Private Banking Special Report

The region’s private wealth industry is enjoying accelerated growth, as nationals bring their cash home to roost and domestic riches grow.

Dr Nasser Saidi: Collective Healing

It’s time to set up an Arab bank for reconstruction and development, writes the founder and president of Nasser Saidi & Associates.

A Brand New Claw: Markus Thesslef Interview

Dubai restaurateur Markus Thesslef speaks to Gulf Business about his latest venue, plans for a hotel and the region’s F&B bubble.

Salalah Embarks On Massive Infrastructure Development Drive

The once-sleepy port city has put itself on the map by expanding its infrastructure and cultivating thriving global companies.

Private Banking Special: Arjuna Mahendran, Emirates NBD

Emirates NBD has lowered its bad debts forecasts and paid back Dhs7.8 billion of crisis-era funding to the Ministry of Finance.

Pearls For Profit: The UAE’s Pearling Industry

Dubai goes back to its roots and targets commodities traders with a local pearl auction.

Iran President’s Phone Call With Obama Stirs Hardline Suspicions

Rouhani, who took office in August, had the supreme leader’s approval for his move to build bridges with Washington.

Private Banking Special: Arnaud Leclercq, Lombard Odier

Lombard Odier plans to increase its assets in the Middle East to 20 per cent of its global business by the end of 2017.

Private Banking Special: Pierre Masclet, Credit Agricole Suisse

Having roughly $54 billion assets under management, private banking contributes to around 70 per cent of the total group’s revenues.

Dubai Property Transaction Fee Could Balance Market

The newly doubled fee will help level the balance between genuine buyers and speculators, experts say.

Private Banking Special: Daniel Savary, Julius Baer

Julius Baer’s total client assets amounted to CHF 304 billion ($321 billion) at the end of June 2012, with assets under management accounting CHF 218 billion for ($230 billion).

UAE NRI Warning – Don’t Send Money Home

Expect further devaluation of the rupee as inflation rises in India, writes Mahen Allirajah, senior consultant at Acuma.

Private Banking Special: Eduardo Leeman, Falcon Private Bank

The Swiss bank has 40 years of wealth management experience and is owned by Abu Dhabi government vehicle Aabar Investments.

Revealed: The World’s Worst Passports For Travel

Which citizens have the least freedom of travel and face maximum visa restrictions?

Private Banking Special: Khaled Sifri, Emirates Investment Bank

Founded in 1976, EIB changed its strategy away from pure asset management to a wealth management platform offering private and investment banking services to a broader client base.

Different Arab money

Special Report: The Future Of GCC Insurance

The outlook for the Gulf’s insurance industry remains mixed.

Private Banking Special: Ayman Abuhabsa, Mashreq

Strong fundamentals and attractive valuations are driving the Middle East market, says Ayman Abuhabsa, head of Private Banking at Mashreq.

Tides Of Change Across MENA

Despite unrest, the region’s growth prospects are promising, writes Abdulaziz Al-Sowailim – chairman and CEO, EY, MENA

Nairobi Mall Attack Strikes At Africa’s Boom Image

The more than 60 victims of the mall attack included members of the Kenyan elite and foreign expatriates.

UAE’s Airport Retail Industry Rakes In Revenues

The UAE’s airport retail sector has benefitted heavily from increased passenger traffic in the country.

Dubai: The Makings Of A New Property Bubble?

As Dubai’s property market returns to its boom days, experts urge government intervention to prevent another bust.

Rehumanising The Workplace By Banishing Fear

In the 21st century workplace, fear can be an extremely destructive emotion, says Marwa Karoura, inspirational coach and founder of KTALK.

How To Succeed In Media

Leveraging multi-platforms is the way to succeed in MENA business, writes Alex Saber, the chairman of VivaKi MENA, a media holding group.

Turkey’s Erdogan Risks Alienating Gulf Investors

Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan outspoken support for Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood has set it at odds with the Gulf Arab states.

Five Minutes with… Ashraf Khairallah, Regional MD, De’Longhi Group

The luxury Italian coffee machine maker is looking to reach out to discerning customers in the Middle East.

Syria: A Chemical Crime, A Complex Reaction

President Bashar al-Assad’s battle against a popular insurgency has killed 100,000 people and displaced more than six million.

Technology Can Boost Financial Inclusion In The UAE

Providing financial services to those who can’t afford them is essential in the region, say experts.

Middle East Firms Must Increase Profits, Not Prices

Introducing a new product line-up will boost profits, write Lovrenc Kessler and Ekkehard Stadie from Simon-Kucher & Partners.

Social Entrepreneurship Can Reduce Welfare Costs In ME

In a candid chat with Gulf Business, Hult Prize CEO Ahmad Ashkar discusses why he thinks the time is ripe for social entrepreneurship in the Middle East.

Can All Nationalities Provide Great Service?

Nicolai Tillisch addresses a taboo in the region and reflects on how to deal with the underlying misconceptions.