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Abu Dhabi Optimism Rises

The emirate has seen consumer confidence rise in the first quarter of the year, say official statistics.

Zawya Sold To Reuters

Global news agency Thomson Reuters buys MENA-based online platform Zawya for an undisclosed amount.

Bank Muscat Plans $251m Stake Sale

The Omani bank plans to use the proceeds from the sale to fund credit expansion and its foray into Islamic finance.

Morsy Declared Egypt’s President

The Muslim Brotherhood’s Mohamed Morsy has promised a moderate, modern Islamist agenda for Egypt.

Rents Rise In Riyadh and Jeddah

Residential rents rose between four to 13 per cent in the two Saudi Arabian cities, says a new study.

Dubai’s Daman Sells 22.7% Stake

The investment company, which plans to launch an IPO, raised Dhs100 million from the sale.

UAE Signs Dhs435m Road Deals

Contracts have been signed for the construction of projects in Ras Al Khaimah and Khor Fakkan.

Qatar Buys French Luxury Hotels

Qatar plans to buy four hotels from Starwood for around $940 million, according to French media reports.

Egypt Braces For New President

While official election results will be announced today, the Brotherhood’s Morsy is expected to win.

UAE’s Hormuz Bypass Opens

The new pipeline is expected to end the UAE’s dependence on the shipping route that Iran has threatened to block.

Gulf Seen Muted After MSCI Move

The UAE and Qatar have not been upgraded to emerging markets status by index compiler MSCI.

Dubai Draws Lebanese Tourists

The number of Lebanese visitors staying at Dubai’s hotels rose two per cent year-on-year during Q1 2012.

Arkan Gets Dhs1.4bn Loan

The construction company will use the amount to refinance existing debt and fund expansion.

$20bn Gulf Fund Not Capitalised

The wealthier GCC states had planned to create an aid fund to assist Bahrain and Oman combat social unrest.

Jumeirah Eyes Indian Market

The luxury hotel chain group has specific discussions going on in Mumbai and Delhi, its chairman has said.

UAE Not Pressured To Issue Bonds

The country has adequate financial resources to bridge its budget gap, a senior minister has said.

Four Seasons To Open Dubai Resort

The Canadian hotel operator announced that it will open its first resort in Dubai by mid-2014.

Landmark Enters Healthcare

The retail and hospitality conglomerate moves into the healthcare industry with the launch of medical clinics.

Good And Bad Of Arab Spring

Latest study shows the effects of the political and social unrest on the economies of the GCC.

ENOC Unit Gets $100m Financing

The amount will be partly used to construct a fuel pipeline from Jebel Ali to the Dubai Airport.

DSI Wins Dhs96m Oman Deals

UAE contractor Drake & Scull International has secured a series of MEP contracts in Oman.

Top MENA Picks For Retailers

The UAE ranks highest in the region for global retail expansion, says a report by A.T. Kearney.

Gulf Markets To Lose Monday Gains

The appointment of Prince Salman as heir apparent in Saudi Arabia may lift the markets temporarily.

Fitch Cuts HSBC VR Rating

The rating agency has cut the bank’s Middle Eastern arm’s rating from BBB+ to BBB, due to flat NPL ratio.

Kuwait Suspends Parliament

Kuwait’s ruler has suspended the parliament for one month amidst rising political tension in the country.

Bahrain Plans Bond Roadshows

The Gulf state is starting investor meetings this week for a planned dollar-denominated bond issue.

Emirates Repays $550m Sukuk

The Dubai-based airline announced that it has repaid its Islamic bond on maturity date.

Brotherhood Hails Morsy President

Mohamed Morsy’s Muslim Brotherhood party gives a breakdown of the votes as they claim victory.

Dubai Deflation Eases In May

Deflation in the emirate reduced to 1.2 per cent last month, mainly driven by a weak housing market.

Portugal Not To Exit Eurozone

Country will not become the next Greece, says Her Excellency Cecilia Meireles, Portugal’s Minister of Tourism.