UAE’s Just Falafel To Open 57 New Outlets In Europe

The stores, located in Europe’s Benelux region, will be operated by Wadi Degla Holding.

UAE Annual Housing Allowances Range Between $20,000 And $53,000 – Survey

Housing allowance currently stands at around 25 per cent of basic pay across most GCC countries.

Dubai’s Nakheel Partners With UK’s Premier Inn For Ibn Battuta Hotel

The 372-room hotel at Ibn Battuta Mall is scheduled to open in 2016.

Omnicom, Publicis Call Off Proposed $35bn Merger

The deal, which was announced last July, foundered on issues ranging from its complex tax structure to the firms’ divergent cultures.

First Case Of MERS Reported In Lebanon – Health Ministry

The disease, a form of coronavirus, has killed 121 people in Saudi Arabia since it was identified two years ago.

Companies Feeling The Effects of Ukraine Crisis

A range of firms including French bank Societe Generale and credit and debit card company Visa have been affected by the unrest in Ukraine.

IHG Targets UAE, Saudi For MidEast Expansion

The company has around 25 new hotels in the pipeline, which are to be launched over the next five years, a top executive said.

Lebanon Expects Gulf Arabs To End Travel Warning This Month

The GCC states warned citizens against visiting Lebanon last June because of the unrest in neighbouring Syria.

Airbus Set For A350 Safety Approval In Late Summer- EASA

Airbus has said tests are going well on its new lightweight, medium-sized jet, developed at an estimated cost of $15 billion.

Iran, Six Powers Hold ‘Useful’ Nuclear Talks; Agreement Elusive

The next round of senior-level negotiations is due to take place next week in Vienna.

Gulf Customs Union Plan Needs Compromises To Start On Time – Kuwait

The full functioning of the Gulf Customs Union has been partly delayed by disagreements over a formula on how to divide customs revenues between the states.

Swiss-Belhotel Set For ME Expansion

The hotelier is currently mulling six projects in Dubai, says chairman.

Middle East & Africa Visitors To Grow 11.4% Annually

The Middle East is expected to benefit from the high rate of outbound travel spend by Asian travellers, a study says.

Abu Dhabi Firm Signs Deal To Develop $9.7bn Project In Greece

The project includes the redevelopment of the former international airport in Hellenikon, Athens.

Egypt’s Economy Seen Just Meeting 2013/14 Growth Target

The country’s economy is predicted to grow 2.1 per cent this fiscal year, finds poll.

GCC’s Fiscal Surpluses To Shrink As Oil Prices Weaken

Oil prices are set to drop to $106 per barrel in 2014 and $101 next year from around $108 now.

Dubai Will Repay 2015 Debt On Time

State-linked firms are likely to repay obligations ahead of schedule.

IMF Says Dubai May Need To Do More To Avert Property Bubble

IMF official asks Dubai officials to look at stricter measures such as those used in Singapore and Hong Kong to cool property market.

Saudi’s Alkhair Capital Predicts 10% Annual AUM Growth

Alkhair, which has been operating in the Saudi market since 2009, opened an office in the Dubai last month.

Suez Canal Development Tender Winner To Be Announced Next Month

Bidders include Australia’s WorleyParsons, consulting firm McKinsey & Co and Japan’s Oriental Consultants.

Saudi Arabia Eyes “Qualitative” Shift In Economic Development

Economy and Planning Minister targets annual economic growth of five percent in the country’s 2015-19 development plan.

GIH Faces Kuwait Shares Suspension If It Misses AGM Deadline – Watchdog

Ultimatum a sign of the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) tightening its oversight on corporate disclosure norms in the Gulf State’s financial sector.

Saudi Econ Minister Targets 5% Annual Growth

Growth expected as a result of the country’s next five-year development plan.

Iraq Says Mobile Operators Can Launch 3G Services

Decision reverses an earlier plan to hold a multimillion dollar auction.

GCC Needs To Be Educated About Cruise Holidays – Operators

The need to educate Gulf vacationers is rising as the region is growing to be a source market for cruise tourists.

Gulf Arabs Free Fuel For Egypt Reaches $6bn In Value

The aid helps reduce the heavy costs of government fuel subsidies and the drain on foreign exchange reserves.

Emirates And IHG Big Winners At Business Traveller Middle East Awards 2014

Dubai International Airport and the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai voted best for business travelers in the Middle East

Egypt Is Safe For Arab Tourists, Says Tourism Minister

The Arab nation is looking towards the Gulf region to revive its slowing tourism sector

Giordano To Open 40 New Stores By 2015

The fashion retailer is planning to expand across locations in the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Central and Southern Asia.

Middle East Funds Become More Cautious On UAE -Survey

The April survey marks the first time since last September that the ratio of managers who are bearish on UAE equities exceeds the ratio of bullish ones.