IEA Boosts 2014 Global Oil Demand Forecast On US Recovery

The International Energy Agency estimated that oil demand will increase by 1.2 million barrels a day next year.

Etihad Mulls investment In Alitalia

The Abu Dhabi carrier is expected to decide on whether to buy a stake in the troubled Italian airline “just before Christmas”, a source said.

Chuck Hagel Underscores Support For Syrian Moderates

The U.S. Defense Secretary met with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad and Defence Minister Hamad bin Ali al-Attiyah.

OPEC Cuts Output Closer To 2014 Demand, Upbeat On Economy

OPEC expects demand for its oil in 2014 to average 29.57 million barrels per day.

Saudi Aramco Said to Supply Full January Crude Volume to Europe

Aramco has the option to reduce monthly sales volumes to term buyers.

UAE To Handle Nearly As Many Passengers As China – IATA

Governments in both countries “recognise the value of connectivity provided by aviation”.

Cathay Pacific Moves Dubai Freighter Operations To DWC

The carrier said its 14 weekly passenger services will continue to operate through Dubai International.

Saudi Call For Gulf Arab Union Faces Hurdles

Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah proposed two years ago for a stronger union with Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.

GCC Must Invest In Education To Remain Competitive

Timely investments in education would enable GCC countries to convert their population growth into a competitive advantage.

EU Scraps Duty On Jet Fuel Imports

European demand for jet fuel totaled 1.2 million barrels per day last year, of which one third was imported, mostly from the Middle East.

Kuwait Buys London Mayor’s Headquarters For $2.8bn

When completed formally next month, the sale will be one of the largest UK property deals ever.

Iran, Saudi Strategists Spar, Swap Ideas, Over Gulf Security

A meeting of military officers, diplomats and analysts took place during a security conference in Bahrain last weekend.

Middle East Airlines Record 14% Traffic Growth In Oct – IATA

Passenger traffic growth in the Middle East region far exceeded the global average of 6.9 per cent in October.

Pentagon Sees “Significant Interest” In F-35 From Gulf

The F-35 fighter is the Pentagon’s most expensive weapons program.

Qatar Pushes For Gulf Arab Inclusion In Iran Talks

Qatari foreign minister Khaled al-Attiyah said the GCC deserved a place at the table as essential partners in regional stability.

South Africa’s Nelson Mandela Dies Aged 95

South Africa’s first black president and anti-aparthied icon, Mandela, 95, passed away in his Johannesburg home.

Turkey Says Qatar Interested In Afsin-Elbistan Power Project

The United Arab Emirates dropped out of the coal-fired power plant project earlier this year.

Arab Economies Urged To Increase Female Employment

Currently only about 19 per cent of the regional workforce comprises of women.

Qantas Issues Profit Warning; To Cut 1,000 Jobs

Surprise announcement shows Qantas continues to wrestle with fuel costs and competition

Egypt Woos Gulf Investors, Promises Repayments To Oil Firms

Egypt promised to pay $1.5 billion of the $6 billion it says it owes foreign oil companies.

Iran Eyes Better Ties With UAE After Nuclear Deal With West

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif visited the UAE as part of a regional tour to improve relations with the GCC.

Majority of Finance Executives Are “Flexible” On Ethics

A study found that there is a significant gap between the belief about ethics and industry practices among finance executives.

OPEC Seen Keeping Oil Cap; Naimi Says Market in Best Shape

The current 30 million barrel-a-day target for the 12-nation group adequately matches demand, say officials.

StanChart Set To End 10-Year Boom With Profit Drop

Standard Chartered has reported 10 consecutive years of record income and profits.

Raytheon CEO Sees $4bn-$5bn In ME Orders In ‘Weeks’

Raytheon is looking to foreign orders to help offset a reduction in projected U.S. military spending over the next decade.

Solar Power Use Will Provide Local Market Opportunities

Use of solar energy for the Middle East’s growing power needs will create strong localisation potential.

VIDEO: Emirates Launches Longest A380 Flight To L.A.

Flight EK 215 crosses the Russian Federation, the North Pole and Eastern Canada before landing in Los Angeles.

Qatar Airways To Serve Second Istanbul Airport

Doha carrier doubles up to meet growth projections beyond slot-constrained Ataturk

Lifestyle Diseases To Cost GCC Governments $68bn By 2022

The economic burden resulting from non-communicable diseases is expected to soar in the coming years.

US Navy To Expand Presence In Bahrain

The Gulf state is currently home to the US 5th Fleet.