Kempinski Gears Up For ME Expansion

But work on its long-awaited Palm Jumeirah hotel in Dubai remains ongoing and it is unlikely to open until late 2015.

France and Qatar Launch New $394m Fund To Invest In French SMEs

Qatar had earlier planned to invest 50 million euros into businesses in French suburbs.

France Makes New Offers On Military Equipment To Qatar

France has been hoping to sign a contract to equip Qatar’s air force with Rafale fighter planes made by Dassault.

Palestinian “Arab Idol” Victory Unleashes Outburst Of Joy

Gazan singer Mohammed Assaf endeared millions of viewers with his Palestinian patriotic anthems and folk songs.

The 10 Most Expensive Yachts In The World

Gulf Business looks at the most extravagant superyachts money can buy.

Middle East HNWIs More Confident In Increasing Wealth

A study by Barclays Wealth shows a growing confidence of increasing fortunes compared to other global markets.

US-Taliban Talks In Qatar Delayed

Senior Afghan officials had accused Washington on Wednesday of breaking assurances to Kabul.

Germany’s DEG To Invest $188m In MENA Firms

DEG has a current portfolio of 160 million euros in the MENA region but has not been very active since 2011.

Local, Global Trends Boost Gulf Banks As Foreign Rivals Retrench

Gulf economies have ridden out the global financial crisis of the past five years more smoothly than many economists expected.

Deadly New Coronavirus A “Serious Risk” In Hospitals

Middle East researchers have said the respiratory syndrome (MERS) is easily transmitted from the transfer of sick patients to other hospitals.

Taliban Confirms Talks With U.S. In Qatar On Thursday

A team of U.S. negotiators arrived in Qatar earlier on Wednesday and held a meeting with Afghan diplomats in the Qatari capital.

Islam, Ramadan Apps’ Popularity To Soar

This year’s holy month will be the ‘most mobile-enabled’ yet as Middle East penetration rate hits 109 per cent.

BAE Hopeful For UAE Eurofighter Decision This Year

Dassault’s Rafale jets and the BAE Systems-backed Eurofighter have been locked in competition for the deal to replace at least 60 of the UAE’s Mirage fleet.

Emirates’ A380s “Make A Lot Of Money” – Airbus CEO

Fabrice Brégier told reporters he was “very pleased” with the company’s relationship with Middle East airlines.

Etihad In ‘Advanced’ Equity Talks With JatAirways

Etihad has wasted no time in taking its commercial relationship to the next level, after starting daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Belgrade on Saturday

Abu Dhabi’s Masdar Launches Wind Farm In Seychelles

The 6MW Port Victoria Wind Farm is expected to power 2,100 homes in the island country.

Qatar Sells Back 10% Porsche Stake To Founding Families

Porsche was forced to sell the stake to Qatar Holding in 2009 as a way to prop up its strained finances.

Saudi King Congratulates Iran’s New President Rohani

Ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran are tense over many issues, notably the war in Syria.

Dubai-Based Businessmen Named In HM Queen’s Birthday Honours List

Mark Beer becomes an OBE and Joseph Tabet an MBE, in recognition of their work to promote UAE-UK ties

Arabs Put Slim Hopes In New Iranian President

Hassan Rohani, who replaces Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, is known for a conciliatory approach and is backed by reformists.

Regional Political Tension Seen Hitting GCC Stock Markets

Saudi Arabia’s stock market, the region’s largest, dropped 4.3 per cent on Saturday.

EgyptAir Plane Diverted After Threatening Note Found

A note written in English and reading “This flight will be on fire” was found in one of the plane’s toilets by a woman passenger.

Airbus 350 Successfully Completes First Test Flight

The new wide body offering from Airbus is set to rival Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner.

Iran’s New President Hassan Rohani Hails “Victory Of Moderation”

Rohani will take up the presidency in August, replacing Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who was legally barred from seeking a third consecutive term.

Standard Chartered CEO: It’s Time For Africa

Improved stability and a rising consumer class are shaping the country’s revived fortunes, says group executive director and CEO of Standard Chartered, EMEA.

Turkey’s History Of Military Coups Hangs Over Protests

Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan has whittled away the army’s power and even holds up his executed predecessor as a political model.

Open Books For Bonds – GCC Companies Must Bare All

The mandatory practice is unfamiliar to many local businesses but must be complied with in order to tap the growing markets.

EU To Levy 4.7% Duty On Jet Fuel Imports From Middle East

The new duty comes after the European Union removed the Gulf states from its generalised scheme of preferences.

Two Canadian Reporters, Detained In Turkey, Now Released

The two were detained since they reported on the protests that have been taking place in Turkey for almost two weeks.

Emirates Plans Indoor Aviation Theme Park In London

The 330 square metre facility will highlight operations and achievements of commercial air travel.