MENA startups received $870m funding in 2016 – report

The amount represents an increase of 424 per cent compared to 2015, according to Magnitt

Lebanese newspaper As-Safir closes after 42 years

The newspaper suffered from falling revenues and Lebanon’s political and sectarian problems

Several foreigners dead in Istanbul nightclub attack

The attack took place at the Reina nightclub early on Sunday

Iranian airliner returns to Tehran airport after engine failure

Taban Airlines’ aircraft turned back “due to technical failure”

Saudi soldier dies in cross-border firing from Yemen

Sultan bin Ayed Farhan Al-Sharari died of injuries on Saturday

Saudi extends visit visas for Yemenis

Yemeni expatriates will have their visitor ID cards valid for an additional six months

Osama bin Laden’s son denied entry to Egypt

Omar, 34, Osama bin Laden’s fourth-eldest son, was travelling with his British wife from Doha

Winning in the age of commoditisation— three imperatives for GCC players

Bjorn Ewers reveals how Gulf companies can rethink their strategies to make the most of commoditisation

Middle East’s wealthy more generous than rich North Americans

A study has found ultra high net individuals from the region give significantly more than their North American peers

Iran says war instigated by Trump could ‘destroy’ GCC states

During his campaign, Trump has signalled he will take a harder line on Iran

Abu Dhabi Police travel to US following shooting of Emirati student

Saif Nasser Mubarak Ali Alameri, 26, was killed by a gunshot to the head last Sunday

GCC and UK announce strategic partnership

The agreement will focus on politics, defence, security and trade

Yemen says UN roadmap to end conflict sets ‘dangerous precedent’

Yemen’s position deals a major setback to international efforts to end the 20-month conflict

Egyptian billionaire Sawiris resigns as Orascom CEO

Sawiris’ deputy Tamer El Mahdi has been nominated as his successor

Revealed: Top 100 GCC Companies 2016

The biggest listed companies in the Gulf region

How Saudi, Russia and Iran got the OPEC deal done

Russian President Vladmir Putin’s role as intermediary between Riyadh and Tehran was pivotal

New advertising industry group launches in the Middle East

The Advertising Business Group aims to promote ethical, responsible advertising in the Middle East

Expat income tax will boost GCC revenues, but hit region’s ‘attractiveness’ – IMF

The International Monetary Fund has also warned the GCC against taxing expats’ remittances

Middle East property market faces uncertainty after Trump election

Sudden policy changes made by the incoming US President will affect regional real estate markets, says Cluttons

Why the boardroom is different in the Gulf

GCC boards do not necessarily stick to international corporate governance standards

Iran will issue visa on arrival to all but 9 countries

Iran and the global economy: Have things changed?

The lifting of sanctions against Iran in January is yet to have the impact many had hoped for

GCC governments enlist export credit agencies to help fund mega projects

Low oil prices have squeezed liquidity in the Gulf region

Iran warns of retaliation if US breaches nuclear deal

Iran and world powers concluded the nuclear agreement last year

Rocket attacks in Saudi and air strikes in Yemen strain truce

The truce was announced on Friday night as a step to end the 20-month old war

Missile from Yemen kills Saudi soldier hours before ceasefire

The 48-hour truce started at noon on Saturday

Oil may rise to $55 if all producers cooperate – Iran

OPEC is moving closer towards finalising its first deal since 2008 to limit oil output

Why Chinese phone makers are gaining traction in the Gulf

Cheaper products and improving reputations are helping Chinese smartphone manufacturers

Blom Bank to acquire HSBC’s Lebanese business

The transaction is expected to be completed in the first half of 2017

Saudi intercepts and damages missile from Yemen

The missile was targeted towards the city of Najran

Egyptian court overturns ex-president Mursi’s death sentence

Mursi was sentenced to death in June 2015