KGL Investment and Bouygues bid for Aqaba port work
Kuwaiti and French-led consortiums have bid to build the $700m new Red Sea port at Aqaba in Jordan.- Published:01 July 2009 17:12 GMT
- Author: Hugh Tomlinson
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Agenda
Baghdad's plan to win the peace 
Having improved the security situation, the government is aiming to get the economy back on track.
Special Report: Saudi Arabia - King's reforms gather pace
The decision in May by GCC member states to house the new Monetary Council, a precursor to the GCC central bank, in Riyadh was controversial because of the widespread expectation that Abu Dhabi would be picked. But for Saudi Arabia, the significance of the outcome goes well beyond regional politics; it is a wider recognition that the kingdom's financial markets are maturing.Trends
Cement sector faces period of oversupply
While demand remains high, six more cement plants are due to come on stream in the Gulf this year.
Business Close-up: Ithmaar Bank
The Bahraini Islamic investment bank is diversifying its operations through its Vision 3 subsidiary.
Industry
MENA Aluminium 2009: The region's rise as a global producer
The Middle East is emerging as a significant region for primary aluminium production. In 2008 it produced 2.6 million tonnes of primary aluminium, accounting for around 6.5 per cent of world market share.Last Word
Environmental issues move up the Gulf's agenda
The UAE will host the new International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena). It is a clear sign that the GCC is starting to get serious about the environment.Gulf Projects
Gulf Projects 29 June 2009: Index drops 1 per cent
The MEED Projects Index fell by 1 per cent to reach $2.58 trillion in the week ending 29 June. The value of projects on hold across the region reached $527bn.
