Middle East business news and analysis, tenderscontracts awarded, commentary, economic data, insight, projects and events – 24/7 from MEED.
Aqaba port, Jordan

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.
King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, Saudi Arabia

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.

Business Close-up: Ithmaar Bank Premium Content

The Bahraini Islamic investment bank is diversifying its operations through its Vision 3 subsidiary.

Industry

MEED Insight Aluminium 2009 report cover

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

Illustration, Masdar City

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

Burj Dubai, UAE

Gulf Projects 29 June 2009: Index drops 1 per cent Premium Content

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.
Contract being signed

Middle East contracts awarded: June 2009 Premium Content

Almost $12.7bn worth of contracts have been awarded across the Middle East up to 15 June 2009, according to this selected checklist compiled from MEED reports.