MEED
Hugh Tomlinson

Transport, Defence

Jeddah looks to ease port congestion

Issue 3 21-27 January 2011
With cargo volumes picking up after the opening of a third terminal, authorities at Jeddah Islamic Port are now addressing long-running access problems
Sama Airlines grounds its fleet

Issue 51 17-23 December 2010
Saudi Arabia’s heavily indebted budget airline has admitted defeat, following Riyadh’s refusal to level the playing field in a rapidly expanding market place
Crisis forces urban rail rethink

Supplement: Rail Projects
After an initial rush to follow Dubai, several projects around the Gulf are being reconsidered to ensure value for money in the current economic climate
Riyadh sets the pace for heavy rail

Supplement: Rail Projects
As the first phase of the North-South minerals railway nears completion, Riyadh proves it can deliver major rail schemes on time. The only sticking point is the future of the Landbridge project
Business in Iraq: Progress stifled by bureaucracy

Issue 34 20-26 August 2010
Iraq desperately needs foreign support but regulatory hurdles are deterring investors. Sectarian infighting is compounding the problem
Prioritising investment for Iraq

Issue 34 20-26 August 2010
Despite announcing grand plans to overhaul Iraq’s transport infrastructure, a lack of investment and proper planning means most schemes still remain on the drawing board
Ports are navigating a slump in trade

Issue No 28 9-15 July 2010
As Gulf port projects swing back to life after the global crisis, operators will have to compete against each other to attract business and become profitable
Gulf carriers seek clear skies

Issue No 24 11-17 June 2010
Passenger growth in the Middle East’s aviation industry has outperformed other regions in recent years, but the Gulf’s legacy airlines are struggling to compete with younger carriers
Privatisation finds new impetus

Issue No 24 11-17 June 2010
Plans to break up flag carrier Saudia are years behind schedule, but a proposal for the final restructuring has now been submitted for Riyadh’s approval
Suez growth hints at recovery

Issue No 21 21 - 27 May 2010
Shipping traffic and tonnage increases on the Suez Canal, indicating a recovering global economy
Working to a different model for Saudi tourism

Issue No 16 16-22 April 2010
The kingdom aims to entice more Saudis to holiday at home and boost employment opportunities to meet its ambitious 2020 goals
MEED 100 Sector analysis: Metals & Mining

Issue No 14 2-8 April 2010
Tehran’s ambitious minerals and mining programme provides a boost to Iranian firms
MEED 100 Sector analysis: Telecoms

Issue No 14 2-8 April 2010
The sector endures a tough year as Etisalat and Saudi Telecom Company continue to fight it out for the top spot
MEED 100 Sector analysis: Transport & Logistics

Issue No 14 2-8 April 2010
DP World weathers Dubai debt storm and decline in global trade as Nakilat continues good showing
Air cargo - Flying in the face of the economic downturn

Issue No 9 26 February - 4 March 2010
Despite the recent global slowdown in trade, Gulf airlines and airport operators are still investing for growth and have every expectation of a return to healthy air cargo volumes
Emirates Group

2 February 2010, 7:23 GMT
The Dubai carrier is gradually building market share and plans to double its fleet by 2012.
Nuclear ambitions stall Iran's infrastructure development

29 December 2009, 10:00 GMT
With sanctions against Iran set to tighten because of the Islamic Republic’s controversial atomic energy programme, a series of projects to overhaul its transport infrastructure will struggle to get off the ground
2009 Review: Interview - Paul Griffiths, Dubai Airports

24 December 2009, 21:01 GMT
The man overseeing the world’s largest airport investment programme discusses the impact of the global downturn on the aviation sector, and reveals how Dubai’s long-term vision remains in place.
2009 Review: Baghdad back in business

24 December 2009, 20:40 GMT
International firms are seeking opportunities in Iraq as security improves and the GCC projects market slows.
Case study: Jeddah Islamic Port

Supplement: Middle East Ports 2009
New transport links must be built to ease congestion around the site if the port is to retain its position as Saudi Arabia’s principal marine gateway
Case study: Umm Qasr Port

Supplement: Middle East Ports 2009
Iraq’s only deep-sea port is in desperate need of redevelopment, but the work is being held up while the government considers rival proposals
Coping with falling volumes at Gulf ports

Supplement: Middle East Ports 2009
The global downturn has reduced traffic through the region’s ports, but the economic diversification policies of the Gulf states are helping to increase domestic demand
The MEED list: Middle East & North Africa ports

Supplement: Middle East Ports 2009
The 12 key figures in the region’s ports and shipping industries are: Khamis bin Mubarak al-Alawi, Humoud al-Ajlan, Said Elhadi, Ahmed Ali Fadel, Imad Najib Fakhoury, Muhammad Ghannam, Jorn Hinge, Amir Jabbar, Sheikh Daij bin Salman bin Daij al-Khalifa, Allan Rosenberg, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem and Saher Tahlawi
Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi’s cultural centre

6 November 2009, 17:00 GMT
The $27bn development of Saadiyat Island will increase the emirate’s tourism appeal and set it apart from rival destinations around the Gulf.
Tehran struggles to fund rail schemes

Issue No 43 23-29 October 2009
With international sanctions making it difficult for Iran to secure financing for a series of much-needed rail plans, the Islamic Republic is being forced to prioritise some projects and put others on hold
Etihad Airways signs $1bn financing deal

1 October 2009, 17:01 GMT
Abu Dhabi carrier agrees first export credit guarantees
Regional economy to grow more than 4 per cent in 2010

1 October 2009, 16:34 GMT
Higher oil price and global recovery stimulate growth
Abu Dhabi passenger traffic rises in August

1 October 2009, 11:48 GMT
Emirate’s statistics below regional average
Dubai airport records 11 per cent passenger growth in August

1 October 2009, 10:49 GMT
Traffic increase linked to economic recovery
Iraq abandons $1bn Umm Qasr privatisation

Issue No 40 2-8 October 2009
Appointment of US consultant scrapped
Iraqi voters will see through spin

Issue No 40 2-8 October 2009
Baghdad says international firms have been given six months to bid for the contract to build the metro. This is news to the foreign companies
Sources dismiss Iraq's claims of progress on Baghdad Metro

Issue No 40 2-8 October 2009
Lack of funding is hindering project
Sheikh Khalifa announces railway board

30 September 2009, 15:05 GMT
Directors to serve three-year term
Rail in the Middle East: MEED List

29 September 2009, 14:35 GMT
Six key figures behind the development of Gulf rail.
Rail back in the spotlight in North Africa

29 September 2009, 14:21 GMT
With governments seeking to improve their industrial infrastructure and develop tourism, rail investment is rising again in North Africa.
Jordan - Building a regional hub with rail

29 September 2009, 14:17 GMT
Jordan is one of the region’s more unassuming rail markets but Amman hopes rail can establish the country as a new trade hub.
Abdul Majid al-Khaja

29 September 2009, 14:12 GMT
A key figure behind the development of Gulf rail
Air passenger traffic continues to recover

29 September 2009, 13:14 GMT
Middle East outperforms global industry
Riyadh makes up for lost time with rail

29 September 2009, 12:43 GMT
Saudi Arabia has launched one of the largest and most ambitious rail construction programmes ever undertaken.
Rail emerges from the shadows in GCC

29 September 2009, 11:38 GMT
Rail transport in the GCC has lagged behind road and air. But a wave of huge railway projects is set to transform the region’s economy.
Wataniya Mobile threatens to leave West Bank

25 September 2009, 11:23 GMT
Company blames Israeli refusal to supply bandwidth
Iraq completes 2010 budget

25 September 2009, 11:19 GMT
Parliament set to debate and approved bill
Jeddah port plans must address access

Issue No 39 25 September - 1 October 2009
New capacity at port can only function properly if it is matched by land-side transport links
Paul Anderson

Supplement: Rail in the Middle East
A key figure behind the development of Gulf rail
Agility Logistics plans to expand into South Africa

24 September 2009, 15:49 GMT
Kuwaiti firm to buy supply chain business for $90m
Dubai considers issuing licences for new taxis

24 September 2009, 10:43 GMT
Transport authority tries to encourage public to use metro
Oman to build Salalah and Seeb ferry facilities

23 September 2009, 17:11 GMT
Muscat redeveloping infrastructure to attract tourists
International Finance Corporation to supervise Jordanian rail project

23 September 2009, 12:15 GMT
Transport scheme will link Amman and Zarra
Firms from Emirates to discuss Iraqi port investment

23 September 2009, 10:35 GMT
Baghdad plans to develop facilities at Umm Qasr
Baghdad finalises $500m reconstruction loan

22 September 2009, 18:04 GMT
Officials to travel to Jordan to negotiate funding from bank
Dubai Metro deploys more trains to meet demand

22 September 2009, 16:16 GMT
Total daily passengers reaches 97,000 on first day of Eid festival
Gulf premium air travel sector fails to recover

21 September 2009, 17:54 GMT
Passengers continue to shun first and business class
Air passenger growth to remain strong

21 September 2009, 14:42 GMT
Airbus forecasts youth will drive increase
Baghdad must maintain focus over infrastructure

Issue No 38 18 - 24 September 2009
Ministries are now advocating directly contradictory port projects. Electioneering will not assuage the concerns of potential investors
Iraqi ministries clash over deep-sea port plan

Issue No 38 18 - 24 September 2009
Fresh proposal for dedicated oil export facility threatens to undermine development of commercial port
Emirates Airline signs deal with Australian carrier

17 September 2009, 11:14 GMT
Codeshare agreement to allow easy transfer of passengers
DP World ends talks with regional firm over potential sale

16 September 2009, 17:30 GMT
Port operator makes statement to stock exchange
Jordan to buy rocket systems from US

16 September 2009, 17:20 GMT
Defence agency submits proposed deal to Congress for approval
Morocco set to buy military jets from US

16 September 2009, 11:56 GMT
Rabat plans to sign $187m contract for F-16 planes and equipment
Palestinian economy recovers in second quarter

15 September 2009, 16:52 GMT
Unemployment decreases to 22 per cent
Middle East airlines recover as passenger traffic rises

15 September 2009, 16:43 GMT
Air transport association forecasts increasing losses for global sector
Dubai Airports forecasts 14 per cent traffic growth in 2010

15 September 2009, 10:46 GMT
Al-Maktoum airport is expected to drive recovery
Dubai Metro transports 110,000 commuters in two days

14 September 2009, 17:14 GMT
Roads & Transport Authority aims to ease traffic congestion
Basra awards projects worth $520m

14 September 2009, 16:59 GMT
Investment Commission issues licences for eight schemes in Iraqi province
Baghdad to use existing revenues to fund electricity deal

Issue No 37 11 - 17 September 2009
The Iraqi government is to pay for a crucial electricity contract out of existing revenues, after the country’s parliament rejected a $3bn bond issue the government wanted to use to finance the project
Can Samer Majali save Gulf Air?

Issue No 37 11 - 17 September 2009
The appointment of the airline’s fourth chief executive officer in three years could be its last hope
Gulf Air costs government $2.4bn a year

Issue No 37 11 - 17 September 2009
Despite receiving $200m a month in support from the government, daily losses remain at $1m
Gulf Air may just have a future

Issue No 37 11 - 17 September 2009
Majali hopes to prove that the airline can be more than just another basket-case flag carrier
More than 200,000 travel cards sold for Dubai Metro

10 September 2009, 17:07 GMT
First day of operations for $7.6bn project has sold enough passes to serve one-sixth of Dubai population
Iran plans five new airports

10 September 2009, 17:04 GMT
Government to spend $70m to connect remote areas
Suez Canal revenues fall 26 per cent in August

10 September 2009, 17:01 GMT
Decline follows July 2009 high of $382.6m
Air Arabia to launch Egypt low cost airline

10 September 2009, 8:08 GMT
Sharjah airline to open third hub
Baghdad allocates $200m extra funds to Basra

9 September 2009, 18:00 GMT
Government provides supplementary budget
Iraqi cabinet approves Islamic finance corporation accession

8 September 2009, 17:27 GMT
Country to benefit from trade funding
Egypt to invest $10.8bn in transport projects

8 September 2009, 17:04 GMT
Egypt will invest £E60bn ($10.9bn) in its transport infrastructure over the next three years.
Iraqi parliament to focus on economic legislation

7 September 2009, 16:45 GMT
Returning MPs to discuss Investment Law changes
Saudi venture wins $720m North-South rail contract

7 September 2009, 16:23 GMT
Last main civil works package awarded
Baghdad to decide fate of Rasheed real estate scheme

Issue No 36 4 - 10 September 2009
$20bn development is a test case for foreign investors seeking to buy land
Chinese firms in talks over Iranian railway deal

Issue No 36 4 - 10 September 2009
Tehran negotiates with state-owned companies over $2bn project to build line from Mashhad to Chabahar.
Investment law must be passed in Iraq

Issue No 36 4 - 10 September 2009
Political self-interest should not be allowed to delay critical steps to accelerate Iraq’s reconstruction.
Iraq starts planning 2010 budget

3 September 2009, 18:40 GMT
Finance ministry to submit proposals for parliamentary approval by October
Gulf Air to expand Iraqi network by end of 2009

3 September 2009, 18:17 GMT
Airline chief confirms carrier will fly to four more cities
Nico International secures Fujairah Port deal

3 September 2009, 13:11 GMT
Topaz Engineering subsidiary to build industrial facilities at four berths of oil terminal
Gulf airlines defy global losses

2 September 2009, 16:58 GMT
Region posts modest second-quarter profits
Dubai metro Green line to open three months after deadline

2 September 2009, 11:37 GMT
Rail route to start operating in June 2010 because of extension work
Riyadh invites bids for holy cities railway

Issue No 35 28 August - 3 September 2009
Saudi rail regulator asks prequalified contractors to prepare plans for $1.4bn Mecca-Medina scheme
Gulf air passenger traffic continues strong recovery

27 August 2009, 19:42 GMT
Middle East is the only region showing growth
DP World first-half profits down 34 per cent

27 August 2009, 19:29 GMT
Global trade slump hits volumes at ports
Jordan forms tender committee for Amman-Zarqa railway

27 August 2009, 11:44 GMT
Transport scheme on hold after government terminates deal and implements restructuring plans
Syria: Spare parts for rail equipment

26 August 2009, 16:07 GMT
Closing date: 28 September
Oman: Road upgrade work

26 August 2009, 16:04 GMT
Closing date: 12 October
Iran: Sale of high-grade aluminium sows

26 August 2009, 16:02 GMT
Closing date: 13 September 2009
Royal Air Maroc starts talks with pilots to avert strike

26 August 2009, 6:54 GMT
Union aims to stop carrier recruiting foreign staff
Gulf Air to review aircraft orders

25 August 2009, 12:18 GMT
Bahraini carrier chief plans to make business profitable again
Qatar Shipping to establish marine services group

25 August 2009, 6:55 GMT
Firm to provide cargo loading and handling facilities
Maintaining a fragile peace in Baghdad

Issue No 34 21 - 27 August 2009
Baghdad is making increasing efforts to attract foreign investment as it seeks to quell a surge in violence following the withdrawal of US troops in June.
Riyadh set to bankroll $7bn Landbridge

Issue No 34 21 - 27 August 2009
After months of speculation, Saudi rail authorities confirm they are retendering coast-to-coast rail link.
Jobs dispute: Gulf Air chief deserves a period of grace

14 August 2009, 18:17 GMT
Trade union claims Gulf Air is exaggerating the findings of disciplinary hearings to cut jobs.
Riyadh plans $2bn military upgrade

14 August 2009, 17:32 GMT
Riyadh plans to upgrade its military air navigation and communication systems in two deals worth more than $2bn.
Union challenges Gulf Air over jobs cull

14 August 2009, 17:15 GMT
Staff representatives say move is start of long-term bid to reduce the headcount and streamline operations.
Riyadh compensates Nas Air and Sama

14 August 2009, 16:43 GMT
Low-cost airlines to receive interest-free loans of $53m each to cover losses made due to domestic fare cap.
Iraq to raise property tax threshold

13 August 2009, 16:33 GMT
The Iraqi government has agreed to extend the tax-free threshold for property in the country to ID50m ($43,000).
Royal Air Maroc pilots set to strike

13 August 2009, 16:04 GMT
Royal Air Maroc's pilots plan to strike for a third time after failing to resolve their dispute with management.
Jazeera Airways announces $8m loss

13 August 2009, 15:42 GMT
Jazeera Airways lost KD2.2m ($7.7m) during the first half of 2009. The firm blamed its withdrawal from a second hub in Dubai for increasing its second-quarter losses.
Iraq and Egypt develop closer economic ties

12 August 2009, 16:55 GMT
Iraq and Egypt will pursue closer economic and commercial ties following the signing of four memorandums of understanding in Baghdad.
Palestinian industrial production rises in second quarter

12 August 2009, 16:32 GMT
Industrial production in the Palestinian Occupied Territories grew 0.7 per cent during the second quarter of 2009, driven by improvements in the power and water sector.
Syria: Air filter dry cleaning machines

12 August 2009, 6:55 GMT
Syrian Railways seeks cleaners
Cairo to buy Chinook helicopters from Washington

11 August 2009, 16:12 GMT
Egypt will buy six Chinook helicopters and other equipment from the US in a deal worth up to $308m, Cairo's second major purchase of helicopters from Washington this summer.
Bahrain Air to launch flights to Iraq

11 August 2009, 15:53 GMT
Low-cost carrier Bahrain Air will launch direct flights to Iraq from 28 August, following in the steps of Bahrain's national carrier Gulf Air.
Gulf Air denies plan to dismiss 272 workers

11 August 2009, 12:27 GMT
Gulf Air and its holding company Mumtalakat denied claims by the airline's trade union that the carrier plans to sack 272 staff.
Iraq 2010 budget to be put forward by October

10 August 2009, 15:29 GMT
Iraq’s Finance Ministry will submit the country’s 2010 budget for parliamentary approval by October this year.
FlyDubai to launch Djibouti flights from September

10 August 2009, 12:58 GMT
Dubai-based carrier FlyDubai will launch flights to Djibouti from 1 September, the airline's first destination in sub-Saharan Africa.
Airline legal dispute enters fresh phase

7 August 2009, 15:29 GMT
Nine aircraft ordered by Baghdad are impounded in Canada as Kuwaitis question ownership.
Airlines must settle dispute

7 August 2009, 14:31 GMT
Another court case beckons, but the resolution of the 19-year aviation dispute between Iraq and Kuwait appears as remote as ever. The two countries' positions are becoming entrenched, making it harder to reach the swift solution that is both necessary and feasible.
Etihad to launch flights to Hyderabad

6 August 2009, 16:23 GMT
Abu Dhabi-based carrier Etihad Airways will launch flights to the Indian city of Hyderabad from November.
Agility Logistics first half profits up

6 August 2009, 16:10 GMT
Agility Logistics' net profits rose 13.5 per cent to KD78.4m ($273.6m) during the first half of the year.
UAE to purchase Hellfire missiles in $526m deal

6 August 2009, 12:47 GMT
The UAE will purchase 326 Hellfire missiles from the US in a deal worth up to $526m.
Gulf Air to launch Baghdad flights from September

5 August 2009, 16:17 GMT
Gulf Air has confirmed it will commence flights from Manama to Baghdad from 1 September, with routes to Najaf and Erbil to follow.
Wataniya Airways reports $20m first half loss

5 August 2009, 16:01 GMT
Wataniya Airways lost KD5.9m ($20.6m) during the first half of its financial year.
Bahrain and Jordan to buy US missiles

5 August 2009, 12:01 GMT
Jordan and Bahrain are to purchase air-to-air missiles from the US in contracts worth $205m in total.
Construction begins on Qom monorail

4 August 2009, 16:18 GMT
Iran has begun work on the country's first monorail in the city of Qom.
Iraq charters three Airbus planes for European routes

4 August 2009, 16:06 GMT
Iraqi Airways has signed an agreement to operate three aircraft owned by the German charter airline Blue Wings.
Etihad announces record July

4 August 2009, 12:17 GMT
Etihad Airways carried its largest number of passengers in a single month in its history during July.
Gulf Navigation hit by slump in first half profits

3 August 2009, 15:52 GMT
Gulf Navigation Holding suffered an 89 per cent slump in net profits during the first half of the year, generating AED10.2m ($2.8m) compared with AED93m during the same period in 2008.
Kuwait-led consortium in line for $700m Aqaba port contract

3 August 2009, 12:45 GMT
The Kuwaiti-led Aqaba Gateway Group (AGG) is the preferred bidder for the contract to build a $700m port at Jordan's maritime hub on its Red Sea coast.
Royal Air Maroc to hold talks over strike action

3 August 2009, 12:20 GMT
Royal Air Maroc (RAM) has agreed to talks with staff representatives following two strikes by airline pilots in late July.
Syria: Auxiliary towing car dolly

3 August 2009, 6:53 GMT
Closing date: 14 September
Gulf Air revamp needs support

17 July 2009, 15:56 GMT
The Bahraini airline now needs an overhaul in every department, particularly a cut in staff. Without bold steps, the competition could become insurmountable.
Gulf Air set for major restructuring

17 July 2009, 11:17 GMT
Struggling national carrier to issue tender in July for adviser to oversee the overhaul of the business.
Saudi Arabian Airlines to appoint 32 executives

16 July 2009, 16:52 GMT
Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) has received approval for a new management structure and includes appointing 32 new executives.
Demand for premium airline seats falls in May

16 July 2009, 16:32 GMT
Middle East airlines struggled to sell seats in first and business class cabins during May, with demand falling by 7.6 per cent year-on-year.
Saudi joint venture to win North-South rail contract

16 July 2009, 12:35 GMT
A Saudi joint venture will be awarded the $720m contract to build the fourth section of the North-South minerals railway in early August.
Baghdad approves Abu Ghraib housing project

15 July 2009, 16:37 GMT
The governorate of Baghdad has approved the construction of a new residential compound in the Abu Ghraib area of the province.
Royal Jordanian approves fuel purchasing strategy

15 July 2009, 16:06 GMT
Royal Jordanian has approved a new fuel purchasing strategy for the next three years, in one of chief executive officer (CEO) Samer Majali's final business before he leaves the company.
Yemenia escapes European blacklist after air crash

15 July 2009, 13:11 GMT
Yemenia has not been included on the latest European Commission blacklist of international airlines, despite safety concerns raised by the fatal crash of one of its aircraft in June.
Mecca monorail to be 35 per cent complete for Hajj in 2009

14 July 2009, 16:36 GMT
Saudi authorities have indicated that 35 per cent of the $1.8bn Mecca monorail project will be completed in time for the 2009 Hajj pilgrimage.
Nas Air international flights rise 50 per cent

14 July 2009, 16:18 GMT
Nas Air revealed it flew 50 per cent more international flights during the first half of 2009 compared to the same period in 2008.
National River Transportation Company secures loan for Nile barges

14 July 2009, 12:20 GMT
Egypt's National River Transportation Company (NRTC) has secured a£E325m ($58m) syndicated loan from three local banks to assist in financing the purchase of 90 new barges for use on the Nile.
Iraq agrees deals for Umm Qasr port

13 July 2009, 16:09 GMT
The Iraqi Transport Ministry has signed two contracts with foreign operators to lease and develop new commercial berths at the country's deep-sea port of Umm Qasr.
Kuwait's Alafco increases profits

13 July 2009, 15:47 GMT
Aviation Lease & Finance Company (Alafco) his announced net profits of KD8.3m ($28.9m) for the first nine months of the financial year, an increase of 8 per cent compared to 2008.
Air Arabia appoints chief executive for Moroccan business

13 July 2009, 12:28 GMT
Air Arabia has announced the appointment of Jason Bitter as chief executive officer for its new Moroccan operation, which launched in May.
Saudia to spin off ground handling unit

10 July 2009, 15:22 GMT
Carrier to merge division with local firms despite calls from Shura Council to abandon privatisation strategy.
National rail link in Amman enters design stage

10 July 2009, 14:12 GMT
Amman has launched the final design phase for a JD4.5bn ($6.4bn) railway running the length of the country.
Iraqi Airways to lease aircraft from US firm

9 July 2009, 16:27 GMT
Iraqi Airways will lease 20 aircraft from Ross Aviation, jointly operating the planes with the US group.
Suez Canal revenues hit highest level in 2009

9 July 2009, 13:16 GMT
Egypt's revenues from the Suez Canal reached their highest level this year in June, but they remained 26 per cent down on the average month in 2008.
Etihad Airways to sign US network expansion deal

9 July 2009, 12:45 GMT
Etihad Airways plans to sign a codeshare agreement with American Airlines which would substantially enhance Etihad's trans-Atlantic and US domestic service.
Etihad cancels order for Airbus jet

8 July 2009, 16:10 GMT
Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has cancelled one of its orders for an A340-600 aircraft from Airbus.
Iraq considers creating institution to pay compensation to Kuwait

8 July 2009, 15:27 GMT
Iraq has proposed the establishment of a joint Iraqi-Kuwaiti financial institution through which Baghdad can pay compensation to Kuwait.
Emirates launches federal rail group

8 July 2009, 14:56 GMT
UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan approved a bill proposed by the cabinet to set up the Etihad Trains Company, with start-up capital of AED1bn ($272m).
Tassili Airlines orders aircraft from Boeing and Embraer

7 July 2009, 17:05 GMT
The Algerian carrier Tassili Airlines has placed an order worth more than $332m with the US' Boeing and Brazil's Embraer.
Baghdad to receive $100m World Bank loan

7 July 2009, 12:48 GMT
Baghdad will receive $100m from the World Bank to spend on utilities projects in the Iraqi capital.
Etihad plans codeshare deal with Cyprus Airways

6 July 2009, 14:39 GMT
Etihad Airways is expanding its network of codeshare agreements with other carriers, signing a memorandum of understanding with Cyprus Airways ahead of a firm deal.
Riyadh recommends changing airline's privatisation strategy

6 July 2009, 14:06 GMT
Saudi Arabia's Shura Council has recommended privatising Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) in a single initial public offering (IPO), rather than continuing with the current policy of selling the individual units of the airline.
Aqaba corporation reveals details of port bids

6 July 2009, 13:07 GMT
The Aqaba Development Corporation has revealed full details of the two consortiums bidding to build a new $700m port at Jordan's maritime hub on the Red Sea.
Syria: Spare parts for skid type GE product type

6 July 2009, 6:53 GMT
Closing date: 7 September
Riyadh must back Landbridge

3 July 2009, 14:46 GMT
The project cannot be allowed to fail and the success of Haramain points the way out of the deadlock.
Gaca issues tenders for Jeddah airport

3 July 2009, 14:11 GMT
Airports operator offers six construction packages for redevelopment of King Abdulaziz International.
Funding debate stalls Saudi Landbridge deal

3 July 2009, 10:14 GMT
Flagship rail project faces delay as speculation mounts over change to public-procurement scheme.
Riyadh signs $2.6bn border fence deal

2 July 2009, 16:31 GMT
The Saudi government has signed a SR10bn ($2.6bn) contract for the 6,000-kilometre second phase of the national border fence and security system.
Al-Rajhi starts work on railway between Mecca and Medina

2 July 2009, 12:58 GMT
The Al-Rajhi Alliance has broken ground on phase one of the Haramain high-speed railway between Mecca and Medina.
KGL Investment and Bouygues bid for Aqaba port work

1 July 2009, 17:12 GMT
Kuwaiti and French-led consortiums have bid to build the $700m new Red Sea port at Aqaba in Jordan.
FlyDubai secures $320m aircraft financing

1 July 2009, 12:54 GMT
FlyDubai has announced a $320m deal with GE Capital Aviation Services (Gecas) to finance four aircraft.
Regional parliament approves Kurdish constitution

30 June 2009, 16:53 GMT
The parliament of the semi-autonomous Kurdish region in northern Iraq has approved a constitution for the area.
Aramex and Air Arabia announce cargo deal

30 June 2009, 16:23 GMT
Aramex, the Dubai-based logistics group, has announced a regional cargo agreement with Air Arabia.
Iraq holds talks over transport projects

30 June 2009, 13:30 GMT
Iraq's National Investment Commission (NIC) has held talks with local officials in Basra to kickstart new transport projects in the Southern Province.
Kuwait upgrades Patriot missile defence system

29 June 2009, 16:59 GMT
Kuwait will buy equipment to upgrade and test its Patriot missile system from the US Army in a deal worth $36m.
Royal Jordanian chairman resigns

29 June 2009, 12:37 GMT
The board of directors at Royal Jordanian has accepted the resignation of Samer Majali, the airline's president and chief executive officer.
FlyDubai adds Indian destinations to network

29 June 2009, 12:16 GMT
FlyDubai will add three Indian cities to its international network from July.
Iraq right to focus on jobs

26 June 2009, 21:27 GMT
The results of the election in December will show whether voters continue to prioritise the economy.
Cairo awards $639m worth of deals on third line of metro

26 June 2009, 20:49 GMT
French firms Vinci and Alstom lead groups that have won phase-two work.
DP World halts expansion of Jebel Ali

26 June 2009, 20:38 GMT
UAE ports operator delays capacity upgrade until there is clear evidence of an economic recovery.
Key transport projects in the region weather the economic storm

26 June 2009, 12:32 GMT
More than $200bn is being invested in transport schemes across the region despite the global economic downturn and falling demand.
Baghdad's plan to win the peace

25 June 2009, 16:12 GMT
Having improved the security situation, the government is aiming to get the economy back on track.
Middle East air passenger traffic grows

25 June 2009, 12:04 GMT
Middle East air passenger traffic staged a strong recovery in May, growing by 9.5 per cent, making it the only region anywhere in the world to record an increase.
Indian firm low bidder for Shinas port deal in Oman

24 June 2009, 17:58 GMT
India's Consulting Engineering Services (CES) is the lowest bidder for a contract to carry out a feasibility study into the development of Oman's Shinas port and to oversee construction at the site.
Jebel Ali free zone reports revenue growth in first quarter

23 June 2009, 14:58 GMT
Dubai's Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (Jafza) has reported an 18 per cent growth in revenues during the first quarter of 2009.
Waha Capital buys 50 per cent stake in AerVenture

23 June 2009, 14:54 GMT
Abu Dhabi-based Waha Capital has purchased a 50 per cent stake in AerVenture, a subsidiary of Dutch aircraft leasing firm AerCap.
Dubai acknowledges metro project is over budget

23 June 2009, 14:42 GMT
Dubai's Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has admitted the city's metro system is "billions of dirhams over budget".
Syria and France discuss transport ties

21 June 2009, 12:33 GMT
Syria has held talks with France over deepening transport cooperation between the two countries.
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise secures $450m loan for nine Boeings

21 June 2009, 12:29 GMT
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) has secured a $450m loan from Citibank to finance the purchase of nine aircraft from Boeing.
Iran to receive $250m in electricity for Armenia rail link

21 June 2009, 12:24 GMT
Iran will receive electricity worth up to $250m from Armenia to subsidise a $1.2bn rail link between the two countries.
Gulf states must ease gridlock

19 June 2009, 18:18 GMT
The strain placed on local roads is rapidly making city-centre commercial ports unfeasible.
Consultant proposes tourism strategy for Sultan Qaboos

19 June 2009, 17:39 GMT
UK's Atkins recommends change of use for ageing commercial port.
Riyadh ignores Palestinian plea to cancel rail contract

19 June 2009, 13:29 GMT
Saudi authorities continue to use France's Alstom on Mecca-Medina project.
Al-Rajhi Steel secures Haramain rail deal

18 June 2009, 15:03 GMT
Saudi Arabia's Al-Rajhi Steel Industries has signed a contract for the $6bn Haramain high-speed rail link between Mecca and Medina.
Abu Dhabi Airports Company to build Al-Ain logistics park

18 June 2009, 14:57 GMT
Abu Dhabi Airports Company (Adac) has announced a joint venture with the UAE's Helios SinoGulf Property Development to build a logistics and business park next to Al-Ain International airport.
Etihad signs $7bn aircraft engines deal

17 June 2009, 13:49 GMT
Etihad Airways has placed a $7bn order for 239 engines to power its 100 incoming new aircraft.
Riyadh receives military jets from UK

15 June 2009, 12:45 GMT
Saudi Arabia has taken delivery of two Eurofighter Typhoon jets from the UK, the first of an order for 72 aircraft worth Eu4.4bn ($9.2bn).
Gulf Air agrees $1.5bn Rolls-Royce contract

15 June 2009, 12:18 GMT
Gulf Air has agreed a deal with Rolls-Royce worth about $1.5bn for engines to power its incoming fleet of new aircraft.
Baghdad in talks to boost investment

12 June 2009, 18:24 GMT
Foreign investors could be given more rights as shortfall in project funding threatens to hit $70bn.
Riyadh prepares tenders for Mecca-Medina rail link

12 June 2009, 18:09 GMT
The second round of bidding on the Haramain high-speed rail project between Mecca and Medina is to start by the end of June, as the Saudi Railways Organisation (SRO) seeks to progress the $6bn link between the holy cities.
Dubai seeks to ease costs of metro line

12 June 2009, 18:06 GMT
The Dubai Metro's new Purple line now looks set to be built as a public-private partnership (PPP) as the Dubai government is keen to ease the financial burden on contractors.
Abu Dhabi launches study on impact of federal rail scheme

12 June 2009, 18:02 GMT
Union Railway Company to assess how rail link will affect all seven emirates.
Dubai considers central terminal to provide rail links to airports

11 June 2009, 12:59 GMT
A proposal by Dubai Airports to develop a central rail terminal in the city with connections to its two international airports through the main tourist and business areas, is now under consideration.
Suez Canal revenues decrease

11 June 2009, 12:50 GMT
Suez Canal revenues dipped in May, following two months when Cairo saw income from the waterway rise.
Iraqi Airways to start flights to London

11 June 2009, 12:43 GMT
Iraqi Airways says it could use planes borrowed from the US to restart direct flights between Baghdad and London.
Nas Air plans to expand international network

8 June 2009, 16:01 GMT
Nas Air has indicated it hopes to launch flights to India by early 2010, and is considering adding Pakistan and Turkey to its international network.
Systra to manage Casablanca tram project

8 June 2009, 12:33 GMT
France's Systra has been awarded the contract to carry out project management work on a new tram system in Casablanca.
Association predicts regional airlines losses of $1.5bn

8 June 2009, 12:12 GMT
Losses by Middle East airlines in 2009 will be far worse than previously expected, according to a warning from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Baghdad is right to issue bonds

5 June 2009, 17:44 GMT
The government has defeated insurgents, with this borrowing programme it can maintain peace.
Baghdad prepares $3bn bond issue to rebuild infrastructure

5 June 2009, 16:46 GMT
Public spending will focus on power, transport and infrastructure schemes.
US Navy to expand military presence at Mina Salman

5 June 2009, 15:37 GMT
The US' largest overseas-based fleet will take over the former commercial port.
Middle East defies global collapse in air cargo

4 June 2009, 15:58 GMT
The Middle East was the only region of the world to experience any growth in air cargo volumes during the first four months of 2009.
Baghdad approves changes to Investment Law

4 June 2009, 13:34 GMT
The Iraqi government has approved a bill amending the country's Investment Law, which will allow foreign companies to buy land dedicated to a specific investment project.
Fugro bids low for Salalah port deal

4 June 2009, 12:43 GMT
Fugro Middle East is the lowest bidder for a contract to carry out a technical investigation for two new berths proposed for the Port of Salalah.
Symbios bids low for Bahrain airport advisory work

3 June 2009, 16:43 GMT
Symbios is the lowest bidder for a contract to advise on general aviation strategy at the new Bahrain International airport.
Jazeera Airways adds Egypt and Iran to network

3 June 2009, 16:26 GMT
Jazeera Airways is to add two new destinations to its international network to coincide with the peak summer season.
Emirates signs aircraft maintenance deal with Engine Alliance

3 June 2009, 12:11 GMT
Emirates Airline has signed a $3bn fleet management deal with the Engine Alliance group.
Bahrain postpones Gulf Air investigation

2 June 2009, 16:25 GMT
Bahraini members of parliament (MPs) say they will delay a planned investigation into the financial affairs of national carrier Gulf Air.
Syria hosts talks on regional rail network

2 June 2009, 14:22 GMT
Syria, Jordan, Iran, Iraq and Turkey have held talks to promote greater co-operation over a regional rail network.
Gaza violence hits Palestinian hotel occupancy rates

2 June 2009, 13:36 GMT
Occupancy rates in Palestinian hotels fell sharply during the first quarter of 2009, hit by the violence in Gaza earlier in 2009.
DP World to manage Djen Djen port redevelopment

1 June 2009, 16:33 GMT
DP World has taken over the management of the Algerian port of Djen Djen and will oversee the redevelopment of the site.
Egypt to buy Apache helicopters from US

1 June 2009, 16:11 GMT
Egypt is to buy 12 US-made Apache military helicopters in a deal worth $820m.
Baghdad plans to redevelop Sadr City

1 June 2009, 12:17 GMT
Iraq is to launch an $800m programme to redevelop the Sadr City district of Baghdad in 2010. This is part of a $10bn plan to rebuild the area, which became notorious as a base for Shiite militias in the city.
Algiers invites bids on metro designs

29 May 2009, 17:24 GMT
The first phase of the project covers four packages on Lines 1 and 2 worth more than $1bn in total.
Loans will open Iraq to business

22 May 2009, 18:49 GMT
Foreign firms are desperate to tap into Iraq's potential but they need to be sure that they will get paid. The loan scheme gives that assurance.
Change of scope raises cost of Mecca-Medina rail stations

22 May 2009, 16:36 GMT
The cost of building the stations on the Haramain high-speed railway between Mecca and Medina will rise to more than SR6bn ($1.6bn) following changes to the scope of the plans.
Baghdad seeks $66bn to fund projects

22 May 2009, 16:26 GMT
Government needs parliamentary approval to use future oil revenues as collateral against bank loans.
Emirates Airline reports 80 per cent drop in profits

22 May 2009, 12:03 GMT
Emirates Airline has announced an 80.4 per cent fall in net profits to AED982m ($268m) for the 2008-9 financial year.
Regulator plans to open Jeddah airport terminal early

21 May 2009, 16:43 GMT
Saudi Arabia's aviation regulator hopes to cut up to a year off the construction time of the new Jeddah airport.
Emirates SkyCargo boosts revenues to $2bn

21 May 2009, 16:21 GMT
Emirates SkyCargo increased revenues by 14.8 per cent to AED7.7bn ($2.1bn) for its 2008-9 financial year.
Morocco to buy $142m jet for king

20 May 2009, 18:16 GMT
The Royal Moroccan Air Force will buy a modified Gulfstream jet to serve as dedicated air transport for King Mohammed VI.
Iraq divides Missan province to kick-start projects

20 May 2009, 17:35 GMT
Iraq will divide Missan province into five administrative districts making it easier to start key projects and oversee existing infrastructure work.
Poverty in Iraq reaches 23 per cent

20 May 2009, 13:00 GMT
About 23 per cent of the Iraqi population were stuck in poverty in 2007, according to a new report.
Palestinian unemployment decreases

19 May 2009, 17:19 GMT
Unemployment in the West Bank and Gaza dipped by 0.6 percentage points during the first quarter of 2009, but it remains high among young Palestinians.
Sheikh Khalifa restructures Etihad board

19 May 2009, 16:25 GMT
UAE President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed al-Nahyan has restructured the board of directors at Etihad Airways.
Babel commission seeks investors in Iraqi province

19 May 2009, 12:46 GMT
Babel province in central Iraq is seeking investors for four new projects.
Ibn Majid to build bridge in Basra

18 May 2009, 15:59 GMT
Iraq's Ibn Majid Company has won a contract to build a new bridge across the Shatt al-Arab waterway in southern Iraq.
Premium air travel sector struggles

18 May 2009, 15:30 GMT
The first and business class air travel market in the Middle East continued to struggle during March, with passenger numbers down 7.7 per cent compared with the same month in 2008.
Saudi Arabian Airlines increases flights to Lebanon

18 May 2009, 12:29 GMT
Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) will increase its number of flights to Beirut this summer by 50 per cent.
Riyadh should scrap unfair cap on domestic flights

15 May 2009, 18:31 GMT
Nas Air and Sama will finally get to raise fares on domestic flights by 25 per cent in early June.
Baghdad launches $180m hotel overhaul to increase visitors

15 May 2009, 17:04 GMT
Iraq has launched a $180m programme to refurbish six of the largest state-owned hotels in Baghdad as part of a wider effort to attract more business visitors and tourists to the country.
Saudi low-cost carriers claim victory in fares dispute

15 May 2009, 16:55 GMT
Nas Air and Sama say they expect announcement allowing them to increase domestic prices by 25 per cent.
Jazeera Airways announces $3.5m quarterly loss

14 May 2009, 16:30 GMT
Jazeera Airways recorded a net loss of KD1m ($3.5m) for the first quarter of 2009.
Wataniya Airways reveals losses

14 May 2009, 15:41 GMT
Wataniya Airways incurred a loss of KD2.7m ($9.4m) during the first quarter of 2009.
Regional passenger traffic rises

14 May 2009, 12:35 GMT
Air passenger traffic in the Middle East and North Africa increased sharply during March, but it fell within the Arabian Peninsula.
Palestinian government revenues fall 5.4 per cent

13 May 2009, 16:42 GMT
Palestinian government revenues were $316.6m during the first quarter of 2009, a fall of 5.4 per cent from the same period a year ago.
National Air Services has no plans to close Net Jets

13 May 2009, 16:18 GMT
National Air Services (NAS) says it has no plans to sell or wind up its private jet business, Net Jets Middle East (NJME), despite financial difficulties that have left the company struggling to pay its employees.
Sama completes management reshuffle

13 May 2009, 15:53 GMT
Sama has completed a reshuffle of its senior management in an attempt to restore stability to the privately owned airline after a turbulent winter.
Lufthansa bids low for Muscat airport work

12 May 2009, 16:34 GMT
Lufthansa Consulting is the lowest bidder for a contract to design and supervise the construction of cargo facilities at the new Muscat International airport.
Consolidated Contractors and Turkish firm win Muscat airport deal

12 May 2009, 16:16 GMT
Athens-based Consolidated Contractors International Company (CCC) and Turkey's TAV have won a RO500m ($1.3bn) construction contract for Muscat International Airport.
Alstom completes Moroccan rail work

12 May 2009, 13:05 GMT
Alstom has finished modernising signalling and telecoms systems on a railway line between Ennouasser and Jorf Lasfar in Morocco.
Baghdad to spend $100m on road and bridge repairs

11 May 2009, 14:28 GMT
The Baghdad Mayoralty has signed ID115bn ($99m) of contracts to repair roads and bridges around the Iraq capital.
Air Arabia profits rise 32 per cent

11 May 2009, 13:43 GMT
Air Arabia has reported AED103m ($28m) of net profits during the first quarter of 2009, an increase of 32 per cent on the same period in 2008.
Iraqi port requires swift decision

8 May 2009, 17:19 GMT
The right port in the right location will provide a massive boost to Iraq's economy, but it will need to win the confidence of investors.
Baghdad assesses rival plans to develop deep-sea port

8 May 2009, 17:02 GMT
Transport Ministry to choose between plans for new site or expansion of Al-Faw.
Iraq plans airport for holy cities

8 May 2009, 16:40 GMT
The Iraqi Transport Ministry is holding talks with France's Aeroports de Paris (AdP) over the design and construction of a $250m airport to serve the holy cities of Karbala and Najaf.
US to help fund Basra water and sewage projects

7 May 2009, 16:16 GMT
The US will allocate $30m of donor funds to build water and sewage projects in Basra.
Qatar Airways seeks compensation from Boeing

7 May 2009, 15:40 GMT
Qatar Airways is continuing to seek compensation from Boeing for the late delivery of its 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
Iraq and Iran to increase transport co-operation

7 May 2009, 15:15 GMT
Iraq and Iran have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to increase their co-operation in the transport sector.
Palestinian unemployment falls to 26 per cent

7 May 2009, 14:54 GMT
Palestinian unemployment has fallen to 26 per cent, down from 27.9 per cent at the end of 2007.
Jazeera Airways to issue annual dividend and bonus

7 May 2009, 12:41 GMT
Jazeera Airways will increase its share capital by 10 per cent and give the additional paper to its shareholders following the airline's surge in net profits last year.
Iran's Gaz Port to be managed by private firm

6 May 2009, 17:31 GMT
Gaz Port in the Iranian province of Golestan has been passed on to private management in a 50-year concession.
Iraq signs US military aircraft deal

6 May 2009, 16:52 GMT
Iraq will buy four military transport aircraft from the US in a deal worth up to $292m.
Jazeera Airways expands global network

6 May 2009, 15:40 GMT
Jazeera Airways is adding four new international destinations to its network from 1 June.
Salalah port profits drop 81 per cent

6 May 2009, 12:31 GMT
The Port of Salalah had an 81 per cent slump in first-quarter profits to OR300,000 ($780,000), down from OR1.5m during the same period in 2008.
Bell Helicopter signs deal with Iraq

5 May 2009, 16:48 GMT
Bell Helicopter has won a $60.3m contract to build and supply 24 helicopters for Iraq.
Nas Air plans to expand globally

5 May 2009, 16:29 GMT
Nas Air has announced it is adding six new destinations to the airline's international network before the end of June, with further expansion to follow during the second half of 2009.
Agility makes $127m profit

5 May 2009, 12:41 GMT
Agility generated net profits of KD3.7m ($127m) during the first quarter of 2009, a 1.3 per cent fall year-on-year.
Algiers is right to invest in railways

1 May 2009, 16:42 GMT
Algeria's spending on rebuilding its rail network is approaching the astronomical levels seen in the GCC.
Saudi Arabia launches airport city at Jeddah

1 May 2009, 14:15 GMT
Development to cover five square kilometres on land surrounding King Abdulaziz International airport.
Gulf Air shelves global expansion to focus on core markets

1 May 2009, 14:07 GMT
Gulf Air is shelving plans to expand its global network in 2009 and will instead focus on consolidating business on existing routes.
Algiers invites bids for $1.5bn rail link

1 May 2009, 11:39 GMT
Transport Ministry issues High Plateau tender as part of $3.7bn spending plan for network.
DAE Capital agrees aircraft funding with Export-Import Bank

29 April 2009, 16:51 GMT
DAE Capital has agreed a $500m-plus financing deal for 10 aircraft with the US Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im Bank).
Iraq plans rail link to Syria

29 April 2009, 14:56 GMT
Iraq says it hopes to open a rail route to Syria later in 2009, reopening an old trade route between the Gulf and southern Europe through Baghdad.
Downturn hits regional air cargo industry

28 April 2009, 16:26 GMT
The Middle East’s air cargo industry fell into deeper trouble during March, with volumes falling 7.6 per cent year-on-year.
Gulf Navigation profits drop 85 per cent

28 April 2009, 13:20 GMT
The shipping group Gulf Navigation Holding has reported an 85 per cent drop in first-quarter profits.
Regional air passenger traffic increases

28 April 2009, 12:44 GMT
Middle East aviation enjoyed a strong month in March with passenger traffic growing by 4.7 per cent year-on-year.
Private firms will usher in new era in Saudi

24 April 2009, 16:48 GMT
Bringing in the private sector is critical if the kingdom is to become competitive in the long term.
Private sector to expand and operate Medina International in Saudi

24 April 2009, 15:47 GMT
Airport will be the first in the kingdom to be developed under a public-private partnership deal.
Royal Jordanian seeks to take advantage of low oil prices

24 April 2009, 15:13 GMT
National carrier considers three-year hedging strategy to lock in cheap fuel.
BNP Paribas leads advisory team on $6.4bn Jordanian rail link

24 April 2009, 14:00 GMT
The rail track will run between Aqaba port and the Syrian border via Amman.
Abu Dhabi prepares to open airport logistics zone

22 April 2009, 16:20 GMT
Abu Dhabi International airport will sign up the first companies for its logistics zone by the end of the year.
Gulf Air to end lease agreement with Indian airline

22 April 2009, 16:02 GMT
Gulf Air has confirmed a MEED report that it will ditch a long-term agreement to lease four Boeing 777 ER aircraft from Indian carrier Jet Airways.
BAE Systems wins Iraqi armoured cars deal

22 April 2009, 15:36 GMT
BAE Systems has won a $47m contract from the US Department of Defense to provide support services for armoured vehicles in use by multi-national forces in Iraq.
Iraq to build Basra tourist complex

21 April 2009, 16:18 GMT
Iraq will build a $107m tourist compound on the coast of the Shatt al-Arab waterway in Basra province.
Oman delays tenders for Salalah port work

21 April 2009, 15:44 GMT
The Omani government has delayed tenders for the construction of three new berths at the Port of Salalah until the summer as consultants on the project revise the masterplan.
Iraq holds talks over Al-Faw port design

21 April 2009, 12:29 GMT
Iraq will begin talks with companies over the design and construction of a new €2.8bn ($3.6bn) port at Al-Faw in Basra province.
Moroccan airports to get African Development Bank loan

20 April 2009, 16:03 GMT
Morocco will get a €240m ($310m) loan from the African Development Bank (ADB) to assist in the redevelopment of the country’s airport infrastructure.
Emirates targets Asian expansion in 2009

20 April 2009, 15:40 GMT
Emirates Airline is continuing to target the Asian market, increasing its number of flights from Dubai to Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta.
Royal Jordanian suffers $33m loss

20 April 2009, 13:06 GMT
Royal Jordanian suffered a loss of JD23m ($32.5m) in 2008, despite a 29 per cent increase in the company’s revenues to JD702.7m.
Jeddah airport revamp is long overdue

17 April 2009, 18:36 GMT
Word has gone out to all involved that work must be accelerated. Five years is a long time to wait for the kingdom’s showpiece airport.
Riyadh fast-tracks Jeddah airport deals

17 April 2009, 18:06 GMT
Tenders on major construction contracts brought forward, with bidding for foundations to start in May.
Designs delay bidding on Saudi rail stations

17 April 2009, 17:27 GMT
Riyadh will delay bidding for the second phase of the Haramain high-speed railway between Mecca and Medina while an architect draws up designs for the stations on the proposed rail link.
April delivers surge in Suez Canal traffic

17 April 2009, 17:20 GMT
Authorities hope increase in revenues heralds a recovery in international trade and shipping.
Gulf Air to cancel aircraft lease deal

17 April 2009, 15:42 GMT
Plans to hire four Boeings from Jet Airways are abandoned weeks after the agreement was announced.
Firms withdraw from $1.3bn Dubai airport deal

16 April 2009, 16:04 GMT
The joint venture of South Africa's Murray & Roberts, Japan's Takenaka and the local Al-Habtoor Engineering (HMRT) has pulled out of its $1.33bn contract to build Concourse 3 at Dubai International Airport.
Palestinian economy grows 2 per cent

16 April 2009, 13:30 GMT
The Palestinian economy grew 2.3 per cent in 2008, despite a sharp downturn during the final quarter.
Downturn hits premium air travel market

16 April 2009, 12:58 GMT
The decline in first and business class air travel in the Middle East increased in February, with an 11.6 per cent fall year-on-year.
NK Trucks signs deal with Iraq to renovate railway

15 April 2009, 16:56 GMT
The Iraqi Transport Ministry has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Austrian group NK Trucks to renovate the country's railway rolling stock.
Government unveils Jeddah transport masterplan

15 April 2009, 13:24 GMT
The Saudi Transport Ministry has unveiled a new transport masterplan for Jeddah, including a SR21bn ($5.6bn) monorail. The plan, drawn up by Canada’s IBI Group and put forward by Transport Minister Jabara al-Seraisry, will also provide about 800 new buses and a tram network.
Muscat bails out Oman Air

14 April 2009, 16:27 GMT
Oman Air has received a $650m government bail-out after announcing a drop in profits in 2008. At an extraordinary general meeting on 12 April, the state carrier revealed Muscat increased its working capital to RO300m ($780m) from its previous level of RO50m.
Syrian Arab Airlines plans Gulf expansion

14 April 2009, 13:10 GMT
Syrian Arab Airlines hopes to launch fligts from Damascus to new destinations in the Gulf during April after leasing a new Airbus A320 aircraft.
Suez Canal revenues drop 21.5 per cent

14 April 2009, 12:43 GMT
Revenues at the Suez Canal were $328m in March, a decline of 21.5 per cent year-on-year.
Risk must be acceptable in Iraq

9 April 2009, 19:27 GMT
The elements that seek to divide Iraq will not be eradicated overnight. Companies accept that Iraq is a high-risk, high-return market.
Saudia opens talks over merger

9 April 2009, 18:22 GMT
Saudia Arabian Airlines (Saudia) has opened negotiations with local and international groups, with the aim of merging its ground handling business with another company in the sector.
Jordan changes strategy on Amman to Zarqa rail project

9 April 2009, 17:31 GMT
Contract with winning consortium is cancelled following failure to raise funds.
Emirates Airline to launch flights to Angola

8 April 2009, 16:04 GMT
Emirates Airline has announced it will launch flights to Angola from 2 August.
Riyadh buys missiles from Raytheon

8 April 2009, 14:54 GMT
Saudi Arabia has purchased $100m of air-to-air missiles from the US defence group Raytheon.
Saudia agrees $900m Rolls-Royce deal

8 April 2009, 14:32 GMT
Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) has finalised a deal with Rolls-Royce for engineering and maintenance worth up to $900m at list prices.
Baghdad back in business

8 April 2009, 14:32 GMT
International firms are seeking opportunities in Iraq as security improves and the GCC projects market slows.
Iraq to rebuild border crossing with Syria

7 April 2009, 16:27 GMT
Iraq has employed an unnamed Ukrainian company to redevelop its border crossing into the Syrian town of Rabia at a cost of up to $5m.
Abu Dhabi airport passenger capacity rises to 12 million

7 April 2009, 13:47 GMT
Abu Dhabi International airport now has capacity for 12 million passengers a year after its Etihad terminal became fully operational.
Saudi Binladin and Thales sign rail deal

7 April 2009, 13:09 GMT
Saudi Binladin Group (SBG) and France’s Thales have signed a contract to provide signalling and telecoms networks on Saudi Arabia’s North-South minerals railway.
BDO Jawad Habib bids low for Oman airport deal

6 April 2009, 16:26 GMT
BDO Jawad Habib is the lowest bidder for a contract to provide consultancy services to Oman’s Transport & Communications Ministry for the overhaul of the country’s airports.
FlyDubai set to offer flights to Beirut and Amman

6 April 2009, 13:35 GMT
FlyDubai, the UAE’s new low-cost carrier, will launch at the beginning of June with flights to Beirut and Amman.
Iran plans $1.2bn rail link with Armenia

6 April 2009, 12:59 GMT
Iran has reached an agreement with Armenia to establish a $1.2bn rail link between the two countries.
Work begins on Baghdad airport masterplan

3 April 2009, 17:58 GMT
The Baghdad Mayoralty and Iraq’s Transport Ministry will begin drafting a formal masterplan in the summer for the $50bn redevelopment of the area around Baghdad International airport.
Palestinian economy set to contract

3 April 2009, 16:08 GMT
The economy of the West Bank and Gaza will contract by 3.6 per cent this year, according to the Palestinian National Authority’s official statistics agency.
British Airways increases Gulf flights

2 April 2009, 16:44 GMT
British Airways (BA) will increase the number of its flights to the Gulf by 35 per cent from this summer, demonstrating its continued faith in the strength of the regional aviation market.
Putting Baghdad back together

2 April 2009, 15:26 GMT
The masterplan for the development of the Iraqi capital is due for completion this year, with the aim of uniting communities that have been divided by war.
Iran holds talks over supply routes for German troops in Afghanistan

2 April 2009, 12:33 GMT
Iran is talking to German logistics groups about establishing new non-military supply routes into Afghanistan.
Nortel wins Algerian rail communications contract

2 April 2009, 12:18 GMT
Algeria has selected the US telecoms group Nortel to deploy a wireless mobile communications system on a new railway line in the country.
Abu Dhabi unveils $20bn transport masterplan

1 April 2009, 16:56 GMT
The Abu Dhabi Department of Transport has unveiled its full $20bn masterplan for the emirate.
Agency upgrades Lebanese bond rating

1 April 2009, 16:30 GMT
Moody's Investors Service has upgraded Lebanon’s local and foreign currency government bond ratings.
Gulf Air agrees $75m loan from Standard Chartered

1 April 2009, 12:55 GMT
Gulf Air has agreed a $75m loan from the UK's Standard Chartered Bank to fund the airline’s development.
Bahrain Gateway port opens

31 March 2009, 15:52 GMT
The Bahrain Gateway at Khalifa Bin Salman Port has opened on schedule and is expected to receive its first container vessel by mid-April.
Arinc wins Iraqi helicopter deal

31 March 2009, 13:07 GMT
Aeronautical Radio Incorporated (Arinc) has won an $80.6m contract to procure and deliver 22 helicopters to Iraq.
Bahrain Air aims to go public

31 March 2009, 12:22 GMT
Bahrain Air could go public next year if the company meets its target of breaking even in 2010.
Etihad expands global network

30 March 2009, 16:12 GMT
Etihad Airways is increasing the number of flights across its network by 20 per cent as part of an expanded summer schedule for 2009.
Emirates increases regional flights

30 March 2009, 12:54 GMT
Emirates Airline will increase the frequency of its flights to Dammam, Beirut and Tehran, capitalising on high traffic volumes on these routes.
Iraqi Airways flies to Europe

30 March 2009, 12:32 GMT
Baghdad has revealed that Iraqi Airways carried out its first flight to a European Union destination since 1990 at the end of March.
Baghdad masterplan will bring investment

27 March 2009, 20:31 GMT
A Baghdad masterplan will show potential foreign investors that the government has regained its grip.
Infrastructure masterplan for Baghdad approaches completion

27 March 2009, 19:29 GMT
Plan will cover sectors including transport, power, water and housing.
Iraqi industrial rail link to reopen following renovation work

27 March 2009, 18:33 GMT
Iraq’s western minerals railway will reopen by the end of 2009 following rebuilding work on a bridge in the Al-Anbar province, US sources in Iraq tell MEED.
Four groups set to sign deals for Rasheed airbase upgrade

27 March 2009, 18:05 GMT
Government will confirm plans for the $20bn redevelopment by mid-April.
Key Saudi schemes set to move ahead

26 March 2009, 16:29 GMT
Despite billions of dollars worth of investment, the kingdom’s transport system remains inadequate. However, significant progress is expected on a series of major projects this year.
Regional air cargo drops 4.8 per cent

26 March 2009, 15:48 GMT
The Middle East's air cargo industry continued to struggle in February, with volumes down 4.8 per cent on the previous year as a result of the collapse in international trade.
Etihad moves to airport terminal

26 March 2009, 13:30 GMT
Etihad Airways has completed the migration of its long-haul international services to the new Terminal 3 at Abu Dhabi International airport.
Passenger numbers stabilise on regional airlines

26 March 2009, 13:05 GMT
Passenger numbers on Middle East airlines stabilised in February, but capacity continues to exceed demand.
Daimler to sell 260 buses to Dubai

25 March 2009, 16:56 GMT
Daimler has announced a contract to supply 260 city buses to Dubai.
Kurdish parliament amends election law

25 March 2009, 16:34 GMT
The Kurdish regional parliament has agreed to amendments to election legislation ahead of polls in northern Iraq scheduled for 19 May.
DP World profits rise 48 per cent

25 March 2009, 12:51 GMT
DP World generated net profits of $621m in 2008, an increase of 48 per cent on 2007, but the company has experienced a sharp decline in trade volumes during the final quarter of the year.
Etihad expands Africa cargo business

24 March 2009, 15:11 GMT
Etihad Airways is expanding its cargo network in Africa after concluding an agreement to share networks with the Kenyan freight carrier, Astral Aviation.
Agility net profits fall 8.4 per cent in 2008

24 March 2009, 13:07 GMT
Agility recorded net profits of KD141m ($486m) in 2008, a fall of 8.4 per cent from the KD154m it registered in 2007.
Gulf aviation sector faces $900m losses in 2009

24 March 2009, 12:41 GMT
Middle East airlines are likely to suffer losses of $900m in 2009 despite a slight rise in passengers.
Air Arabia approves $3m annual dividend

23 March 2009, 16:04 GMT
Air Arabia has approved a $3m annual dividend for its shareholders, equivalent to 10 per cent of the company’s share capital.
Abu Dhabi International enjoys 6 per cent passenger growth

23 March 2009, 13:22 GMT
Abu Dhabi International airport enjoyed a 6 per cent increase in passenger numbers in February, driven by a surge in traffic from India.
UAE approves inter-emirate rail project

23 March 2009, 12:54 GMT
The UAE government has formally approved construction of the federal rail network that will link all the emirates in the country.
Saudi railway progress should ease fears

20 March 2009, 18:07 GMT
Much depends on the kingdom proving that the region can deliver rail projects on time and on budget.
Kuwait seeks consultants for Shuaiba

20 March 2009, 17:17 GMT
Kuwait is inviting international consultants to draw up a master-plan to redevelop and expand the country’s port at Shuaiba.
Saudi firms in line for North-South rail deal

20 March 2009, 12:35 GMT
Joint venture of Al-Ayuni and Al-Omer expects award of retendered fourth package within three months.
Iraq to buy 140 tanks from US

19 March 2009, 16:11 GMT
Iraq is purchasing 140 upgraded Abrams battle tanks from the US.
DP World to manage Port of Algiers

19 March 2009, 13:31 GMT
DP World has won the contract to run the Port of Algiers on a 30-year concession.
Agency set to review Kuwait rating

19 March 2009, 13:12 GMT
Kuwait’s sovereign credit rating has been placed under review for a possible downgrade by Moody’s.
Regional premium air travel falls 9.4 per cent

18 March 2009, 16:23 GMT
Business and first class air travel in the Middle East was down 9.4 per cent in January compared with the same period in 2008.
Emirates reduces New York flights as demand falls

18 March 2009, 15:03 GMT
Emirates Airline is to pull its Airbus A380 superjumbos from flights to New York's JFK airport due to falling passenger demand.
Agency issues credit rating to Libya

18 March 2009, 12:52 GMT
Standard & Poor’s (S&P), a US ratings agency, has issued its first credit rating for Libya, assigning the country A- for its long-term prospects and an A-2 rating for the short-term.
Lebanese court appoints Consolidated administrators in Masri case

17 March 2009, 16:55 GMT
A Lebanese court has appointed administrators to manage two divisions of the Athens-registered Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC) in the latest development in CCC's long-running legal battle with Palestinian businessman Munib Masri.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi consider linking metro projects

17 March 2009, 13:25 GMT
Dubai and Abu Dhabi could link their respective metro systems at the border between the two emirates.
Dubai debt position stable despite downgrade

17 March 2009, 12:57 GMT
Dubai is in no immediate danger of defaulting on its debt despite a downgrade in the credit rating of six companies owned by the emirate.
Mahan Air to boost German flights after ban lifted

16 March 2009, 15:58 GMT
Mahan Air has revealed plans to double its flight frequency to the German city of Dusseldorf this summer, expanding its European network after a ban was repealed in 2008.
Jazeera Airways profits rise 94 per cent

16 March 2009, 15:29 GMT
Jazeera Airways has announced annual net profits of KD4.44m ($15.1m) for 2008, an increase of 94 per cent year-on-year from the KD2.28m recorded in 2007.
Tehran signs rail accord with Russia and Azerbaijan

16 March 2009, 15:04 GMT
Iran has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to build a cross-border rail link to Azerbaijan.
Value of bridge between Qatar and Bahrain outweighs cost

13 March 2009, 17:48 GMT
Compared with some of the more vainglorious schemes around the region, an overrun of $1bn is not too dramatic.
Rail link forces redesign of bridge between Qatar and Bahrain

13 March 2009, 16:54 GMT
Revision to design of Qatar-Bahrain bridge to enable it to carry trains is expected to cost $1bn.
Jeddah commits to $1bn roads plan

13 March 2009, 16:46 GMT
Project to build bridges and roads to ease congestion around the city’s port will take two years to complete.
Abu Dhabi reviews Khalifa port plan

13 March 2009, 16:12 GMT
Revisions will take into account the needs of new customers and seek to improve integration.
Bidding to start for second phase of Haramain rail link in Saudi Arabia

13 March 2009, 15:38 GMT
Bidding on the second phase of the $6bn Haramain high-speed rail project between Mecca and Medina will start in April.
Flydubai to launch from Dubai International Airport

12 March 2009, 15:49 GMT
Flydubai has announced it will begin operations this summer from Terminal 2 at Dubai International Airport.
Baghdad to spend $170m on rebuilding streets

12 March 2009, 15:36 GMT
The Baghdad Secretariat has allocated ID200bn ($173m) from the authority’s operational budget to renovate the city’s streets.
Karbala launches housing project

11 March 2009, 17:09 GMT
The investment commission in Karbala has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with an unnamed Lebanese contractor to build 15,000 residential units south of the holy city.
Etihad signs Qantas codeshare deal

11 March 2009, 16:42 GMT
Etihad Airways has announced a codeshare agreement with Qantas, offering a host of new destinations in its international network.
Kayala Airline to suspend flights

11 March 2009, 13:24 GMT
Kayala Airline has announced that it will suspend flights from 1 April.
Kuwait Airways renews Jordanian maintenance deal

10 March 2009, 16:36 GMT
Kuwait Airways (KAC) has renewed an aviation maintenance contract with Jordan Aircraft Maintenance Limited (Joramco).
Iraq plans $70m road projects

10 March 2009, 13:46 GMT
Iraq has allocated about $70m for new road construction projects in Wassit and Missan provinces.
Emirates cuts flights to China

10 March 2009, 13:12 GMT
Emirates Airline is cutting its number of flights on routes to China because of a dip in traffic as a result of the economic downturn.
Kurdish parliament to debate election law

9 March 2009, 15:53 GMT
The Kurdish regional parliament in northern Iraq will debate amendments to election legislation on 10 March ahead of a regional poll scheduled for 19 May.
Oman Air to launch new routes

9 March 2009, 12:22 GMT
Oman Air has announced plans to add four new international destinations to its network later in 2009.
Palestinian leader resigns to aid power-sharing deal

9 March 2009, 12:07 GMT
The Palestinian Prime Minister, Salam Fayyad, has resigned in a bid to help re-establish a power-sharing government between Fatah and Hamas in the Occupied Territories.
Tehran's aviation sale demands bold action

8 March 2009, 12:36 GMT
Iran’s aviation sector is crying out for investment and reorganisation. Tehran will not reap benefits unless it keeps its privatisation on track.
Tehran to launch Iran Air privatisation

6 March 2009, 16:54 GMT
Iran will launch a complete restructuring of the nation’s aviation sector this year, beginning with the privatisation of the national airline, Iran Air, and the introduction of foreign management to the country’s airports.Tehran will also restructure the country’s Civil Aviation Organisation (CAO), by breaking up the watchdog to leave a core regulatory unit.
Riyadh in talks with defence firm over manufacturing deal

6 March 2009, 16:43 GMT
UK’s BAE Systems considers building armoured vehicles in the kingdom.
Baghdad passes $58bn budget for 2009

5 March 2009, 16:09 GMT
The Iraqi parliament has passed the $58.6bn national budget for 2009 after cutting about $3.4bn from the final sum because of falling oil prices.
Interview: Paul Griffiths, Dubai Airports

5 March 2009, 16:00 GMT
The man overseeing the world’s largest airport investment programme discusses the impact of the global downturn on the aviation sector, and reveals how Dubai's long-term vision remains in place.
Kuwait Airways predicts $710m revenues

5 March 2009, 12:52 GMT
Kuwait Airways (KAC) says it expects company revenues to reach KD210m ($710m) in 2009.
Oman and Qatar sign open-skies accord

5 March 2009, 12:37 GMT
Oman and Qatar have signed an agreement to establish open skies between the two countries.
Royal Jordanian to launch flights to Brussels

4 March 2009, 16:50 GMT
Royal Jordanian will launch flights between Amman and Brussels from 1 April.
Iran and Turkey to boost transport links

4 March 2009, 12:55 GMT
Iran has agreed to expand its bilateral co-operation on transport and trade with Turkey.
Iraq plans to build airport in Diwanya

4 March 2009, 12:33 GMT
The Iraq National Investment Commission (Inic) is inviting expressions of interest from contractors keen to build a $250m airport in Diwanya.
Traffic surge at Iraqi ports increases revenues

3 March 2009, 12:38 GMT
Iraq’s ports generated a 20 per cent increase in revenue during February. According to figures released on 3 March, shipping traffic rose 46 per cent during the month.
Al-Rajhi Alliance to sign Haramain rail deal

3 March 2009, 12:22 GMT
The Al-Rajhi Alliance will sign a contract to carry out civil works for the Haramain high-speed rail link between Mecca and Medina on 4 March.
DAE Capital agrees lease deal with Garuda Indonesia

2 March 2009, 15:03 GMT
DAE Capital has agreed to lease eight 737-800 aircraft to Garuda Indonesia.
Syrian Air leases short-haul plane from Jordan

2 March 2009, 15:00 GMT
Syrian Arab Airlines has announced that it will lease an Airbus A320 aircraft from Royal Jordanian.
Tehran to privatise national airline

2 March 2009, 14:56 GMT
Tehran is preparing to privatise the national carrier Iran Air and its subsidiary Iran Air Tours.
State protectionism threatens future of Middle East airlines

1 March 2009, 8:01 GMT
Industry body calls for consolidation and a regional ‘open skies’ policy.
Riyadh approves plans to replace railways regulator

1 March 2009, 7:52 GMT
Riyadh has approved plans to close the Saudi Railways Organisation (SRO) and replace it with a new regulatory body to oversee the kingdom’s $25bn rail programme.
Airbus awaits US approval for Syria deal

1 March 2009, 7:15 GMT
Airbus is waiting for clearance from the US State Department for the sale of up to 15 aircraft to Syria in a deal worth about $1.5bn.
Gaca approves King Abdulaziz airport design changes

1 March 2009, 7:00 GMT
Major changes to the construction of the new passenger terminal at King Abdulaziz airport in Jeddah have been agreed by France’s Aeroports de Paris, and the General Authority of Civil Aviation (Gaca).
Baghdad plans $50bn airport development

26 February 2009, 12:21 GMT
Iraq says it has begun planning $50bn worth of development in the area surrounding Baghdad International airport.
Abu Dhabi Ship Building wins navy contract

26 February 2009, 12:16 GMT
Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) has agreed a AED930m ($253m) deal to build 12 new ships and refit a further 12 vessels for the UAE's navy.
Growth in airline capacity continues to outpace rising passenger numbers

26 February 2009, 12:12 GMT
The Middle East was the only region to enjoy growth in aviation passenger numbers during January, but cargo traffic fell sharply and capacity continues to far exceed demand.
DP World expresses interest in $750m Indian container project

25 February 2009, 14:00 GMT
DP World has expressed an interest in building India’s planned $750m container port in Chennai.
Saudia agrees $300m maintenance deal

25 February 2009, 13:57 GMT
Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) has signed a 10-year engine maintenance deal with GE Aviation Services worth $300m.
DP World to freeze tariffs at Jebel Ali

25 February 2009, 13:53 GMT
DP World has announced that it will maintain last year’s tariff rates on cargo at its port in Jebel Ali.
Mubadala agrees military aircraft maintenance deal

24 February 2009, 14:10 GMT
Mubadala Development Company has signed an agreement to establish a military aircraft maintenance facility, in a joint venture with the US' Sikorsky Aerospace Services.
Mosul airport establishes air link with UAE

24 February 2009, 14:07 GMT
Mosul International airport has received its first international flight from the UAE since reopening in December.
RAK Airways in talks over government bailout

24 February 2009, 14:03 GMT
RAK Airways is in discussions with its state owners over a government bailout to save the airline.
Gulf Air leases four more long-haul aircraft

23 February 2009, 13:19 GMT
Gulf Air has agreed a deal to lease four new Boeing 777 ER aircraft from the Indian carrier Jet Airways.
Middle East aviation faces $2.5bn loss in 2009

23 February 2009, 13:16 GMT
The Middle East aviation industry will lose some $2.5bn this year as the global economic downturn hits, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Ras Al Khaimah opens talks with foreign airlines

23 February 2009, 13:13 GMT
Ras Al Khaimah International airport has opened talks with a range of foreign airlines to boost traffic.
Air Arabia outlines 2009 expansion

22 February 2009, 13:52 GMT
Air Arabia will add four new aircrafts to its fleet and open two new international routes this year.
Abu Dhabi airport contract to be awarded during second quarter

22 February 2009, 13:49 GMT
Abu Dhabi Airports Company (Adac) expects to award the main construction for the $6.8bn third passenger terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport during the second financial quarter of the year.
Dubai must phase airport expansion

22 February 2009, 8:46 GMT
The economic downturn has forced Dubai to face the truth that aviation growth cannot be taken for granted.
Acwa and Binladin to build Saudi Landbridge

22 February 2009, 7:29 GMT
Consortium led by local firms set to win contract for rail link after submitting lowest of three bids.
Baghdad seeks consultants to redraw metro masterplan

22 February 2009, 7:11 GMT
Baghdad officials are inviting international consultants to help redraft the masterplan for the capital’s $3bn metro project.
Dubai reviews airport expansion plans

22 February 2009, 6:55 GMT
Airports operator has launched a study for a fourth terminal to increase capacity at Dubai International.
Emirates outlines fleet expansion plans for 2010

19 February 2009, 13:49 GMT
Emirates Airline’s fleet expansion strategy for 2009-2010 will see a radical increase in passenger and cargo capacity.
US to build Iraqi naval facilities at Umm Qasr

19 February 2009, 13:46 GMT
The Iraqi navy has approved plans for the construction of a $53m naval pier and seawall by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) at Iraq’s main deep sea port of Umm Qasr.
Iraq tenders three more berths at Umm Qasr port

18 February 2009, 15:34 GMT
Iraq has issued tenders inviting foreign shipping companies to run three new berths at the country’s main deep sea port of Umm Qasr.
Baghdad allocates $630m to transport spending

18 February 2009, 15:30 GMT
Iraq has allocated $630m of spending in its national budget for 2009 to transport projects and investment.
Iraq plans for full control of airspace within a year

18 February 2009, 15:25 GMT
Iraq has agreed a timetable with the US that could see the country take back full control of its airspace by early next year, for the first time since 1990.
Suez canal revenues slump in January

17 February 2009, 14:44 GMT
Revenues from the Suez Canal fell to $332m in January, a drop of 20 per cent from $414m in January last year.
Iranian firm wins $1.5bn contract to rebuild Basra

17 February 2009, 14:38 GMT
The Basra Investment Commission has awarded a $1.5bn contract to redevelop parts of the city of Basra to an unnamed construction firm from Iran.
Oman Air to lease aircraft from Jet Airways

17 February 2009, 14:34 GMT
Oman Air is to lease two aircraft from the Indian carrier Jet Airways.
Russian Railways begins work on Tabriz-Azar Shahr railway

16 February 2009, 13:19 GMT
Russian Railways has begun work to overhaul the electrical systems on the rail line between Tabriz and Azar Shahr in Iran.
Air Arabia profits up 35 per cent to $140m

16 February 2009, 13:13 GMT
Air Arabia has announced net profits of AED510m ($139m) for 2008, an increase of 35.6 per cent on the previous year.
Iraqi public sector workforce too big says UN

16 February 2009, 13:08 GMT
The proportion of Iraqis employed in the public sector has doubled in the last three years and is untenable given the slump in oil prices, according to a new report from the UN.
Port operators can gain advantage

15 February 2009, 11:38 GMT
The short-term fall in traffic offers a good opportunity for operators to focus on efficiency.
Parsons Brinckerhoff to assess Dubai railway network

15 February 2009, 8:48 GMT
The US’ Parsons Brinckerhoff is to carry out an integrated rail transit study for Dubai, incorporating all of the emirate’s current projects.
Muscat awards rail study deal to Systra

15 February 2009, 8:31 GMT
French firm to conduct four-month assessment for first phase of Omani section of the GCC Railway.
The Gulf’s $100bn ports dilemma

15 February 2009, 7:24 GMT
Should operators continue investing in capacity expansions or risk losing out when the recovery begins?
GCC railway set to receive final approval

15 February 2009, 7:16 GMT
Member states expected to endorse $14bn investment in 1,500-kilometre rail link in the summer.
Riyadh to award two key contracts on North-South railway

15 February 2009, 7:00 GMT
Two major contracts on the North-South minerals railway project will be awarded by the end of March, officials close to the project tell MEED.
Jeddah port officials propose plan to ease road congestion

15 February 2009, 6:21 GMT
$1bn project is aimed at improving traffic flow around Jeddah Islamic Port.
Flydubai to launch with flights to India

12 February 2009, 17:19 GMT
Flydubai will launch this summer with flights to five Indian cities.
Palestinian National Authority approves plan for Rawabi new town

12 February 2009, 17:08 GMT
The Palestinian National Authority (PNA) has approved the masterplan for Rawabi, a new town it plans to build in the West Bank.
Iraq seeks customs equipment for southern ports

12 February 2009, 16:59 GMT
Iraq is seeking international companies to modernise cargo scanning and logging systems at the nation’s ports.
China Railway wins $1.8bn contract for Mecca monorail

11 February 2009, 16:23 GMT
China Railway Corporation has signed a contract to build a $1.8bn monorail in Mecca.
Iraq seeks investment from Emirates International

11 February 2009, 16:19 GMT
Baghdad says it is in talks with Emirates International Investment Company (EIIC) over potential investment in the Iraqi real estate sector by the UAE group.
Saudia seeks pilots for Hajj airline

11 February 2009, 16:14 GMT
Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) has begun recruiting pilots for its new Hajj and Umrah airline, Al Wafeer.
Iraq reopens passenger railway from Baghdad to Falluja

10 February 2009, 13:50 GMT
Iraq has reopened the first passenger rail services for five years between Baghdad and Falluja.
UAE construction groups in talks over Karbala investments

10 February 2009, 13:43 GMT
Iraqi authorities have held talks with construction groups from the UAE in an attempt to bring new investment to Karbala.
Jazeera Airways unveils former Sama boss as chief executive

10 February 2009, 13:39 GMT
Jazeera Airways has appointed Andrew Cowen as the company’s new chief executive officer.
Dar al Handasah appointed for Oman port study

9 February 2009, 14:10 GMT
The Omani government has appointed Dar Al Handasah (Shair & Partners) as consultant for a feasibility study into the development of a full commercial port at Shinas.
Iraq ready to issue licences to foreign airlines

9 February 2009, 14:06 GMT
Iraq has indicated it is ready to grant licences to any international carrier wishing to establish air links with the country.
Saudia cuts international fares

9 February 2009, 14:03 GMT
Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) is to cut fares on its international network by up to 50 per cent, in an effort to compete more effectively with rival carriers.
Tehran to invest $1.2bn in port upgrades

8 February 2009, 11:56 GMT
Islamic Republic earmarks funds to improve infrastructure and masterplans cross-country trade corridor.
Atkins to assess viability of Sultan Qaboos port overhaul

8 February 2009, 11:28 GMT
UK consultant Atkins is to conduct a feasibility study into a planned overhaul of Muscat’s Sultan Qaboos port.
Four groups vie to build port at Aqaba

8 February 2009, 11:21 GMT
Four consortiums will submit bids to Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) in April to build the new port at Aqaba, Jordan.
Kurdistan considers provincial rail network

5 February 2009, 13:01 GMT
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is considering a proposal for a rail network that would link Iraq’s northern Kurdish provinces.
Delays force Lcal to cancel Boeing Dreamliner orders

5 February 2009, 12:58 GMT
Lcal has cancelled 16 of the 21 Boeing 787 Dreamliners it has on order, in the face of continued delays to the aircraft.
Abu Dhabi shortlists five for highway to Saudi Arabia and Qatar

5 February 2009, 12:53 GMT
The Abu Dhabi Transport Department has shortlisted five consortiums to build a AED10bn ($2.7bn) highway from the emirate to Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Saudia cuts Bangladesh flights as labour market dries up

4 February 2009, 16:16 GMT
Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) is to cut the number of flights to Bangladesh by a third to account for the decline in migrant labour traffic as a result of the global recession.
Economic Zones World targets US, China, and India

4 February 2009, 16:12 GMT
The UAE's Economic Zones World will move ahead with projects in the US, China and India this year, but will keep other international projects under review while it assesses the impact of the economic downturn.
Salalah port revises tariff structure

4 February 2009, 16:08 GMT
Omani transport authorities are preparing to change their concession structure for companies operating from the Port of Salalah to build on the expansion of the business.
DP World close to 35-year concession at Sokhna

3 February 2009, 15:14 GMT
DP World has opened negotiations with the Egyptian government to finalise a new concession agreement at the Red Sea port of Sokhna.
Iran opens new Gulf container port

2 February 2009, 13:54 GMT
Iran has completed work on a new port at Aftab on the country’s Gulf coast.
DP World to open second port terminal in February

2 February 2009, 13:51 GMT
Dubai’s DP World will open the second terminal of Jebel Ali port at the end of February, increasing capacity at the site by more than 50 per cent, according to DP World’s senior vice president for commercial and corporate strategy Anwar Wajdi.
Iraq to reopen Baghdad-Falluja railway

2 February 2009, 13:48 GMT
Baghdad is close to completing repairs on its minerals railway in the west of the country, and will open a section of the track between Baghdad and Falluja by mid-February.
Three bid for re-tendered Saudi Landbridge project

1 February 2009, 13:53 GMT
All three expected consortiums met the 31 January deadline for bids to build the Saudi Landbridge rail project, including a joint submission between the two former leading groups.
Doha to invite international operators to run Mesaieed Port

1 February 2009, 13:51 GMT
Qatar is poised to issue tenders for select international companies to take over management of operations at Mesaieed Port.
APM Terminals reaches agreement over Bahrain Gateway

1 February 2009, 13:49 GMT
APM Terminals (APMT) has agreed a schedule with the Bahraini government for commencing operations at the Khalifa Bin Salman Port.
Iraq’s provincial polls test Al-Maliki support

1 February 2009, 7:51 GMT
Iraq’s provincial elections have become a referendum on the federal government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
Kuwait Airways to press ahead with sale

1 February 2009, 7:43 GMT
Kuwait Airways is to push ahead with its privatisation once a full audit of the business is completed in April, according to company officials, despite an ongoing dispute with Iraq that could derail the process.
Al-Rajhi Alliance in line for first Mecca-Medina rail deal

30 January 2009, 14:12 GMT
The Al-Rajhi Alliance was expected to be named as the winner of the first construction contract on the Haramain high-speed rail project between Mecca and Medina, as MEED went to press, after submitting the lowest bid of SR6.9bn ($1.8bn).
Yemen to appoint consultant for Hadramout port

29 January 2009, 12:44 GMT
Yemen’s Arabian Sea Ports Corporation has signaled it is close to appointing a consultant to design and oversee the construction of a new port at Hadramout.
Iraq receives first shipment of US armoured vehicles

29 January 2009, 12:26 GMT
The US has begun transferring thousands of armoured vehicles to Baghdad and training Iraqi security forces on a new range of weapons.
Middle East air passenger growth reaches 7 per cent in 2008

29 January 2009, 12:05 GMT
Middle East air passenger growth was 7 per cent last year, although figures for the final weeks of the year show more spare capacity and declining traffic.
Etihad agrees codeshare deal with Kuwait Airways

28 January 2009, 14:52 GMT
Etihad Airways is to launch a codeshare agreement with Kuwait Airways from 1 February.
Iraq awards $320m housing projects

28 January 2009, 14:19 GMT
Iraqi authorities have awarded construction projects worth close to $320m in Karbala and Sulaimaniyah.
Saudia blames passengers for $480m losses

28 January 2009, 13:52 GMT
Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) has revealed the company registered a loss of SR1.8bn ($481m) last year, blaming passengers who did not show up for their flights.
Diwaniya allocates land for $1.5bn new city

26 January 2009, 13:19 GMT
Authorities in Diwaniya in Iraq's Al-Qadisiyah province have set aside 20 square kilometres of land for the construction of a $1.5bn new city.
Dubai airport passenger numbers grow 9 per cent

26 January 2009, 12:59 GMT
Dubai International Airport enjoyed a 9 per cent annual increase in passenger traffic last year despite the economic downturn.
Iraq claims $300m settlement agreed in Kuwait aviation dispute

26 January 2009, 12:35 GMT
The Iraqi government claims to have resolved the dispute between the country’s national airline and Kuwait Airways with a compensation payout of $300m.
Funding problems force Tehran to delay high-speed rail links

25 January 2009, 11:02 GMT
Iran is postponing further developments on two high-speed rail projects and abandoning plans for a third for another year because of the country’s deepening financial difficulties.
Landbridge consortiums open discussions over joining forces

25 January 2009, 10:25 GMT
Tarabot and Tracc consider launching joint bid in days leading up to deadline.
Aphrodite signs $300m reconstruction contract in Iraq

23 January 2009, 15:18 GMT
Aphrodite Trading has signed a contract worth $300m to undertake construction and agriculture projects in the Iraqi province of Salah al-Din.
Palestinian balance of payments deficit rises 57 per cent

23 January 2009, 13:15 GMT
The deficit in the Palestinian economy's balance of payments reached $348m in 2007, according to the latest figures released by the government of the Occupied Territories.
Committee proposed to address Jeddah port congestion

22 January 2009, 16:06 GMT
The Saudi Department of Customs has proposed the formation of an emergency committee to address the problem of congestion at Jeddah Islamic Port.
Cost on Gaza infrastructure of Israeli bombardment put at $1.1bn

22 January 2009, 15:37 GMT
The cost in direct loss of infrastructure from the recent Israeli military campaign in Gaza has been placed at $1.1bn.
Iran signs roads agreement with Azerbaijan

22 January 2009, 15:12 GMT
Iran has signed a memorandum of understanding with Azerbaijan to underpin improved cooperation in road transport between the two countries.
Wataniya Airways targets fleet of seven by 2010

21 January 2009, 14:37 GMT
Kuwait's Wataniya Airways says it aims to have a fleet of seven aircraft by the end of next year.
Riyadh renews air traffic deal with France

21 January 2009, 14:05 GMT
Saudi Arabia has renewed its bilateral air traffic management agreement with France during a meeting in Paris on 21 January.
UAE signs aviation accord with Tunisia

21 January 2009, 13:11 GMT
Aviation regulators from the UAE and Tunisia have signed an agreement to increase the number of flights between the two countries.
Kanoo Shipping launches US route

20 January 2009, 13:07 GMT
Dubai-based Kanoo Shipping is to launch a direct route from the Gulf to the east coast of the US in early February.
Chinese groups win construction work in Hilla

20 January 2009, 12:41 GMT
Officials from the provincial government in Babel, south of Baghdad, have signed agreements with unnamed Chinese companies to undertake a series of development projects in the area.
Aviation maintenance sector to grow by 70 per cent

20 January 2009, 12:17 GMT
The region's aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) market should grow by 70 per cent over the next ten years to be worth some $3.4bn, according to a new study.
Tenders issued for Muscat and Salalah airport maintenance facilities

19 January 2009, 12:24 GMT
The Omani government has issued tenders for contracts to design and supervise the construction of new maintenance facilities at Muscat and Salalah international airports.
Landbridge bid deadline extended to 31 January

19 January 2009, 12:06 GMT
The deadline for revised financial bids on the Saudi Landbridge has been extended to 31 January.
Suez Canal confirms record revenues in 2008 despite downturn

19 January 2009, 11:41 GMT
The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has confirmed that 2008 was a record year for shipping traffic and revenues on the waterway, despite the impact of the global recession.
Delays will benefit the region's metro networks

19 January 2009, 6:31 GMT
Gulf cities need integrated transport links that ease the movement of people and goods.
National transport study stalls Kuwait's $7bn metro project

18 January 2009, 13:54 GMT
Work on independent scheme must wait for results of government-led survey.
Abu Dhabi takes the lead in aerospace

18 January 2009, 7:44 GMT
Until recently, Dubai was regarded as the aviation capital of the Gulf, but Abu Dhabi is turning the tables.
Dubai metro's Purple line faces year-long delay

18 January 2009, 7:06 GMT
Bidding for Purple line work could be postponed for a further 12 months as emirate reviews rail plans.
Iran and Armenia discuss cross-border railway

16 January 2009, 12:52 GMT
Iranian transport officials have held talks with their counterparts in Armenia, with a view to building a cross-border rail line between the two countries.
Russia plans naval bases in Syria, Yemen and Libya

16 January 2009, 12:35 GMT
Russia has signaled its intention to establish naval bases in Syria, Yemen and Libya in the coming years.
Arab League study recommends greater regional transport cooperation

15 January 2009, 12:53 GMT
Arab nations need to take greater steps to increase cooperation in the transport sector if they are to improve their international business links and reap the economic benefits, according to a new study.
Gulf Air targets cost savings as parliament plans investigation

15 January 2009, 12:29 GMT
Gulf Air is continuing to target cost savings throughout the business as the Bahraini parliament prepares to discuss an investigation into the airline’s affairs.
Asas submits lowest bid for civil works at Sohar airport

15 January 2009, 11:50 GMT
Asas Civil Contraction is the lowest bidder for the civil works contract to build the new airport at the coastal town of Sohar.
Bids in for Mecca-Medina high-speed rail project

14 January 2009, 13:34 GMT
Four bids have been submitted for the Haramain high-speed rail project between Mecca and Medina.
Iraq conference to target development of non-oil sectors

14 January 2009, 12:56 GMT
Iraq is to host a conference in Baghdad during February or March to focus on the regeneration of its non-oil industries.
Gulf Air to add 13 aircraft to fleet in 2009

14 January 2009, 12:04 GMT
Gulf Air will add 13 aircraft to its fleet this year, taking advantage of the decline in aviation in other parts of the world to lease planes from other airlines.
Century Architects bids low for Oman expressway

13 January 2009, 13:13 GMT
Century Architects Consulting Engineers is the lowest bidder for the contract to provide consultancy services on the Batinah Expressway project in Oman.
Saudi Arabian Airlines agrees technology deal with Sita

13 January 2009, 12:50 GMT
Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) has agreed a $76m contract with Sita, a specialist in IT for the airline sector.
Iraq plans $47m housing project in Halabja

12 January 2009, 12:33 GMT
Iraq is to launch a $47m housing project in the northern city of Halabja, after receiving approval for funding from the International Monetary Fund.
Yemen to seek international operator for Aden airport

12 January 2009, 12:00 GMT
Yemen's aviation regulator is to issue a tender for an international operator to manage Aden International Airport.
Blair needs Obama's support to succeed as Middle East envoy

2 January 2009, 13:08 GMT
For all his passion, Tony Blair has little to show for his 18 months in the role.
Breaking the deadlock: Fayyad and Blair's hopes for Middle East peace

2 January 2009, 8:35 GMT
Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and international Quartet envoy Tony Blair talk to MEED about the prospects for a peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians.
Downturn offers political test as Obama enters White House

2 January 2009, 8:24 GMT
A new administration is to take office in the US and elections could also lead to changes in the leadership of Israel and Iran, but radical political change appears unlikely in the coming 12 months.
Suez Canal confronts global crisis after record year of revenues

2 January 2009, 8:04 GMT
The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) is considering a new tariff structure to contend with falling revenues and traffic volumes, in the face of the global economic crisis, which has led to a downturn in international trade.
Iraq: Switchgear

24 December 2008, 11:12 GMT
Design, supply and installation of medium-voltage switchgear. Closing date: 29 January 2009
Iraq: Fire alarm system

24 December 2008, 11:11 GMT
Supply and installation of fire alarm system for new Samawa depot project. Deadline: 29 January 2009.
Baghdad launches housing projects in northern city of Duhuk

24 December 2008, 11:08 GMT
The Iraqi Investment Authority has launched two residential construction projects in the northern city of Duhuk, estimated to cost $40m in total.
Iraq to take control of Basra airport from 1 January

24 December 2008, 11:05 GMT
Iraqi security forces will take control of Basra International Airport from UK troops on 1 January, 2009.
Oman: Water supply to airport project

23 December 2008, 15:50 GMT
Construction of potable water supply system to Ras al-Hadd airport from Al Daffah tanker filling station.
Iran: Bam earthquake reconstruction equipment

23 December 2008, 15:46 GMT
Procurement of construction equipment for reconstruction of Bam following the 2003 earthquake. Closing date: 3 February 2009
World Bank urges reform of Palestinian financial sector

23 December 2008, 13:23 GMT
The World Bank has recommended the formation of a steering committee to oversee and accelerate the development of the Palestinian financial sector.
Etihad signs $575m Rolls-Royce engine deal

23 December 2008, 12:56 GMT
Etihad Airways has agreed a $575m deal with Rolls-Royce for engines to power eight of the airline’s Airbus A330 aircraft.
Oman: Construction of tourism project

22 December 2008, 17:34 GMT
Construction, completion and maintenance of a tourism development project at Al Jabal Al Akhdar. Closing date: 21 January 2009.
Tunisia: Subway construction

22 December 2008, 17:31 GMT
Building a pedestrian subway as part of phase two of the modernisation of the rail infrastructure. Closing date: 21 January 2009.
Cornell Group appointed to oversee Umm Qasr port work

22 December 2008, 13:09 GMT
The Iraqi Transport Ministry has appointed US transport consultant Cornell Group to oversee the development of Umm Qasr port.
Suez Canal revenues drop 10.6 per cent in November

22 December 2008, 12:14 GMT
Revenues at the Suez Canal dipped sharply in November as the global economic crisis hit global shipping.
Sustainable building code to shape future construction

21 December 2008, 12:10 GMT
The Palestinian National Authority is set to adopt a new building code for the West Bank and Gaza, overhauling the current regulations, which are almost 50 years old.
Padico reviews strategy to boost profits

21 December 2008, 11:56 GMT
Palestine Development & Investment Company considers selling subsidiaries, privatising bourse and entering financial services sector.
Riyadh reopens Landbridge bidding

21 December 2008, 8:30 GMT
The Saudi government and the Saudi Railways Organisation (SRO) are calling for fresh prices from all four original consortiums - Agility, Mada, Tarabot and Tracc - because of financial turbulence.
Regulator right on Landbridge

21 December 2008, 7:42 GMT
Despite selecting a preferred bidder, Riyadh is reopening the bidding. It will be galling for Tarabot, but the government’s decision is sensible.
Qatar: Roads and construction

18 December 2008, 15:54 GMT
Building new roads and grading corridors in Ras Laffan.
Saudi Arabia: Travel and air cargo services

18 December 2008, 15:51 GMT
Providing travel and air cargo services for Saudi Electricity Company for the southern sector.
Premium aviation market continues to defy downturn

18 December 2008, 12:47 GMT
The premium aviation market in the Middle East grew strongly in October, defying the continued downturn in most other regions.
GE signs $3bn Iraq electricty deal

18 December 2008, 12:23 GMT
GE has signed a $3bn deal with Iraq’s Electricity Ministry to help rebuild and support the country’s electricity grid.
Qatar Airways secures $500m of aircraft finance

17 December 2008, 13:32 GMT
Qatar Airways secured $500m of new financing to fund the acquisition of three long-haul aircraft.
Seven new industrial zones proposed for West Bank

17 December 2008, 13:18 GMT
The Palestinian National Authority is considering proposals for up to seven new industrial zones around the West Bank.
International routes planned for Najaf airport

16 December 2008, 12:29 GMT
The first scheduled international flights from Iraq's al-Najaf International Airport to Kuwait, Bahrain and Dubai are due to launch in the coming weeks, with plans to begin operating direct flights to Europe early in 2009.
Palestinian tourism revenue hits highest level in eight years

16 December 2008, 11:55 GMT
Revenues from tourism in the West Bank and Gaza are set to hit $280m in 2008, their highest level since the start of the second intifada in 2000.
Algiers to tender $1.5bn worth of work on railway expansion

12 December 2008, 13:41 GMT
Bidding process for upgrade of the High Plateau line will start in early 2009.
Gaca plans commercial zones at Saudi airports

12 December 2008, 12:57 GMT
Riyadh to start search for real estate developer as masterplan for projects approaches completion.
UAE to investigate greater rights for domestic workers

11 December 2008, 15:14 GMT
The UAE has agreed to study new legislation allocating greater rights to domestic workers, but has rejected international calls to give employees in the country the right to strike.
Iran and UAE sign deal to increase passenger flights

11 December 2008, 14:21 GMT
The UAE and Iran have signed an air services agreement to increase passenger flights between the two countries.
UK report highlights poor efficiency of Palestinian firms

10 December 2008, 18:33 GMT
Palestinian companies continue to operate far below their real capacity, which severely limits their potential as export businesses, according to a new report on the economy of the Occupied Territories.
Saudi Arabia plans Taif airport

10 December 2008, 18:08 GMT
Saudi Arabia is making preliminary plans to build a new commercial airport at Taif in the west of the kingdom.
Palestinian GDP drops 3.6 per cent

9 December 2008, 17:19 GMT
Gross domestic product (GDP) in the West Bank and Gaza was $1bn during the third financial quarter of the year, a fall of 3.6 per cent on the same period of 2007.
Iraq plans to build airport near Karbala

9 December 2008, 16:53 GMT
The local government of Karbala has set aside 100,000 square metres for the construction of an airport to serve the province.
Algeria: Railway studies and renovation work

9 December 2008, 15:54 GMT
Six packages to conduct feasibility studies and carry out renovation work on railway lines and earthworks. Closing date: 13 January 2009
Al-Habtoor joint venture team wins Dubai airport work

8 December 2008, 15:51 GMT
The joint venture of South Africa’s Murray & Roberts, Japan’s Takenaka and the local Al-Habtoor Engineering has been awarded the $1.33bn contract to build Concourse 3 at Dubai International Airport.
Cargo volumes increase at Saudi ports

8 December 2008, 15:28 GMT
Saudi Arabia’s ports handled 114.7 million tonnes of cargo during the first nine months of the year, a 10.2 per cent increase on the same period of last year.
Saudi Arabia's Nas makes executive changes

5 December 2008, 18:21 GMT
National Air Services (Nas) has appointed new chief executive officers (CEOs) for the group and its low-cost airline, Nas Air, in the latest round of managerial changes in Saudi Arabia’s troubled budget aviation sector.
Muscat seeks fresh proposals for Sultan Qaboos revamp

5 December 2008, 17:45 GMT
Port authority asks bidders to draw up plans for a cruise ship and tourist port.
Saudi aviation reform is long overdue

5 December 2008, 16:56 GMT
The kingdom’s aviation infrastructure compares poorly with that of its regional peers. Certain issues are too pressing to wait for the good times to return.
Riyadh plans overhaul of aviation sector

5 December 2008, 12:41 GMT
General Authority of Civil Aviation to be broken up, Jeddah airport fast-tracked and airlines created.
Intercontinental Hotels to build hotel in Duqm

2 December 2008, 15:27 GMT
The Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) has signed an agreement to build a new hotel in the coastal Omani city of Duqm.
Iraq to redevelop $150m cement plant

2 December 2008, 14:46 GMT
Iraq has signed a preliminary agreement to reopen and overhaul a cement factory at a cost of $150m.
Sama replaces chief after making losses

1 December 2008, 15:35 GMT
Sama has replaced its chief executive officer (CEO), Andrew Cowen, after almost four years in the job, and hiring Bruce Ashby, former head of the Indian low-cost carrier Indigo Airlines.
GCC set to discuss rail plan approval

1 December 2008, 15:03 GMT
The GCC member states could approve the specifications for the GCC Railway project by the end of 2008.
Dubai Airports seeks to revise Purple metro line

28 November 2008, 19:26 GMT
Authorities consider public-private-partnership model after talks reach stalemate over funding.
Iraqi banks to be recapitalised by early 2009

28 November 2008, 17:32 GMT
Baghdad will have fully recapitalised its banking system by early 2009, a government adviser tells MEED, paving the way for a recovery of the commercial financial sector.
Baghdad faces skills shortage

28 November 2008, 17:24 GMT
War-torn Iraq calls on skilled expatriates to return home to help with the country’s redevelopment, but the exiles need incentives.
Regional airline passenger traffic recovers

27 November 2008, 15:50 GMT
Airline passenger figures in the Middle East recovered slightly in October, growing 3.5 per cent year-on-year during the month.
Baghdad seeks to reverse exodus of nationals

27 November 2008, 13:09 GMT
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is calling on Iraqi expatriates to return and lead the country’s reconstruction.
Iraq to relaunch small business fund

26 November 2008, 14:48 GMT
An Iraqi economic development fund started under Saddam Hussein to help small businesses, is to be re-launched at the end of 2007.
Court rulings against Consolidated Contractors Company increase

26 November 2008, 14:22 GMT
The legal battle between Palestinian businessman Munib Masri and Athens-based Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC) has now led to courts in Nigeria, the West Bank and the Cayman Islands granting injunctions and other orders freezing CCC assets over recent days.
Qatar shipping firms plan merger to reduce costs

25 November 2008, 15:56 GMT
Qatar Shipping and Qatar Navigation have formed a high-level committee to oversee the merger of the two groups.
Oman issues tenders for Salalah and Ras al-Hadd airports

25 November 2008, 15:38 GMT
Oman has issued tenders for the main construction contracts to build new terminals and facilities at Salalah and Ras al-Hadd.
Kuwait National Airlines set to list on bourse

24 November 2008, 17:38 GMT
Kuwait National Airlines, the holding company for the new premium class airline, Wataniya Airways, has announced it is to list on the Kuwait Stock Exchange on 15 December.
Saudi Oger wins deal to redevelop Al-Rashid district in Baghdad

24 November 2008, 17:09 GMT
The Iraqi government has appointed Saudi Oger to one of four contracts to redevelop the Al-Rashid district of Baghdad. The Construction & Housing Ministry says it has selected four proposals to build 63,000 new housing units, along with commercial and recreational facilities in the district, which lies to the south of the capital in the heavily secured International Zone.
It is time for construction contractors to return to Iraq

21 November 2008, 21:22 GMT
Dubai’s construction boom is rapidly slowing as the global credit crisis hits the Gulf. Iraq could again offer the region’s contractors the best opportunities.
Iraq ministry to put fourth mobile telecoms licence out to tender

21 November 2008, 20:29 GMT
Communications Ministry will assess bids on quality rather than price.
Baghdad to invest $510m in nationwide homes initiative

21 November 2008, 20:15 GMT
Deputy minister admits 15,000 additional housing units will not meet demand.
Algiers Metro on track to open to public in summer 2009

21 November 2008, 20:07 GMT
The Algiers Metro is set to begin operating in the summer of 2009, with the final stages of the project’s civil works and equipment installation on schedule for completion by the end of 2008.
Baghdad to approve transport overhaul

21 November 2008, 11:33 GMT
Baghdad is to approve a series of national transport projects worth several billion dollars over the coming months. Aviation, maritime and rail projects are due to be cleared by the Iraqi Planning Ministry in early 2009, with feasibility studies set to get under way by the middle of the year.
Gulf ports struggle as traffic increases

20 November 2008, 19:20 GMT
Jebel Ali operator DP World has raised charges in an attempt to clear long delays and bottlenecks, as the Gulf’s port infrastructure comes under pressure from growing demand.
Fuel bills leave Sama unable to pay employees on time

14 November 2008, 21:53 GMT
Internal emails reveal staff unrest over late payment of wages in recent months.
RAK Airways hires fifth chief in two years

14 November 2008, 21:25 GMT
RAK Airways has made a further change to its senior management team, with the appointment of its fifth chief operating officer in two years.
Regional airlines must fight to survive

14 November 2008, 20:54 GMT
Sama is unfortunate to be struggling with its own regulators at a time of falling passenger numbers.
Baghdad approves $67bn budget for 2009

13 November 2008, 17:33 GMT
The Iraqi cabinet has approved a $67bn budget for 2009.
Falling demand hits Gulf carriers

13 November 2008, 17:31 GMT
Declining passenger numbers are set to test the financial strength of the region’s largest airlines.
Bahrain Logistics Zone to attract $800m of investment

13 November 2008, 17:17 GMT
Bahrain Logistics Zone is on course to attract $800m of investment to the facility and will reveal 22 new companies at the site in the coming weeks.
Air Arabia plans $800m aircraft deal

12 November 2008, 17:29 GMT
Air Arabia has announced plans to purchase 10 new Airbus A320 aircraft in a deal worth up to $800m at list prices.
Sama plans to expand aircraft fleet in 2009

12 November 2008, 17:05 GMT
Sama plans to lease up to five new aircraft in 2009, thereby expanding its fleet to 12.
Palestinian trade deficit increases to $3bn

11 November 2008, 17:04 GMT
The Palestinian trade deficit increased to $2.63bn in 2007, an increase of 10 per cent.
Two consultants win New Doha Port work

11 November 2008, 16:19 GMT
Two consultants have been appointed to the New Doha Port project, to be located outside the Qatari capital, near Mesaieed.
Huta-Hegerfeld to implement third phase of King Fahd port

10 November 2008, 15:46 GMT
Huta-Hegerfeld Company has been appointed to implement the SR50m ($13.4m) third phase of developing King Fahd Industrial Port.
Emirates Airline's profits decrease by 88 per cent

10 November 2008, 13:30 GMT
Emirates Airline's first-half profits fell by 88 per cent as result of record fuel prices earlier in 2008.
Riyadh to fast-track Saudia sale

7 November 2008, 19:01 GMT
Riyadh is accelerating plans to partly privatise Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) by selling off stakes in two divisions simultaneously in the spring.
Tehran seeks to raise $4bn in private finance for city metro

7 November 2008, 18:04 GMT
Funding plan expands on pilot scheme encouraging private sector participation.
Baghdad issues tenders for Umm Qasr port

7 November 2008, 17:35 GMT
Iraq has issued tenders to international shipping groups to run two berths at the country’s deep sea port of Umm Qasr.
Iranian metro funding will set example

7 November 2008, 17:05 GMT
Tehran makes progress by attracting local private-sector investment to finance infrastructure projects.
Suez Canal reveals record revenues

6 November 2008, 17:02 GMT
The monthly revenues of Suez Canal increased slightly in October, to $470m.
Iran and Iraq sign cross-border flights deal

6 November 2008, 16:41 GMT
Iran and Iraq have signed a memorandum of understanding, paving the way for the first regular commercial flights between the two countries.
Talks to resolve Iraq-Kuwait airline dispute stall

5 November 2008, 17:37 GMT
Baghdad claims that negotiations over resolving its aviation dispute with Kuwait have stalled over guarantees for the cash settlement.
Creditors claim $300m from liquidated Rafidain Bank

5 November 2008, 16:57 GMT
Claims totaling $300m have been submitted by foreign creditors claiming unpaid debts from Iraq's Rafidain Bank.
Kuwait and Singapore sign open skies agreement

4 November 2008, 16:36 GMT
Kuwait has agreed an open skies agreement with Singapore at a ceremony in the Kuwaiti capital.
Central Bank of Iraq cuts interest rate

4 November 2008, 15:43 GMT
The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has lowered the country’s interest rate to 15 per cent, a cut of 1 per cent, in an effort to curb inflation.
Fuel costs hit Royal Jordanian profits

3 November 2008, 15:27 GMT
Royal Jordanian posted a $2.8m loss for the first nine months of 2008, despite a 34 per cent increase in operational revenue compared to 2007.
Air Arabia to launch flights from Morocco in 2009

3 November 2008, 15:06 GMT
Air Arabia will launch flights from its new hub in Morocco early in 2009 and is close to selecting another new base in the Levant or North Africa.
Boeing explores Islamic finance options

31 October 2008, 20:37 GMT
Aviation giant enters talks with Gulf banks over model for sharia-compliant funding for aircraft orders.
US president will focus on home

31 October 2008, 19:47 GMT
Only with a stabilised economy at home will the US be able to exert proper influence abroad.
Obama fails to inspire the region

30 October 2008, 16:40 GMT
The leaders of the Middle East have few expectations from the result of the US presidential election.
East Port Said expansion to enter new phase

30 October 2008, 16:30 GMT
Cairo is planning a new phase of expansion for East Port Said, at the northern mouth of the Suez Canal on the Mediterranean coast.
Iran and Russia hold talks over aircraft production

30 October 2008, 16:01 GMT
Iranian aviation groups and government officials are holding a new round of talks with their Russian counterparts to discuss Iran’s licensed production of Russian Tupolev aircraft.
Dispute over financing slows development of Dubai Metro

24 October 2008, 23:28 GMT
Transport and airports authorities disagree over funding for the Purple line.
Eqypt's Suez Canal Authority revises tariffs to maintain traffic volumes

24 October 2008, 22:38 GMT
Authorities blame a fall in Chinese exports and surge in piracy in Gulf of Aden.
Arab leaders seek greater co-operation to tackle shipping piracy

24 October 2008, 22:07 GMT
Arab leaders will meet in Sanaa, Yemen, in late October to agree to greater co-operation in battling piracy off the coast of Somalia in the Gulf of Aden.
Gulf air passenger traffic decreases

24 October 2008, 12:04 GMT
Passenger traffic in the Middle East fell by 2.8 per cent during September, the first such drop in over four years.
Requests for proposals issued for New Port of Aqaba

23 October 2008, 18:10 GMT
The Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) has issued requests for proposals to the four consortiums which have prequalified to build a new port in Jordan’s southern city.
Morocco orders military aircaft in $167m deal

23 October 2008, 17:26 GMT
Morocco has ordered four military transport aircraft in a deal worth €130m ($167m).
Bjorn Naf on Gulf Air's recovery plan

23 October 2008, 13:01 GMT
The struggling airline’s third chief executive officer in eight months is beginning to find a route to recovery.
Kuwait and Syria agree maritime cooperation

22 October 2008, 18:42 GMT
Kuwait and Syria have held talks in Damascus aimed at boosting cooperation between the two countries in the field of ports and shipping.
Airline profits predicted to fall by 30 per cent this year

22 October 2008, 18:23 GMT
Airline profits in the Middle East and North Africa are expected to fall by 30 per cent this year to $200m, compared to $300m in 2007.
Groups submit bids for second Duqm airport package

21 October 2008, 16:10 GMT
Bids have been submitted by 15 local and international groups for the second construction contract at Duqm International Airport.
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise increases fleet

20 October 2008, 17:10 GMT
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) has increased its fleet, acquiring three Airbus planes owned by India’s Kingfisher Airlines in a sale and leaseback deal.
Iran and India discuss shipping and ports co-operation

20 October 2008, 16:40 GMT
Iran and India have held talks in Tehran over improving co-operation in the shipping and ports sectors.
Regional carriers enter talks with regulators over cutting costs

17 October 2008, 19:34 GMT
Discussions focus on re-routing flights to reduce fuel bills and avoid collapse.
Dubai Metro faces $1bn budget overrun

17 October 2008, 18:28 GMT
Building Red and Green lines by September 2009 deadline is set to cost 30 per cent more than planned.
Regional airlines turn to export credit agencies

17 October 2008, 18:00 GMT
Middle East carriers will increasingly rely on foreign agencies as other forms of financing dry up.
Riyadh to award billion-dollar rail deals

17 October 2008, 17:14 GMT
Deadline approaches for retendered construction package on North-South minerals railway.
Iraq completes Umm Qasr port study

16 October 2008, 15:02 GMT
Iraq has completed a study for a port at Umm Qasr in the southern Basra province.
Dubai Aerospace denies plan to buy US leasing firm

16 October 2008, 14:57 GMT
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) has ruled out a possible takeover bid for the US leasing group International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC).
Transport ministers approve GCC railway study

15 October 2008, 17:42 GMT
GCC transport ministers approved the feasibility study for the GCC railway on 15 October, paving the way for negotiations over the final specifications of the project.
UAE forms firm to oversee construction of rail network

15 October 2008, 17:39 GMT
The UAE is set to form a client company to oversee construction of a 350-kilometre national railway network.
Wataniya Airways to outsource ground handling

14 October 2008, 13:03 GMT
Wataniya Airways says it will unveil a series of regional ground-handling agreements in the next few days, ahead of the airline’s launch early in 2009.
Etihad delays financing talks over plane deliveries

14 October 2008, 12:58 GMT
Etihad Airways is to unveil the finance facility for two new aircraft by the end of October, but has delayed negotiations on financing for other deliveries to allow global financial markets to settle.
Jazeera Airways launches aircraft leasing firm

13 October 2008, 15:48 GMT
Jazeera Airways, which operates hubs in Kuwait and Dubai, has launched an aircraft leasing company, Sahaab Leasing.
Regional low-cost airlines set to consolidate

13 October 2008, 15:41 GMT
The Middle East low-cost aviation sector needs to prepare itself for consolidation in the coming years if it is to remain competitive, according to a senior figure in the Middle East sector.
Etihad to move to third Abu Dhabi airport terminal

13 October 2008, 15:32 GMT
Etihad Airways expects to begin moving operations to the third terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport by the end of 2008.
Palestinian water quality falls despite improved connectivity

12 October 2008, 13:24 GMT
The number of Palestinian households connected to a water network has increased over the last decade, but the quality of that water has fallen dramatically and remains extremely variable across the Occupied Territories, according to a survey by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS).
Gulf Air to expand in Europe

10 October 2008, 19:49 GMT
Gulf Air is poised for a major expansion in the long-haul market, adding up to six European destinations to its network next year.
Jeddah Islamic Port reaches staffing deal with Riyadh

10 October 2008, 19:22 GMT
The authorities at Jeddah Islamic Port have reached agreement with the Labour Ministry to make it easier to bring in temporary staff, in an effort to prevent further damaging delays.
Saudi aviation sector grounded by bureaucracy

9 October 2008, 16:01 GMT
Government lethargy and a slow-moving regulator are preventing the Saudi aviation sector from achieving its enormous potential.
Gulf Air holds pay talks with staff

9 October 2008, 11:00 GMT
Gulf Air has launched preliminary discussions with staff and union representatives over increasing salaries and introducing a range of new employee benefits.
Kuwait Airways claims Iraq breaches court order

9 October 2008, 10:55 GMT
A row has broken out in the dispute between Iraq and Kuwait, after the Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier delivered a new plane to Iraqi Airways (IAC) which Kuwait claims breached a court order.
Afriqiyah Airways plans to expand overseas

8 October 2008, 16:18 GMT
Afriqyah Airways is planning a significant expansion into the international market over the next year, adding four new routes to its network.
Bahrain creates firm to manage Manama airport expansion

8 October 2008, 16:06 GMT
Bahrain is finalising the new structure of the country's aviation regulator, creating a separate company to oversee the expansion of the international airport at Manama.
Gulf Air promotes finance chief

7 October 2008, 15:03 GMT
Gulf Air has promoted its chief financial officer, Ismail Karimi, to deputy chief executive officer in the latest stage of the airline’s restructuring plan.
Scomi to submit monorail plan to Bahrain

7 October 2008, 14:58 GMT
The masterplan for Bahrain’s national monorail system is to be submitted for government approval by late October.
Finance houses exit Gulf aviation market

3 October 2008, 19:03 GMT
Airlines struggle to fund fleet expansions as debt markets tighten and passenger numbers fall.
Caution is key for Gulf carriers

3 October 2008, 16:51 GMT
Finding credit to pay for all the new planes will become difficult for all but the largest and wealthiest Gulf aviation operators.
Iraqi MPs continue to debate election law

2 October 2008, 16:28 GMT
Iraqi MPs are continuing to debate the provincial elections law passed by parliament on 24 September, with several predicting further amendments will be needed.
Padico postpones Nablus investment conference

2 October 2008, 15:25 GMT
A Palestinian investment conference scheduled to take place in Nablus in early October has been postponed to allow potential investors greater time to prepare after Ramadan and the Eid al-Fitr festival.
US considers $350m defence deal with Riyadh

1 October 2008, 17:22 GMT
The US is considering a new round of defence sales to Saudi Arabia totalling almost $350m.
Consulting Engineering Services bids low for Shinas port study

1 October 2008, 16:15 GMT
India's Consulting Engineering Services (CES) is the low bidder for the contract to carry out a feasibility study into the development of the port at Shinas in Oman.
Desert Line wins Duqm airport contract

30 September 2008, 14:36 GMT
The local group Desert Line Projects has been awarded the first construction package at Duqm airport in Oman.
Global downturn hits regional aviation

30 September 2008, 13:02 GMT
Growth in airline passenger traffic in the Middle East has slowed further in August, as the industry suffers from continued high fuel costs.
Gulf Air and Edamah plan Bahrain airport maintenance facility

29 September 2008, 15:57 GMT
Gulf Air has agreed with Bahrain Real Estate Company (Edamah) to build a hangar and maintenance facility at Bahrain International Airport worth more than $50m.
Consulting Engineering Services bids low for Batinah Railway study

29 September 2008, 15:33 GMT
Consulting Engineering Services (CES) is the low bidder for the contract to carry out the feasibility study for Oman’s Batinah Railway.
Tehran launches $1bn rescue package for port expansions

26 September 2008, 19:10 GMT
State will fund upgrades at Chabahar and Shahid Rajaie from its own budget.
Riyadh to award Haramain high-speed rail link in 2009

26 September 2008, 18:40 GMT
The first construction package on the $6bn Haramain high-speed rail project between Mecca and Medina will be awarded in February or March 2009, according to sources close to the project.
Riyadh's regulators refuse to fast-track decision on domestic fare cap

26 September 2008, 18:34 GMT
Sama cuts routes to stem losses caused by price limit and soaring fuel costs.
Moscow’s push for Gulf business

26 September 2008, 10:01 GMT
Despite increasing efforts to grow trade with the Middle East and help its struggling industries, Russia’s sales to the region remain dwarfed by those of the US.
Royal Jordanian considers Boeing compensation deal

25 September 2008, 16:56 GMT
Royal Jordanian has confirmed it is in talks with the US' Boeing over a range of potential compensation packages to cover delays in the deliveries of new 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
Bids in for Gulf Air training academy

25 September 2008, 15:55 GMT
Three companies have submitted bids to become a joint venture partner with Gulf Air as the Bahraini airline seems likely to turn its training academy into a separate unit.
Nas Air set to make profits in 2009

24 September 2008, 17:29 GMT
Nas Air says it is on course to start making profits early in 2009, despite the pressure of fuel costs and an ongoing dispute over the government-imposed fare cap on domestic routes.
Dispute over funds from Tidewater sale in Iran

24 September 2008, 16:54 GMT
Iran has completed the part-privatisation of marine services group Tidewater. However, a dispute is continuing between the government and the Ports & Shipping Organisation (PSO) over the distribution of the funds from the sale.
Bids in for Salalah port expansion contract

23 September 2008, 15:18 GMT
Ten international groups have submitted bids to provide consultancy work to oversee the latest stage of the expansion of Salalah’s southern port.
Saudi airline reduces flights to curb losses

23 September 2008, 14:34 GMT
Sama has stopped all flights to Medina and halved its service between Riyadh and Dammam to curb losses arising from high fuel costs and the fare cap imposed on domestic routes.
Iraq increases 2009 transport ministry budget

22 September 2008, 17:12 GMT
The Iraqi cabinet has raised the allocation to the Transportation Ministry in the national budget for 2009.
Iraq set to vote on election bill

22 September 2008, 16:31 GMT
Iraq's Council of Representatives (parliament) is set to vote on a provincial elections bill by 25 September, aiming to break the deadlock over the issue before the end of Ramadan.
Submission of study puts GCC rail scheme on track for 2010 start

19 September 2008, 13:43 GMT
Decision to be released in October but debate over regulator could cause delays.
Russians confirm bid for Saudi's Haramain rail link

19 September 2008, 13:30 GMT
Russian Railways has confirmed that it remains committed to bidding for the contract to build the Haramain high-speed rail link between Mecca and Medina, despite an ongoing dispute over the country’s North-South railway.
Iraq and Kuwait in talks over $500m deal to resolve airlines dispute

19 September 2008, 13:23 GMT
Baghdad is offering to pay $500m compensation to Kuwait as the two countries edge closer to resolving the dispute between their national airlines.
Syria restores diplomatic ties with Iraq

18 September 2008, 14:29 GMT
Syria has become the latest country to restore diplomatic ties with Iraq, appointing its first ambassador to Baghdad since 1980.
Iraq leases berths at Khor al-Zubair port

18 September 2008, 11:01 GMT
Iraq is offering short-term lease agreements at the southern port of Khor al-Zubair to complement the planned $1bn privatisation at Umm Qasr.
Saudi Arabian Airlines sells stake in cargo division

17 September 2008, 16:43 GMT
Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) has confirmed the sale of a 30 per cent stake in its cargo business.
Iraq-Kuwait aviation dispute reaches Canadian courts

17 September 2008, 16:21 GMT
The latest round in the dispute between Kuwait Airways and Iraqi Airways will take place in a Canadian court on 18 September.
Riyadh to issue tenders for Mecca-Medina high-speed rail link

16 September 2008, 15:54 GMT
Saudi Railways Organisation (SRO) is to issue tenders for the first construction contract on the $6bn Haramain high-speed rail link between Mecca and Medina on 17 September.
Eight shortlisted to build $2bn Enfida port in Tunisia

16 September 2008, 15:06 GMT
Tunisia has shortlisted eight international operators for the construction of a €1.4bn ($2bn) port at Enfida.
Emirates raises $265m to finance planes

15 September 2008, 14:56 GMT
Emirates Airline has raised AED973.4m ($265m) through an Islamic loan for two new aircraft.
Bahrain Air to double authorised capital

15 September 2008, 14:17 GMT
Shareholders at Bahrain Air have agreed to double the carrier’s authorised capital to BD20m ($53m), from BD10m.
Iraqi compensation offer fails to break deadlock in talks

15 September 2008, 10:03 GMT
National airlines and politicians meet to resolve dispute over looted planes.
Riyadh set to wind up rail regulator

15 September 2008, 9:14 GMT
Process of replacing Saudi Railways Organisation with new regulatory body will begin in October.
Boeing strike to hit Gulf deliveries

11 September 2008, 13:19 GMT
Boeing has confirmed that the strike by its workers could further delay production of its long-haul 787 aircraft and impact on deliveries of all planes across the Gulf.
Baghdad considers renting Turkish aircraft

11 September 2008, 12:15 GMT
The new Iraqi Minister of Transport Aamer Abdul Jabar, has spoken of a possible deal for Baghdad to rent Turkish-owned aircraft, enabling them to fly between Iraq and Turkey.
Swicorp buys stake in Jordan Aviation

10 September 2008, 11:28 GMT
Swicorp has purchased a strategic stake in the aircraft leasing business Jordan Aviation for an undisclosed sum.
Etihad appoints managing director for operations in Russia

9 September 2008, 12:19 GMT
Etihad Airways has appointed Geoff Rhodes as the airline’s new manager for its operations in Russia.
Prestige Jet expands fleet to meet growing demand

9 September 2008, 11:52 GMT
Prestige Jet has expanded into the region’s growing executive aviation sector by purchasing three new aircraft. This increases its fleet to 11 planes.
EgyptAir announces $529m Boeing deal

8 September 2008, 12:36 GMT
EgyptAir has announced it has placed an order for two new Boeing 777-300ER airliners in a deal worth $529m at list prices.
Emirates grounds Airbus A380 plane because of electrical problem

8 September 2008, 12:14 GMT
An electrical fault has forced Emirates Airline to temporarily suspend use of its new Airbus A380 on 7 September.
Putting the Maghreb railway back on track

4 September 2008, 16:11 GMT
With the cost of air travel soaring, Cairo, Tripoli and Algiers are finally taking steps to overhaul their dilapidated railway infrastructure after years of underinvestment.
Transforming Saudi rail industry

4 September 2008, 15:20 GMT
A series of multi-billion-dollar rail projects is set to boost the kingdom’s industrial development and aid the diversification of its economy.
Gulf Air abandons $1.3m civil claim against former manager

29 August 2008, 15:45 GMT
Airline says no further action will be taken following its fraud investigation.
Tripoli issues tenders on contracts for $7bn rail programme

22 August 2008, 17:18 GMT
Tripoli has issued two major tenders for contracts on Libya’s multi-billion dollar railway construction programme.
Cairo reviews costs of redeveloping ageing rail network

22 August 2008, 16:45 GMT
Cairo is being forced to review the cost of redeveloping its rail network after bids for one contract came in well over budget.
Muscat invites bids for work on airport

22 August 2008, 16:04 GMT
The Transport & Communication Ministry is inviting firms to submit bids by 3 November for the first main contract on the development of Muscat International Airport.
Gulf Air must find its niche

22 August 2008, 15:00 GMT
Naf has inherited a poison chalice as CEO at Gulf Air and his efforts to stem losses have been severely hampered by soaring fuel prices.
Gulf Air

22 August 2008, 13:14 GMT
After months of turmoil, CEO Bjorn Naf is rebuilding the brand by cutting costs and restructuring core operations
Gulf Air: MEED Assessment

22 August 2008, 13:14 GMT
Airline requires continued support from Bahrain to compete and expand strongly
Q&A: Bjorn Naf, CEO, Gulf Air

22 August 2008, 13:14 GMT
Shareholder support and good staffing allow the airline to stabilise for growth
West Bank buys record volume of water from Israel

21 August 2008, 17:38 GMT
The West Bank and Gaza purchased a record 49.4 million cubic metres of water from Israel National Water Company (Mekorot) in 2007, at a cost of NIS129m ($37m).
Baghdad suspends dealings with 31 companies

21 August 2008, 16:58 GMT
Iraq's Planning and Development Co-operation Ministry has announced it is suspending all dealings with 31 companies, citing their failure to fulfil contractual obligations to the government.
Move to Dubai International Terminal 3 to begin in October

20 August 2008, 17:59 GMT
Dubai Airports has announced that Emirates Airline will begin to move into Dubai International’s new Terminal 3 on 14 October.
National Aviation Services strikes Delta deal

20 August 2008, 17:39 GMT
National Aviation Services (NAS) has struck a deal with Delta Airlines to provide a range of services in Kuwait for the US carrier.
Suez Canal dredging to meet revised deadline

19 August 2008, 15:38 GMT
Dredging work to deepen the Suez Canal remains on a revised schedule to be completed by early 2009, according to canal officials.
Hail airport to get upgrade next year

19 August 2008, 15:02 GMT
The Saudi aviation regulator will launch the redevelopment of Hail airport next year.
Sama to expand international network from September

18 August 2008, 15:18 GMT
Sama Airlines is expanding its international network with the launch of two new routes from 1 September this year.
Alafco agrees aircraft leasing deal with Saudia

18 August 2008, 15:03 GMT
Kuwait's Aviation Lease and Finance Company (Alafco) is to lease eight aircraft to Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia).
CEO James Hogan on Etihad's expansion plans

17 August 2008, 12:21 GMT
While other airlines downsize, the head of the Abu Dhabi based carrier is ordering more planes than ever.
Etihad will lead Abu Dhabi’s rise

15 August 2008, 17:36 GMT
In the past, Abu Dhabi has languished in the shadow of its bolder, brasher neighbour.
Riyadh to retender fourth North-South railway package

15 August 2008, 17:15 GMT
Russian Railways suspends operations and accuses kingdom of political bias.
Baghdad legislates to improve aviation industry standards

15 August 2008, 16:02 GMT
Government to give greater independence to regulators of airlines and airports.
Gulf Air restructures to stop losses

15 August 2008, 15:57 GMT
Gulf Air is restructuring its business in a bid to stem crippling losses of $600,000 a day.
Transport minister suspends Umm Qasr port privatisation

15 August 2008, 15:40 GMT
The privatisation of Iraq’s deep sea port at Umm Qasr has been put on hold following the appoint-ment of Emir Jabbar as transport minister.
Middle East Airlines agrees aircraft finance

14 August 2008, 15:57 GMT
Middle East Airlines (MEA) has agreed a $65m loan with the Lebanese Canadian Bank to add a new aircraft to its fleet.
Kuwait Oil Tanker Company plans huge fleet expansion

14 August 2008, 15:37 GMT
Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC) is unveiling plans to expand its fleet of very large crude carriers (VLCCs) to 34 vessels, from its current eight, by 2020.
IRAN TENDER: Supply of eight twin-engine helicopters

13 August 2008, 17:30 GMT
Supply of eight twin-engine helicopters. Closing date: 10 September 2008
Baghdad hopeful of resolution to Kuwaiti aircraft dispute

13 August 2008, 16:53 GMT
Baghdad has expressed renewed confidence that an amicable solution will soon be found to the dispute between Iraqi Airways and Kuwait Airways.
North-South contract awards due in October

13 August 2008, 16:41 GMT
Three ancillary contracts on the North-South minerals railway project are set to be awarded in October.
Syria forms aviation group with Kuwaiti backers

12 August 2008, 17:08 GMT
Syria has joined forces with Kuwaiti investors to form a new aviation group, Loloa Aviation.
Gulf Air leases five planes

12 August 2008, 16:49 GMT
Gulf Air is to lease five aircraft from International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC), as part of the airline's ongoing expansion strategy.
Iraq's Al-Maaqal Port reopens after four-month refit

11 August 2008, 15:47 GMT
Al-Maaqal Port in Basra has reopened after a four-month closure for renovation work.
Oman Shipping aims to raise $4bn for expansion plan

11 August 2008, 15:27 GMT
Oman Shipping Company (OSC) is seeking to raise $4bn in new credit facilities to finance the ongoing expansion of the company’s fleet.
Consolidated Contractors Company Group dismisses UK court ruling

8 August 2008, 17:08 GMT
Athens-based Consolidated Contractors Company Group (CCC) says a series of recent decisions in the UK courts, including the freezing of 15 of its bank accounts, will not affect its operations.
Rising costs threaten Iranian rail network

8 August 2008, 16:35 GMT
Tehran to prioritise most critical and affordable routes after failing to attract overseas financing.
Palestinian investment summit aims to raise $1.5bn

8 August 2008, 16:02 GMT
Conference to take place at Nablus in October will be used to secure funding for northern West Bank.
Occupied Territories Private Sector: Six key people

8 August 2008, 15:30 GMT
The six key people in the Occupied Territories’ private sector: Munib Masri, Abdelmalik al-Jaber, Samir Hulileh, Hashim Shawa, Bashar Masri and Walid Fakhouri.
Middle East Airlines plans pilot training centre in Beirut

7 August 2008, 16:45 GMT
Middle East Airlines (MEA) is requesting government permission to build an advanced aviation training centre for its pilots and crew in Beirut.
Gulf Air aims for break even by 2013

7 August 2008, 16:14 GMT
Gulf Air aims to break even by 2013, despite recent reports of huge concealed losses at the airline.
FlyDubai appoints chief operating officer

6 August 2008, 17:01 GMT
FlyDubai has announced the appointment of Kenneth Gile as the company’s first chief operating officer.
Riyadh delays tenders for railway from Mecca to Medina

6 August 2008, 16:48 GMT
The Saudi Railways Organisation (SRO) has delayed issuing the first package of tenders for the high-speed rail link between Mecca and Medina until the end of August.
Egyptian Transport & Commercial Services records 40 per cent rise in profits

5 August 2008, 16:13 GMT
Egyptian Transport & Commercial Services has recorded first half profits of EGP3.7m ($697,000) for the first half of the year, a 40 per cent increase on the previous year.
Air Arabia reports 39 per cent increase in profits

5 August 2008, 15:44 GMT
Air Arabia has announced first half profits of AED160m ($44m), an increase of 39 per cent on the same period last year.
UK court freezes bank accounts of Consolidated Contractors Company

4 August 2008, 17:05 GMT
Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC) has had 15 bank accounts frozen by the UK High Court, as part of a long-running breach of contract case brought by Palestinian businessman Munib Masri.
Middle East defies global air freight downturn

4 August 2008, 16:03 GMT
Middle East aviation has defied a downturn in international air freight transport during June, but has seen growth in passenger traffic dip sharply.
Tunis seeks open skies deal with Europe

31 July 2008, 18:42 GMT
Talks with European Commission to begin in September, with an agreement expected by the end of 2009.
Aviation: Opening gateways to Africa

31 July 2008, 17:26 GMT
Countries of the Maghreb are investing heavily in expanding airport capacity in a bid to boost tourism and secure their status as the regional transport hub.
Palestinian industrial output stagnates in first half of the year

31 July 2008, 16:19 GMT
Industrial production in the West Bank and Gaza rose 0.79 per cent during the first half of 2008.
Saudi Arabia seeks US military training

31 July 2008, 15:57 GMT
Saudi Arabia is seeking US assistance in retraining the kingdom’s National Guard, in a deal worth up to $1.8bn.
Iraq to buy security vehicles and weapons in $206m deal

30 July 2008, 17:22 GMT
Iraq is to buy 160 armoured security vehicles and associated weapons from the US, in a deal worth up to $206m.
UAE and Oman agree $155m US missile contract

30 July 2008, 16:52 GMT
The UAE and Oman have agreed a $155m contract to buy anti-tank missiles from a joint venture between Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.
Jordan seeks donors for $6bn cross-border rail project

29 July 2008, 16:19 GMT
Jordan has launched a steering committee and will seek international donors to build a $6bn rail project linking the country’s port at Aqaba with the Iraqi industrial city of Zarqa.
Selex wins air traffic control contract for Doha airport

29 July 2008, 15:57 GMT
The Italian group Selex Sistemi Integrati has won a contract worth about $105m to design and provide air and ground traffic control systems at Qatar’s New Doha International Airport.
Muscat drops expansion of Sultan Qaboos

25 July 2008, 18:05 GMT
Muscat is scrapping its plans to expand the container port at Sultan Qaboos in favour of exploring alternative plans for the site, and is considering a scheme to build a container port outside the capital.
Riyadh delays plans to build quay at Jubail

25 July 2008, 16:35 GMT
Saudi Arabia has postponed plans to construct a $1bn petrochemicals quay at King Fahd Industrial Port in Jubail.
Libyan state airlines to merge ahead of sell-off

25 July 2008, 16:21 GMT
Tripoli plans to streamline flag carriers into single, profitable business to attract international investors.
Europe removes ban on Iran's Mahan Airlines

24 July 2008, 15:04 GMT
The European Commission (EC) has dropped Iran's Mahan Airlines from its safety blacklist of airlines banned from EU skies.
Bahrain sees 27 per cent increase in air passenger traffic

24 July 2008, 14:49 GMT
Passenger traffic at the Bahrain International Airport rose by 27 per cent during the first half of 2008 compared with the equivalent period in 2007.
Etihad to launch flights to Kazakhstan

23 July 2008, 16:51 GMT
Etihad Airways will launch flights to Almaty in Kazakhstan from 2 December.
DP World to seek work in India despite ban

23 July 2008, 16:11 GMT
DP World says it will continue to seek work in India, despite Delhi’s decision to ban all companies from Dubai, Hong Kong, China and Pakistan from investing in port projects in the country.
Qatar buys Boeing planes in $400m defence deal

22 July 2008, 15:12 GMT
Qatar has agreed to buy two Boeing airlift planes for the country’s armed forces in a deal worth up to $400m.
DP World reports 21 per cent cargo growth

22 July 2008, 14:46 GMT
DP World has reported a 21 per cent increase in cargo throughput at its ports during the first half of 2008.
Oman Air enjoys record rise in passenger numbers

21 July 2008, 15:50 GMT
Oman Air has enjoyed a 50 per cent rise in passenger numbers in the first half of 2008.
Abu Dhabi enjoys 38 per cent increase in airport passengers

21 July 2008, 15:30 GMT
Abu Dhabi Airports Company (Adac) has revealed a 38.6 per cent increase in passenger numbers for the first half of 2008.
Regional airlines have come of age

18 July 2008, 8:45 GMT
Etihad is following Emirates and Qatar Airways in its intent to force its way to the top of the pile.
Bahrain airport masterplan to win approval by end of summer

18 July 2008, 8:31 GMT
The masterplan for Bahrain International Airport is set for final government approval, ahead of the main tendering process for its redevelopment.
Saudi low-cost carriers win concessions

17 July 2008, 18:39 GMT
Saudi Arabia’s low-cost airlines have won a significant victory in their efforts to compete with national carrier Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) on a level playing field.
Adac considers targets for first overseas expansion

17 July 2008, 18:37 GMT
State-owned Abu Dhabi airport operator aims to take over one site by the end of the year.
DAE Capital agrees deal with Emirates for 18 planes

17 July 2008, 16:13 GMT
DAE Capital is to increase its fleet of aircraft with the acquisition of 18 Boeing freighters from Emirates Airline.
Kuwait Airways wins $82m legal costs from Baghdad

17 July 2008, 15:54 GMT
Kuwait Airways Corporation (KAC) has won $82m from Baghdad for legal costs incurred during its 18-year case against Iraq’s national airline.
Tunisair places $2bn Airbus order

16 July 2008, 17:19 GMT
Tunisair has placed an order for new planes with Airbus worth close to $2bn.
FlyDubai targets 12 destinations in first year

16 July 2008, 17:02 GMT
FlyDubai is planning to reach 12 destinations during its first year of operations.
Qatar places $360m Airbus order

15 July 2008, 15:25 GMT
Qatar Airways has signed a memorandum of understanding to purchase four Airbus A321 aircraft in a deal worth about $360m at list prices.
Etihad boosts aircraft orders to $22bn

15 July 2008, 14:01 GMT
Etihad has placed another massive order for new aircraft, purchasing 55 planes from European manufacturer Airbus in a deal worth some $12bn.
Abu Dhabi to set up airport for private jets

15 July 2008, 13:53 GMT
Abu Dhabi Airports Company (Adac) says it will establish the Middle East’s first dedicated airport for executive jets.
FlyDubai orders 54 aircraft from Boeing

14 July 2008, 16:04 GMT
FlyDubai has ordered 54 Boeing 737-800 aircraft worth about $4bn at list prices.
Etihad places $10bn order for new aircraft

14 July 2008, 16:01 GMT
Etihad Airways has placed a firm order with Boeing for aircraft worth close to $10bn.
Doha considers bids for port project

13 July 2008, 8:16 GMT
Qatar is evaluating bids for two key contracts on the multi- billion-dollar project to develop New Doha Port on the country's east coast.
Riyadh set to issue tenders for Mecca-Medina rail link

11 July 2008, 16:38 GMT
Tenders will be issued in mid-July for the first of three main contracts to build the $6bn high-speed rail link between the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
Aircraft leasing market takes off

11 July 2008, 10:41 GMT
As the rising cost of fuel deters airlines from buying new planes and makes older, less fuel-efficient aircraft too expensive to operate, leasing firms are enjoying a boom.
Rising oil price threatens aviation sector growth

11 July 2008, 10:10 GMT
With demand for flights soaring, Middle Eastern airlines have so far avoided the worst effects of rising fuel costs, but fears are growing that the sector’s rapid expansion is not sustainable.
Baghdad’s struggle to unlock oil

11 July 2008, 6:39 GMT
Efforts to get Iraq’s oil production back to 1970s levels are being hampered by political infighting.
Saudi Railways signs $163m rolling stock contract

10 July 2008, 12:34 GMT
Saudi Arabia has agreed a $163m contract to buy high-class rolling stock from the Spanish group CAF.
Middle East business aviation market to reach $800m by 2012

10 July 2008, 12:22 GMT
The Middle East business aviation market will be worth AED3bn ($800m) within four years, according to Dubai’s Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed al-Maktoum.
Tartous container terminal opens following upgrade

9 July 2008, 16:23 GMT
Syria’s Tartous container terminal has opened after a $37m refit.
Agility joint venture wins US Air Force contract

9 July 2008, 15:53 GMT
A joint venture led by Agility Defense & Government Services (DGS) has won four fuel-management contracts with the US Air Force worth $8.6m over five years.
Landbridge company licensed by Riyadh

8 July 2008, 13:32 GMT
Saudi Arabia’s Council of Ministers has licensed the establishment of a joint stock company to oversee the $5bn Saudi Landbridge project.
Tehran set to privatise Arak airport

8 July 2008, 13:06 GMT
Preparations are being made to privatise Arak Airport, Tehran has announced.
Gulf shipping companies place orders worth $2bn

7 July 2008, 13:16 GMT
United Arab Shipping Company (UASC) has unveiled a $1.5bn deal for new container ships, while the Al-Jaber Group has placed a $500m order for eight new bulk carriers.
Four groups prequalify for Kuwait air traffic tower contract

7 July 2008, 12:50 GMT
Kuwait's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has prequalified four international groups to bid for a contract at Kuwait International Airport.
Aramco invites bids for Jubail export refinery contracts

4 July 2008, 16:55 GMT
Saudi Aramco has issued bid invitations to companies shortlisted for engineering, procurement and construction contracts to build the 400,000-barrel-a-day (b/d) export refinery at Jubail.
Dubai Aerospace plans fleet expansion

4 July 2008, 16:49 GMT
Group’s aircraft leasing arm predicts rapid growth will give it $7bn worth of assets within five years.
Invensys wins contract at Jubail refinery

3 July 2008, 16:32 GMT
Invensys Process Systems has won a contract worth about $80m to design, build and install all automation systems at the 400,000-barrel-a-day (b/d) export refinery in Jubail.
Bids submitted for Duqm dry dock gates

3 July 2008, 16:02 GMT
A contract to build gates for the dry dock at Duqm has attracted only two bidders.
Dubai Aerospace chief executive resigns

2 July 2008, 17:54 GMT
Bob Johnson has resigned as group chief executive officer of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise Holding (DAE).
Poverty gap widens between West Bank and Gaza

2 July 2008, 16:19 GMT
The gap in prosperity between the West Bank and Gaza Strip has widened dramatically in the past year, according to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS).
Oman issues construction tender for Sohar airport

1 July 2008, 16:36 GMT
Oman has issued a tender to prepare the ground for an airport at Sohar in the first phase of civil works.
Muscat issues tenders for Salalah port expansion

1 July 2008, 16:14 GMT
Muscat is inviting bidders for the latest stage in the expansion of the southern port at Salalah.
Jazeera Airways targets 65 per cent growth

30 June 2008, 15:41 GMT
Jazeera Airways is aiming to carry 700,000 more passengers this year, an increase of almost 65 per cent.
Jordan seeks developers for Aqaba port

30 June 2008, 15:22 GMT
The Aqaba Development Corporation has called for expressions of interest from developers to build and operate the new port at Aqaba.
Alafco plans $4.2bn fleet expansion

27 June 2008, 18:28 GMT
Leasing and finance firm to take advantage of global airline crisis to accelerate growth to 100 planes.
Sudan Airways holds talks to upgrade fleet

27 June 2008, 18:02 GMT
Sudan Airways has confirmed it is in talks to buy new aircraft after the recent accident at Khartoum airport, which resulted in at least 30 passengers being killed.
Wataniya Airways prepares to outsource four divisions

27 June 2008, 16:51 GMT
IT, engineering, catering and ground handling to be sold off in bid to cut costs.
Doha finalises $900m deal to buy planes

27 June 2008, 16:45 GMT
Qatar Airways has agreed a $900m deal to purchase six new Boeing aircraft in a series of deals with a mixture of local and international banks.
Now is time to expand aviation fleets

27 June 2008, 16:39 GMT
Once the belt tightening ends in the West, leasing companies will be in an even stronger position.
Emirates postpones launching Durban flights due to fuel costs

26 June 2008, 17:25 GMT
Emirates Airline is to postpone its December launch of flights to Durban to cut back on fuel costs.
Aecom to carry out masterplan for West Bank town

26 June 2008, 16:57 GMT
The US engineering giant Aecom has been employed to draw up the masterplan for Rawabi, a new town to be built in the West Bank.
Alafco to sell Boeing planes to Saudia

25 June 2008, 18:09 GMT
Kuwait's Aviation Lease and Finance Company (Alafco) has announced plans to sell eight Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft to Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) in a deal worth $1.6bn.
Air transport association selects Dubai for e-freight project

25 June 2008, 17:48 GMT
Dubai has been selected as one of 11 new locations for an international freight initiative by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), with implementation expected by 2009 at the latest.
Royal Jordanian passenger numbers increase despite soaring fuel costs

24 June 2008, 17:09 GMT
Royal Jordanian has revealed that its passenger numbers for May rose 30 per cent year-on-year, despite the impact of soaring fuel costs.
Wataniya Airways appoints Kipco to manage flotation

24 June 2008, 16:32 GMT
Kuwait's Wataniya Airways has appointed Kipco Asset Management Company to oversee the company’s stock market flotation later this year.
NBK Capital invests in Saudi car rental

23 June 2008, 17:37 GMT
NBK Capital has bought a 40 per cent stake in the Saudi car rental and transport group Al-Tala'a International Transportation Company (Hanco).
Aviation authority grounds Sudan Airways

23 June 2008, 15:44 GMT
Sudan Airways has been grounded indefinitely on the orders of the country’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Taher Agueel

20 June 2008, 18:51 GMT
One of the most prominent people in the regions low-cost aviation sector
Riyadh to sell off international airports

20 June 2008, 17:48 GMT
Germany’s Fraport wins deal to manage two airports, while Singapore’s Changi is front runner for the third.
Expanded Bahrain Logistics Zone to attract $600m in investment

20 June 2008, 17:42 GMT
The Bahrain Logistics Zone could attract up to $600m in investment if a plan to increase the size of the site by 150 per cent is agreed.
Border security concerns stall rail link between Iran and Afghanistan

20 June 2008, 16:48 GMT
Contractors struggle to find workers for the project after a series of kidnappings.
Andrew Cowen

Issue No 25 20 - 26 June 2008
One of the most prominent people in the regions low-cost aviation sector
Ibrahim Al-Hamer

Issue No 25 20 - 26 June 2008
One of the most prominent people in the regions low-cost aviation sector
K Ravindran

Issue No 25 20 - 26 June 2008
One of the most prominent people in the regions low-cost aviation sector
Marwan Boodai

Issue No 25 20 - 26 June 2008
One of the most prominent people in the regions low-cost aviation sector
Oman Air plans more flights to India

18 June 2008, 17:53 GMT
Oman Air is planning to add up to four new destinations in India to its network over the coming months.
DP World buys into Spain

18 June 2008, 17:39 GMT
DP World has announced an expansion of its European operations with a first venture into Spain, buying a 60 per cent stake in ports company Contarsa Sociedad de Estiba.
Deadline ends for Bahrain Logistics Zone applications

17 June 2008, 15:50 GMT
Bahrain has closed the book for companies applying for space at the Bahrain Logistics Zone and will announce the winners in six weeks.
Kingdom Holding raises stake in Saudi airline to 39 per cent

17 June 2008, 15:31 GMT
Kingdom Holding, the investment group owned by the Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, has bought a further 30 per cent stake in the aviation group National Air Services (NAS).
Aramco orders ten ships to boost offshore activities

16 June 2008, 17:23 GMT
Saudi Aramco has ordered 10 new tug, supply and safety ships to assist with its offshore operations.
Agility wins logistics contract for EU forces

16 June 2008, 17:17 GMT
A subsidiary of Kuwait’s Agility Logistics has won a contract worth up to $174m to feed EU troops stationed in the central African nation of Chad.
High costs jeopardise Sultan Qaboos Port expansion plans

13 June 2008, 17:45 GMT
Demands on infrastructure result in bid submissions exceeding $390m budget.
Fuel prices force review at Bahrain Air

13 June 2008, 17:37 GMT
Bahrain Air, the region’s latest low-cost operator, has admitted that soaring fuel prices are forcing it to seek fresh revenue sources, just four months after launching.
Sama calls for end to fare cap as fuel prices force surcharges

13 June 2008, 17:07 GMT
International travellers pay seven times the premium of domestic passengers.
International firms to vie for Kuwait Airlines audit

13 June 2008, 17:03 GMT
The contract to audit Kuwait Airways will now be open to international accounting firms, after efforts to award the work to a local firm were rejected by the government. The audit is seen as vital if the airline’s planned privatisation is to go ahead.
Fresh reserves will calm prices

13 June 2008, 15:42 GMT
Unfortunately for the IEA, simply bridging the potential oil supply gap is no guarantee that prices will fall, market sentiment is just as important. The International Energy Agency (IEA), which advises 27 of the world’s biggest oil consuming nations, faces a conundrum.
Fuel prices test budget airlines

13 June 2008, 15:30 GMT
The low-cost model is unsustainable under current levels of cost pressure. Some Middle East airlines will find their business vanishing before them.
Soaring fuel costs hit budget airlines

13 June 2008, 14:24 GMT
Rising oil prices are driving airlines to bankruptcy. How will the Middle East’s low-cost operators fare?
Saudia announces summer fuel surcharge

12 June 2008, 16:36 GMT
Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) will impose a surcharge on its international routes during the summer to ease its rising fuel costs.
Agility wins $200m heavy lifting contract with US army

12 June 2008, 16:00 GMT
Agility Defense & Government Services has had a $200m contract with the US army extended for a third successive year.
Air Arabia to launch second Iran route

11 June 2008, 17:49 GMT
Air Arabia is to expand its international network, launching flights between Sharjah and Shiraz in Iran from 25 June.
Oman issues three tenders for Duqm drydock

11 June 2008, 17:31 GMT
The Oman Drydock Company has issued three new tenders for the continued development of the facilities at Duqm.
Etihad strikes codeshare deal with India's Jet Airways

10 June 2008, 13:44 GMT
Etihad Airways has further expanded its international network via a further codeshare agreement, this time with India's carrier Jet Airways.
Deal signed to develop Bahrain Logistics Zone

10 June 2008, 13:25 GMT
Bahrain’s General Organisation of Sea Ports (GOP) and the Bahrain Real-Estate Investment Company (Edamah), have agreed to develop a range of facilities at the Bahrain Logistics Zone.
Taameer Jordan plans $2bn tourist project in Aqaba

9 June 2008, 16:30 GMT
Taameer Jordan Holdings has unveiled a JD1.5bn ($2.12bn) project to redevelop the Aqaba Special Economic Zone and build a new tourist resort on the site.
Yemenia to increase flights to the Gulf and India

9 June 2008, 16:14 GMT
Yemen Airways (Yemenia) is preparing to expand its route network with new flights around the Gulf and to the Indian subcontinent later in 2008.
Royal Jordanian seeks Dreamliner compensation

6 June 2008, 16:47 GMT
Royal Jordanian has confirmed it will seek financial compensation and replacement planes from Boeing because of delays in the delivery of the 787 Dreamliner aircraft it has ordered.
Gulf Air targets 10 per cent growth rate

6 June 2008, 16:40 GMT
National carrier sets ambitious goal as part of five-year expansion plan, despite soaring fuel prices.
Iran Air drops plans to buy Russian aircraft over cost fears

6 June 2008, 15:49 GMT
Iran Air has abandoned plans to update its fleet with new Russian Tupolev aircraft, after deciding that the move is not cost-effective.
Regional open-skies deal will benefit many

6 June 2008, 15:12 GMT
The discomfort of a few airlines should not be allowed to hinder the benefits of an open-skies accord.
Airlines call for regional ‘open skies’ agreement

6 June 2008, 11:20 GMT
Deregulated market would allow access to any airport in the region and potentially boost passenger traffic.
Bahrain Air postpones expanding fleet as fuel price rises

5 June 2008, 16:54 GMT
Bahrain Air will postpone adding a third plane to its fleet until later in 2008, as it waits for aircraft leasing rates to drop due to the current fuel crisis.
Royal Jordanian to increase fuel hedging to tackle rising costs

5 June 2008, 15:58 GMT
Royal Jordanian will seek to substantially increase its advance purchasing of fuel in the coming months, to stave of the effects of rising fuel costs.
Iran Air to lose fuel subsidy after privatisation

4 June 2008, 19:07 GMT
Iran Air will lose its government fuel subsidy over the coming months as the airline progresses to privatisation.
Regional airlines fall behind on transparency

3 June 2008, 14:19 GMT
Middle East airlines are lagging behind global industry leaders when it comes to reporting a wider range of company information, research has revealed.
Lebanese flag carrier to expand on back of political settlement

3 June 2008, 14:14 GMT
Lebanon’s Middle East Airlines (MEA) has confirmed that it hopes to open services to Moscow in 2010 and is considering launching other long-haul routes within two years.
Baghdad accelerates Umm Qasr deep sea port privatisation

30 May 2008, 17:23 GMT
Baghdad has issued a request for proposals from international consultants to oversee the privatisation of Iraq’s main deep sea port at Umm Qasr.
Iraq offers Kuwait $150m in bid to resolve airline dispute

30 May 2008, 16:37 GMT
Baghdad reviews business opportunities in effort to settle compensation claim.
Emirates Group

30 May 2008, 11:37 GMT
The Dubai carrier is gradually building market share and plans to double its fleet by 2012.
Q&A: Maurice Flanagan, Exectutive Vice-Chairman, Emirates Group

30 May 2008, 11:37 GMT
Fluctuating oil prices create a challenge for Emirates
Emirates Group: MEED Assessment

30 May 2008, 11:28 GMT
The airline faces a challenge to maintain standards while sustaining rapid expansion
Agility Logistics wins $2.8bn deal to supply US army

28 May 2008, 17:04 GMT
Agility Logistics has won a contract worth about $2.8bn to provide food and other logistical support to US troops in Iraq and Kuwait.
Gulf Air signs $5bn Airbus deal

28 May 2008, 16:45 GMT
Gulf Air has ordered 35 Airbus aircraft in a deal worth $5bn at list prices.
Iran to spend $110m on refurbishing airports

27 May 2008, 17:12 GMT
The Iranian transport ministry has allocated about $110m for renovations to the country’s airports.
Kuwait's Wataniya Airways to launch in 2009

27 May 2008, 16:51 GMT
Wataniya Airways, Kuwait’s third airline, has revealed it is to launch operations from January 2009 following a stock market listing later in 2008.
Kuwait rail and metro project to be sent for government approval

23 May 2008, 17:51 GMT
Study into $14bn scheme to be presented to prime minister ‘within weeks’.
Emirates to expand fleet to 500 planes as capacity runs short

23 May 2008, 17:26 GMT
A senior official at Emirates Airline says the carrier’s fleet will eventually edge close to 500 aircraft, a fourfold increase on its current size and making it among the world’s largest airlines.
Jazeera Airways investors approve share buyback

22 May 2008, 16:55 GMT
Shareholders in Jazeera Airways have approved a buyback of 10 per cent of the company’s share capital and agreed to forego their dividend for the last financial year.
Etihad forms closer ties with Malaysia Airlines

22 May 2008, 16:32 GMT
Etihad Airways is forming closer ties with Malaysia Airlines, ahead of a possible formal codeshare agreement between the two carriers.
Air Arabia confirms plans for fourth aviation hub

21 May 2008, 17:30 GMT
Air Arabia has confirmed it plans to open a fourth aviation hub in the Levant or North Africa.
Region enjoys strong growth in premium air traffic

21 May 2008, 17:02 GMT
Middle East first and business class air traffic has shown strong growth in the first quarter of the year, despite a general softening of the market worldwide, particularly in North America and Europe.
Sama expands international network ahead of summer boom

20 May 2008, 16:16 GMT
The Saudi low-cost airline Sama is to expand its international network, launching new routes to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt and the Jordanian capital Amman.
Salalah port to invest $112m in expansion plan

20 May 2008, 15:54 GMT
Oman’s Salalah port is to invest $112m in new dockside handling equipment as part of an expansion of its capacity.
Palestine needs private sector

16 May 2008, 13:11 GMT
The conference in Bethlehem on 21-23 May will mark the beginning of a renewed effort to move the economy away from reliance on foreign aid.
Palestinian economy - The struggle to raise educational standards

16 May 2008, 11:58 GMT
The Palestinian Authority has identified a need to improve the education system if today’s pupils are to become the nation builders of tomorrow. But effecting change is proving difficult.
Palestinian economy - Housing a growing population

16 May 2008, 11:38 GMT
A government programme to develop affordable homes for the people of the Occupied Territories will also create much-needed employment.
Palestinian economy - Salam Fayyad a unifying force

16 May 2008, 11:19 GMT
Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad tells MEED that ending the divide between the West Bank and Gaza is his top priority.
Palestinian economy - Supporting the private sector

16 May 2008, 11:09 GMT
While optimism is returning to the Occupied Territories, the flood of foreign aid is hampering efforts to encourage entrepreneurialism.
Palestinian Economy - Hamas say government is failing to reduce bureacracy

14 May 2008, 15:15 GMT
Former Hamas ministers Naser al-Shaer and Samer Abu-Eisheh talk exclusively to MEED about their struggle to hold on to power and their view of the current government.
Palestinian Economy - Regulatory reform in Palestine

14 May 2008, 14:57 GMT
The Palestinian Authority (PA) has been pushing through a series of critical reforms ahead of the Bethlehem conference.
Blair announces Israeli and Palestinian security deal

13 May 2008, 16:03 GMT
Tony Blair, Middle East peace envoy for the Quartet has unveiled a new security and economic deal between the Israelis and Palestinians, designed to improve business prospects in the West Bank.
Air Arabia records 81 per cent rise in first-quarter profits

13 May 2008, 15:35 GMT
Air Arabia has posted net profits of AED78m ($21m) for the first quarter of 2008, an increase of 81 per cent year on the previous year.
Oman Air faces decade of losses to enter long-haul market

9 May 2008, 17:43 GMT
Oman Air says it could be 10 years before the national carrier turns a profit, as it expands into the international long-haul market.
Tehran plans cross-border rail link from ports to Basra

9 May 2008, 17:13 GMT
Network will open trade route and offer direct line into Iraqi territory.
Etihad to lease two Airbus planes from CIT Aerospace

8 May 2008, 16:36 GMT
Etihad Airways has signed a lease agreement with the US company CIT Aerospace for two new Airbus A320-200 aircraft.
DP World wins approval for UK port

8 May 2008, 16:22 GMT
DP World has won approval from the UK government to build the£1.5bn ($2.9bn) London Gateway container port.
Etihad to raise surcharge to ease fuel costs

7 May 2008, 17:31 GMT
Etihad Airways has said that it will have to pass its fuel costs on to customers by raising its surcharge.
Qatar Airways to seek compensation from Boeing

7 May 2008, 17:06 GMT
Qatar Airways will seek compensation from Boeing for delays in the delivery of its fleet of fuel-efficient 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
Some 40 per cent of Palestinians over 15 find work

6 May 2008, 17:06 GMT
Around 40 per cent of Palestinians over the age of 15 were employed last year, according to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics.
DP World seeks refinancing approval

6 May 2008, 16:49 GMT
DP World is to seek permission for a share buyback of around AED600m ($163m) and hopes to issue securities worth up to $553m.
Kuwait compensation bid stalls as discussions collapse

2 May 2008, 17:22 GMT
Iraqi president walks out of talks after US-backed plea to drop debt fails.
Emirates reports record profit of $1.36bn

1 May 2008, 15:49 GMT
Emirates Airline has announced a 62 per cent jump in net profits to $1.36bn.
Tunisair to buy 19 planes from Airbus

1 May 2008, 15:43 GMT
Tunisair has signed an agreement to buy 19 aircraft from Airbus, including 16 firm orders.
Khatib & Alami to design $200m West Bank real estate project

30 April 2008, 17:13 GMT
Khatib & Alami has been appointed to draw up the masterplan for a $200m real estate development in the West Bank.
Gulf Air announces new chairman

30 April 2008, 16:55 GMT
Gulf Air has named Talal Alzain, chief executive officer of the Bahraini government’s investment arm, Mumtalakat Holding Company, as the airline’s new chairman.
Oman signs $500m of transport contracts

29 April 2008, 16:48 GMT
The Omani government has signed 36 agreements worth OR205.5m ($534m) to develop a wide range of transport projects including ports, roads and civil aviation facilities.
Syria and Yemen discuss transport cooperation

29 April 2008, 16:06 GMT
Syria and Yemen have held talks about raising the level of transport cooperation between the two countries.
Palestinian price index shows first quarter rise

28 April 2008, 16:10 GMT
The cost of doing business in the West Bank and Gaza rose significantly during the first quarter of 2008, with a sharp rise in the wholesale price index according to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS).
Oman Air reveals $10m first quarter loss

28 April 2008, 15:52 GMT
Oman Air has revealed a loss of OR4m ($10.4m) for the first quarter of 2008.
Tehran awards $300m in metro deals

25 April 2008, 18:23 GMT
Pilot scheme offers land in attractive locations to developers in exchange for a commitment to build stations.
Shipping boom forces delay in Suez Canal dredging

25 April 2008, 18:15 GMT
Dredging work to deepen the Suez Canal will not be completed until the end of the year or early 2009, the canal authority admits.
Dispute stalls Tidewater privatisation

25 April 2008, 18:15 GMT
The part-privatisation of Iranian marine services group Tidewater has stalled because of a row between Iran's ports authority, which owns the business, and the state privatisation body.
Elite Jets strikes charter and maintenance agreement with Swiss group

24 April 2008, 17:08 GMT
Elite Jets, the Dubai-based private jet operator, has signed a partnership agreement with the Swiss services group Jet Aviation.
Daewoo to develop tourist site at Duqm

24 April 2008, 16:49 GMT
Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering has struck an agreement to develop a tourist complex adjacent to the Duqm dry dock it is building on the Omani coast.
Oman invites bids for Duqm dry dock

23 April 2008, 17:51 GMT
Muscat's tender board has invited bids for two new contracts at the country’s dry dock development at Duqm port.
Etihad appoints managers to oversee Asia growth

23 April 2008, 17:11 GMT
Etihad Airways has appointed two new general managers to its Asia Pacific business to supervise the airline’s growing presence in the region.
Iraqi Airways expansion unaffected by Boeing delays

22 April 2008, 17:17 GMT
Delays to the delivery of Iraqi Airways’ new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft will not affect its expansion plans, according to an official close to the airline.
Nasair launches flights to Abu Dhabi

22 April 2008, 16:34 GMT
Saudi low-cost carrier Nasair has launched a service to Abu Dhabi, with four flights a week to the emirate.
Royal Jordanian records 17 per cent passenger growth

22 April 2008, 16:14 GMT
Royal Jordanian has recorded 17 per cent increase in passenger numbers during the first quarter of 2008.
Tarabot named preferred bidder on Saudi Landbridge

21 April 2008, 16:51 GMT
The Tarabot consortium, led by Arabian Company for Power & Water Development (Acwa Power), has been confirmed as lead bidder for the Saudi Landbridge project.
Saudi monorail study nears completion

21 April 2008, 15:56 GMT
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipalities and Rural Affairs has revealed it is close to completing a feasibility study for a $4bn monorail linking the country’s holy sites at Mecca, Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat.
Padico to be split in two after replacing chief executive

18 April 2008, 16:52 GMT
Investment company plans major restructuring following fall in profits.
Palestinian National Authority drafts laws to attract investors

18 April 2008, 15:55 GMT
Company and investment rules under revision in advance of conference showcasing opportunities.
Palestinian tourism groups plan $300m hotel investment in West Bank

16 April 2008, 17:50 GMT
Palestinian tourism groups are to present a $300m proposal to build about 10,000 new hotel rooms in the West Bank over three years.
Amman reopens talks on railway

11 April 2008, 16:27 GMT
Jordan is in negotiations with the second-placed bidder to build a light railway between Amman and Zarqa, after terminating its agreement with the initial winners.
Dreamliner delay hits expansion plans

11 April 2008, 16:22 GMT
Gulf airlines reconsider growth strategies as Boeing postpones delivery of 787s by at least 18 months.
Gulf Air sheds more staff to curb losses

11 April 2008, 15:49 GMT
Gulf Air is planning further reductions to its workforce in a bid to cut costs and return the company to profitability.
Khaled Ahmed Abdulrahman Bubshait

11 April 2008, 5:58 GMT
A top executive involved in Saudi Arabia’s transport systems
UK court condemns closure of probe into Saudi arms deal

10 April 2008, 14:09 GMT
The UK’s High Court has ruled that the country’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO) acted unlawfully when it abandoned its investigation into an arms deal between BAE Systems and Saudi Arabia.
Algeria signs rail contracts worth $1bn

10 April 2008, 13:52 GMT
Algeria has signed contracts worth €662m ($1.05bn) to build tram systems in the cities of Oran and Constantine.
Emirates launches direct flights to San Francisco

9 April 2008, 17:31 GMT
Emirates Airline is to launch direct flights to San Francisco, its second destination on the US west coast in a month.
Saudi Arabia offers funding to clear mines in Lebanon

9 April 2008, 17:19 GMT
Saudi Arabia has donated $500,000 to Lebanon to assist in the clearance of landmines from the country’s southern border regions.
Palestinian population rises 30 per cent in past decade

8 April 2008, 15:30 GMT
Preliminary figures from last year’s census show the Palestinian population has risen to 3.76 million people since the last count in 1997, a rise of 29.9 per cent in a decade.
Azzawiya invites oil harbour bids

8 April 2008, 15:09 GMT
Libya’s Azzawiya Refinery Company (ARC) has invited tenders from international construction groups to build its new harbour facilities to handle its oil exports.
Gulfnav to expand fleet by a third

7 April 2008, 11:51 GMT
Gulfnav has announced plans to expand its fleet of tankers, at a cost of AED1.2bn ($327m).
DP World announces 52 per cent rise in profits

7 April 2008, 11:46 GMT
DP World has predicted continued strong growth this year, after announcing record profits of $420m for 2007.
Tehran fails to attract foreign investors to export rail route

4 April 2008, 16:32 GMT
Iran Railways shelves plans for transport link to its neighbours in the east.
Rafidain Bank to pay foreign creditors

4 April 2008, 16:26 GMT
The UK High Court has approved a scheme of arrangement that allows foreign creditors to reclaim $300m in unpaid debts from Iraq’s Rafidain Bank.
Jazeera Airways expands to Istanbul

3 April 2008, 17:32 GMT
Jazeera Airways has expanded its network into Turkey, launching direct flights to Istanbul.
Saudi Arabia plans to overhaul transport policy

3 April 2008, 16:47 GMT
Saudi Arabia is to launch an overhaul of its transport policies following a conference in Riyadh.
Etihad agrees cargo deal with Cargoitalia

2 April 2008, 16:27 GMT
Etihad Crystal Cargo has signed a codeshare agreement with Italy’s Cargoitalia, increasing its network of international destinations.
Tehran to reopen talks to develop Chabahar terminal

2 April 2008, 16:19 GMT
Iran will seek to restart talks over building acontainer terminal at Chabahar port in the coming weeks.
Airline capacity grows faster than passenger numbers

1 April 2008, 17:42 GMT
Middle East carriers saw the proportion of airline seats sold fall by 0.9 per cent to 72.6 per cent during February, mirroring a wider global decline during the month.
Etihad enjoys record first quarter passenger figures

1 April 2008, 17:20 GMT
Etihad Airways has seen a 40 per cent increase in passenger numbers during the first quarter of this year, taking the figure to 1.4 million compared to 1 million for the same period in 2007.
Baghdad signs $5.5bn Boeing deal

28 March 2008, 17:11 GMT
The Iraqi government has signed a much-anticipated deal with Boeing to buy 40 aircraft worth up to $5.5bn.
Sama investors lose patience over '100 per cent' losses

20 March 2008, 17:24 GMT
Sama shareholders are warning that the airline may be forced to close if Riyadh does not act to reduce the carrier's fuel costs and complete the liberalisation of the kingdom's aviation sector.
Baghdad speeds up reform in WTO bid

20 March 2008, 16:21 GMT
Baghdad is pushing through a raft of legislation this year to accelerate Iraq's bid to join the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Riyadh must end two-tier market

20 March 2008, 15:11 GMT
In many respects, Saudi Arabia's liberalisation of its aviation industry has surpassed that of other countries in the region.
Resolution to airlines dispute in sight after long haul

20 March 2008, 12:18 GMT
After almost two decades, the legal wrangling over compensation for planes stolen by Iraqi forces during the 1990 invasion of Kuwait could be coming to an end as both governments seek to privatise their airlines.
Jazeera Airways sees profits dip for 2007

19 March 2008, 16:40 GMT
Jazeera Airways has unveiled net profits of KD2.29m ($8.6m) for 2007, down from KD2.5m the previous year.
Nas Air launches first international route to Sharjah

19 March 2008, 16:21 GMT
Nas Air has introduced the first destination outside Saudi Arabia to its network, launching flights to Sharjah from Riyadh and Jeddah.
Sama rules out fleet expansion due to fuel costs

18 March 2008, 16:58 GMT
Sama’s shareholders have ruled out purchasing any new planes until the company can reduce its fuel costs and remove the fare cap on domestic routes.
Baghdad launches security operation at Umm Qasr port

18 March 2008, 16:06 GMT
Iraq has launched the first stages of its security operation against Shia insurgents operating at the deepsea port of Umm Qasr.
Etihad to hedge fuel costs to 2010

17 March 2008, 18:01 GMT
Etihad Airways is negotiating a hedging facility to cover its fuel costs up to 2010.
Khalifa Port dredging begins

17 March 2008, 17:42 GMT
Offshore dredging work has begun on the site of Abu Dhabi’s planned Khalifa Port.
Work to start on West Bank projects

14 March 2008, 17:50 GMT
Tenders for airport in Jordan to be issued soon, as drive to attract private investment gets under way.
Tokyo loans Baghdad $290m to redevelop Umm Qasr port

14 March 2008, 17:34 GMT
Civil Aviation Authority draws up masterplan for future airline expansion.
Ports: Standards slip as demand grows

14 March 2008, 12:45 GMT
Falling productivity at the region’s ports has become a major issue for shipping companies as governments focus on increasing capacity, with Dubai’s Jebel Ali leading the way.
Dubai Aerospace acquires Austrian software group

11 March 2008, 16:52 GMT
DAE Services, the aviation technology division of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, has bought the Austrian firm Flugwerkzeuge Aviation Software for $25m.
Bahrain Air starts flights to Kuwait and Alexandria

11 March 2008, 16:33 GMT
Bahrain Air, the recently launched no-frills airline, is to launch flights to Kuwait and Alexandria in Egypt at the end of March.
Gulf Air places $6bn order for Boeing Dreamliners

10 March 2008, 17:09 GMT
Gulf Air has signed a $6bn deal with Boeing for the purchase of 16 long-haul 787 Dreamliners, with options for a further eight.
Oil storage facility planned for Jebel Ali

10 March 2008, 16:43 GMT
A $200m oil storage terminal is to be built at Jebel Ali port in Dubai, following an agreement between Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, Star Energy Resources and Tropicana Trading DMCC.
Tarabot takes lead on Saudi Landbridge deal

7 March 2008, 18:42 GMT
Acwa-led consortium is set to be named preferred bidder, with the lowest charge on public finances.
Baghdad transport reconnects to the world

7 March 2008, 11:14 GMT
Iraqi transport is finally getting the investment it needs for economic recovery.
Bahrain Airport Company offers 20 per cent pay rise to aviation regulatory staff

6 March 2008, 14:19 GMT
Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) will award staff joining the business a 20 per cent increase in salary as part of Manama’s restructuring of its aviation regulatory systems.
Libya awards air and sea port contracts in Sirte

6 March 2008, 13:55 GMT
Officials from Libya’s Sirte municipality have signed contracts to build an international airport and sea port in the province.
Two contracts approach for Dubai Metro

5 March 2008, 17:32 GMT
Two additional construction contracts on the Dubai Metro project are set to be awarded during the second quarter of this year.
Sama agrees maintenance deal with Alsalam

5 March 2008, 17:05 GMT
Saudi Arabia's low-cost airline Sama has struck a maintenance agreement with the local Alsalam Aircraft to carry out checks on its fleet.
Baghdad to clamp down on insurgents at Umm Qasr port

29 February 2008, 18:20 GMT
Government vows to restore security to allow $500m sell-off to go ahead.
Kuwait lays claim to Baghdad air fleet

29 February 2008, 17:50 GMT
A fierce legal dispute has broken out between Iraq and Kuwait over $6bn worth of planes to be acquired by Iraqi Airways while Baghdad delays settling compensation claims from the first Gulf War.
Iraq to overhaul rail and factories in Al-Anbar province

28 February 2008, 17:25 GMT
Baghdad is set to issue tenders inviting foreign investors to rebuild industrial sites in the west of the country and reopen the rail network connecting them to the capital.
Saudi Railways changes strategy on Mecca-Medina contract

28 February 2008, 17:21 GMT
The Saudi Railways Organisation (SRO) will issue tenders for the Mecca-Medina Rail Link through public procurement rather than the build-operate-transfer (BOT) process that had been planned.
Riyadh opens final bids for Landbridge contract

27 February 2008, 17:56 GMT
The Saudi Railways Organisation (SRO) has confirmed that it has opened the best and final offers from the four consortiums bidding to build the $2.5bn Saudi Landbridge project.
Al-Muhaidib consortium to buy Saudia cargo business

27 February 2008, 17:46 GMT
The bidding to run the privatised cargo business at Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) has been won by a consortium headed by the local conglomerate, Al-Muhaidib & Sons.
Middle East airline passenger growth falls

26 February 2008, 17:12 GMT
Passenger growth among Middle East airlines slowed sharply in January this year, falling 5.5 per cent as industry observers predicted the start of a global slowdown.
UAE and Qatar launch military exercises with France

26 February 2008, 16:49 GMT
The UAE and Qatar have launched a series of military exercises with France in the Gulf.
RAK Airways signs $450m deal with Boeing

25 February 2008, 15:56 GMT
RAK Airways has ordered four new aircraft from Boeing in a deal worth AED1.65bn ($450m).
Muscat seeks bidders for Ras al-Hadd airport

25 February 2008, 15:40 GMT
The Omani government has issued invitations to tender for the civil works contract to build a new airport serving the town of Ras al-Hadd.
Iraq Airways to purchase 50 aircraft at cost of $6bn

22 February 2008, 17:51 GMT
National carrier in talks to add planes to fleet, including 10 long-haul Boeings.
Baghdad to reopen vital oil rail route from Bayji to Al-Anbar

22 February 2008, 17:46 GMT
Iraq’s Transport Ministry has begun work on renovating a stretch of railway track to link two critical industrial regions of the country.
Iraqi Airways to restore pride after buying planes

22 February 2008, 15:42 GMT
The news that Iraqi Airways is set to purchase 50 new aircraft at a cost of about $6bn sends a clear message to Iraq’s beleaguered population that their country’s fortunes are steadily improving.
Emirates agrees $253m in aircraft finance

21 February 2008, 18:02 GMT
Emirates Airline has put in place $253m of new credit to finance the purchase of two new Boeing 777 aircraft.
Etihad to order up to 100 new aircraft

21 February 2008, 17:36 GMT
Etihad Airways has revealed plans to order up to 100 new aircraft this year.
EgyptAir plans $190m fleet expansion

20 February 2008, 17:53 GMT
EgyptAir is set to expand its fleet with the acquisition of six new aircraft.
Saudia plans 30 new aircraft purchases

20 February 2008, 17:42 GMT
Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) has revealed plans to acquire about 30 new aircraft during the first financial quarter of 2008.
Plans for Palestinian investors conference in May

19 February 2008, 16:47 GMT
The Palestinian government has announced further plans for a conference in May, aimed at boosting investment in the Occupied Territories.
Dredging award delayed for Egypt's Damietta port

19 February 2008, 16:43 GMT
The award of a major dredging contract at Egypt’s Damietta Port has been postponed until the end of February.
Royal Jordanian

8 February 2008, 14:32 GMT
Jordan’s once struggling national airline has returned to profitability after simplifying its business.
Royal Jordanian: MEED Assessment

8 February 2008, 14:29 GMT
Not the wealthiest of the Middle East’s airlines, the company has carved out a niche and developed it with care and financial rigour
Q&A: Samer Majali, President and CEO, Royal Jordanian

8 February 2008, 14:25 GMT
Privatising in 2001, the airline’s CEO explains the preparation undertaken and how its operations now differ
Poor port management costs shipping sector $615m a year

1 February 2008, 18:06 GMT
Maersk chief says productivity has fallen by 20 per cent since 2000
China Harbour-led consortium challenges Duqm port award

1 February 2008, 18:01 GMT
The China Harbour Engineering Company-led consortium is launching a legal challenge to its defeat in a bid to build a ship repair and drydock complex at Oman’s Duqm port.
GCC under pressure from consortium to agree rail route

1 February 2008, 17:33 GMT
Consortium conducting technical study calls on secretariat to confirm plan or risk missing deadline
Riyadh considers plan to double Dammam port container capacity

1 February 2008, 16:13 GMT
King Abdulaziz port officials finalise scheme to enhance its commercial appeal
Call for port operators to put customers first

1 February 2008, 15:29 GMT
Deep-running fault lines are emerging between port operators and their customers. While operators across the region are eager to unveil unprecedented expansion plans, their customers have a different story to tell. Shipping groups are lamenting falling productivity and soaring costs.
Sabic sets up ethylene joint venture in China

31 January 2008, 13:47 GMT
Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (Sabic) has signed a heads of agreement to form a joint venture with China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation (Sinopec).
Sama airline blames losses on fuel prices

31 January 2008, 13:37 GMT
Sama, the Saudi low-cost airline, has said that it is losing millions of dollars because of unfair market practices.
Expansion boost for Ras al-Khaimah port

30 January 2008, 16:01 GMT
KGL Ports International is to expand capacity at its Mina Saqr port in Ras al-Khaimah at a cost of $250m.
Iranian ports authority to sell stake in marine services arm

29 January 2008, 15:01 GMT
Iran’s ports authority is planning to raise $100m through the part-privatisation of Tidewater, its marine services subsidiary.
DP World to expand capacity at Jebel Ali port

29 January 2008, 14:52 GMT
DP World is planning to expand capacity at Jebel Ali port in Dubai to 80m twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) by 2030, almost eight times greater than its current capacity.
Budget airlines seek overseas routes as fare cap talks stall

25 January 2008, 16:01 GMT
Dispute over fuel subsidies drives Sama and Nas Air to expand abroad
Gulf Air: New year brings renewed confidence

25 January 2008, 12:28 GMT
Bahrain’s national carrier has begun 2008 with greater cause for optimism after a difficult 12 months, as the company reduces losses, recruits staff and considers expansion
Qatar Navigation unveils 78 per cent profit rise

24 January 2008, 17:40 GMT
Qatar Navigation has announced a 78 per cent increase in net profit for last year.
Saudia weighs aviation sell-off in two years

24 January 2008, 17:33 GMT
Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) could privatise its aviation operations within two years.
Kuwait Airways appoints new chairman

24 January 2008, 15:26 GMT
Kuwait Airways has appointed its new chairman, Mohammed Salah, as the company’s third in four months.
Kuwait National Airways appoints chief executive

23 January 2008, 17:31 GMT
Kuwait National Airways, the country's newest airline, has appointed George Cooper as its chief executive.
Sama delays leasing aircraft as prices fall

23 January 2008, 17:27 GMT
Saudi low-cost airline Sama will delay leasing aircraft this year to take advantage of falling rates across the market prompted by the global credit crunch.
Gulf Air secures new loan

22 January 2008, 17:18 GMT
Gulf Air has agreed a $81.5m credit facility with Gulf International Bank to fund its new expansion strategy.
Overhaul planned for Aqaba port

22 January 2008, 16:26 GMT
Jordan has signed an agreement for the management and operation of marine services at the country’s main port of Aqaba.
DP World handles 18 per cent more cargo

21 January 2008, 17:45 GMT
DP World saw cargo throughput at its terminals increase by 18 per cent last year.
GCC to sign trade deals with EU, China and India

21 January 2008, 17:28 GMT
The GCC expects to conclude free trade agreements with China, India and EU by the end of this year, according to a UAE government minister.
Gulf Air cancels plans to list on bourse

18 January 2008, 15:05 GMT
Loss-making national carrier changes fundraising strategy after securing $6bn in credit to expand fleet
Galfar and Daewoo win contract to build Duqm drydock

18 January 2008, 14:58 GMT
A consortium of Omani group Galfar Engineering & Contracting and South Korea’s Daewoo Engineering & Construction is the surprise winner of the contract to build a ship repair and drydock complex at Oman’s Duqm port.
Iraq economy to grow 7 per cent in 2008

17 January 2008, 18:03 GMT
Iraq’s gross domestic product (GDP) is predicted to climb by 7 per cent this year, according to the IMF.
Preferred bidders selected to manage Saudi airports

17 January 2008, 16:34 GMT
The Saudi aviation regulator has selected its preferred bidders to manage the kingdom’s three international airports.
China Harbour passed over for Duqm drydock

16 January 2008, 17:24 GMT
A consortium of Omani group Galfar Engineering & Contracting and South Korea’s Daewoo Engineering & Construction has won the contract to build a ship repair and drydock complex at Oman’s Duqm port.
Landbridge bidders asked for final offers

16 January 2008, 16:56 GMT
The Saudi Railways Organisation (SRO) has called for the four consortiums shortlisted for the $2.5bn Saudi Landbridge project to submit their best and final offers.
Oman Air to buy planes for expansion plan

15 January 2008, 15:50 GMT
Oman Air is seeking to acquire new aircraft as it embarks on a renewed international expansion plan.
Etihad announces record passenger increase

15 January 2008, 15:26 GMT
Etihad Airways has announced record passenger figures for 2007, with a 67 per cent year-on-year increase.
Jazeera Airways shares quadruple on stock market debut

14 January 2008, 17:44 GMT
Shares in Jazeera Airways more than quadrupled in value during the company’s 14 January debut on the Kuwait Stock Exchange.
Gulf Air announces $4bn Boeing order

14 January 2008, 17:11 GMT
Gulf Air is to purchase 16 Boeing 787 Dreamliners in a deal worth $4bn.
Tehran must lose its pariah status

11 January 2008, 17:28 GMT
The latest efforts to boost private sector involvement in the Tehran Metro project display ingenuity, but also desperation atthe persistent failure to attract foreign capital to the project.
China Harbour wins contract to build Ras al-Zour port

11 January 2008, 16:55 GMT
A contract to build the industrial port at Ras al-Zour has finally been awarded to China Harbour Contracting Company, after a series of commercial and technical delays.
Tehran offers land to metro developers

11 January 2008, 16:49 GMT
Government to give prime city sites to financiers as incentives to invest in beleaguered transport plan
Airline privatisation faces second parliamentary defeat

11 January 2008, 14:18 GMT
National carrier seeks third chairman in four months as Al-Sabeeh exits
Bush calls for end to Israeli occupation

10 January 2008, 17:41 GMT
The US President, George Bush, has called on Israel to end its occupation of the Palestinian territories as part of a peace deal before he leaves office.
Port Rashid cargo heads to Jebel Ali

10 January 2008, 16:41 GMT
Dubai is to move most of Port Rashid's cargo handling operations to Jebel Ali within months, marking the end of major commercial operations at Port Rashid.
Bush arrives in Israel for Middle East tour

9 January 2008, 18:05 GMT
US President George Bush has arrived in Israel on the first leg of a Middle East tour aimed at advancing the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
Tehran issues new metro tenders

9 January 2008, 17:36 GMT
Tehran has issued tenders for Line 3 of the $18.5bn expansion plan for the city’s metro system.
King appoints son as deputy army chief

8 January 2008, 17:37 GMT
The king of Bahrain has reinforced his family’s control of the armed forces, appointing his son, Crown Prince Sheikh Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa, as deputy commander-in-chief of the army.
King Hamad appoints son as deputy army chief

8 January 2008, 16:28 GMT
The king of Bahrain has reinforced his family’s control of the armed forces, appointing his son, Crown Prince Sheikh Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa, as deputy commander-in-chief of the army.
Etihad Shipping plans $320m private placement

8 January 2008, 16:19 GMT
Etihad Shipping and Navigation Company is to raise BD120m ($320m) through a private placement as it prepares to launch its services.
Etihad and Oman Air strike frequent flyer deal

7 January 2008, 15:47 GMT
Etihad Airways and Oman Air have signed an agreement allowing passengers of either airline to use loyalty schemes.
Pentagon picks Raytheon for Kuwait missile deal

7 January 2008, 14:57 GMT
The US Department of Defence has selected Raytheon to supply a $328m worth of missiles to the Kuwaiti government.
Sector outlook 2008: Transport

4 January 2008, 17:58 GMT
Whether travelling by train, plane or car, transport in the Gulf will be taking a huge step forward this year.Many of the GCC's most prestigious transport projects are approaching the end of their tender process and work is set to begin in earnest. In terms of rail links, Saudi Arabia is set to make the most progress. Work will begin on the $5bn Saudi Landbridge - arguably the most significant rail project under way anywhere in the world.
Sector outlook 2008: Defence

4 January 2008, 17:44 GMT
A series of major defence deals are set to be finalised as states reinforce their security measures.Middle East security in 2008 will be dominated by familiar issues. The conflict in Iraq, Iran, the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and political instability in Lebanon will top the agendas of leaders in the region and worldwide.
A year of opportunity: Iraq

4 January 2008, 17:17 GMT
The surge of US troops launched by President Bush at the start of 2007 caused huge controversy at the time, but by the end of the year the policy was showing tangible signs of success.
Suez Canal revenues reach record high as oil price soars

4 January 2008, 15:46 GMT
Revenues from the Suez Canal reached $4.6bn in 2007 - the highest in the waterway's history. The figure is a 21 per cent increase on the $3.8bn gathered in 2006, which was also a record.
Tehran rethinks high-speed rail plans

4 January 2008, 14:43 GMT
Tehran is scaling back plans for two high-speed rail links in the country because of difficulties in financing major infrastructure projects.
Saudi extends electronic customs system

3 January 2008, 15:34 GMT
Saudi Arabia expects to have almost completed the roll-out of an electronic customs transaction system by the end of this year.
Gulf Air to unveil new plane deal within month

3 January 2008, 15:08 GMT
Gulf Air expects to conclude negotiations to replace its entire fleet of aircraft by the end of January.
Alafco agrees dividend for investors

2 January 2008, 18:11 GMT
Aviation Lease and Finance Company (Alafco) has agreed a 5 per cent cash dividend of 5 fils per share at its annual general meeting.
Saudia assures staff over privatisation pay

2 January 2008, 17:48 GMT
Senior officials at Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) have assured staff that salaries will not be cut following the company’s privatisation.
Kuwait Airways to face full audit

28 December 2007, 11:56 GMT
Kuwait Airways is to undergo a full audit ahead of a planned privatisation of the airline within two years.
Thales to overhaul Algerian rail

28 December 2007, 11:53 GMT
Thales, the French defence and transport group, has reached agreement with the Algerian government to overhaul a section of the North African country’s state railway.
Egypt accuses Israel over cuts to US military aid

28 December 2007, 11:50 GMT
Egypt has accused Israel of intervening to suspend $100m in US military aid to Cairo.
Baghdad approves prisoner amnesty bill

28 December 2007, 11:43 GMT
The Iraqi government has approved draft legislation that will permit the release of several thousand prisoners held by Iraqi and coalition forces.
IMF grants Iraq further funds

27 December 2007, 8:56 GMT
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has granted Iraq a $744m loan after the country repaid a previous $471m credit.
Baghdad to privatise national airline

21 December 2007, 11:36 GMT
The Transportation Ministry in Baghdad has agreed with US government officials to open up three business units at the flag carrier to private ownership. The ground handling, maintenance and catering divisions will be sold, with the government retaining a stake of 35-40 per cent in each. The ministry hopes to raise up to $100m from the sales, which will be reinvested in the business.
Baghdad struggles to finance rail network redevelopment

21 December 2007, 11:12 GMT
The Iraqi government is struggling to restart a $10bn redevelopment programme for the nation’s railways because of a lack of funding.
Iraq can now make progress

21 December 2007, 11:02 GMT
The ill-conceived planning for post-war Iraq is a familiar stick with which to beat the Bush administration. Stripped of its assets and expertise, the country’s industrial and economic infrastructure collapsed and the nation lurched into a savage insurgency.
Palestinians need more than money

21 December 2007, 10:55 GMT
The $7.4bn aid package granted to the Palestinian Authority by international donors on 17 December is a further welcome step in the peace process restarted at Annapolis, but on its own it is far from decisive.
Baghdad opens Umm Qasr port to foreign operators

21 December 2007, 10:51 GMT
The management of Iraq’s deep-sea port at Umm Qasr is to be thrown open to foreign operators in 2008 in a $500m deal.
Agenda: Bush's Iraq compromise

21 December 2007, 10:35 GMT
The White House has dropped its ideological goals in Iraq, trading reform for stability.
Iran to buy 130 aircraft over 10 years

20 December 2007, 17:11 GMT
Iran has declared its intention to add 130 aircraft to its civil aviation fleet over the next 10 years.
Morocco to buy US fighter jets

20 December 2007, 16:47 GMT
The US has formally announced plans to sell 24 F-16 fighter jets to Morocco.
Basra development fund to launch early next year

19 December 2007, 16:37 GMT
A $75m fund to assist the redevelopment of the Iraqi province of Basra will be in place by March next year.
US to recapitalise Iraqi state banks in 2008

19 December 2007, 16:33 GMT
The US State Department hopes to have completed the recapitalisation of Iraq’s Rashid and Rafadain banks by next summer.
Train resumes service between Baghdad and Basra

18 December 2007, 15:38 GMT
The first passenger rail train in three years between Iraq's two major cities, left Baghdad for Basra on 16 December.
Donors pledge $7.4bn for Palestinian economy

18 December 2007, 15:31 GMT
International donors have pledged $7.4bn to rejuvenate the Palestinian economy.
Shipping boom transforms Suez Canal

14 December 2007, 15:11 GMT
The world’s principal trade route is carrying out a series of redevelopments to maintain its premier position
Baghdad agrees loan for Umm Qasr port

14 December 2007, 12:40 GMT
The Iraqi government has agreed a $100m loan arrangement to redevelop the country’s deep seaport at Umm Qasr in the south of the country. However, a proposed $15bn overhaul of the port remains mired in political wrangling between the central and local governments over the division and distribution of future revenues.
Kuwait finalises plans to build city metro

7 December 2007, 17:06 GMT
Kuwait is finalising plans for Kuwait City's metro network, which includes sections of underground track.
Red Sea Gateway secures $454m for Jeddah port terminal

7 December 2007, 16:54 GMT
The Red Sea Gateway Terminal Company has secured SR1.7bn ($454m) of financing for the construction of a new terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port.
Cairo scales back Suez Canal redevelopment project

7 December 2007, 16:45 GMT
The redevelopment of the Suez Canal is to be scaled back because of concerns over the economics of the project.
Kuwait Airways losses could exceed $180 over two years

6 December 2007, 17:26 GMT
Losses at Kuwait Airways (KAC) could exceed KD50m ($184m) over the next two years unless the company is privatised, according to the airline’s director-general.
Emirates secures new aircraft finance

6 December 2007, 17:20 GMT
Emirates Airline has secured $297 million in new finance to fund the acquisition of two wide-body Boeing aircraft.
Emirates expects early delivery of first A380 plane

5 December 2007, 18:02 GMT
Emirates Airline has said it expects to receive delivery of its first Airbus A380 in June 2008, slightly ahead of schedule.
Dubai awards road contracts worth $56m

5 December 2007, 17:52 GMT
The Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai has awarded two contracts worth AED205m ($56m) to local companies for upgrades to the city’s roads.
Yemen agrees airport expansion loan

4 December 2007, 15:27 GMT
The Yemeni parliament has agreed to a $160m loan from Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development to finance the expansion of Sanaa International Airport.
Mosul Airport reopens after 14 years

4 December 2007, 15:24 GMT
Mosul airport in northern Iraq has reopened for its first commercial flight in 14 years.
Yemen and Dubai to jointly run Aden port

3 December 2007, 17:10 GMT
Sanaa has revealed that it has reached agreement with International Dubai Seaport Company over the development and operation of the container terminal at the port of Aden.
Daewoo wins Qatar shipbuilding contract

3 December 2007, 17:06 GMT
The South Korean group Daewoo Engineering and Construction Company has won the contract to construct a new shipbuilding facility in Qatar.
Newcomer Nas exposes Saudia's failings

3 December 2007, 15:50 GMT
The aircraft orders announced by Saudi Arabian carriers at the recent Dubai Airshow did not have the same blockbuster appeal as the multi-billion-dollar deals unveiled by Emirates Airline, Qatar Airways or Dubai Aerospace Enterprise.In the context of the recent development of the kingdom's aviation sector, however, they were hugely significant, outlining the renewed ambition of the nation's carriers, as well as the rivalry between them.
Riyadh increases King Abdulaziz airport capacity to 80 million

3 December 2007, 15:03 GMT
Saudi Arabia is set to unveil plans to make King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah the second-largest airport in the GCC by 2035.
EU disappointed over Iran nuclear talks

30 November 2007, 17:31 GMT
The EU has expressed disappointment at the lack of progress from another round of talks with Iran over the country’s nuclear ambitions.
Etihad secures aircraft finance

30 November 2007, 17:27 GMT
Etihad Airways has secured $398m in aircraft finance to fund the further expansion of its fleet.
Annapolis failure was inevitable

30 November 2007, 17:08 GMT
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has insisted that the Annapolis peace conference is not simply a photo opportunity. But that is what it looks like to many, and the scepticism is well merited.
Abbas and Olmert begin peace talks

28 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
Israeli and Palestinian leaders have begun formal talks to reach a peace settlement.
BAE agrees reconnaissance deal with Oman

28 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
BAE Systems has sealed an agreement to supply Oman with advanced reconnaissance systems for the country’s F-16 fighter jets.
China Harbour to build Jeddah terminal

28 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
China Harbour Engineering Company has been confirmed as the winning bidder to build the new container terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast.
Queen Alia airport expansion secures finance

27 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
The Arab Bank Group has agreed a $160m loan as part of the financing arrangements to expand Queen Alia International Airport.
UAE signs aviation deal with Turkey

27 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
The UAE has signed an accord with Turkey to allow more liberalised aviation rights between the two countries.
Etihad agrees codeshare with MEA

26 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
Etihad Airways has established links for Lebanese air passengers by signing a codeshare agreement with Beirut-based carrier, Middle East Airlines (MEA).
Vopak Horizon Fujairah expands terminal

26 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
The board of Vopak Horizon Fujairah has announced plans to expand the company’s onshore oil terminal and port facilities.
Fuel subsidies are not enough

24 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
The price paid for fuel is a thorny subject for Middle East airlines. It is the issue that separates them from the rest of the global industry.
Gulf Air set to confirm Naf as chief executive

24 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
Gulf Air will confirm Bjorn Naf as the airline's new chief executive officer (CEO) in the coming days.
Kuwait government faces airline walkouts over pay freeze

24 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
Pressure is increasing on the Kuwait government to approve pay rises at major state-owned companies as staff representatives claim a planned three-month wait for a decision will spark walkouts crippling the national airline and other businesses.
Riyadh considers airline fuel subsidy for low-cost carriers

24 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
The Saudi aviation regulator is considering granting a fuel subsidy to the kingdom's low-cost airlines and scrapping the state-imposed cap on airline fares.
Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline on Airbuses and the environment

23 November 2007, 16:45 GMT
While other carriers in the region struggle, Dubai-based Emirates is on track to become the world’s biggest airline.
Bahrain Air to launch next year

23 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
Bahrain will get a second national airline by January next year, with the launch of low-cost carrier Bahrain Air.
Lebanese MPs fail to agree president

23 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
Lebanese MPs have failed to vote on the election of a new president.
Jeddah airport awards contract for Hajj terminal

22 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
Al Shaer Engineering has won a five-year contract worth SR256m ($69m) as part of the expansion of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.
RAK Airways to launch maiden flight in November

22 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
RAK Airways, the UAE airline based in Ras al-Khaimah, is to launch its maiden flight to Beirut on 29 November.
Iran buys Russian aircraft

21 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
Iran Air has confirmed it is purchasing Tupolev aircraft from Russia to overhaul its ageing fleet.
UAE ranked best for logistics in the region

21 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
Middle East and North African countries have had mixed results in a new World Bank report assessing the quality of logistics performance among 150 nations.
Abu Dhabi revamps transport regulations

18 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
Abu Dhabi has released a new set of transport regulations to overhaul its civil aviation and ports sectors.
DP World increases size of share sale

17 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
DP World has increased the size of its initial public offering (IPO) on the Dubai International Financial Exchange due to huge demand from investors.
Royal Jordanian launches share sale

17 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
The privatisation of Royal Jordanian will move a step closer, with the start of initial public offering (IPO) of up to 71 per cent of the company on 25 November.
GCC Railway: A journey into unknown territory

16 November 2007, 17:52 GMT
The economic potential of a rail link uniting freight and passenger routes throughout the GCC is clear, but the region’s inexperience in railway construction is making contractors and financiers nervous.
North-South railway faces criticism over slow progress

16 November 2007, 17:52 GMT
Progress on two of the three construction packages on the Saudi Arabian North-South minerals railway has been described as slow or poor in a confidential report by the body overseeing the project.
Dubai Airshow closes with $100bn in orders

16 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
The tenth Dubai Airshow closed on 15 November, with more than $100bn of aircraft orders made over the five days.
Emirates chief urges rival Gulf airlines to collaborate

16 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
Dubai flag carrier Emirates is calling for greater collaboration between the region’s three major airlines, in a push to liberalise Gulf air space. The carrier is also pursuing greater co-operation with Abu Dhabi rival Etihad Airways to cut operating costs.
Qatar Airways gets go-ahead for US alliance

16 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
A codeshare agreement allowing Qatar Airways and United Airlines to sell tickets for each other's flights has received the go-ahead from the US government.
Riyadh considers adding to fighter fleet

16 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
Saudi Arabia is considering placing an order for a further 24 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets worth nearly e1.5bn ($3.1bn).
Saudi low-cost carrier to buy 120 aircraft

16 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
National Air Services (NAS) has announced plans to buy 120 aircraft over the next five years, increasing the size of its fleet to 167 planes by 2012.
Firms vie to build Iraq fence

15 November 2007, 0:00 GMT
Bids have been submitted by 14 groups for the estimated SR 4,000 million ($1,070 million) contract to build a fence along the kingdom’s border with Iraq.
Kuwait Airways: Board opens the emergency exit

8 November 2007, 11:00 GMT
A disagreement with ministers over adding to the fleet led to a mass exodus of board members.
Saudi Arabia: Playing by a different set of rules

8 November 2007, 11:00 GMT
With a captive pilgrim market, the kingdom's aviation industry sits apart from the rest of the sector.
Kuwait's national carrier faces turbulent times

6 November 2007, 16:53 GMT
It has been an eventful year for Kuwaiti aviation. For its airlines, it has been one of mixed fortunes. The buoyancy of the low-cost market, and the strong performance of Jazeera Airways in particular, has been in marked contrast to the continued turmoil at the national airline, Kuwait Airways.
Introduction: Gulf's aviation market matures

6 November 2007, 16:22 GMT
While the big three Gulf airlines are taking an ever larger share of the global market, and the region's new low-cost carriers have got off to a profitable start, many others in the industry are struggling to find a niche.
Sea change in port plans with new Mesaieed project

19 October 2007, 11:30 GMT
The project to build a new offshore port east of Doha has been abandoned in favour of a coastal location at Mesaieed.

MEEDHugh Tomlinson

MEED
Hugh Tomlinson