By continuing to use the site you agree to our Privacy & Cookies policy

MEED
Jan 2009 Online Content

View all stories from this issue.

  • 556 hotels planned for Middle East

    A total of 556 new hotels are in the project pipeline in the Middle East, reported MEED, citing statistics from US-based hotel analyst Lodging Econometrics. The bulk of this new capacity is destined for Dubai, with 155 projects and nearly 57,390 rooms either planned or under construction. This exceeds the amount planned for any other city in the world. However, many of the projects face delays or are being put on hold indefinitely due to the financial crisis.

  • Abu Dhabi airport gets low-visibility certificate

    Abu Dhabi Airports Company on Monday said Abu Dhabi International Airport has received regulatory approval for enhanced low visibility operations. This approval, the first of its kind in the Middle East, allows for aircraft to be able to safely manoeuvre in low visibility conditions. The newly operational second runway is planned to be CAT III B approach rated in 2009. Yesterday's announcement reflects the upgrading of the airport's original runway which can now be utilised when visibility fa

  • Abu Dhabi delays integrated gas development bids

    Abu Dhabi has delayed the date for technical bids on the long-awaited onshore portion of its integrated gas development (IGD), which is aimed at significantly boosting the emirate's gas production.

  • Abu Dhabi developers report weak fourth quarter results

    Abu Dhabi’s two leading real estate developers, Aldar Properties and Sorouh Real Estate, have released their 2008 results with both companies failing to meet analyst’s expectations for the final quarter.

  • Abu Dhabi energy contract awards expected this month

    Two major contracts planned by Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations (Adco), including the 1.8 million project and the Shah, Asab and Sahil (Sas) full field development, should be decided within the next month, according to project sources.

  • Abu Dhabi hotels fifth most expensive worldwide

    Hotels in Abu Dhabi were the fifth most expensive in the world in 2008, rising from 19th place a year earlier, according to a survey by Hogg Robinson Group (HRG), a UK-based global travel booking agency, cited by The National. Room rates in Abu Dhabi increased by 36% last year from 2007 to reach an average rate of Dhs1,305 ($355) a night, HRG said. Meanwhile, Dubai dropped from third place in 2007 to eighth place last year, with an average room rate of Dhs1,246.

  • Abu Dhabi invites bids for sewer tunnel

    Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC) has invited companies to bid by 26 February for the first package on its deep sewer tunnel project.

  • Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank signs $395m university financing deal

    Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank has signed a AED1.45n ($395m) Islamic loan with Al Habtoor Engineering and Murray & Roberts to finance the construction of the Zayed University campus in Abu Dhabi.

  • Abu Dhabi motorists face more fines

    According to the Directorate of Traffic and Patrols of Abu Dhabi Police, motorists edging forward at traffic lights turning green will be fined Dhs500. Yellow boxes have been painted on the road at junctions in the Capital which have been identified as problem areas. Motorists caught within the yellow box will be considered to be obstructing traffic.

  • Abu Dhabi passenger traffic up 30%

    Abu Dhabi International Airport today released its traffic figures for 2008, which showed an airport record of 9.02 million passengers were handled through its facilities during the last calendar year. With passenger traffic up 30.2%, from 6.9m in 2007, Abu Dhabi International Airport closed the year having reached its target milestone. As world-wide industry trends show a general slowing of passenger traffic, growth rates for December reflected a more modest growth pattern but were still

  • Abu Dhabi plans route closures

    Abu Dhabi Municipality is preparing alternative traffic routes ahead of the imminent closure of Salam Street. The closed areas are part of the Salam Street Improvement Project and the Eastern Ring Road and will include parts of Mina Street. This section will remain closed until the project is completed by the end of 2010. The project is expected to cost around Dhs5bn.

  • Abu Dhabi Polymers Park looks for $100m joint venture partner

    UAE-based Abu Dhabi Polymers Park (ADPP) says it is in talks with potential joint venture partners over investments worth around $100m.

  • Abu Dhabi Polymers Park maintains investor interest despite economic downturn

    Progress at the Abu Dhabi Polymers Park (ADPP) is continuing despite concerns over global recession and power shortages, says the scheme's vice-president.

  • Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange reports big increase in trading

    The value of shares traded on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) increased by 32 per cent during 2008, according to figures published by the exchange on 18 January.

  • Abu Dhabi to add 100 buses

    Abu Dhabi will roll out 100 new buses from March 1, a senior official said yesterday. The air-conditioned buses will have more capacity - 65 passengers (34 seats and 31 standing) - compared to existing buses which have capacity for 45 passengers. The new buses are also adapted for use by physically challenged passengers.

  • Abu Dhabi to launch Ruwais refinery development by end of January

    Abu Dhabi Oil Refining Company (Takreer) is expected to launch the tendering process by the end of January for the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) phase of its Ruwais refinery expansion.

  • Abu Dhabi tourism company signs deal with Masdar

    The local Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) has signed a partnership agreement with Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) for the development of sustainable water and energy projects on Sir Bani Yas Island.

  • ACC to secure Saudi substation contract

    Najen al-Jazeera, a subsidiary of the Riyadh-based Al-Arrab Contracting Company (ACC), is set to be awarded the SR74m ($20m) Hail University substation contract.

  • ACT achieves 41.6% growth in container handling

    Container handling volume at Aqaba Container Terminal, Jordan's sole terminal, registered a total throughput of 587,530 TEU in 2008, the highest ever handled at the terminal, achieving a 41.6% growth over the previous year. Klaus Holm Laursen, ACT's CEO, said, 'the conversion of cargo from bulk to containers and the increase in transit cargo to Iraq were the main reason behind the substantial increase in handling for the past year'.

  • Acwa forms banking group for Rabigh power project

    A consortium of the local Acwa Power and Korea Electric Power Corporation is in talks with Saudi banks including Samba, al-Rajhi and Alinma about providing financial support for its bid on the $2.5bn independent power project at Rabigh in Saudi Arabia.

  • Adac eyes logistics park tie ups

    Abu Dhabi Airports Company (Adac) is in talks with potential foreign partners to form a joint venture to develop logistics facilities both within and outside the UAE, Gulf News has reported. The new company is expected to be launched in the second quarter of this year, said Saeed Al Mulla, Adac's vice president for business park development. He said Adac is in talks with industrial and business park developers in the US, Europe, East Asia and Australia to form a joint venture.

  • Adco cuts cost of Sas awards by $1bn

    Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Operations (Adco) has awarded two contracts on the Sahil, Asab and Shah (Sas) oil fields for a total of $3.5bn - $1bn less than the original bid estimates.

  • Addur power project to approach banks for $1.7bn

    Sponsor’s on Bahrain’s Addur independent water and power project (IWPP) are expected to begin approaching banks to finance a $1.7bn loan to begin development of the plant.

  • Advisory contract awarded for Ras al-Khaimah coal plant

    The Ras al-Khaimah Investment Authority (Rakia) has awarded the legal advisory contract for the Mina Saqr 1 power plant project to UK law firm Linklaters.

  • Aecom to design Abu Dhabi’s Zayed University

    The US’ Aecom has been awarded a one-year consultancy contract to provide complete design services on the Zayed University project in Abu Dhabi.

  • Agility to buy Oy Nystrom of Finland

    Kuwait-based Agility, the Middle East's largest storage and logistics company, has announced that it has signed an agreement to buy Oy Nystrom and Co of Finland for 2.25 million euros ($2.95m). Nystrom is a logistics service provider with annual revenue of 15 million euros, Agility said in a statement.

  • Ahli United Bank lends $120m for Bapco lube oil project

    Bahrain’s Ahli United Bank has agreed to provide a $120m loan to the Bahrain Petrochemical Company (Bapco) to finance an equity investment in the Lube Base Oil project being developed at Sitra.

  • Air Arabia to add up to five planes per year

    Air Arabia plans to increase the number of aircraft operating in the UAE at an annual rate of four to five aircraft, Adel Ali, CEO of the airline, told CNBC Arabiya. Ali stressed that there is no reduction in the expansion plans for Air Arabia as approved by the company in its five-year plan. These expansion plans include four new planes to enter service into 2009 and the opening of a major station for the company in Casablanca, Morocco to transfer passengers to Europe and Africa.

  • Air India adds Dubai flight

    To meet growing passenger demand, India's low-cost carrier, Air India Express, will operate an additional daily night flight from Dubai to Mangalore. The new flight will commence from January 12. The carrier, a wholly owned subsidiary of Air India, will also commence three flights weekly to Pune, on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

  • Airbus to moot MidEast joint ventures

    European aircraft maker Airbus has announced that it is in discussions with prospective partners in Dubai and other places in the Middle East to setting up more regional joint venture facilities for parts manufacturing and services. Habib Fekih, President of Airbus Middle East, said the objective was to develop low-cost efficient parts.

  • Al Khaliji Bank denies exposure to investment losses

    Qatar’s Al Khaliji bank has refuted reports suggesting it is one of the banks intending to use new accounting standards to avoid deducting equity investment losses from their yearly profits.

  • Al Wathba adopts Unified Communications

    UAE-based Al Wathba National Insurance Company has acquired Nortel and Microsoft's Unified Communications. The technology enables employees to improve their productivity and customer service even when working outside the office premises. They can answer calls, send/ receive fax messages, directly from Microsoft Outlook Contacts, Excel and Word. The installation is being carried out by systems integrator Alpha Data.

  • Aldar appoints John Buck to manage commercial properties

    Local developer Aldar Properties has appointed John Buck International to manage its commercial property portfolio in Abu Dhabi.

  • Aldar Laing O’Rourke joint venture sheds 320 jobs

    The Aldar Laing O’Rourke joint venture has laid off 320 staff, following a reduction in the amount of work available on the $14bn Al-Raha Beach project.

  • Aldar to open seven hotels on Yas Island

    The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority said yesterday that Aldar Properties will commission seven hotels on Yas Island by November. The commissioning will be in time for the UAE capital hosting the final round of the 2009 Formula One Grand Prix during the month. The hotels - four 5 star properties, one 4 star and two 3 star - together will boost Abu Dhabi's accommodation inventory by 2,298 rooms and its food and beverage stock by 30 outlets, including 20 individual restaurants, the authority said.

  • Aldar to tender Al-Bateen project

    Local developer Aldar Properties is preparing to issue tender documents for its Al-Bateen Park development on Abu Dhabi island.

  • Al-Fattan invites bids for Dubai Marina tower

    The local Al-Fattan Properties has invited companies to bid by 31 January for the contract to build a mixed-use tower in Dubai Marina, which will be one of the tallest towers in the area.

  • Algeria enforces Opec oil production cuts

    Algeria says it will make further cuts to its oil production, in line with the reductions agreed with other Opec states.

  • Al-Khabeer signs finance deal for Jizan Economic City

    Saudi Arabia’s Al-Khabeer Merchant Finance Corporation has signed a memorandum of understanding with the local Jazan Development Company for the financing of projects in Jizan Economic City.

  • Almabani begins construction work at Najran airport

    The local Almabani General Contractors has begun work on the main construction package at Najran airport, in the southwest of Saudi Arabia, following completion of the mobilisation work.

  • Almarai's profit rises 13.5%

    Saudi Arabia's Almarai Co, the Gulf's largest dairy firm by market value, said it posted a 13.5% rise in fourth-quarter operating profit, reported Reuters. Almarai made 219.2 million Saudi riyals ($58.45m) in the three months to December 31 up against the 193 million riyals it made a year-earlier, the firm said.

  • Al-Mazaya healthcare clinic to be complete by end of 2009

    The local Al-Mazaya Real Estate Development Company says construction of its healthcare clinic in Kuwait will be complete by the end of 2009.

  • Al-Naboodah bids low for Dubai Metro car park

    The local Al-Naboodah Contracting is the low bidder with a price of AED599m ($163m) for the contract to build a car park at Al-Ghusais for the Dubai Metro scheme.

  • Amadeus partners with Sharaf Travel

    Amadeus, a technology and distribution solutions provider for the travel and tourism industry said it has partnered with Sharaf Travel, a UAE-based travel agency. The three-year deal will see Sharaf Travel's network of agencies in the UAE and Oman migrate from its existing global distribution system provider to Amadeus. Amadeus' global and regional presence will also help boost Sharaf Travel's expansion plans in the Middle East, Africa and India.

  • Annual investment in Saudi industrial cities reaches $6.5bn

    Modon, the industrial development arm of the Saudi government, says it attracted an estimated SR24bn ($6.5bn) in capital investment in its industrial zones in the past year.

  • Aphrodite signs $300m reconstruction contract in Iraq

    Aphrodite Trading has signed a contract worth $300m to undertake construction and agriculture projects in the Iraqi province of Salah al-Din.

  • Apple revenue up 5.8% in Q4

    Apple Inc said it posted a 5.8% rise in revenue and a 1.5% gain in profit in the fourth quarter, sending its quarterly sales past $10bn for the first time. The company reported strong increases in sales of its Macintosh computers and iPhone cellphones in the fiscal quarter ended Dec 27.

  • Apple unveils new MacBook Pro

    Apple has unveiled the new 17-inch MacBook Pro featuring a new built-in battery that delivers up to eight hours of use and up to 1,000 recharges for more than three times the lifespan of conventional notebook batteries, the company said. The new 17-inch MacBook Pro has a high resolution LED-backlit display and the same large glass Multi-Touch trackpad introduced with the new MacBook family in October.

  • Apscop and Cetco target Libyan oil field services

    Libyan oil services agency Althuraya Petroleum Services & Supplies (Apscop) has signed a deal with the UK’s Cetco Oilfield Services to provide water treatment solutions to the Libyan oil and gas sector.

  • Arab League study recommends greater regional transport cooperation

    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.

  • Arabtec to start work on Saadiyat Beach Residences

    The local Arabtec Construction has mobilised onsite for its AED2bn ($544m)Saadiyat Beach Residences contract in Abu Dhabi and is preparing to start construction work.

  • Aramco begins work at Star offshore platform facility

    Saudi Arabia’s first facility for the fabrication of offshore oil production platforms has been competed and construction has begun on four new platforms at the facility.

  • Aramex buys Metrofile Middle East

    Aramex today announced its acquisition of Metrofile Middle East, the documents and records management company in the UAE. Metrofile's UAE operation will be totally integrated into those of Infofort, Aramex's wholly owned records management company, whose operation spans the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan and Egypt.

  • Arshiya begins transport services in ME

    Arshiya Transport, a subsidiary of Arshiya International Limited, India, is now offering road transport services in the Middle East. A fleet of 1,250 owned and leased vehicles and a similar number of trailers will be on the road during 2009 and 2010, the company said. Five companies have already entered contracts with Arshiya Transport for their Middle East transportation requirements which will be catered by more than 75% of the planned fleet in the next two years.

  • Asas submits lowest bid for civil works at Sohar airport

    Asas Civil Contraction is the lowest bidder for the civil works contract to build the new airport at the coastal town of Sohar.

  • Aviation maintenance sector to grow by 70 per cent

    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.

  • Bahrain aims to attract families

    Bahrain has all the ingredients needed to be one of the top family and leisure tourism destinations in the Gulf, said Prime minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa. Speaking at the launch of Muharraq Land, a $50m project in Manama, Al Khalifa said 'besides its hospitable and friendly people and the government's support for investment in tourism, Bahrain enjoys the infrastructure for family and leisure tourism'. The BD19m project, which is located over an area of 93,618sqm, includes a re

  • Bahrain to launch new financial exchange

    Bahrain has said it will launch the Bahrain Financial Exchange (BFX) in early 2010 as part of plans to develop its position as a regional financial centre.

  • Bahrain to seek proposals for Muharraq wastewater plant

    Bahrain’s Works Ministry is expected to issue a request for proposals for the Muharraq wastewater treatment by the end of January.

  • Bahrain to upgrade ICT in government

    Bahrain is set to become the first country in the Gulf to upgrade and standardise the level of information communication technology in all government buildings. The Enterprise Architecture Project aims to streamline governmental procedures and improve access. Due to the scale and complexity, the project will be conducted in two stages.

  • Bahrain: Air compressors

    Supply of instrument air compressors. Closing date: 18 February 2009

  • Bahrain: Duplex strainer assembly

    Supply of a duplex strainer assembly for a cooling system. Closing date: 18 February 2009

  • Bahrain: Polyethylene pipe consultancy services

    Provision of consultancy services for the prequalification of manufacturers of polyethylene pipes. Closing date: 25 February 2009

  • Bahrain: Sewage pumps

    Supply of submersible sewage pumps. Closing date: 18 February 2009

  • Bahrain: Steel bars

    Supply of stainless steel flat bars and channels. Closing date: 18 February 2009

  • Bahrain: Substation

    Construction of a substation. Closing date: 4 February 2009

  • Bahrain: Transformer oil

    Supply of transformer oil. Closing date: 4 February 2009

  • Bank Al Jazira reports $24.5m loss

    Saudi Arabia’s Bank Al Jazira has reported a net loss of SR92m ($24.5m) for the fourth quarter of 2008.

  • Bank chief calls on GCC to invest in financial infrastructure

    Instead of investing in physical infrastructure during the economic downturn Middle East governments should invest in their financial and capital markets, according to Steen Jakobsen, chief investment officer of Denmark's Saxo Bank.

  • Bank of Bahrain & Kuwait launches Islamic investment bank

    Bank of Bahrain & Kuwait (BBK) has launched a new Islamic investment bank called Capinnova Investment Bank with paid up capital of $125m and authorised capital of $500m.

  • Bankers call for more government support for project financing

    Project finance bankers from around the region have called for more government intervention in the market to ensure that vital infrastructure developments occur on schedule and are not delayed by difficulties raising finance.

  • Banks increase restrictions on project finance debt

    The global financial crisis has left banks unwilling to provide project finance for more than 10 to 12 years, according to regional financiers.

  • Batelco profits up just 2.7 per cent

    Batelco, Bahrain's former state-owned telecoms operator, has reported net profits for 2008 of BD104m ($276m), up just 2.7 per cent year-on-year.

  • BECA reports record results in 2008

    The Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority (BECA) says it achieved record results in the fourth quarter of 2008 as Bahrain's MICE (Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conferences and Exhibitions) sector saw a 35% increase in demand. Dr. Hassan Abdulla Fakhro, Minister of Industry & Commerce and chairman of BECA, said an estimated 119 confirmed bookings at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre (BIEC) will have attracted more than 385,000 international, regional, and local visitor

  • BHP to cut 6,000 jobs

    Mining giant BHP Billiton will cut 6,000 jobs and close its huge Ravensthorpe nickel mine in Australia as the group battles a collapse in commodity prices. Until now BHP had set itself apart by maintaining production and just last month said sales volumes were holding up despite a global downturn. Of the 6,000 job cuts, about 70% will come from independent contractors that work BHP's mines.

  • Bid deadline extended for Lighthouse tower in Dubai

    The closing date for bids for the contract to build the Lighthouse tower at Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC) has been extended by one month to 18 February.

  • Bid deadline for Saudi National Guard housing scheme extended

    The deadline for bids for a major housing project for the Saudi Arabian National Guard has been extended by a month to 16 February.

  • Bid deadline for Yanbu substation extended

    The bid deadline for the new substation at King Fahd Industrial Port in Saudi Arabia has been extended by almost three weeks to 9 February.

  • Bidders line up for Muscat sewage work

    A total of 12 groups have lined up to bid for the contract to build a sewage system covering several catchments in the Muscat governorate.

  • Bidders line up for Yanbu power plant extension

    Up to seven bids for the phase five and six extension of the Yanbu Industrial City power plant are expected to be submitted on 23 February.

  • Bids for King Khaled University delayed until February

    Bids are due to be submitted for a SR5bn ($1.3bn) contract for King Khaled University on 15 February.

  • Bids for Riyadh university monorail due in February

    Bids for the SR1bn ($267m) monorail contract at the University for Women in Riyadh are expected to be submitted by the end of February.

  • Bids in for Mecca-Medina high-speed rail project

    Four bids have been submitted for the Haramain high-speed rail project between Mecca and Medina.

  • Bids submitted for Kuwait Oil Company gathering centres

    Bids have been submitted for two contracts on the Early Production Facility (EPF) planned by Kuwait Oil Company (KOC).

  • Bids submitted for UAE fishing harbours

    The UAE’s Public Works Ministry has received bids from at least three companies for a contract to design and build 23 fishing harbours across the federation.

  • Bids submitted for villas at Al-Muteena

    Dubai’s Roads & Transport Authority has received bids for a contract to build 322 villas for Dubai Police in the Al-Muteena area.

  • Boeing's delay affects Qatar Airways expansion

    Qatar Airways is in talks to revise delivery of Boeing Co's 787 Dreamliner jet and is seeking compensation after the manufacturer's latest delay affected the airline's expansion. Qatar Airways has about 200 planes on order including 30, 787 Dreamliners. Boeing pushed back the schedule for its troubled 787 Dreamliner for the fourth time last December, making its new plane almost two years late.

  • Borouge delays bids for Ruwais expansion project

    The deadline for technical bids for a project management consultancy (PMC) contract at Ruwais has been extended after the client, Borouge, made changes to the contract.

  • Borouge launches Ruwais olefins project management tender

    Abu Dhabi Polymers Company (Borouge) has launched the project management consultancy tender for the third-phase expansion of its multi-billion-dollar Ruwais olefins complex.

  • Borouge to keep expansion on track

    Abu Dhabi-based petrochemicals maker Borouge has no plans to slow down its expansion despite the global economic crisis, the company said. Work on its first overseas manufacturing plant in Shanghai is progressing as planned and it will build new logistics hubs in Southeast Asia and South Asia to distribute products, said William Yau, CEO of Borouge's marketing company in Singapore. The Shanghai facility will have a capacity of 50,000 tonnes when it begins production in early 2010.

  • Borse Dubai launches $2.5bn refinancing deal

    Borse Dubai, the state-owned stock exchange group, has launched a $2.5bn refinancing of its $3.78bn debt, at margins of over 400 basis points over the London interbank offered rate (Libor) in an attempt to attract interest in the deal from banks.

  • Boskalis wins Safaniyah oil field contract

    Italy's Saipem has awarded a sub-contract on the offshore Safaniyah oil field development to the Netherlands' Royal Boskalis Westminster, covering dredging work for a crude pipeline to the mainland.

  • British Airways launches promotion

    British Airways has unveiled a two-week sale on its services to several European and North American destinations. Customers in the UAE can book a return World Traveller (economy class) fare to London Heathrow for just Dhs1,990 ($542) while Club World (business class) return fares are only dhs6,990, the carrier said. The promotion runs from January 13 to 27. All prices include taxes, charges and service fees.

  • Business confidence falls sharply in the UAE

    Business confidence fell faster in the UAE than in any other Gulf country during the fourth quarter of 2008, according to a survey by the UK-based bank HSBC.

  • Cairo to launch Abu Rawash wastewater tender

    Egypt’s Housing, Utilities & Urban Development Ministry is to issue a tender for the expansion of the Abu Rawash wastewater treatment plant later this year.

  • Call for more hotels in Doha

    To accommodate the projected growth in visitor traffic, the Qatar Tourism and Exhibition Authority said the capacity of hotels in Qatar needs to increase from the current 4,300 rooms to 29,000 rooms by 2012. The country anticipates an increased number of tourists to the city to experience its cultural sites and sports events.

  • Canada’s Verenex makes oil find in Libya

    A fresh oil discovery has been made in Libya by a consortium of Canada's Verenex Energy and the state-run National Oil Corporation (NOC).

  • Cargo plane skids off Sharjah runway

    An Antonov-12 cargo aircraft skidded off the runway at Sharjah International Airport during its takeoff for Afghanistan on Friday, Gulf News has reported. The aircraft is owned and operated by British Gulf, a Russian-owned air cargo transportation company based at Sharjah International Airport Free Zone. The incident has reported no injuries while the aircraft sustained 'minor' damage.

  • Carrier launches district cooling chiller

    Carrier, a unit of United Technologies Corporation, has launched a new chiller for district cooling facilities in the Middle East. The Evergreen 19XRD offers dual modular and integral configuration and uses non-ozone depleting refrigerant HFC-134a. Carrier has a number of subsidiaries in the region.

  • Cavotec secures deal with Saudi Oger

    Global engineering group Cavotec MSL has secured an order with Saudi Oger, one of the largest construction companies in Saudi Arabia. The order includes 53 in-ground pit systems, 24 converters and associated material. The systems will be installed in two aircraft hangars in Riyadh and Jeddah.

  • Century Architects bids low for Oman expressway

    Century Architects Consulting Engineers is the lowest bidder for the contract to provide consultancy services on the Batinah Expressway project in Oman.

  • Chelsea opens in Discovery Gardens

    Chelsea Group has launched a full-service hotel apartment chain, named Chelsea Gardens Hotel Apartments, located next to the Ibn Battuta Shopping Mall. The property has 348 furnished apartments including 20 suites, two restaurants, a coffee shop, business centre, four board rooms, banqueting hall and other amenities.

  • China wins North Azadegan oil field contract in Iran

    National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) and China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) have agreed a deal for the development of the North Azadegan oil field which holds about 6 billion barrels of crude.

  • Chinese groups win construction work in Hilla

    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.

  • Cisco launches $100m global strategic initiative

    Cisco today announced a $100m global strategic initiative focused on small business networking and communications solutions for companies with fewer than 100 employees. Cisco aims to help small businesses gain greater agility and efficiency in working with customers who are increasingly expecting to do business on the move, on the Internet and via video. According to research firm IDC, the SMB market in the Middle East will account for more than a third of all IT spending by 2011 and comprise

  • Cisco launches new connections programme

    Cisco has launched the Cisco Device Connections Program (Cisco DCP), a programme which enables manufacturers to use the Home Network Administration Protocol (HNAP) in variety of network connected devices, the company said. HNAP enables a simple, secure and open approach for devices to be set up and configured with other HNAP enabled devices on a home network. Cisco is leading the effort to make connected home products easier to use and set-up through open licensing of its HNAP technology.

  • Citigroup to target investors in UAE capital markets

    Citigroup has launched a transaction clearing service for investors looking for access to the Dubai Financial Market (DFM), Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and Nasdaq Dubai.

  • Committee proposed to address Jeddah port congestion

    The Saudi Department of Customs has proposed the formation of an emergency committee to address the problem of congestion at Jeddah Islamic Port.

  • Companies approached for Al-Ain sewerage works

    The Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC) has invited selected companies to prequalify for the contract to build the first stage of the Al-Ain trunk services project.

  • Construction to begin on Bahrain-Qatar causeway

    Construction is to begin this year on the 'Friendship Causeway' between Bahrain and Qatar. Once construction of the $3bn project is completed in about four year's time it will be made up of over 40km of twin carriageway running across 22km of viaducts over the sea and 18km of embankments. Travel time will go from four and a half hours to 30 minutes.

  • Contract awarded for Doha Convention Centre

    Local/Belgian joint venture wins contract

  • Contractor awarded Al-Bateen marine works contract

    A joint venture of Lebanon's Arabian Construction Company (ACC) and Hong Kong's Leader Marine Contracting has been awarded the estimated AED80m ($22m) marine works contract for the Marasy development in Abu Dhabi planned by International Capital Trading (ICT).

  • Contractors approached for Fujairah hotel

    Selected contractors have been invited to express interest in a contract to build a hotel in Fujairah.

  • Contractors approached for more Ras al-Khaimah work

    Local developer RAK Properties has invited companies to express interest in the construction of a residential precinct at its Mina al-Arab development.

  • Contractors in talks for Dubai airport contract

    Dubai’s Department of Civil Aviation is in talks with contractors for the mechanical, electrical and plumbing works for Concourse 3 at Dubai International Airport.

  • Contractors prepare for talks on expansion of Fertil plant

    The UAE's Ruwais Fertiliser Industries (Fertil) will start technical discussions with three bidders on 20 January for the contract to expand its urea-based fertiliser complex.

  • Coral launches new hotel in Dubai

    Coral Hotels and Resorts, a home-grown hotel chain, soft launched its latest property in Dubai yesterday, taking the number of hotels to 16 in less than six years - making it one of the fastest growing hospitality chains in the region. The newly-opened Coral Al Khoory Hotel Apartments is located within walking distance of the Mall of the Emirates and is Coral's third property in Al Barsha.

  • Cosmo Oil to extend Abu Dhabi oil concession

    Japan’s Cosmo Oil is to renew its existing offshore oil concession in Abu Dhabi by 20 years, according to local media reports.

  • Cost on Gaza infrastructure of Israeli bombardment put at $1.1bn

    The cost in direct loss of infrastructure from the recent Israeli military campaign in Gaza has been placed at $1.1bn.

  • Cyber Gear sales up 172% in 2008

    Cyber Gear posted a 172% increase in sales turnover and registered 60 major account wins during 2008, the company said in a statement. The Dubai-based web developer said it capitalized on the increasing number of Internet subscribers and the unprecedented growth of e-business in the Middle East. The company says it now has 250 clients in 16 Middle East countries.

  • DAE secures $800m loan

    Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), confirmed today that it has closed an $800m equivalent Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facilities jointly arranged by Citibank, Deutsche Bank, Emirates Bank International, Lloyds TSB Bank, and an Islamic tranche managed by Noor Islamic Bank. The tenor of the facility is three years and will be used for DAE's general corporate purposes.

  • Damac invites bids for Business Bay office buildings

    The local Damac Properties has invited selected companies to bid by 19 February for two contracts at Business Bay.

  • Daman Securities to launch equity research service

    The UAE’s Daman Securities is to launch an equity research service aimed at encouraging retail investors to make investment decisions based on fundamental analysis rather than market rumour.

  • Dana Gas makes gas discovery in Egypt

    The UAE’s Dana Gas has made a gas and condensate discovery in Egypt at its Salma-1 well in the Nile Delta Concession, with reserves of 150 billion cubic feet of gas.

  • Dana gears up for Sharjah development

    The UAE’s Dana Gas is to move ahead with exploration and development at its Sharjah offshore concession.

  • Deadline for Tarfaya wind farm bids extended to March

    Morocco's Office National de l’Electricite (ONE) has extended the bid deadline for the Tarfaya wind farm project to 27 March, from the original date of 15 December 2008.

  • Deadline for Yanbu waterfront development delayed for second time

    The Saudi Royal Commission for Jubail & Yanbu has extended for a second time the bid deadline for the site development for phase three of the Waterfront development at Yanbu.

  • Depa wins defence ministry contract in Saudi Arabia

    The UAE-based interior design firm Depa has been awarded a SR30m ($8m) renovation contract for a ministry building in Jeddah.

  • DEPA wins Saudi contract

    Interior contracting services provider DEPA has won a $7.84m contract to carry out renovations for the Office of the Minister of Defense and Aviation in Jeddah. The deal, which is for renovation and the fit-out works of offices and public areas, is due for completion in April 2009.

  • Designer chosen for Louvre Abu Dhabi

    Nathalie Crinière's firm has been selected to create the exhibition design for the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Nathalie Crinière will develop a graphic identity for the Louvre Abu Dhabi and design the lighting, curatorial and directional signage, and multimedia elements. The Louvre Abu Dhabi is being developed through a 30-year accord between the governments of France and Abu Dhabi.

  • Diwaniya allocates land for $1.5bn new city

    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.

  • Doha market loses 15 per cent despite rescue plan

    If it was expected to quickly restore confidence in the local stock market, then the bank rescue plan by the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) was a failure.

  • Dow 'offended' by Kuwait graft investigation

    The US’ Dow Chemical has said it is “highly offended” by allegations of wrongdoing in its collapsed K-Dow joint venture with Kuwait’s Petroleum Industries Company (PIC).

  • Dow to pursue legal action against Kuwait over cancelled petrochemicals venture

    US-based Dow Chemicals is to pursue legal action and other undisclosed options against Kuwait’s Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC), after the Kuwaiti company cancelled a $17bn joint venture agreement.

  • Dow to seek damages from Kuwait

    US-based Dow Chemical says it will seek more than $2.5bn in damages from Kuwait for canceling a joint-venture agreement and will consider a new partner to invest in its basic-plastics business, Bloomberg has reported. Two other parties have approached Dow about acquiring an interest in the unit, the world's largest maker of polyethylene plastic, Chief Executive Officer Andrew Liveris said.

  • DP World increases throughput in 2008

    Dubai-based DP World announced it handled more than 27.7 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent container units) across its consolidated terminals in 2008, representing an increase of 15%. Excluding the contribution from new terminals which joined the portfolio during 2008, volume growth was 6%. Across the total portfolio of 46 operational terminals during 2008, DP World handled 46.8m TEU, an increase of 8% over 2007, the company said in a statement.

  • DP World retains 'overweight' rating from MAC Capital

    MAC Capital Advisors said today it retains its 'overweight' recommendation and 12-month price target of 0.48 for DP World. Despite a likely soft year in '09, DP World has the capability to reduce its cost base and defer 40-60% of planned capital expenditure and terminal capacity expansion, the report said. Lack of a major refinancing risk in FY09 is also major positive. Further, MAC Capital believes that DPW has been unfairly tainted with the Dubai 'risk aversion' brush, when the most substan

  • DP World reviews expansion, halts recruitment

    Dubai-based DP World said yesterday it was reviewing its expansion plans and putting a hold on recruitment in face of a slow down in the container terminal industry. The government-controlled company has 'implemented a strategy to focus on minimising the impact on margins and preserving cash', chief financial officer Yuvraj Narayan said in conference call.

  • Dragon Oil production up 28 per cent in 2008

    Dubai-headquartered Dragon Oil saw a 28 per cent increase in production in 2008 and says it will continue investing in its development plans despite falling oil prices.

  • Dubai Aerospace closes $800m loan

    Dubai Aerospace has finally managed to close a $800m syndicated loan which was originally launched in July last year and had to be restructured in a bid to attract interest from banks.

  • Dubai Aerospace seals $800m loan

    Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), has confirmed that it has closed an $800m equivalent Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facilities. The financing was jointly arranged by Citibank, Deutsche Bank AG, Emirates Bank International PJSC, Lloyds TSB and an Islamic tranche managed by Noor Islamic Bank. The tenor of the facility is three years.

  • Dubai Air Show to stay at Airport Expo

    The Dubai Government has scrapped plans to move this year's Dubai Air Show to a new site at Dubai World Central Aviation City in Jebel Ali, AME Info has learnt. Allison Weller, a director at Fairs and Exhibitions, which organizes the event, said this year's show will once again be held at Airport Expo Dubai and that work has begun to 'expand' the site.

  • Dubai airport passenger numbers grow 9 per cent

    Dubai International Airport enjoyed a 9 per cent annual increase in passenger traffic last year despite the economic downturn.

  • Dubai airport passenger numbers up 9%

    The number of passengers passing through Dubai International Airport increased 9.01% to 37,441,440 last year from 34,348,110 in 2007. August 2008 was the busiest month for passenger traffic with 3.36 million passengers, while February recorded the highest growth rate at 18.83%.

  • Dubai attracts more Asian tourists

    According to new figures from the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), tourists from Asian countries such as India and Iran are patronising Dubai hotels in growing numbers, while Europeans still dominate the registers, THe National has reported. Figures showed there is 11% increase of Asian tourists compared to the previous year. The report added that the number of Arab visitors from the GCC has declined by 15%.

  • Dubai buses take 94m passengers in 2008

    The Public Transport Agency at Roads and Transport Authority revealed that till the end of last year it managed to commute more than 94 million passengers in more than two million trips by public transport buses operating over 85 routes. The CEO of Public Transport Agency Essa Abdul-Rahman Al-Dossari said its aim is to provide a coverage spanning 95% of Dubai area in less than three years and raise the percentage of trips made by mass transit modes up to 30% by 2020'.

  • Dubai expects $1.1bn budget deficit for 2009

    The government of Dubai has announced that it will end 2009 with a budget deficit of AED4.2bn ($1.1bn) as a result of a 11 per cent increase in spending, focused on infrastructure, social spending, and transportation.

  • Dubai Financial Market revises trading limits for local companies

    The Dubai Financial Market (DFM) has revised the list of local quoted companies which are allowed to rise or fall by 15 per cent in a single trading session, rather than the 5 per cent range which most firms are restricted to.

  • Dubai hotel occupancy drops 14%

    Hotel occupancy in Dubai fell 14% in the third quarter compared to the same period a year earlier, according to the emirate's Department of Tourism. The occupancy rate for hotel beds dropped to 75.2% from 83.1% a year earlier, while the number of guests-nights in hotels fell 3.5%. However, the number of hotel rooms available grew 13.3%, and the number of beds rose 9.9%.

  • Dubai hotels to cut rates up to 60% for DSF

    Hotels in Dubai will offer discounts of up to 60% on room rates in addition to a 25% reduction in food and beverage prices from mid-January until mid-February to mark the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), the emirate's Department of Commerce and Tourism Marketing (DTCM) has announced. Khalid Ahmed bin Sulayem, Director-General of DTCM, said the discounts are part of a new marketing campaign aimed at increasing the number of tourists and visitors during DSF. The campaign includes eight major mark

  • Dubai moves slowly on car pooling

    Applications of thousands of motorists in Dubai who wanted to share their cars with friends and colleagues have been turned down due to the strict policy adopted by the emirate's Roads and Transport Authority, Gulf News has reported. Only 108 permits were issued in the first month of the campaign launched in July 2007 while 4,286 people applied for the service. So far less than 200 permits have been awarded in the first six months of legalising the car pooling service while around 8,000 peopl

  • Dubai office rental rates fall

    Office rental rates in Dubai have fallen sharply, according to research from local property services company Asteco.

  • Dubai plans more buses to boost metro

    Dubai plans to triple its bus service due to fears that people will not use the new metro system if they have to walk to stations, The National has reported. The Roads and Transport Authority yesterday said it would increase its bus fleet to 2,000 from 600 by the time the Red Line opened in September. RTA also said it will raise the number of bus stops to 1,500 from 500 by 2010, with a goal of ensuring that any location in Dubai will be no more than 400 metres from an air-conditioned bus stop

  • Dubai police to bring in traffic patrols

    As part of a new plan to reduce accidents, the Dubai Police Traffic Department are to introduce traffic patrols on all the roads, with an average of one patrol every one to two kilometres. The focus will be on the highways, especially the Dubai-Hatta Road, Al Khawaneej Road, Jebel Ali-Lehbab Road, Al Khail Road and Emirates Road.

  • Dubai school buses to make safety changes

    For safety reasons, Dubai schools have been given directives by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to implement a number of changes to their buses. Modifications are to be in place by September 2009. The RTA specifications will reduce seating capacity to about 45 students and some schools will also have to add more buses to their existing fleets.

  • Dubai to add three new bus stations

    Three new public transport bus stations are to be built in Dubai in Karama, Al Quoz and Satwa. Officials said the stations will provide 'comprehensive services' and look like mini-commercial centres comprising several outlets, restaurants and offices. Footbridges and subways will ease passenger movement to and from the stations.

  • Dubai to host RFID event

    RFID Journal has announced is hosting its first RFID event in the Middle East from June 15-17, 2009 at the InterContinental Hotel Festival City in Dubai. Sponsored by Tagstone, Microsoft and Motorola, the event will look into how all types of RFID technologies-active, Wi-Fi, passive UHF, passive HF and more-can be used to improve operations in construction, oil and gas, and logistics.

  • Dubai traffic eases

    Peak rush hour traffic Dubai is noticeably less as many people are taking public transport or are carpooling due to the economic downturn, reported Gulf News. Another factor that is said to be easing traffic is the recent completion of interchanges.

  • Dubai World alters Las Vegas project

    Las Vegas-based CityCenter Holdings, a joint venture between MGM Mirage and Dubai World subsidiary Infinity World, yesterday said it has cancelled the residential component of its CityCenter complex. It also postponed the opening of The Harmon Hotel and Spa to late 2010. With the cancellation of The Harmon residential component, the company now anticipates cost savings of $600m, it said in a statement. By postponing The Harmon Hotel by a year, it will defer $200m in construction costs to comp

  • Dubai World signs up for Nigeria oil and gas development`

    Dubai World has signed a cooperation agreement with the Nigerian government to develop the African state’s oil and gas sector.

  • Dubai, DHL sign logistics tie up

    The Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DHL Exel Supply Chain. The partnership includes developing carbon reduction models and technology solutions within the logistics sector, designing a 'service villages' concept to explore ways of reducing congestion and introducing sophisticated sourcing and distribution platforms, to facilitate the growth of Small and Medium Enterprise manufacturing sectors.

  • Dubai's Business Bay: Fast facts

    Dubai Properties is preparing to hand over the first 12 towers at its $30bn Business Bay development. But with 240 towers to be built in all, there is still a lot of work to do.

  • Economies of the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait predicted to contract in 2009

    The economies of the UAE, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia will shrink in 2009 according to the latest report by Egyptian investment bank EFG Hermes, which has slashed its economic forecasts for the region.

  • EFG-Hermes is largest broker on UAE exchanges

    Egyptian investment bank EFG-Hermes was the largest stock broker on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) in 2008, according to official data from the two exchanges released on 20 January.

  • Egypt delays bid deadline for gas block

    Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (Egas) has delayed the closing date for bids on one of its offshore blocks until the end of March, from the original 9 February deadline.

  • Egypt may enter recession in 2009, says Trade and Industry Minister

    Egypt may go into a recession during 2009, according to one of the key figures in its government.

  • Egypt takes steps to boost tourism

    Egypt plans to exempt hotels from paying contributions to the country's tourism promotion authority and cut fees paid by charter flights to help boost tourism during the global financial crisis. It also will set up a working group to deal with the fallout of the crisis, with measures being reviewed and modified every three months. Hotel bookings in Egypt are down 30% in January 2009 compared to the same month in 2008.

  • Egypt: Building construction

    Construction of building. Closing date: 26 February 2009

  • Egypt: Buses

    Supply of 200 heavy-duty buses. Closing date: 3 February 2009

  • Egypt: Canal protection

    Protection of the sides of canals. Closing date: 17 February 2009

  • Egypt: Electricity distribution boards

    Supply of electricity distribution boards. Closing date: 1 February 2009

  • Egypt: Gas connection equipment

    Supply of equipment for a natural gas connection project. Closing date: 19 February 2009

  • Egypt: Gas connection project fittings and joints

    Supply of electro-fusion fittings and mechanical joints for a gas connection project. Closing date: 19 February 2009

  • Egypt: Glass melting furnace refractories

    Supply of refractories for glass melting furnaces. Closing date: 22 February 2009

  • Egypt: Grain sales and crushing outlets

    Construction of 148 grain sales outlets and grain crushing outlets. Closing date: 2 February 2009

  • Egypt: Grain sales outlets

    Construction of 103 grain sales outlets. Closing date: 4 February 2009

  • Egypt: Hospital construction

    Construction of a medicine faculty building and two annexed hospitals. Closing date: 1 March 2009

  • Egypt: Medical equipment

    Supply of medical equipment. Closing date: 26 February 2009

  • Egypt: Natural gas pipeline equipment (1)

    Supply of equipment for a natural gas pipeline project. Closing date: 10 February 2009

  • Egypt: Natural gas pipeline equipment (2)

    Supply of equipment for a natural gas pipeline project. Closing date: 15 February 2009

  • Egypt: Port fenders

    Supply and erection of new rubber fenders at ports. Closing date: 26 January 2009

  • Egypt: Power plant mechanical and piping package

    Carrying out the mechanical works and piping package for a thermal power plant project. Closing date: 10 March 2009

  • Egypt: Power station condenser pipes

    Supply of seamless pipes for condensers at a power station. Closing date: 19 February 2009

  • Egypt: Power station parts

    Supply of spare parts for two units at a power station. Closing date: 4 February 2009

  • Egypt: Power station welding machines

    Supply of three remote control welding machines for a power station. Closing date: 17 February 2009

  • Egypt: Residential buildings (31)

    Construction of 31 residential buildings. Closing date: 16 February 2009

  • Egypt: Residential buildings (67)

    Construction of 67 residential buildings. Closing date: 1 February 2009

  • Egypt: Thermal power plant units

    Implementation of two gas/oil fired units at a thermal power plant. Closing date: 21 March 2009

  • Egypt: Train washing machines

    Supply of two stationary washing machines for trains. Closing date: 17 February 2009

  • Egypt: Tram track works

    Rehabilitation and revamp of a tram track. Closing date: 28 February 2009

  • Egypt: Underground reinforced aluminium cables (1)

    Supply of underground reinforced aluminium cables. Closing date: 11 January 2009

  • Egypt: Underground reinforced aluminium cables (2)

    Supply of underground reinforced aluminium cables. Closing date: 12 January 2009

  • Egypt: Water tankers

    Supply of nine water tankers. Closing date: 11 February 2009

  • Egyptian economy to slow to 4.8 per cent in 2009

    Egypt's economy will grow at just 4.8 per cent during the current financial year ending on 30 June, according to EFG-Hermes, an Egyptian investment bank.

  • Egypt's Oriental Weavers cuts export prices

    Egypt's Oriental Weavers, the country's largest carpet manufacturer, will cut prices on exports to the US and East Europe by 10 to 15 per cent in a bid to improve its share of these markets.

  • Emaar explores investment opportunities in Mecca

    Emaar, the Economic City has met real estate developers from Mecca to discuss investment opportunities in the holy city and in King Abdullah Economic City.

  • Emaar Hospitality to add 15 hotels by 2011

    Emaar Hospitality Group's premium hotel brand, The Address Hotels + Resorts, plans to add up to 15 hotels to its portfolio by 2011 despite the global financial downturn, a top executive told Emirates Business. CEO Marc Dardennes said some of the hotels would be owned by the group, branded The Address, while others would only be managed by the group.

  • Emal considers option of $1.5bn bond financing

    The UAE's Emirates Aluminium (Emal) is still looking for capital market funding of up to $1.5bn, after delaying plans to issue a bond in early 2008, according to the industrial firm’s acting chief financial officer Yogesh Bhansali.

  • Emal seeks capital market funding

    UAE-based Emirates Aluminium (Emal) is still seeking capital market funding of up to $1.5bn, after freezing plans to issue a bond in early 2008, MEED has reported, citing the firm's acting chief financial officer Yogesh Bhansali. Citigroup is acting as financial adviser to the company after raising the project finance for the development of an aluminium smelter at Taweelah in late 2008. However, plans to issue a bond have been delayed as the crisis in the banking market has led to difficultie

  • Emarat to cover shortfall in Dolphin gas supplies to northern emirates

    Local fuel distributor Emarat says it will supply fuel to the northern emirates to make up for a shortfall in supplies, after UAE-based Dolphin Energy said it would cut gas supplies from Qatar to the UAE by up to half, as part of a planned maintenance works.

  • Emerson plans training unit in Doha

    US-based technology firm Emerson plans to open a regional engineering and training centre in Qatar within the next year to better support its customers in the northern part of the Middle East, reported Gulf Times. In 2008, Emerson opened an office in Doha and now has more than 40 resident employees there and another 45 working on-site in Ras Laffan on start-up and commissioning activities.

  • Emirates boosts Middle East network

    Emirates Airline said it will strengthen its Middle East route network with additional flights to Amman, Riyadh and Jeddah starting February 2009. In the first week of February, the carrier will add flights to three cities in the region - one additional flight to Riyadh, two additional flights to Amman, and one additional flight to Jeddah. From 2nd February, Emirates will add two more flights per week between Dubai and Amman on Tuesdays and Fridays, bringing its weekly service to Jordan to 12

  • Emirates launches new MBA programme

    The Emirates Aviation College, Academic and Aerospace Studies Division, has recently added a new MBA degree to the range of post-graduate programmes offered to students in the UAE. The additional programme, MBA in Information Technology Management, offered in collaboration with Coventry University in the UK, is aimed at managers, potential managers and IT professionals who wish to specialise in Information Technology Management. The college has also recently announced that its MBA programme i

  • Emirates revises its fares

    Emirates Airline announced today that it has revised its fares for tickets issued in the UAE in its first, business and economy class cabins to 85 destinations, including cities in India, China, US, Europe, GCC, Middle East, Africa and Australia. The fares are valid for booking until 15th February and for travel until 31st May. Adnan Kazim, Emirates' Senior Vice President Commercial Operations - Gulf, Middle East & Iran said, 'This is our third fare revision since October 2008, and this move

  • Emirates to fly A380 to South Korea

    Emirates Airline today announced that it would begin operating its A380 aircraft to Seoul's Incheon International Airport in November 2009. The new service is timed to coincide with Visit Korea Year in 2010, where the national government and the city of Seoul are joining forces with the private sector to promote South Korea as a destination for international tourism. The new service represents the aviation world's first A380 operation to Seoul, as well as Emirates' first A380 service to North

  • Energy majors prepare bids for Egyptian gas fields

    International energy companies are preparing to submit bids for Egypt's first new gas exploration programme in more than two years aimed.

  • Eon Ruhrgas eyes further north African gas deals

    Germany's Eon Ruhrgas says it will continue to work towards securing gas supplies in North and West Africa, after winning an exploration licence at Rhourde Yacoub in Algeria.

  • Epsilon to begin drilling at fresh well in Yemen

    Canada-headquartered Epsilon Energy is to begin drilling in Mukalla, Yemen within the next five weeks, following a lack of commercial results from a well in Kaninah.

  • Epsilon wins exploration concession in Oman

    Canada-headquartered Epsilon Energy has been awarded an exploration licence for Oman's Block 55 oil and gas concession.

  • Epson launches new sheetfeed scanners

    Epson has expanded its range of business scanners with the recent Middle East launch of its first ever sheetfed series, the GT-S50 and GT-S80 A4 scanners. The two new series are network enabled and equipped with a high-speed USB 2.0 interface. The GT-S80 has a scanning speed of 40 pages per minute and a conversion rate of 80 images per minute, while the GT-S50 can dish out 25 pages per minute and 50 images per minute.

  • Etihad agrees codeshare deal with Kuwait Airways

    Etihad Airways is to launch a codeshare agreement with Kuwait Airways from 1 February.

  • Etihad appoints environmental manager

    Etihad Airways has appointed Linden Coppell, an environmental and corporate social responsibility specialist, as its first manager for environmental affairs. Linden has more than 18 years experience in environmental affairs and joins Etihad from Cathay Pacific Airways where she held the position of environmental manager for the past five years. In her new role Linden's focus will be to develop and implement a corporate environmental strategy for the Abu Dhabi-based airline.

  • Etihad appoints Iran manager

    Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has appointed Nabil Matarweh Hijazine as the airline's country manager for Iran. Based in the capital city Tehran, Mr Hijazine will be responsible for managing the airline's commercial operations throughout Iran. Etihad currently flies three times a week between Abu Dhabi and Tehran.

  • Etihad Atheeb prepares to list on Riyadh stock market

    Saudi Arabia will hold its first initial public offering (IPO) since the start of the financial crisis when shares are offered in fixed-line telecoms operator Etihad Atheeb Telecommunication Company on 24 January.

  • Etihad clears up Oylmpic bid

    Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways has said it is not bidding for Greece's Olympic Airlines despite being listed by the Greek government as one of the bidders, a company spokesman has told Reuters. In December 2008, the Greek government said Etihad Airways had presented a non-binding bid for Olympic's airline assets together with London-based PCP Capital Partners.

  • Etihad Etisalat reports 51 per cent rise in profits

    Etihad Etisalat, the Saudi subsidiary of UAE's telecoms firm Etisalat, has reported a 51 per cent rise in net profits for the last quarter of 2008.

  • Etihad gets clearance for A320s

    Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has received approval to fly its narrow-bodied Airbus A320s in low-visibility conditions at Abu Dhabi airport. The aircraft can now manoeuvre in conditions as low as 125 metres visibility, while previously they were restricted to 200 metres visibility.

  • Etihad passenger numbers top 6m

    Etihad Airways flew over six million passengers to 50 destinations in 2008. This represents a 34% increase on 2007 figures. Passenger numbers totalled 6,021,931 and the average seat factor rose from 68% to 75%.

  • Etihad signs codeshare deal with Kuwait Airways

    Etihad Airways has signed a new code share agreement with Kuwait Airways on flights between Kuwait and Abu Dhabi. Under the deal, which comes into effect on 1 February 2009, the Abu Dhabi-based airline will place its two-letter 'EY' code on both of Kuwait Airways' weekly services between Kuwait and Etihad's own home base. In turn, Kuwait Airways will place its own 'KU' code on the 19 weekly services operated by Etihad on the same route. The agreement will give air travellers a choice of 21 we

  • Etihad to codeshare with Bangkok Airways

    Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has signed a new codeshare agreement with Thailand's Bangkok Airways. Under the deal, Etihad will place its two-letter 'EY' code on Bangkok Airways' flights between the Thai capital city and islands of Phuket and Koh Samui. The announcement brings to 12 the number of codeshare agreements now operated by Etihad.

  • Etihad to increase routes in 2009

    According to James Hogan, the Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, Etihad will continue to expand its flight network across the world during 2009. New services to Melbourne and Lagos are already confirmed with further destinations expected to be announced during the year. Etihad now serves 50 destinations across the world.

  • Etihad to launch service to Athens

    Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways is adding a new route to Athens. Direct flights to the Greek capital city will start at the beginning of June 2009. Etihad's latest destination will bring the Abu Dhabi-based airline's global flight network to 53 cities, supplementing services to Melbourne in Australia due to be launched in March 2009.

  • Etisalat Misr beats forecast on customer numbers

    Etisalat Misr, the Egyptian subsidiary of UAE telecoms operator Etisalat, beat its own target for customer numbers at the end of 2008.

  • Etisalat plans $5bn investment in Iran

    UAE telecoms operator Etisalat will spend up to $5bn in Iran over the next five years, after recently winning a mobile licence in the country, according to its chairman Mohammed Hassan Omran.

  • Etisalat reports 20 per cent drop in fourth quarter profits

    Etisalat, the UAE telecoms operator, is the latest major listed company in the GCC to announce a sharp fall in net profits for the final three months of 2008.

  • Final agreement nears for Cairo Festival City contract

    The joint venture of the UAE/UK's Al-Futtaim Carillion and Egypt's Orascom Construction Industries is in the final stages of negotiations for the contract to build the Cairo Festival City (CFC) retail centre.

  • Final investment decision nears on Shah sour gas scheme

    Front end engineering and design (FEED) for the $12bn-plus Shah sour gas development will be finalised within weeks, paving the way for a final investment decision for the project.

  • Finance Minister says Bahrain has avoided credit crunch pitfalls

    Bahrain’s finance sector has avoided the credit-crunch problems that are affecting some other Middle East countries, according to Finance Minister Sheikh Ahmed bin Ahmed al-Khalifa.

  • Finance Ministry to award Riyadh university contracts

    Saudi Arabia’s Finance Ministry is set to award three key university contracts by the end of January.

  • Firms invited to design Lulu island bridges

    Abu Dhabi Municipality has invited firms to bid by mid-February for the contract to design two road bridges leading onto Lulu island.

  • Firms line up for Kuwait oil well testing services

    As many as eight companies have submitted bids for the Kuwait Oil Company’s contract for general well testing services, with awards not expected until March at the earliest.

  • First Gulf Bank completed AED9m share buyback scheme

    The UAE's First Gulf Bank has completed a AED9m ($2.5m) share buyback programme.

  • Former Algerian president rules himself out of April election

    Algeria's former president, Liamine Zeroual, has ruled himself out of the upcoming presidential election, leaving the incumbent Abdelaziz Bouteflika without a heavyweight opponent.

  • Former Opec chief warns of oil nationalisation plans

    Political reaction to the recent conflict in the Gaza Strip could prompt the nationalisation of oil and gas resources in the region, former OPEC chief Omar el-Badri tells MEED.

  • Four bids submitted for Al-Yabes towers in Riyadh

    Four local contractors have submitted bids for a SR1bn ($237m) tower project planned by the local Al-Yabes Real Estate Company in Riyadh.

  • Four Season Riyadh offers limousine service

    The Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh in the Kingdom Centre is now offering a 24 hour-a-day limousine service. The fleet includes the BMW 740 IL or the Cadillac Escalade, all of which come from the latest 2009 production line.

  • Four Seasons Doha wins accolade

    The Four Seasons Hotel Doha has recently been named second Best Hotel in the entire Middle East and Africa region by the Gallivanter's Guide Readers Awards. The hotel's spa was also named as the third Best Spa worldwide. The Conde Nast traveler magazine has also placed the hotel on the Gold List of Hotels for 2009.

  • GCC outsourcing to cost 21% higher

    Outsourcing costs in the Gulf countries is expected to hit 21% higher in 2009, touching $503m compared to $413m in 2008, Gulf News has reported. The industry is faced with big challenges like shortage of qualified staff, inflation, cost per unit, and the telecom costs. While Oman is seen as a potential place for outsourcing in the long run, Eypt poses the strongest position with a well-educated workforce and strong multilingual capabilities.

  • GE Q4 profits fall 43%

    General Electric has announced that income from continued operations fell to $3.87bn in Q4. The company earned $6.8bn in 2007. Revenue fell 5% to $46.2bn. GE earned $18.1bn for the year, down 18% from 2007, as a drop in financial services profits offset growth from the group's infrastructure and media divisions.

  • Global Competitiveness Forum issues recommendations to resolve economic crisis

    The Global Competitiveness Forum has ended in Riyadh by drafting an open letter to the G20 group of industrial economies on how to resolve the current economic crisis.

  • Global Investment House awarded Saudi brokerage licence

    Saudi Arabia's Capital Market Authority (CMA) has approved a licence for Kuwait's Global Investment House (GIH) to provide brokerage services on the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul).

  • Global Investment House in default on majority of debt

    Kuwait’s Global Investment House has said it is in default “on the majority of its financial indebtedness”, which totals around $3bn.

  • Global PC sales slow

    PC shipments world-wide dropped 0.4% in the fourth quarter from a year earlier, the first year-to-year drop in six years, according to IDC. Rival market-research firm Gartner Inc. offered a slightly more upbeat estimate Wednesday, reporting that fourth-quarter shipments world-wide rose 1.1%. PC sales in the US were particularly weak, with shipments falling 3.5%, according to IDC. Gartner said US shipments dropped 10.1%.

  • Global tourism to slump in 2009

    Global tourism is expected to fall or remain stagnant for the first time since 2003 due to the financial crisis, the UN's World Tourism Organisation said yesterday. The Middle East is forecasted to be the best-performing region this year, while Europe is expected to see the biggest downturn. The total number of tourist arrivals worldwide could fall by up to 2% this year, the UNWTO said in its World Tourism Barometer report, adding that the outlook was still unclear.

  • Gourmet food forum set for Abu Dhabi

    The Gourmet Abu Dhabi Food & Beverage Forum is set to take place next month, featuring a programme of 21 seminars and masterclasses designed specifically for entrepreneurs and trade professionals and features world-leading restaurateurs, masterchefs, celebrated visionary consultants and special industry guests, organizers said. Full details of the programme are available on www.gourmetabudhabi.ae.

  • Gulf Air targets cost savings as parliament plans investigation

    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.

  • Gulf Air to add 13 aircraft to fleet in 2009

    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.

  • Gulf Air to ground A340s

    Bahrain's Gulf Air plans to ground its fleet of Airbus SAS A340 long-haul jetliners and hedge on fuel purchases in order to cut costs, Reuters has reported. The carrier will replace the five four-engine A340s with four twin-engine Boeing 777-model planes, CEO Bjorn Naf said on Tuesday. Gulf Air intends to take delivery of four Airbus A330 widebodies and five A320s this year.

  • Gulf carriers must be more efficient, says IATA

    The International Air Transport Association yesterday called on governments, air navigation service providers and aviation groups to urgently address air traffic inefficiencies that are jeopardising the sustainability of Middle Eastern aviation.

  • Gulf Construction bids low for Subiya dredging contract

    The local Gulf Construction, Marine Works & General Contracting Company is the low bidder for the contract to dredge the seawater outlet canal at the Subiya power and water distillation plant.

  • Gulf construction market falls sharply

    The value of contract awards in the GCC fell 57 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2008, according to the latest data from MEED Projects, which tracks project activity in the region.

  • Gulf Finance House profits dip 14 per cent

    Gulf Finance House (GFH) has reported profits of $291m in 2008, a fall of 14 per cent compared to 2007.

  • Gulf Finance House suffers downgrade of rating outlook

    US credit ratings agency Standard & Poor's has revised its outlook on Bahrain-based Gulf Finance House (GFH) to negative from stable.

  • Gulf Fluor agrees third phase contracts for fluorides facility

    The UAE's Gulf Fluor has signed contracts worth more than AED500m ($136m) for the third phase of its Abu Dhabi Industrial City fluorides complex.

  • Gulf Keystone to start commercial production at Algerian gas field

    UK-based Gulf Keystone Petroleum says it will press ahead with commercial production at its Hassi Ba Hamou gas field in Algeria, after completing prospecting and appraisal of the well.

  • Gulf projects 12 January 2009

    The value of projects planned or under way in Middle East fell by 0.1 per cent in the week to 12 January.

  • Gulf projects 19 January 2009

    The MEED Projects index tumbled by a further 0.4 per cent to $2.96 trillion in the week ending 19 January as the region continues to feel the effect of the global economic downturn.

  • Gulfsands starts drilling on northern Syria well

    The UK's Gulfsands Petroleum has begun drilling operations at a second well in its Block 56 concession in northern Syria, following an earlier discovery at the same location.

  • Gulftainer volumes grow by 15%

    Leading regional port management and logistics firm, Gulftainer, on Wednesday said volumes at its terminals in the UAE, Khorfakkan Container Terminal (KCT) and Sharjah Container Terminal (SCT), grew by over 15% in 2008, compared with 2007 volumes, to reach 2,501,829 twenty-feet-equivalent units (TEUs). KCT is located on Sharjah's Indian Ocean coast, outside the Straits of Hormuz and close to the main east-west shipping routes. SCT was the first purpose-built and fully-equipped modern Containe

  • Gyma Food opens plant in Dubai

    Gyma Food Industries, a manufacturer of dried fruits, nuts and spices, has announced the opening of its new processing plant at Dubai Investment Park. The new facility will cater to the entire GCC region as well as Africa, Asia and Levant countries. The 100,000 sq feet facility will manufacture more than 5 million kilo grams of products per year, the company said.

  • H.H. Sheikh Ahmed opens MRO ME

    H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al Maktoum, President Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman Dubai Airports and Chairman of Emirates, launched MRO Middle East with a keynote speech. Phil Blizzard reports on the debut event dedicated to the maintenance, repair and overhaul sector of the aviation industry.

  • Hail Economic City masterplan to be awarded within weeks

    The masterplan contract for Hail Economic City is expected to awarded within weeks.

  • Hamarain Railway to begin works

    Saudi authorities will open this month the financial offers made by four consortia that are bidding for the Haramain Railway project, Arab News has reported. The Makkah-Madinah Railway Link (MMRL) project is designed to operate trains with a speed of over 300 km per hour, reducing travel time between Jeddah and Makkah to 30 minutes and between Jeddah and Madinah to two hours.

  • Haya Water delays bid deadline for Muscat sewage scheme

    Oman’s Haya Water has extended the deadline for bids for the contract to build a sewage system covering several areas of Muscat governorate, from 26 January to 9 February.

  • Helios, SinoGulf form logistics JV

    Helios Properties and Abu Dhabi-based real estate investment company SinoGulf has formed a joint venture company to build logistics parks in the United Arab Emirates and the GCC. The 50/50 joint venture named the company as Helios-SinoGulf Property Development targeting more than 300,000 sqm within its first 12 months.

  • Hilton Luxor Resort and Spa reopens

    Hilton Luxor Resort and Spa has recently reopened following a 30-month break during which it completed a $45m renovation. Located within minutes of the Temple of Karnak and the Valley of the Kings, the 236-room resort has been entirely transformed, according to a press statement. Five of the seven dining options and half of the guest rooms have been oriented to reveal views of the Nile.

  • Holiday Inn Express to expand in the ME

    InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Ishraq Gulf Real Estate Holding Co aim to strengthen the Holiday Inn Express brand in the Gulf with two new properties in the UAE and Bahrain. Due to open in the summer in Dubai's Al Garhoud district, Holiday Inn Express Dubai Airport will offer 381 rooms. Holiday Inn Express Manama is expected to open in the third quarter of 2010.

  • Honeywell inks deals across Gulf

    Honeywell Life Safety says it has several ongoing projects for 2009 and will continue to hire staff. HLS has signed contracts in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman. The company specialises in fire systems, sensors and devices, home medical care, electrical safety and safety products for general industrial worker segments.

  • Hotel occupancy in UAE falls by 4.9%

    Occupancy rates in UAE hotels fell by 4.9% in November, according to data from STR Global. In Dubai, occupancy averaged 84.9% in November, representing a decline of 5.6% compared to the same month in 2007. Hotels in the emirate also reported an 8.8% decrease in ADR (average daily rate) and a 13.9% drop in RevPAR (revenue per available room) compared to the same period the previous year, STR Global said.

  • Hotels scrap bid to seek compensation

    Hotels and restaurants in Bahrain that suffered losses because they were forced to cancel their New Year's Eve entertainment say they have no plans to seek compensation, Gulf Daily News has reported. Five Star Hotels Committee chairman Abdulrahman al-Morshed said senior officials had met to discuss the issue but unanimously decided not to pursue any claims.

  • House prices fall by 8 per cent in Dubai

    House prices in Dubai dropped by an average of 8 per cent between October and December 2008, according to research by Colliers International.

  • Huta Marine wins King Abdullah Economic City water contract

    The local Huta Marine Works has won a SR196m ($52.4m) contract to build drinking water infrastructure, including a reverse osmosis desalination plant, at King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC).

  • IBM cuts 1,400 sales jobs

    International Business Machines Corp (IBM) cut at least 1,400 sales jobs last week to reduce costs amidst the financial downturn, Bloomberg reported. The job cuts took place in the sales and distribution unit, according to a copy of an agreement sent by Lee Conrad, national coordinator for the Alliance for IBM. The organisation, which is seeking union recognition at IBM, said similar cuts probably were made at the company's software unit.

  • IctQatar software to aid blind students

    By implementing new software applications, ictQatar will aid many visually impaired students at the Al Noor Institute for the Blind. A screen reader software will read aloud all the text that is displayed on a website and a Braille reader keyboard is able to raise pegs through holes in the keyboard.

  • IHG to launch new system to manage energy consumption

    IHG, the world's largest hotel company by number of rooms, is trialling a new on-line system called 'Green Engage', which is aimed at helping hotel general managers manage energy consumption more effectively.

  • IMF calls for more flexible exchange rate in Egypt

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has called for the Egyptian authorities to ‘manage the exchange rate more flexibly’ in its annual review of Egypt’s economy.

  • IMF cuts growth forecast for Middle East economy

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says the Middle East's economy will grow by just 3.9 per cent in 2009, a sharp decrease on its previous estimate that the region would grow by 6.1 per cent this year.

  • IMF predicts Syrian economy to grow by 5 per cent

    Syria’s economy performed strongly in 2008, according to the latest report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), with overall growth expected to be about 5 per cent.

  • Imtac launches iCT Health

    UAE-based Imtac Technologies today announced the launch of iCT Health, a new entity that will operate out of Dubai Healthcare City. iCT Health will be the region's first integrated health information exchange and will provide innovative technology solutions to the region's healthcare sector, the company said in a statement. Through the delivery of information and connectivity solutions, iCT Health aims to enhance operational efficiencies and improved information sharing.

  • Indians win work in Libya

    India's Punj Lloyd has been awarded a $267m infrastructure contract for the Souk al-Juma area of Tripoli.

  • Inflation in Libya rises to 10.4 per cent

    Libya’s inflation rate climbed to an annual average of 10.4 per cent in 2008, according to the latest figures released by the Central Bank of Libya.

  • Inflation in Morocco reaches highest level for five years

    Inflation in Morocco has reached its highest level in five years, according to the official statistics agency, the Haut-Commissariat au Plan.

  • Infosys Q3 profit up 33%

    Infosys Technologies, India's No.2 software services exporter, reported a one-third rise in quarterly profit on Tuesday, but cut its annual forecast, Reuters has reported. The company forecast revenue for the year to March would grow 11.8-12.8% in dollar terms, down from October's forecast of 13.1-15.2%. Its earnings per share forecast was trimmed to $2.23, down marginally from $2.24 projected in October.

  • Intel cuts revenue forecast

    Intel Corp has issued a new warning about declining business conditions with its announcement yesterday that it expects to report $8.2bn in revenue for the fourth quarter - a 20% drop from the third period - after issuing a forecast in November that pointed to a decline of about 12%.

  • Intel predicts dynamic changes in mobile market

    Intel predicts that the mobility market will become a key influencer across the consumer and enterprise segment in 2009. Developments in the mobile internet space will help fuel this trend through the implementation of mobile workstations, thinner and lighter notebooks and netbooks, in addition to the deployment of mobile internet devices, wireless networking components, and services. 2009 will also see a greater focus on mobile internet expansion due to the increasingly pervasive nature of t

  • Intel to displace thousands of workers

    Intel has reported that it will close several older factories, displacing 5,000 to 6,000 workers, following a 90% drop in its fourth quarter earnings. The US-based firm said not all the affected employees will lose their jobs. Some may be offered positions at other factories, the company said.

  • Intel unveils new notebooks

    Intel Corp has rolled out the generation of its netbook computers aimed at the education sector and emerging markets. The world's biggest chipmaker unveiled the third generation of its Classmate PC netbook, which is made by local computer makers in a number of countries and runs on Intel's low-power Atom chip. The newest model features a touch screen and convertible tablet form. The machine is designed to be rugged enough to withstand a pounding from schoolchildren.

  • Internet returns to normal in Middle East

    Repairs to the internet in the Middle East have been completed and connections across the region should return to normal today following outages that began on the morning of Dec 19. Etisalat said yesterday all of its cables have been fully repaired. Qtel also issued a statement saying that services in Qatar had returned to 100% of regular capacity. No official explanation has been given for the outages, but experts speculate that a possible undersea earthquake was the cause.

  • Investment in Abu Dhabi plastics zone to double this year

    Abu Dhabi Polymers Park has begun construction of its first commercial plot on schedule, and expects investment in the project to more than double in 2009 to a total of $52m.

  • Ipic close to awarding Pakistan refinery contract

    Abu Dhabi-based International Petroleum Investment Company is likely to award the contract for front end engineering and design (FEED) for its Pakistan refinery project imminently.

  • Ipic takes 70 per cent stake in Man Ferrostaal

    Abu Dhabi’s International Petroleum Investment Company (Ipic) has agreed to take a 70 per cent stake in Germany's Man Ferrostaal.

  • Ipic's $5bn Pakistan refinery put on hold

    Progress on the $5bn refinery in Baluchistan planned by Abu Dhabi’s International Petroleum Investment Company (Ipic) and Pakistan’s Pakistan-Arab Refinery Company (Parco) has been temporarily halted due to procedural issues.

  • Iran and Armenia discuss cross-border railway

    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.

  • Iran pushes ahead with South Pars phases 22-24

    Iran's Pars Oil & Gas Company (POGC) is moving ahead with the development of phases 22-24 of the South Pars gas field after launching a pre-qualification tender for the front-end engineering and design (FEED) consultancy contract.

  • Iran signs roads agreement with Azerbaijan

    Iran has signed a memorandum of understanding with Azerbaijan to underpin improved cooperation in road transport between the two countries.

  • Iran: Ammonia plant tubes and headers

    Supply of reformer tubes, pigtails and outlet headers. Closing date: 28 February 2009

  • Iran: Boiler feed water pump

    Supply of boiler feed water pumps. Closing date: 4 February 2009

  • Iran: Calcined petroleum coke

    Supply of calcined petroleum coke. Closing date: not stated

  • Iran: Chemicals (Rosin)

    Supply of Rosin chemicals. Closing date: 26 January 2009

  • Iran: Chemicals (TBC)

    Supply of TBC chemicals. Closing date: 26 January 2009

  • Iran: Construction equipment

    Supply of construction equipment as part of an earthquake emergency reconstruction project. Closing date: 3 February 2009

  • Iran: Diaphragm valves

    Supply of diaphragm valves. Closing date: 26 January 2009

  • Iran: Dim-ethyl disulphide

    Supply of dim-ethyl disulphide. Closing date: 6 February 2009

  • Iran: Down-hole completion equipment

    Supply of down-hole completion equipment. Closing date: 14 March 2009

  • Iran: Drilling mud and cementing materials

    Supply of drilling mud and cementing materials. Closing date: 24 January 2009

  • Iran: Emergency shutdown system parts

    Supply of parts for an emergency shutdown system. Closing date: not stated

  • Iran: Fire-fighting pipe network

    Provision of engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services for the replacement of a fire-fighting pipe network. Closing date: not stated

  • Iran: Helicopters

    Supply of eight twin-engine helicopters. Closing date: 5 February 2009

  • Iran: Hot briquetted iron

    Supply of hot briquetted iron. Closing date: not stated

  • Iran: Ion exchange resins

    Supply of ion exchange resins. Closing date: 24 January 2009

  • Iran: Iron ore slurry pump

    Supply of an iron ore slurry pump. Closing date: 19 February 2009

  • Iran: Locomotives

    Supply of two locomotives. Closing date: 2 March 2009

  • Iran: Logging tool parts

    Supply of parts for logging tools. Closing date: not stated

  • Iran: Pumping station systems

    Construction of pumping station systems. Closing date: 8 March 2009

  • Iran: Rails (1,500)

    Supply of 1,500 tonnes of rails. Closing date: 2 February 2009

  • Iran: Rails (2,400)

    Supply of 2,400 tonnes of grooved rails. Closing date: 2 February 2009

  • Iran: Rails (2,400)

    Supply of 2,400 tonnes of grooved rails. Closing date: 2 February 2009

  • Iran: Railway station elevators and escalators

    Supply and installation of elevators and escalators for a light railway transport system stations. Closing date: 18 February 2009

  • Iran: Search and rescue hovercraft

    Manufacture, shipping and delivery of a search and rescue hovercraft. Closing date: 6 April 2009

  • Iran: Steam turbine

    Supply of a steam turbine. Closing date: 24 January 2009

  • Iran: Turnout rails (200)

    Supply of 200 single turnout rails. Closing date: 2 February 2009

  • Iran: Turnout rails (24)

    Supply of 24 single turnout rails. Closing date: 2 February 2009

  • Iran: Turnout rails (80)

    Supply of 80 single turnout rails. Closing date: 2 February 2009

  • Iraq announces first workshop to discuss oil licensing round

    Iraq is to hold a workshop in Turkey next month to hear feedback from prequalified international oil companies (IOCs) about the draft model contract for the first oil licensing round.

  • Iraq awards $320m housing projects

    Iraqi authorities have awarded construction projects worth close to $320m in Karbala and Sulaimaniyah.

  • Iraq claims $300m settlement agreed in Kuwait aviation dispute

    The Iraqi government claims to have resolved the dispute between the country’s national airline and Kuwait Airways with a compensation payout of $300m.

  • Iraq close to awarding design contracts for two refineries

    Iraq is expected to award the design contracts for two refineries by the end of January, as it seeks to increase refining capacity and reduce its dependence on importing refined products.

  • Iraq conference to target development of non-oil sectors

    Iraq is to host a conference in Baghdad during February or March to focus on the regeneration of its non-oil industries.

  • Iraq plans $47m housing project in Halabja

    Iraq is to launch a $47m housing project in the northern city of Halabja, after receiving approval for funding from the International Monetary Fund.

  • Iraq poised to award additional refinery deals

    Iraq is poised to award two more design contracts for refineries in the north and south of the country this month to the US' Stone & Webster, part of the Shaw Group.

  • Iraq receives first shipment of US armoured vehicles

    The US has begun transferring thousands of armoured vehicles to Baghdad and training Iraqi security forces on a new range of weapons.

  • Iraq: Automotive equipment

    Supply of automotive equipment for vocational training centres. Closing date: 10 February 2009

  • Iraq: Cables and copper conductors

    Supply of cables and copper conductors. Closing date: 28 January 2009

  • Iraq: Chlorine and chemical units

    Supply of equipment for chlorine and chemical units at a water treatment plant. Closing date: 26 February 2009

  • Iraq: Conductors

    Supply of conductors. Closing date: 22 February 2009

  • Iraq: Fire alarm system

    Supply of a fire alarm system. Closing date: 29 January 2009

  • Iraq: Fuel oil export

    Supply of fuel oil ready for export at a terminal. Closing date: 15 February 2009

  • Iraq: Oil and gas packing plant equipment

    Supply of spare parts for an oil and gas packing plant. Closing date: 22 February 2009

  • Iraq: Oil product movement control systems

    Supply of 30 complete programmable systems to control received and delivered oil product at a fuel station. Closing date: 24 February 2009

  • Iraq: Power plant rehabilitation equipment

    Supply of control, protection and monitoring equipment for the rehabilitation of emergency hydropower plants. Closing date: 1 April 2009

  • Iraq: Pumping station electrical system

    Supply of an electrical system for the rehabilitation of a pumping station. Closing date: 8 February 2009

  • Iraq: Refinery switchgear

    Design and supply of medium-voltage switchgear for a refinery. Closing date: 28 January 2009

  • Iraq: Road rehabilitation consultancy

    Provision of consultancy services comprising technical assistance to project management teams for an emergency road rehabilitation project. Closing date: 31 January 2009

  • Iraq: Steam turbines

    Supply of complete steam turbines. Closing date: 29 January 2009

  • Iraq: Water treatment plant (El-Nasr)

    Implementation of the El-Nasr water treatment plant and water distribution network. Closing date: 24 March 2009

  • Iraq: Water treatment plant (Wasit)

    Implementation of the Wasit water treatment plant and water distribution network. Closing date: 7 April 2009

  • Iraq: Water treatment plant and distribution network

    Implementation of the Ghammas water treatment plant and water distribution network. Closing date: 2 March 2009

  • Islamic scholars call for central banks to have sharia boards

    Regional central banks need to play a more active role in the promotion and regulation of Islamic finance to foster its growth, according to Islamic scholars at UAE-based Islamic finance advisory firm Minhaj.

  • Italy looks to North Africa to replace lost Ukrainian gas supplies

    Italy could increase gas imports from North Africa if Russia’s decision to halt gas exports to Ukraine leads to a supply shortage in the rest of Europe.

  • Jazeera adds new Syrian route

    Kuwaiti-based budget carrier Jazeera Airways has announced it is launching flights to the Syrian city of Deir Ez Zoor. The carrier will operate flights to the city, based in northeast Syria, on Tuesdays and Fridays.

  • Jazeera launches 10KD offer

    The Kuwait and Dubai-based low fares airline Jazeera Airways announced today that it is offering passengers one way air fares including all taxes and additional fees, for just 10 KD ($35). The exclusive offer, which will be available as a one-off freedom to fly 'stimulus package', coincides with the successful conclusion of the Arab Economic Forum held in Kuwait, the carrier said. On January 21st and 22nd, customers can log on to www.jazeeraairways.com and book tickets for travel between Feb

  • Jordan IT firms target GCC expansion

    Jordanian information and communication technology firms expect to see 15% to 20% growth in demand for technology products and services from the GCC markets. A group of nine member companies from the Information Technology Association of Jordan (Int@j) have set expansion plans in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait for 2009.

  • Jordan: Project management and monitoring services

    Provision of project management and monitoring services. Closing date: 29 January 2009

  • Jordan: Sulphur analyser

    Supply of a sulphur analyser. Closing date: 3 February 2009

  • Jordan: Thermal power station gas turbines

    Design, supply and construction of two gas turbines for a thermal power station. Closing date: 28 February 2009

  • Jordan: Traffic and engineering consultancy services

    Provision of consultancy services involving private sector participation in the construction and operation of a ring road. Closing date: 27 January 2009

  • Jordan: Water transmission system

    Implementation of a water transmission system. Closing date: 4 March 2009

  • KAEC Sea Port finalizes design

    Emaar, the Economic City has revealed in a press statement the final blueprints of the KAEC Sea Port, designed in coordination with Halcrow. Set to operate by first quarter of 2011, the KAEC Sea Port will consist of a multipurpose cargo terminal and a 1.7 million TEU container terminal.

  • Kahramaa awards $358m cable contract

    Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa) has awarded a QR1.3bn ($358m) three-year contract for the supply of high voltage power cables to Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Cables & Metals.

  • Kahramaa awards $358m contract

    Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa) has awarded a $358m three-year contract for the supply of high voltage power cables to Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Cables & Metals, MEED has reported. Under the contract, Riyadh Cables & Metals will store cables at its warehouse, ready for delivery to Kahramaa's contractors within two days of an order.

  • Kahramaa to launch tender for desalination plant

    Qatar's General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) is to issue a tender for the construction of a desalination plant, with capacity of up to 50 million gallons of water a day, in the first quarter of 2009.

  • Kanoo Shipping launches US route

    Dubai-based Kanoo Shipping is to launch a direct route from the Gulf to the east coast of the US in early February.

  • Kanoo Travel opens in Qatar

    Kanoo Travel has expanded its operations in Qatar, opening a new office in the Ras Laffan Industrial City and a corporate service centre in Doha, The Peninsula has reported. The facility will provide call centre services, as well as emergency services, 24-hour coverage, key account management and regional travel solutions.

  • King Abdullah Economic City sea port design finalised

    Emaar, The Economic City (Emaar. E.C.) has released the finalised design for the sea port to be located in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC).

  • Kingdom Holding reveals $8.3bn loss

    Kingdom Holding, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal’s investment company, has reported a loss of SR31bn ($8.3bn) in the fourth quarter of 2008 as a result of the downturn in local and international equity markets.

  • Kingdom Hotel offers share buyback

    Dubai-based Kingdom Hotel Investments has offered to buy back up to 7.5 million of its Global Depositary Shares (GDS) for between $1 and $1.30 per share, Khaleej Times has reported. Owned by Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, the company's GDS was trading at $1.20 on Friday at the London Stock Exchange.

  • Kingfisher to fly to Dubai

    India's second biggest airline, Kingfisher Airlines, will launch its first flight to West Asia connecting Bangalore with Dubai next month. the carrier will fly the Airbus SAS-made A320 aircraft for its daily Dubai flights with a single class economy offering from 8 February, reported India's Mint News.

  • Krueger forecasts 100% increase in GCC turnover

    US-based office furniture manufacturing firm Krueger International is forecasting a 100% increase in GCC turnover this year. The company says the strong growth forecast is due to a sustained demand for furniture across KI's key industry sectors including higher education and healthcare. 'In the period from 2003 to 2007, the company's turnover was $2 million,' KI Middle East sales manager Steve Vellozzo said. 'This figure skyrocketed to more than $4.5m last year after winning a string of prest

  • Kuwait awards Umm al-Hayman wastewater expansion

    Kuwait's Public Works Ministry has awarded the consultancy contract for the expansion of the Umm al-Hayman wastewater treatment plant to Lebanon-based Dar al-Handasah (Shair & Partners).

  • Kuwait extends bid deadline for Al-Zour pipeline contract

    The closing date for bids on an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract for pipelines at the Al-Zour refinery, planned by Kuwait National Petroleum Company’s (KNPC), has been extended by a month until 10 February to allow for late bid entries.

  • Kuwait extends bids for Mina Abdullah station for third time

    Kuwait's Electricity & Water Ministry has extended the bid deadline for the pumping station at Mina Abdullah for a third time.

  • Kuwait extends deadline for Mina Abdullah pumping station

    Kuwait’s Electricity & Water Ministry has extended the deadline for bids for the pumping station at Mina Abdullah.

  • Kuwait Finance House reports fall in profits

    Kuwait Finance House has reported a fall in its 2008 profits of over 40 per cent, following a KD63.7m ($219m) loss in the fourth quarter, as global and regional stock markets suffered huge declines.

  • Kuwait forms energy joint venture with Gazprom

    Kuwait’s Noor Financial Investment Company has formed a joint venture with Gazprom Geofizika, a subsidiary of Russia’s Gazprom, creating two companies to work in the oil and gas sector and bringing the Russian giant into the Kuwaiti energy sector.

  • Kuwait government sworn in

    A new Kuwaiti government has been sworn in, with Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah returning to the post of prime minister which he vacated in November and Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah taking on the key role of acting oil minister.

  • Kuwait Gulf Oil Company delays bids for Ahmadi headquarters

    The Kuwait Gulf Oil Company (KGOC) has extended the deadline for bids to construct a new office building in the Ahmadi district, in the south of the country.

  • Kuwait Gulf Oil Company issues tender for headquarters

    Kuwait Gulf Oil Company (KGOC) has issued a tender for the construction of an office building in the Ahmadi district in the south of the country.

  • Kuwait housing authority issues tender for Sabah al-Ahmed township

    Kuwait’s Public Authority for Housing Care has prequalified 30 local and international contractors for a road and infrastructure services contract in Sabah al-Ahmed township.

  • Kuwait issues tender for Shuwaikh university campus

    Kuwait’s Public Authority for Private Education has issued a tender for the construction of a university building at the Shuwaikh campus.

  • Kuwait Oil Company extends compressor deadlines further

    Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) has further extended the closing date for bids for the contract to install new compressors at three gathering centres by a month.

  • Kuwait prequalifies firms for road project

    Kuwait’s Public Works Ministry has prequalified 12 local and international firms for a road project in the state.

  • Kuwait real estate in decline

    Sales in Kuwait’s real estate market declined by 17.5 per cent in December 2008, and 45.6 per cent compared to the same period in 2007, according to the latest economic brief by the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK).

  • Kuwait re-opens bidding for clean fuels project

    Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) has reopened the prequalification process for contractors on the Clean Fuels Project after lengthy delays incurred last year due to a related contract dispute on the Al-Zour refinery.

  • Kuwait sets March deadline for bids for Al-Zour South plant

    Kuwait’s Electricity & Water Ministry has issued a tender for the installation of a water distillation unit at the Al-Zour South power and water plant.

  • Kuwait to decide on Subiya bids within days

    Kuwait’s Electricity & Water Ministry is expected to select a preferred bidder for the Subiya power plant project by the end of January.

  • Kuwait: Automatic information system network

    Operation and maintenance of an integrated automatic information system network. Closing date: 1 March 2009

  • Kuwait: Buildings cleaning services

    Cleaning of buildings and facilities, and provision of messenger and typing services. Closing date: 22 February 2009

  • Kuwait: Cable extension works

    Repair, extension and welding of low-tension cables. Closing date: 24 February 2009

  • Kuwait: Cathodic protection materials

    Supply of cathodic protection materials. Closing date: 3 February 2009

  • Kuwait: Control cables

    Supply and installation of control cables for a medium-tension network. Closing date: 3 March 2009

  • Kuwait: Diesel generators

    Preparation, transport and operation of diesel generators. Closing date: 1 March 2009

  • Kuwait: Digging works

    Carrying out digging works. Closing date: 1 March 2009

  • Kuwait: Distilled water treatment unit

    Supply and installation of a distilled water treatment unit at a power and water distillation station. Closing date: 15 March 2009

  • Kuwait: Electronic content upgrade project

    Carrying out an electronic content upgrading project. Closing date: 3 February 2009

  • Kuwait: Endo-digging equipment carriers

    Supply of endo-digging equipment carriers. Closing date: 24 February 2009

  • Kuwait: Liquid gas production unit maintenance

    Carrying out mechanical maintenance works for refinery and liquid gas production units. Closing date: 10 March 2009

  • Kuwait: Municipal services

    Provision of cleaning, internal transport and refuse disposal services. Closing date: 15 March 2009

  • Kuwait: Oil production utilities maintenance (east)

    Provision of maintenance services for production utilities. Closing date: 22 February 2009

  • Kuwait: Overhead line current cut-outs

    Supply of AC current cut-outs for 11kV overhead lines. Closing date: 22 February 2009

  • Kuwait: Overhead line repair and installation

    Carrying out repair and installation works for 11kV medium-tension overhead lines. Closing date: 22 February 2009

  • Kuwait: Port authority insurance

    Provision of assets, utilities and health insurance for a port authority. Closing date: 15 March 2009

  • Kuwait: Power capacity boosting condenser

    Supply and installation of a condenser set for boosting power capacity. Closing date: 22 February 2009

  • Kuwait: Refinery mechanical maintenance works

    Carrying out mechanical maintenance works at a refinery. Closing date: 10 March 2009

  • Kuwait: Research centre construction

    Construction and maintenance of a new building for a research centre. Closing date: 22 February 2009

  • Kuwait: Restaurant construction

    Construction, completion and maintenance of two fast food restaurants. Closing date: 3 February 2009

  • Kuwait: Transformer station control and monitoring devices

    Supply and installation of control and monitoring devices for main transformer stations. Closing date: 22 February 2009

  • Kuwait: Water coolers

    Supply and installation of four main water coolers. Closing date: 22 February 2009

  • Kuwait: Water filling station civil maintenance

    Carrying out civil maintenance works for water filling stations and concrete maintenance works. Closing date: 3 March 2009

  • Kuwait: Wireless communications devices

    Supply, operation and maintenance of wireless communications devices. Closing date: 24 February 2009

  • Kuwait's Agility buys Nordic firm

    Kuwait-based logistics firm Agility is to strengthen its presence in northern Europe, following the acquisition of the Finnish firm Oy Nystrom & Company.

  • Kuwait's Wafra Real Estate issues construction tender

    Kuwait-based Wafra Real Estate has invited companies to bid by 28 January for a contract to build a 25-storey building in Kuwait City.

  • Lafarge to build Abu Dhabi plant

    Cement producer Lafarge is planning to set up a cement plant in Abu Dhabi through a joint venture with two Abu Dhabi-based investment companies, The National has reported. The company will team up with Al Ain International Group Holding and Novus Capital Holdings. Lafarge already has three concrete production plants in the UAE through its Dubai-based subsidiary, Readymix Gulf.

  • Lamnalco Group receives $125m loan

    Lamnalco Group, a global provider of solutions to the marine service needs of the global oil and gas industry, has received a $125m loan facility by Standard Chartered Bank, together with Rabobank and ING Wholesale Banking. The loan facility supports Lamnalco Group's new vessel acquisition programme.

  • Landbridge bid deadline extended to 31 January

    The deadline for revised financial bids on the Saudi Landbridge has been extended to 31 January.

  • Laser color ID system at Intersec

    Digital Identification Solutions AG will exhibit its EDIsecure LCP 9000 Laser Color Personalization System, the world's first desktop laser color personalization system, at Intersec 2009. This new technology offers high-quality XID Retransfer color printing and secure laser engraving on a single card in a one-step process, thus making credential forgery and manipulation highly impossible, according to the company's statement.

  • Lebanon awards mobile management contracts to Zain and Orascom

    Lebanon's Telecommunications Ministry has handed one year management contracts for the country's two mobile phone networks to Egypt's Orascom Telecom and Kuwait's Zain Group.

  • Lebanon to introduce competition to broadband internet services

    Lebanon's telecoms regulator is preparing to auction two nationwide licences to provide broadband internet services.

  • Lebanon: Cultural heritage and urban development

    Carrying out a cultural heritage and urban development project. Closing date: 4 February 2009

  • Lebanon: Energy efficiency consultancy

    Provision of consultancy services for a study to assess the status of current energy efficiency initiatives. Closing date: 4 February 2009

  • Lebanon: LNG as fuel supply project consultancy

    Provision of consultancy services comprising a study for the potential of liquefied natural gas (LNG) for fuel supply. Closing date: 4 February 2009

  • Lebanon: University faculty construction

    Construction of the faculties of engineering and fine arts at a university. Closing date: 13 February 2009

  • Lebanon: Water distribution lines

    Construction of potable water distribution lines. Closing date: 24 February 2009

  • Legal advisory contract awarded for Al-Hamra 2 power plant

    UK law firm Linklaters has won the legal advisory contract for the planned Al-Hamra 2 power plant in Ras al-Khaimah.

  • Lenovo launches dual screen workstation

    Lenovo has released the ThinkPad W700ds mobile workstation onto global markets. The ThinkPad W700ds give users the first mobile workstation in the industry with two screens. Measuring almost 40% of the 17-inch primary screen, the 10.6-inch second screen gives users extra screen size, measuring approximately the size of a Lenovo IdeaPad S10e netbook. The second screen easily slides out from the PC cover behind the primary screen, and it can also be adjusted to fit a user's viewing angle by up

  • Lenovo plans major revamp

    Lenovo Group said Thursday it expects to report a loss for its fiscal third quarter that ended last month, while announcing a major restructuring plan. The world's fourth-largest computer maker by shipments said in a statement that it will save $300m by March 2010 by reducing the number of its employees world-wide by 2,500 during the first quarter of 2009, including a number of senior executives. Executive compensation will be reduced by between 30% and 50%, including bonuses and other incent

  • Leviton opens office in Dubai

    Leviton, a US manufacturer of wiring devices, has opened its Middle East regional office in Dubai's Jebel Ali Free Zone. The company is investing $ 2m in ramping up its business in the Middle East and is expecting to double its investment every year going forward. The initial focus of the company's business development will be on commercial networking and structured cabling business, as well as lighting management solutions.

  • Liberalising of transport sector needed, say experts

    Arab economists on Monday stressed the importance of liberalising the transportation sector to provide an appropriate atmosphere for the growth and development of this sector, reported WAM. In the fifth session of the Economic and Social Forum held ahead of the Arab Economic, Social and Development Summit, experts agreed that the participation of the private sector along with the public sector in the field is a prerequisite for its development.

  • Libya: Acid gas treatment and reinjection project

    Carrying out an acid gas treatment and reinjection project. Closing date: 5 February 2009

  • Libya: Anchor handling tug support/supply vessels

    Supply of anchor handling tug support/supply vessels. Closing date: 1 March 2009

  • Libya: Drilling operation fixed wing services

    Provision of fixed wing services to support planned onshore drilling operations. Closing date: 22 February 2009

  • Libya: Drilling operation helicopter services

    Provision of helicopter services to support planned offshore drilling operations. Closing date: 25 February 2009

  • Libya: Emergency response centre

    Setting up of an emergency response centre. Closing date: 1 February 2009

  • Libya: Environmental survey

    Carrying out a geo-chemical, geo-hazard and environmental survey. Closing date: 9 January 2009

  • Libya: Liner hangar services

    Provision of liner hangar casing and services for offshore drilling operations. Closing date: 15 February 2009

  • Libya: Mud logging services

    Provision of mud logging services. Closing date: 15 January 2009

  • Libya: Oil field electricity supply

    Provision of electricity supplies to all oil fields within a specific concession. Closing date: 20 January 2009

  • Libya: Oil well tubular casing

    Supply of tubular casing for offshore and onshore wells. Closing date: 2 February 2009

  • Libya: Onshore electrical submersible pumping systems

    Supply of onshore electrical submersible pumping systems. Closing date: 15 February 2009

  • Libya: Rental vehicles

    Provision of rental vehicles. Closing date: 25 January 2009

  • Libya: Seismic data processing

    Processing of some 3,000 square kilometres of 2D and 1,500 square kilometres of 3D seismic data. Closing date: 25 January 2009

  • Libya: Seismic surveying quality control

    Provision of quality control supervision services for seismic surveying. Closing date: 18 January 2009

  • Libya: Wireline logging services

    Provision of wireline logging tools and services. Closing date: 19 January 2009

  • Limitless receives bids for second Arabian Canal excavation contract

    Local developer Limitless has received bids for the second excavation package on the AED40bn ($10.1bn) Arabian Canal project.

  • Limitless to complete groundworks on Al-Wasl development in February

    Earthworks on the first phase of the SR45bn ($12bn) Al-Wasl development in Saudi Arabia are nearing completion, with ground levelling and clearance work expected to be complete by the beginning of February.

  • Local firms submit lowest bids for Kuwait gathering centres

    Bids for two gathering centre contracts for the Early Production Facility (EPF) planned by Kuwait Oil Company have been announced, with Combined Group and Heavy Industries & Shipbuilding Company, both local, offering the lowest bids.

  • Lootah takes over as director general of Dubai Municipality

    Hussain Nasser Lootah has been named as director general of Dubai Municipality.

  • LyondellBasell considers filing for bankruptcy protection

    The major Netherlands-based refiner and petrochemicals producer LyondellBasell, which has several joint ventures in the Middle East, says it could file for bankruptcy protection in the US as it seeks a way to restructure its debt.

  • LyondellBasell's Gulf operations to continue despite bankruptcy filing

    The decision by LyondellBasell, the Netherlands-headquartered chemicals giant, to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the US should not have any effect on the company’s joint ventures in the Middle East according to analysts.

  • Malaysian firm wins UAE waste collection project

    A unit of Malaysian firm AWC Facility Solutions has won a contract to design, supply and install a waste collection system in the UAE, Khaleej Times has reported. The contract costing $46.5m was awarded by Tamouh to Multi Link Environmental Services of UAE, an associate company of AWC.

  • MAN opens truck plant in Jeddah

    German commercial vehicle manufacturer MAN and Saudi Arabian importer Haji Husein Alireza have opened a truck assembly plant in Jeddah, Khaleej Times has reported. The joint project will initially assemble MAN TGA-WW trucks and semi-trailer tractors for the local market. THe plant is designed to produce 3,000 vehicles a year in single-shift operation.

  • Manama says GCC governments may support project finance

    State support may be needed for GCC project finance transactions which have been jeopardised by the drought in bank lending, Bahrain’s Minister of Finance Sheikh Ahmed bin Ahmed al-Khalifa told MEED’s Middle East Project Finance 2009 conference in Bahrain on 26 January.

  • Manufacturers urged to cut costs

    Makers of consumer products may have to roll back price increases they pushed through last year as retailers demand cuts on everyday necessities to lure shoppers, Grace Barnett, an analyst with Fitch Ratings in New York, told Bloomberg. Manufacturers such as Procter & Gamble Co and Kimberly-Clark raised prices last year after the cost of oil and pulp needed to make Huggies diapers, Charmin toilet paper and Kleenex tissues rose to records. Now that those expenses are tumbling, retailers aim to

  • Markets gain ground as governments prepare to intervene

    What a difference a week makes, especially for investors in the Doha Securities Market. The index of Qatar's 20 largest listed companies gained 9.1 per cent to close at 5,253 points this week, a stark contrast to 20.5 per cent fall over the week ending on 22 January.

  • Maroc Telecom revenues climb 7 per cent

    Maroc Telecom posted a 7 per cent jump in group revenues in 2008, according to the company's latest financial results published on 19 January.

  • Masdar invests in Japanese clear energy fund

    Abu Dhabi’s Masdar Clean Tech Fund and Japan’s SBI holdings have created a $20m investment fund for alternative energy companies in Japan.

  • Masdar signs deal to cut Abu Dhabi emissions

    Abu Dhabi's Masdar initiative has signed an agreement with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from five of the emirate’s main oil and gas facilities.

  • Masdar, GE to build Ecomagination Centre

    Masdar announced today that GE will be an anchor partner in Masdar City. In a joint Masdar-GE agreement, the two companies outlined plans to house a new Ecomagination Centre, focused on sustainable business solutions and to form a broader R&D relationship that will support the development and deployment of new and innovative technologies. This center is part of a multi-faceted strategic partnership signed by Mubadala and GE in July 2008.

  • Master Civil Construction awarded $120m Ajman contract

    The UAE-based contractor Master Civil Construction Company has been awarded a AED450m ($123m) contract for the construction of three towers within Ajman’s Rainbow Towers project.

  • Meydan race course contract cancelled

    The joint venture of the local Arabtec Construction and Malaysia’s WCT has stopped work on the AED 4.6bn ($1.25bn) grandstand at Nad al-Sheba race course after the contract was cancelled by the client, Meydan.

  • Microsoft announces job cuts

    Microsoft has announced that it will shed 5,000 jobs over the coming 18 months. The company reported net profits of $4.17bn for the three months to 31 December, down 11% on the same period in 2007. The firm also said that it was no longer able to give a profit outlooks for the fiscal year amid current volatile market conditions.

  • Microsoft announces new search deals

    Microsoft Corp has announced a milestone for the next version of Windows and several new deals designed to boost its online-search business. The company showed a preliminary version of Windows 7, the next major edition of its operating system, available for consumers to test on their personal computers starting Friday. Microsoft also announced a five-year deal with Verizon Wireless to make its Internet-search service broadly available on the wireless carrier's mobile phones and a similar agre

  • Microsoft fights piracy in Bahrain

    Microsoft Gulf, a member of the Business Software Alliance, has announced successful anti-piracy raids by the Bahrain Ministry of Information on two resellers operating in Manama. The offensives highlighted Bahrain's comprehensive nationwide anti-piracy program. Seized during the raids were a total of 120 CDs containing pirated software along with desktops loaded with counterfeit Windows XP and Microsoft Office 2003.

  • Microsoft Gulf appoints new Director

    Microsoft Gulf has appointed Naim Yazbeck as the Public Sector Director for the Gulf region. Yazbeck will act as a senior adviser and engage with government policy makers in the region on broad issues related to architectural strategy. Yazbeck will also work with the regional public sector to identify opportunities for innovation in eGovernment.

  • Middle East air passenger growth reaches 7 per cent in 2008

    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.

  • Middle East IPOs dry up in late 2008

    The total value of money raised in Middle East initial public offerings (IPOs) fell from $6bn in October and November 2007 to just $22.4m in the same period in 2008, according to a report by accountancy firm Ernst & Young (E&Y).

  • MidEast airlines cut fares

    Airlines in the region have cut their ticket prices to cope with the drop in demand. Emirates Airline has reduced tickets to between 20%-35% on more than 50 destinations in the Middle East and Asia. Egypt Air has made reductions of 40%. However prices are to go up again during January 12-17 to coincide with the UAE's first academic vacation.

  • Moody’s lowers outlook on UAE banks to negative

    US ratings agency Moody’s Investors Service has lowered its outlook on UAE banks to negative, as a reflection of an expected decline in asset quality and the deteriorating operating environment.

  • Moody's downgrades outlook for Bahrain's sovereign rating

    US-based ratings agency Moody’s has downgraded its sovereign ratings outlook for Bahrain from stable to negative because of the impact of the falling oil price.

  • Morocco delays bid deadline for $2.5bn power project

    Morocco's power utility Office National de l'electricite (ONE) has delayed the bid deadline for a 1,320MW coal fired power plant that is expected to cost over $2.5bn, until 5 March.

  • Morocco: Gas turbine power station project

    Design and supply of equipment for a gas turbine power station. Closing date: 6 March 2009

  • Morocco: Village electrification

    Electrification of 19 villages. Closing date: 25 February 2009

  • Morocco: Water resource investigation

    Carrying out an investigation into the impacts of global climate change on water resources. Closing date: 1 February 2009

  • Mott MacDonald wins Fujairah consultancy contract

    The UK’s Mott MacDonald has been appointed as consultant for the engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) phase of the $100m oil terminals storage project at Fujairah planned by the local Gulf Petrochem.

  • MRO industry to see steady growth in Middle East

    The Middle East MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) industry will see steady growth of 4.4% and reach $3.4bn by 2018 as compared to $2.8bn in 2008, experts said the at inaugural MRO Middle East Conference and Exhibition in Dubai on Wednesday. This year, the global MRO will be down between 4% and 8% from 2008 as airlines have generally reduced capacity worldwide specially in North America and West Europe, said Chris Doan, President & CEO of Team SAI Consulting Services. However, the long-te

  • MTQ to build $20m plant in Bahrain

    Singapore-based MTQ Corporation is planning to construct a state-of-the-art $20m facility at the Bahrain International Investment Park. MTQ yesterday announced it had obtained approval in principle from the Industry and Commerce Ministry to provide specialist engineering services and components for the oil and gas industry in Bahrain and the Gulf states. When completed in 2010, the facility's main activity will be the repair and reconditioning of equipment used in the operation of blow-out pr

  • Mubadala to develop GCC project bond market

    Mubadala Development Company, the Abu Dhabi investment firm, is hoping to develop a project bond market to offset the decline in the availability of project finance from banks, according to project and corporate finance director Derek Rozycki.

  • Muscat considers offering larger Sohar refinery contract

    Oman Refineries & Petrochemicals Company (ORPC) is considering repackaging a contract at the bitumen plant at its Sohar refinery with other work, in order to attract more competitive bids.

  • Muscat InterCon reopens

    Following extensive renovations, the Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat has officially reopened. The hotel's restoration work encompassed a comprehensive upgrade of the property including the lobby, beach and garden area, sports facilities and the majority of guest rooms and suites.

  • Nakheel delays work on tall tower project

    Local develop Nakheel has instructed the contractor working on the foundations package of its tall tower project to stop work.

  • Nakheel restructures senior management team

    Dubai-based developer Nakheel has restructured its senior management team. The reorganisation sees a number of senior executives leaving their positions, as business units are consolidated and projects scaled back.

  • Nasair buys 3 new Embraers

    Nasair has received three brand new 110-seat Embraer 190, delivered to King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The new fleets coincide with the activation of National Air Services total component support agreement with Lufthansa Technik that involve Embraer 190 spare parts support.

  • National Bank of Bahrain profits drop 17 per cent

    National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) has reported a fall in profits of 17 per cent during 2008, as a result of falling investments and the global financial crisis.

  • National Contracting bids low for Kuwaiti substation work

    Saudi Arabia’s National Contracting Company (NCC) is the low bidder for the project to build transformers at Saad al-Abdullah substation in Kuwait.

  • NBK Capital raises $156m for mezzanine financing

    NBK Capital, the investment banking arm of National Bank of Kuwait, says it has raised over $156m from regional investors to deploy through mezzanine financing for Middle East corporates over the next 12 months.

  • Netbooks to 'replace' smart phones

    According to Santhosh Varghese, regional general manager for Toshiba's Computer Systems Division, the new 3G netbook will take over a significant portion of the smart phone market segment. With a keyboard and 3G, the device can be used as a secondary notebook or as a mainstream phone. Toshiba is set to launch its first 3G netbook by February this year.

  • Netgear deploys network in Abu Dhabi hospital

    Netgear says it has implemented a networking solution within the Al Mafraq Hospital in Abu Dhabi that will enable the healthcare facility to speed up delivery and expand its coverage of various hospital services, according to a press statement. The company has deployed its ProSafe 802.11g Wireless Access Point WG102, which has a full capacity to provide AMH with a wider networking coverage, consistently strong signal, and reliable roaming services to enhance communication and networking proce

  • New air service for Sir Bani Yas Island

    A new air service has been launched that will link Abu Dhabi with nearby Sir Bani Yas Island. The service provided by private operator Empire Aviation on behalf of Tourism Development & Investment Company, the master developer of Desert Islands project in the emirate's Al Gharbia western region, will operate return flights every Thursday and Saturday to Sir Bani Yas Island with more flight soon to be announced.

  • New eyes needed in Gaza

    Israel has little more than a week to prove its assault on Gaza was worth the cost. But it looks like it is a war everyone will lose.

  • New pedestrian bridge installed in Sharjah

    The installation of a Dhs7m pedestrian bridge in Al Nahda area in the UAE emirate of Sharjah is aimed at providing safe and easy access to the Sahara Centre. The newly installed bridge is 6.5 metres high and spans 48 metres across the Al Nahda Road. It will be accessible from the sidewalks by either panoramic lift or staircase.

  • New pedestrian bridges planned for Abu Dhabi

    Abu Dhabi Municipality are to construct 32 state-of-the-art air-conditioned pedestrian bridges with escalators all over the city. The bridges will be constructed in busy areas including the Corniche Road, near Al Makhta Bridge and Zayed Sports City and Al Khaleej-Al Arabi road.

  • New trade name agreement signed in Dubai

    The Dubai Department of Economic Development and Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority have signed an agreement to unify reservation procedures for trade names to avoid duplication across the emirate. DED will provide DSOA with a copy of its licensing system that records trade names and link them to the Department electronically. DSOA will ensure that the trade names are not duplicated before granting the preliminary approval.

  • New year, new misery for regional exchanges

    The major Arab stock markets all plunged this week, following markets in the North America and Europe that were hit by weaker-than-expected economic data from the US.

  • Noor Islamic puts international expansion on hold

    The UAE's Noor Islamic Bank says it is putting some of its international expansion plans on hold because of the global financial crisis.

  • No-shows cost Saudia SR1.798bn

    Saudi Arabian Airlines announced yesterday that it registered a loss of SR1.798bn last year as a result of no-show passengers, reported Arab News. The airline said more than 3.6 million passengers stayed back even after reconfirming their bookings. Domestic flights witnessed the largest number of no-show passengers last year as 2.3 million people did not travel after reconfirming their seats. International flights saw 1.15 million no-show passengers. Al-Mulhim said the huge losses were create

  • NSCA seeks safe shipping route

    To avoid the threat of piracy in the Gulf of Aden, the National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia is diverting some of its vessels to the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. While the voyage is longer compared to the traditional route through the Suez Canal, it provides a safer option.

  • Nurizon wins licence plate recognition project in Saudi

    Nurizon Corporation has been awarded the first ever mobile licence plate recognition project in Saudi Arabia for the National Saudi Police Forces. Nurizon has been working closely with a number of government agencies in recent months to undertake rigorous nationwide trials, resulting in the largest ever project roll out of licence plate recognition technology seen to date, the company said.

  • Obama steers the same course for America

    Barack Obama will continue most of his predecessor's policies. But he may help get things done quicker.

  • Occidental to sign Awali field contract by end of year

    The US’ Occidental says it will finalise a contract with Bahrain’s National Oil and Gas Authority (Noga) to develop the state’s Awali field by the end of 2009, up to eight months later than previously expected.

  • Occidental wins Bahrain oil field contract

    Bahrain has awarded an oil field contract to the US' Occidental Petroleum for a deal to more than double production from the country's Awali oil field.

  • Oil nears $45 a barrel on deep Opec cuts

    Oil prices rose close to the $45 a barrel mark as supply cuts from Opec member countries outweighed fresh fears over the near-term outlook for energy demand.

  • Oil price stays below $40 a barrel due to demand uncertainty

    Oil prices remained stuck under the $40 a barrel mark in mid-January, with rising crude inventories and a drop in US retail sales raising fresh fears over the near-term outlook for energy demand.

  • Oil prices near $40 a barrel on economic woes

    The price of oil fell back to near the $40 a barrel mark on 8 January, despite hitting a five-week high above $50 earlier in the week, over renewed fears about the impact of the global recession on fuel use.

  • Oil stalls at $41 a barrel on US inventory gains and bearish sentiment

    Crude oil for March delivery was trading at $41 a barrel on the New York Metal Exchange (Nymex) in out-of-hours trading on 29 January, with prices down around $4 a barrel on the previous week as inventories in the US showed significant gains.

  • Oilex gains positive results from Oman oil exploration wells

    Australia’s Oilex exploratory well-drilling at the Eastern Flank Salt Basin of Oman’s Block 56 has yielded positive results, with testing programmes now being planned.

  • Oman Air to offer new check-in options

    Oman's national carrier will be providing four new ways to check-in at Muscat and other key airports. Oman Air will be offering mobile phone, internet, airport kiosks, and in the airport where customer service agents equipped with mobile check-in technology. The technology will be implemented through Sabre Web Check-In solution.

  • Oman awards water consultancy contract

    Oman's Public Authority for Electricity & Water (PAEW) has awarded a water sector consultancy contract to a team of KPMG, the UK's Atkins and French law firm Gide Loyrette Nouel.

  • Oman awards water treatment contract for Nimr oil field

    Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) has awarded a sewage treatment contract to Germany's Bauer Environment Group contract for the development of its Nimr oil field.

  • Oman budgets for $2bn deficit in 2009

    Oman has said that it will report a budget deficit of OR810m ($2bn) in 2009 based on an average oil price of $45 per barrel, according to Ahmed Macki, Oman’s minister of national economy and deputy chairman of the financial affairs and energy resources council.

  • Oman issues visa renewal policy

    From this month, hoteliers and travel and tour operators will be responsible for repatriating visa changers who get stranded on the UAE-Oman borders of Al Buraimi and Khasab. This is a new policy introduced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Oman.

  • Oman requests extension on bids for water and power plants

    Bidders for the advisory contract on two planned independent water and power projects (IWPPs) in Oman have been asked to extend their bid bonds to March.

  • Oman Travel Mart dates released

    Oman Travel Mart (OTM) is set to be held from February 17 to 19 at Oman International Exhibition Centre, Seeb. Now in its sixth successive year, the date for OTM was announced by Oman International Trade and Exhibitions. OTM 2009 will feature three sector breakdowns, including tourism properties, medical tourism and tourism investments.

  • Oman water utility signs supply deal with aromatics firm

    Omani state-owned water utility Majis Industrial Services Company (MISC) has signed seawater connection and supply agreements with Aromatics Oman in the first deal of its kind in the country.

  • Oman: Airport facility maintenance

    Design and construction of supervision services for the maintenance, repair and overhaul of facilities at two international airports. Closing date: 2 March 2009

  • Oman: Building construction

    Construction and maintenance of a Public Prosecution building. Closing date: 16 March 2009

  • Oman: Building project

    Carrying out a building project. Closing date: 9 March 2009

  • Oman: Cables and conductors

    Supply of cables and conductors. Closing date: 9 March 2009

  • Oman: Court complex (Al-Buraimi)

    Construction of a court complex in Al-Buraimi. Closing date: 23 March 2009

  • Oman: Court complex (Sohar)

    Construction of a court complex in Sohar. Closing date: 23 March 2009

  • Oman: Fast ferry service civils (Khasab)

    Carrying out civil works for a fast ferry service. Closing date: 9 March 2009

  • Oman: Fast ferry service civils (Shinas)

    Carrying out civil works for a fast ferry service. Closing date: 9 March 2009

  • Oman: Grid station and transmission line

    Construction of a grid station and transmission line. Closing date: 16 March 2009

  • Oman: Housing construction (104)

    Construction of 104 housing units. Closing date: 30 March 2009

  • Oman: Housing construction (20)

    Construction of 20 housing units. Closing date: 30 March 2009

  • Oman: Housing construction (30)

    Construction of 30 housing units. Closing date: 30 March 2009

  • Oman: NGN transport frame contract

    Implementation of an NGN transport frame contract. Closing date: 23 March 2009

  • Oman: Power station gas oil fuel

    Supply and delivery of gas oil fuel to power stations. Closing date: 16 March 2009

  • Oman: Road construction

    Construction of a road in Salalah governorate. Closing date: 23 February 2009

  • Oman: Road construction

    Construction of internal roads. Closing date: 30 March 2009

  • Oman: Road cyclone damage repair

    Repair of cyclone damage. Closing date: 9 March 2009

  • Oman: Road design and construction (Al-Sharqiya)

    Design and construction of internal roads. Closing date: 6 April 2009

  • Oman: Road design and construction (Nizwa)

    Design and construction of internal roads. Closing date: 6 April 2009

  • Oman: Sewerage network rehabilitation

    Rehabilitation and upgrading of an existing sewerage network. Closing date: 23 March 2009

  • Oman: Sewerage network systems

    Construction of sewerage network systems. Closing date: 30 March 2009

  • Oman: Storage tank construction

    Construction and commissioning of a storage tank. Closing date: 6 April 2009

  • Oman: Tankage conversion project facilities

    Engineering, procurement and construction of a tankage conversion project’s facilities. Closing date: 6 April 2009

  • Oman: Transformer and switchgear

    Replacement of a transformer and 11kV switchgear. Closing date: 2 March 2009

  • Oman: Vehicles

    Supply and delivery of vehicles. Closing date: 2 March 2009

  • Oman: Village rehabilitation consultancy

    Provision of consultancy services for the rehabilitation of a village. Closing date: 16 March 2009

  • Oman: Water resources management consultancy

    Provision of consultancy services for the implementation of an integrated water resources management project. Closing date: 16 March 2009

  • One-quarter of new planes headed for Gulf

    One-quarter of the world's new planes are destined for the Middle East as Arab airlines build their fleets, Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Group, said yesterday. Emirates has 168 planes on order worth $58bn at list prices. Abu Dhabi's Etihad expects to add 11 new jets this year, while Qatar Airways plans to boost its fleet to 110 aircraft by 2013 compared with 65 planes now.

  • Opec predicts further fall in oil demand in 2009

    Global demand for crude oil will drop in 2009 at an even greater rate than previously thought, according to a new report from Opec. It follows a fall in demand in 2008 - the first time this happened in 25 years.

  • Orascom Telecom appoints deputy chairman

    Naguib Sawiris, chairman and chief executive of Orascom Telecom, has appointed a new deputy to help turn around the financial performance of the telecoms firm.

  • Over 1.5m tourists visited Sharjah in 2008

    The UAE emirate of Sharjah received 1.53 million tourists in 2008, up from 1.45 million the previous year, a five percent increase, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority has reported. This increase in tourism pushed the overall occupancy in Sharjah's hotels to 86% in 2008, up from 85% in 2007.

  • Over 40% of cars fail Qatar inspections

    Over 1,870 vehicles are inspected daily at the Qatar Technical Inspection Company (QTIC) for renewal of road permits and approximately 40% fail in the initial tests. A new traffic law which proposes to disqualify vehicles more than 15 years old has not yet been implemented by the authorities.

  • Palestinian balance of payments deficit rises 57 per cent

    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.

  • Palm marina to open Q1 2009

    The Anchor Marina, the first operational marina on Palm Jumeirah, is set to open during the first quarter of 2009. There will be 590 berths located on both the East and West side of Anchor Marina for yachts between 10-30 metres in length. The berths will be limited to one per person, with agreements lasting for a period of five years.

  • Palm monorail to be running by April

    The Palm Jumeirah Monorail, which is slated to be operational in April, will have the capacity to carry some 40,000 passengers around the island on a daily basis. 'We have been testing the Palm Monorail successfully and we are delighted to announce that it will be open for visitors and residents of Palm Jumeirah from April 2009,' said Chris O'Donnel, CEO of Nakheel, the Dubai-based real estate developer behind the Palm Jumeirah.

  • Palm Utilities commissions treatment plant

    Istithmar World subsidiary Palm Utilities has commissioned a water treatment plant for Palm Jumeirah. The Sea Water Reverse Osmosis plant will provide drinking water to developments in the Palm crescent. A further sea water treatment facility will be commissioned in mid-2009.

  • Petrobras to decided on Iran exploration deal this month

    Brazil’s Petrobras expects to make an investment decision by the end of January on its planned development of Iranian oil and gas reserves in the Caspian Sea.

  • Polymers park underway in Abu Dhabi

    Construction is underway and on schedule for Abu Dhabi Polymers Park's first industrial plot in Mussafah ICADIII, the company said in a statement. A manufacturing plant for the production of artificial grass yarn will be one of the first factories to be built in the park as construction began in September 2008.

  • Portable satellite TV system launched in Saudi

    Humax has developed a portable satellite TV system that viewers can carry with them wherever they go. The system was launched in Saudi Arabia by Samir Photographic Supplies, the exclusive distributor for Humax products in the kingdom. The SATBox - as the product is called - has a 17-inch LCD monitor and an integrated Humax satellite receiver with a compact and portable flat antenna to receive channels and recharge-able laptop-style batteries, all packed together in a briefcase-like design.

  • Preferred bidder for Rabigh plant to be named in February

    Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) expects to name a preferred bidder for the Rabigh independent power project (IPP) by the end of February.

  • Prequalification starts for Abu Dhabi’s Hudayriat bridge

    The local Tourism & Development Investment Company (TDIC) has invited companies to prequalify for the contract to build a road bridge connecting Abu Dhabi island with Hudayriat island.

  • President Barack Obama's inaugural address

    Placing his hand on the Bible once used by Abraham Lincoln, Barack Obama took the Oath of Office as America's 44th President and delivered his inaugural address from the steps of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

  • Profits at Commercial Bank of Qatar fall by 74 per cent

    Commercial Bank of Qatar has reported a 74 per cent decline in profits for the fourth quarter of 2008, although full year profits rose by 21 per cent.

  • Programme manager stops work on Jumeira Gardens

    US-based CH2M Hill is no longer working as the programme manager on the AED350bn ($95bn) Jumeira Gardens project for Dubai-based developer Meraas Development.

  • Proposals sought for Doha airport site

    Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company has invited firms to submit proposals in February for a conceptual masterplan for the area currently occupied by Doha International Airport.

  • Qapco weighs up bids for polyethylene plant

    Qatar Petrochemical Company (Qapco) is assessing bids from three contractors for the main engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract on its $400-500m low-density polyethylene plant, known as LDPE-3.

  • Qatar Airways cuts fuel surcharge

    Qatar Airways, on Wednesday, announced a reduction of 15% on its fuel supplement charge due to falling oil prices in recent weeks. A statement by the airlines's Media Consultant in Nigeria, Mr. Simon Tumba, said that the development had led to an initial reduction in the fuel surcharge on flights from Doha by an equivalent amount. He said that passengers who purchased one-way or return tickets on flights from Doha would be able take advantage of the supplement.

  • Qatar Airways promotes flights to Houston

    Qatar Airways is poised to launch daily non-stop flights between Doha and Houston on March 30, using Boeing 777-200 long range aircraft. In the lead up to the launch the carrier has embarked on a GCC-wide promotional road show meeting key travel trade and industry partners to highlight the new route.

  • Qatar considers revised corporate governance guidelines

    A new set of guidelines drafted by Hawkamah, the regional institute to promote effective corporate governance, has been submitted to the government of Qatar and is awaiting approval, according to the body’s executive director Nasser Saidi.

  • Qatar cuts gas supply to European energy major

    Qatarhas cut liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies to customers, including at least one European energy major, following an unidentified technical fault at its Qatargas-1 plant.

  • Qatar Holding in JV with Hungarian firm

    Qatar Intermediate Industries Holding Company (Qatar Holding) has signed a joint venture agreement with Hungary's DKG-EAST, which will manufacture industrial products for oil, gas and petrochemical industries in Qatar and the GCC, The Peninsula has reported. The joint project is expected to produce columns tanks, separators, piping systems, heat exchanger and air coolers.

  • Qatar Islamic Bank receives proposals for new headquarters

    Qatar Islamic Bank has received proposals from at least three firms for a new headquarters building in Doha.

  • Qatar named 'cultural destination of the year'

    The New York Times has named Qatar as the 'Cultural Destination of the Year'. The newspaper also ranked Qatar as destination number 9 in the "Where to go in 2009" list describing Doha as a new arts capital in the Middle East.

  • Qatar National Bank profits fall in final quarter of 2008

    Qatar National Bank (QNB) has reported a 0.8 per cent fall in profits for the fourth quarter of 2008, although overall profits for the year were up by 45 per cent.

  • Qatar offers onboard yoga guide

    Qatar Airways has introduced a new onboard yoga guide and tips. Customised for long-haul fliers, a new four-page Fly Healthy, Fly Fit guide has been prepared by the carrier in association with the Chopra Centre for Wellbeing and its co-founder Deepak Chopra. A range of relaxation techniques printed in English and Arabic will provide passengers with easy exercise routines.

  • Qatar Petroleum launches design phase for ecological park

    Qatar Petroleum (QP) has launched a front-end engineering and design (FEED) tender for an ecological park at Mesaieed Industrial City in the south of the state.

  • Qatar resumes gas supplies from Qatargas 1 plant

    Qatar Liquefied Gas Company (Qatargas) expects to restart liquefied natural gas (LNG) production from its Qatargas 1 plant by 22 January, following a machinery breakdown.

  • Qatar sets date for Houston flight

    The launch date of Qatar Airways new one-stop flight linking Bahrain with Houston is to be March 30. The daily flight departs Bahrain at 0520 hrs to arrive in Doha at 0610 hrs to connect onto Qatar Airways' new long-haul service to Houston, Texas. Qatar Airways' will also launch its first Boeing 777-200 Long Range aircraft on the Houston leg.

  • Qatar to invest $17bn in tourism

    Qatar is investing $17bn in tourism over the next five years, according to the Qatar Tourism and Exhibitions Authority. The country is targeting a 400% rise in hotel capacity by 2012. The plan includes construction of luxury hotels, resorts and other leisure facilities, with a total of up to 29,000 luxury rooms by 2012. A total of 80,000 hotel rooms in various ranges will be available by 2016.

  • Qatar: Accommodation barges

    Provision of accommodation barges for the 2009 shutdown of a production station. Closing date: 8 February 2009

  • Qatar: Container terminal lifting equipment

    Supply and installation of lifting equipment for a new container terminal at a port. Closing date: 18 January 2009

  • Qatar: Degassing station control rooms

    Engineering, procurement, installation and commissioning of two new control rooms. Closing date: 15 March 2009

  • Qatar: Engineering consultancy services

    Provision of engineering consultancy services for government buildings. Closing date: 8 February 2009

  • Qatar: GIS database updating services

    Provision of aerial photogrammetry-based GIS database updating services. Closing date: 1 March 2009

  • Qatar: Offshore and onshore operation equipment

    Supply of equipment comprising casing centralisers and accessories for offshore and onshore operations. Closing date: 8 February 2009

  • Qatar: Offshore location civil maintenance support

    Provision of civil maintenance support services at offshore locations. Closing date: 1 March 2009

  • Qatar: Oily water effluent pipeline

    Carrying out EPIC services for an oily water effluent pipeline. Closing date: 15 February 2009

  • Qatar: Power network

    Engineering, procurement, installation and commissioning of a high-voltage power network. Closing date: 8 March 2009

  • Qatar: Reservoirs and pipelines

    Construction of reservoirs and associated pipelines. Closing date: 1 March 2009

  • Qatar: Shoreline development

    Development of the Al-Farkiya shoreline. Closing date: 17 March 2009

  • Qatar: Soil

    Supply and transport of 500,000 cubic metres of soil. Closing date : 2 February 2009

  • Qatar: Stimulation and nitrogen equipment and services

    Supply of stimulation and nitrogen equipment and services. Closing date: 15 March 2009

  • Qatar: Substation supervision and monitoring

    Supervision and monitoring of primary substations. Closing date: 8 February 2009

  • Qatar: Water station project

    Carrying out a water station project including pipelines. Closing date: 22 February 2009

  • Qatargas signs plant upgrade deal following breakdown

    Qatar Liquefied Gas Company (Qatargas) has signed an automation upgrade deal for its Qatargas 1 facility, days after having to shut down the plant due to a machinery breakdown.

  • Qatargas to produce gas from fourth train in February

    Qatar Liquefied Gas Company (Qatargas) is expected to produce the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) from its fourth train by the second week of February, more than six months later than originally scheduled.

  • Qatari Diar launches general syndication for Cegelec loan

    Qatari Diar’s Eur637m ($801m) loan to fund its acquisition of French engineering group Cegelec has been launched into general syndication.

  • RAK port gets underway

    Ras Al Khaimah's customs and ports department has started the construction of the third phase of expanding and improving the port, costing Dhs14m, Gulf News has reported. The government expects work completion by May.

  • RAK to resume flights in April

    RAK Airways, which last month suspended flights and made redundant 60 employees, plans to begin flying scheduled routes again in April, reported The National, citing the airline's CEO Mouin Yassine. The carrier, based in Ras al Khaimah, cut staff and terminated its regular service to Dhaka, Chittagong, Calicut and Colombo after seeing its fleet reduced from three aircraft to one. To help it resume operations by April, the airline was in negotiations to lease and purchase up to four Boeing sin

  • Ratings agency affirms Sabic long-term credit rating

    Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (Sabic) has had its A+ long-term corporate credit rating affirmed by US ratings agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P), despite announcing a 95 per cent year-on-year fall in fourth quarter profits.

  • Redington rejects media reports

    India-based IT distributor Redington Gulf today strongly reacted to media reports about HP violating US trade sanctions by using Redington as a vehicle to sell printing products in Iran.

  • Region could see 10 new low cost carriers

    The Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (Capa) has forecast that 10 budget carriers could be launched in the Middle East over the next five years. Low-cost passengers account for about 2% of the region's air traffic. This figure is set to increase when Flydubai and the new Low Cost Terminal at Jebel Ali's new airport take off in mid-2009.

  • Regulator to overhaul Amman Stock Exchange rules

    Jordan's capital markets regulator has approved an overhaul of the rules governing the Amman Stock Exchange.

  • Repsol makes three Sahara gas discoveries

    Spain’s Repsol has made three gas discoveries in Algeria, totaling more than one million cubic metres a day (cm/d).

  • Revised bids due to be submitted for Qurayyah power plant

    Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) will receive revised bids for the engineering, procurement and construction contract covering the conversion of the Qurayyah power plant to a combined cycle plant on 14 January.

  • Riyadh approves anti-money laundering rules

    Saudi Arabia's Capital Market Authority has approved a new set of anti-money laundering regulations.

  • Riyadh renews air traffic deal with France

    Saudi Arabia has renewed its bilateral air traffic management agreement with France during a meeting in Paris on 21 January.

  • Road casualties fall 12%

    Abu Dhabi police have said that the number of people killed or seriously injured in road accidents has fallen by 12% in the 12 months to November 2008, which attributed to tougher traffic laws. The police said that 738 people died or were seriously injured in road accidents to the end of November last year, down from 839.

  • Royal Commission delays bid deadline for air force contract

    The Royal Commission for Jubail & Yanbu has extended the bid deadline for the construction and site development of buildings for the Royal Saudi Air Defence at Jubail Industrial City.

  • Royal Commission extends deadline for Yanbu medical centre

    The Royal Commission for Jubail & Yanbu has extended the bid deadline for expansion of the medical centre at Yanbu by two months.

  • Royal Commission extends water tower deadline

    The Royal Commission for Jubail & Yanbu has extended the bid deadline for the construction of two water towers at Yanbu for the second time.

  • Royal Commission extends Yanbu water tower tender

    The Royal Commission for Jubail & Yanbu has extended the tender deadline for the construction of two water towers at Yanbu.

  • Royal Commission issues infrastructure tender for Jubail 2

    The Royal Commission for Jubail & Yanbu has issued a tender for infrastructure work at Jubail 2 in Saudi Arabia.

  • Royal Commission issues tender for Yanbu highway

    The Royal Commission for Jubail & Yanbu has issued its latest tender for infrastructure work in Yanbu.

  • Royal Commission issues tender for Yanbu university

    The Royal Commission for Jubail & Yanbu has issued a tender for the construction of the first phase of the men’s campus at Yanbu University College.

  • Russia plans naval bases in Syria, Yemen and Libya

    Russia has signaled its intention to establish naval bases in Syria, Yemen and Libya in the coming years.

  • SaaS model to hit $10.7bn in 2009

    UAE-based systems integrator Raqmiyat said it is offering unique solutions for the SMB market in the Middle East using the SaaS model or 'Software-as-a-Service', Khaleej Times has reported. IDC has reported that the global SaaS market is projected to hit $10.7bn by 2009. SaaS is a software model where the application is hosted by the vendor or service provider and made available to customers across the internet, thereby eliminating the need to install and run the application on the customer'

  • Sabic fourth quarter profits fall by 96 per cent

    Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (Sabic) has reported a 95 per cent fall in profits for the fourth quarter of 2008, compared to the same period a year earlier.

  • Sabic's Q4 profit tumbles 95%

    Saudi Basic Industries, the world's largest chemical maker by market value, has reported a record drop in profit for the fouth quarter of last year, according to Bloomberg. Net income plunged 95% to 311 million riyals ($82.9m) from 6.87 billion riyals a year earlier, the Riyadh- based company, also known as Sabic, said today. Analysts on average predicted 4.74 billion riyals in profit for the company, which is 70% owned by the Saudi government.

  • Safco Q4 profits drop 28%

    Saudi Basic Industries subsidiary the Saudi Arabian Fertiliser company (Safco) has announced that its profits for Q4 2008 fell by 28% to $142.9m. The drop was attributed to a general decline in prices for the group's products.

  • Sagia: Oil price drop will not hinder Saudi development

    A declining oil price will have little impact on development plans for Saudi Arabia this year, according to a senior executive at the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (Sagia).

  • Sama Dubai scraps Bahrain resort deal

    A joint venture between Bahrain's Nass Corporation and South Africa's Murray & Roberts Holdings said on Tuesday its contract to build a hotel resort for Sama Dubai in Bahrain had been terminated, reported Reuters. The contract covered the luxury Salam resort, a luxury beach-front resort close to the Bahrain Formula 1 track. Sama Dubai, the international real estate arm of state-owned Dubai Holding, did not give a reason for the termination.

  • Satyam chairman resigns after admitting fraud

    The chairman of Satyam Computer Services, India's fourth-largest software services exporter, resigned yesterday, disclosing that profits had been falsely inflated for years and sending its shares tumbling nearly 80%. Ramalinga Raju unsuccessfully tried to sell two companies to Satyam last month in a final attempt to plug $1.03bn of 'fictitious' cash on the company's balance sheet, he wrote in a letter to the company's board. Profits have been inflated for 'several years', he said.

  • Satyam shares plunge

    India's Satyam Computer Services has plunged more than 70% to an 11-year low, after investors questioned the survival of the fraud-hit outsourcing firm, Reuters has reported. The company will be cut from India's benchmark stock index, the Bombay Stock Exchange's 30-share Sensex from Monday.

  • Saudi and UAE central banks cut interest rates

    Central banks in Saudi Arabia and the UAE have cut interest rates by 50 basis points in a bid to boost liquidity and encourage banks to start lending again.

  • Saudi Arabia: Barrage construction (Raghba)

    Construction of a barrage. Closing date: 2 February 2009

  • Saudi Arabia: Barrage construction (Yaba)

    Construction of a barrage. Closing date: 2 February 2009

  • Saudi Arabia: College campus construction

    Construction of the men’s campus for a university college. Closing date: 23 March 2009

  • Saudi Arabia: College equipment O&M

    Operation and maintenance (O&M) of equipment for a technical institute and industrial college. Closing date: 2 February 2009

  • Saudi Arabia: Power plant service centre (Asir)

    Construction of a service centre at a power plant. Closing date: 14 January 2009

  • Saudi Arabia: Power plant service centre (Najran)

    Construction of a service centre at a power plant. Closing date: 14 January 2009

  • Saudi Arabia: Power plant service centre (Sharorah)

    Construction of a service centre at a power plant. Closing date: 14 January 2009

  • Saudi Arabia: Power transmission line foundation works

    Rehabilitation and protection of concrete foundations of a transmission line. Closing date: 27 January 2009

  • Saudi Arabia: Pre-cast walling and gates

    Construction of pre-cast boundary walls, and drive in and personnel gates. Closing date: 8 February 2009

  • Saudi Arabia: Road construction and rehabilitation

    Construction and rehabilitation of a road. Closing date: 16 February 2009

  • Saudi Arabia: Seawater cooling system pipes

    Supply of fiberglass reinforced plastic buried pipes for a seawater cooling system. Closing date: 10 March 2009

  • Saudi Arabia: Substation HVAC

    Replacement of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) at substations. Closing date: 27 January 2009

  • Saudi Arabia: Vehicle leasing

    Leasing of light vehicles. Closing date: 24 January 2009

  • Saudi Arabia: Wastewater network

    Construction of a wastewater network. Closing date: 6 March 2009

  • Saudi Arabia: Water pipelines

    Supply and installation of water pipelines. Closing date: 26 January 2009

  • Saudi Arabian Airlines agrees technology deal with Sita

    Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) has agreed a $76m contract with Sita, a specialist in IT for the airline sector.

  • Saudi Aramco makes new oil and gas finds

    Saudi Aramco has discovered five new oil fields and three new gas fields in the Eastern Province, including a new find at the massive Khursaniyah field which recently started production.

  • Saudi banks report increase in profits despite downturn

    Saudi Arabia’s Banque Saudi Fransi made profits of SR2.8bn ($748m) in the past year, compared to SR2.7bn in 2007, despite the global financial crisis.

  • Saudi developer to float Mecca project on stock market

    The project company behind the SR21bn ($5.6bn) Tareeq al-Mawazee development in Mecca is expected to list its shares on the Saudi stock exchange (Tadawul) by the end of 2009.

  • Saudi Electricity awards Mecca power project

    Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) has signed a SR444.3m ($118m) contract for the construction of the Western Mecca substation.

  • Saudi Electricity calls for PP11 prequalification

    Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) has issued a request for prequalification for its second independent power project, known as PP11.

  • Saudi Electricity reviews size of future power projects

    Saudi Electricity Company says it could tender 9,360MW of new power generating schemes as three large independent power projects (IPPs) rather than as nine smaller projects as previously expected.

  • Saudi firm to build $85m polo resort in Morocco

    Saudi-based developer SIAMA said it will begin construction this year on a $85m polo resort and hotel in Morocco, reported The National. General Manager Ammar Abdelhadi said the company could save up to 30% on costs if construction began this year. Scheduled to open in 2011 and spread over 40 hectares, the Jnan Amar Polo Retreat is being promoted as an exclusive polo and spa retreat.

  • Saudi firms set up real estate finance company

    Two Saudi finance corporations have established a new real estate finance company with SR1bn ($267m) in capital.

  • Saudi Freyssinet wins economic city school contract

    Saudi Freyssinet has been awarded a SR120m ($32m) design and build contract at King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC).

  • Saudi government fund to increase project financing

    Saudi Arabia’s government-owned Public Investment Fund (PIF) has said it will increase its funding for projects in the kingdom, by increasing the size and tenor of loans.

  • Saudi Royal Commission extends bid deadline for Yanbu sewers

    Saudi Arabia’s Royal Commission for Jubail & Yanbu has extended the bid deadline for a sewer expansion project at Yanbu.

  • Saudi Telecom profits fall 62 per cent

    Saudi Telecom's net profits fell by 62 per cent to SR1.2bn ($311m) in the final three months of 2008, surprising analysts who had expected net profits of SR3.2bn.

  • Saudi Telecom wins third Bahrain licence

    Saudi Telecom has won Bahrain's third mobile phone licence with a bid of BD87m ($230m).

  • Saudia blames passengers for $480m losses

    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.

  • Savola reports Q4 loss

    Saudi Arabia's Savola Group has posted a Q4 loss. The company's net loss in the three months to December 31 amounted to SR464m compared with a profit of SR177m last year. Savola produces branded cooking oil and refined sugar.

  • Schlumberger suffers fall in Middle East revenues

    US oil services company Schlumberger says its fourth quarter revenues fell to $6.25bn, partly due to a downturn in activity in the Middle East.

  • Seawings expand flights over Dubai

    The seaplanes of Seawings are becoming a more popular sight over Dubai, and indeed across the Emirates, with the expansion of their fleet. Phil Blizzard talks to Stuart Wheeler, Director, Seawings, about the development of the company and the services they offer from their base at the Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa.

  • Sembcorp confirmed as preferred bidder for Salalah power and water plant

    A team of Singapore’s Sembcorp and the Oman Investment Corporation has been named as the preferred bidder for the Salalah independent water and power project (IWPP) in Oman.

  • Sharjah hotels plan visitor incentives

    Hotels in Sharjah are working with the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) to provide fresh incentives to tourists for the Sharjah Spring Promotion. Many hotels are teaming up with Air Arabia to provide various packages. The Spring Promotion, beginning January 15 will include activities at Al Qasba and in Al Budayr region, beach events, and marketing fairs and exhibitions.

  • Sharjah rig facility nears completion despite spending delays

    Engineering services firm Lamprell has delayed some spending on a new deep water rig construction facility in Sharjah’s Hamriyah free zone but still expects to complete the project by the end of March.

  • Shell awards Libya seismic contract

    The UK/Dutch Shell Group has awarded a seismic contract to BGP, the geophysical division of Chinese oil company China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), for a survey on a gas exploration block in Libya.

  • Shell considers expansion of Saudi styrene plant

    Saudi Petrochemical Company (Sadaf), a joint venture between Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (Sabic) and the UK/Dutch Shell Group, is considering the expansion of its existing styrene plant.

  • Shell names chief for Empty Quarter gas exploration

    Saudi Aramco and the UK/Dutch Shell Group have appointed Kamal Al-Yahya as the new chief executive of the South Rub al-Khali Company (Srak) which is drilling for gas in the Empty Quarter.

  • Shell reports $2.8bn fourth quarter loss

    UK/Dutch Royal Dutch Shell made a net loss of $2.8bn in the fourth quarter of 2008 and registered a net profit of $26.3bn for the year, as tough operating conditions battered oil operators.

  • Shuaa Capital delists from Kuwait Stock Exchange

    The UAE’s Shuaa Capital has delisted from the Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) in a bid to boost the liquidity of the firm’s primary listing in Dubai, and because of the difficulty in complying with two different sets of regulations.

  • Shuaa Capital postpones meeting to extend convertible notes

    Shuaa Capital, a Dubai-based investment bank, has postponed an extraordinary general meeting which had been called to extend a AED1.5bn ($410m) debt, after failing to get 75 per cent of its shareholders to attend.

  • Shuaiba aromatics plant delayed until March

    Completion of Kuwait Paraxylene Company’s $1.2bn Shuaiba aromatics plant has been delayed until March due to labour procurement issues and project redesigns.

  • Singapore Airlines ups flights to Gulf

    Singapore Airlines is plans to add more flights to the Middle East due to a surge in tourism to and from the Gulf, said Meow-Seng Lim, the airline's Gulf general manager. The airline is launching flights to Kuwait in March and is increasing its weekly flights to Abu Dhabi to seven from three, he said. The airline operates 21 flights to Dubai per week.

  • Sky Oryx awarded New Doha airport package

    The Sky Oryx joint venture made up of Japan's Taisei Corporation and Turkey's TAV has been awarded an additional package worth $1bn at the New Doha International Airport project.

  • Sky Oryx wins New Doha airport contract

    The Sky Oryx joint venture made up of Japan's Taisei Corporation and Turkey's TAV has been awarded an additional package worth $1bn at the New Doha International Airport project, MEED has reported. The contract is an extension to the joint venture's main terminal contract and includes an an extension to the main terminal building plus inbound baggage handling facilities. The completion date for the terminal has also been extended to July 2011.

  • Sony shares tumble

    Sony shares fell sharply on Tuesday amid reports that the electronics giant is set to post its first annual operating loss in 14 years because of a drop in demand and a strong yen, reported AFP. Sony is expected to post an operating loss of 100 billion yen ($1.12bn) for the financial year to March 2009, the Nikkei business daily reported.

  • Sony to post net loss of $1.65bn

    Sony has announced that it expects to post a net loss of $1.65bn, and an operating loss of $2.86bn, for the financial year ending in March. This marks a direct turnaround from previously predicted profits of $1.65bn and operating profits of $2.2bn. The group pinpointed the flagging electronics market, slow sales and the strength of the Yen as key reasons behind the turnaround.

  • Sony unveils Vaio notebook

    Sony Gulf has unveiled the new VAIO P series Lifestyle PC, the world's lightest 8-inch notebook. The new VAIO P 'Pocket style PC' is a full-featured notebook PC and is small enough to grip with one hand. The VAIO P weighs 594g and is small enough to slip into a pocket or handbag.

  • Steel demand to rise in next five years

    Demand for steel is set to rise over the next five years, according to MEED Insight's Middle East Steel report.

  • Sudan: Business registration reform programme consultancy

    Provision of consultancy services for the implementation of a business registration reform programme. Closing date: 25 January 2009

  • Sudan: Mineral sector assessment

    Provision of consultancy services comprising an assessment of the mineral sector’s institutional capacity. Closing date: 16 January 2009

  • Suez Canal confirms record revenues in 2008 despite downturn

    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.

  • Suez Canal to keep fees unchanged

    The Suez Canal will keep transit fees unchanged this year due to the global financial crisis, said Ahmed Fadel, chairman of the Suez Canal Authority. The canal generated $5.4bn of revenue last year, a 17% increase from 2007, Fadel added. Seven percent fewer ships are expected to pass through the canal next year, Bloomberg reported.

  • Sun Micro rolls out 'telecoverage' model

    US-based Sun Microsystems today announced the roll out of a regional telecoverage model aimed at helping the company reach high growth small-to-medium size businesses, startups and Web 2.0 companies in emerging economies. The 'Telecoverage' model involves Sun's centrally based call centre agents making contact with existing as well as potential customers to access and sell Sun's solutions. The telecoverage model will go live across the EM and Middle East region and will be implemented by loca

  • Swire links Gulf with US East Coast

    The UK's Swire Shipping is starting a Middle East Service linking the US Gulf and US East Coast with Dammam and Jebel Ali in the Arabian Gulf via the Suez Canal. The new MES service will be operated on a monthly frequency with two self geared 30,000 dwt multi-purpose, tween-deck vessels capable of handling heavy lift cargo of up to 200 tons.

  • Syria considers allowing majority ownership by foreign companies

    Syria is contemplating allowing foreigners to own majority stakes in companies, according to Adeeb Mayaleh, the governor of the Central Bank of Syria.

  • Syria signs signs oil and gas agreement with India

    Syria and India have signed a memorandum of understanding for greater co-operation in the oil and gas sector.

  • Syria: Dewaxing units

    Supply of dewaxing units for oil field works. Closing date: 26 February 2009

  • Syria: Digital density meter

    Supply of a digital automatic density meter. Closing date: 17 February 2009

  • Syria: Polished rods

    Supply of polished rods. Closing date: 25 February 2009

  • Syria: Retarder

    Supply of a 30-tonne retarder. Closing date: 12 February 2009

  • Tecnicas Reunidas finalises $1.2bn value for Saudi Kayan contract

    Spain’s Tecnicas Reunidas has agreed the final value of its contract with Saudi Arabia’s Saudi Kayan for the latter’s Al Jubail phenolics plant at $1.2bn, a source close to the project has confirmed.

  • Tecom employees to get RTA bus service

    Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Tecom Investments that will provide bus services for Tecom employees, allowing them to commute from and to their residences. The project is aimed at minimizing single occupancy vehicles used by employees in traveling to their workplaces through fostering the practice of carpooling.

  • Tecom wins website award

    Tecom Investments' Pearl Awards website has won the 2008 UAE Web Awards category for Best Strategic Forums. The UAE Web Awards is a national competition open to all web and business developers in the UAE and is considered one of the leading awards in the IT industry.

  • Tehran awards third mobile licence to Etisalat consortium

    Iran’s Communications Regulatory Authority has awarded the country’s third mobile licence to a consortium including the UAE’s Emirates Telecommunications Corporation (Etisalat).

  • Tehran completes further stages of South Pars development

    Phases 6-9 of Iran's South Pars gas field development will be completed by the end of January, with phase 10 due to be ready a month later, according to local media reports.

  • Tehran delays sale of stake in state telecoms firm

    Iran's state-owned telecoms company, Telecommunications Company of Iran (TCI), has delayed the sale of a 21 per cent stake to a foreign investor until after March.

  • Tejari is global top ten eSourcing vendor

    Tejari, an online B2B marketplace launched by the government of Dubai, has been ranked as the eighth largest electronic sourcing platform in the world, according to a report by Forrester. The report said eSourcing products are the second-most sought after in the electronic purchasing family, with the global market reaching $878m in 2008 and expected to top $1bn in 2009. Forrester's independent report findings are based on interviews with more than 100 vendor companies globally.

  • Tender for Abu Dhabi Hyatt extended

    The local Abu Dhabi National Hotels has extended the tender closing date to 8 February for the contract to build the Hyatt hotel on Saadiyat island in Abu Dhabi.

  • Tender for Eastern Mangrove extended

    The Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) has extended the tender closing date for the contract to build the Eastern Mangrove hotel in Abu Dhabi to 23 February to give bidders more time.

  • Tender for railway project to be floated in 2015

    The tender for the UAE's proposed federal railway project connecting all emirates will be floated in 2015, Minister of Public Works Shaikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan told the Federal National Council on Tuesday. The project has been submitted to the higher authorities after the ad hoc committee constituted by the Federal government conducted a thorough study, he said.

  • Tender issued for expansion of Samra power plant

    Jordan’s Samra Electric Power Generating Company has issued a tender for the phase three expansion of its thermal power plant at Samra, 35 kilometres north of Amman.

  • Tender issued to build Abu Dhabi court house

    Abu Dhabi Judicial Department has invited selected companies to submit bids by 1 March for the contract to build an estimated AED1.5bn ($408m) new court house complex in Abu Dhabi.

  • Tenders expected for Abu Dhabi courthouse

    Abu Dhabi Judicial Department is preparing to issue tender documents for a new court house complex in Abu Dhabi.

  • Tenders expected for Abu Dhabi Westin hotel

    The Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC) is preparing to issue tender documents for a Westin Hotel next to Abu Dhabi airport.

  • Tenders for Saudi economic city port to be issued in February

    Emaar The Economic City is preparing to issue tender documents in February for the dredging and marine works package for the port at King Abdullah Economic City in Saudi Arabia.

  • Tenders issued for Abu Dhabi Hyatt

    The local Abu Dhabi National Hotels has invited companies to submit bids by the end of January for the contract to build the Hyatt hotel on Saadiyat island in Abu Dhabi.

  • Tenders issued for Doha airport utility plants

    Companies have been invited to bid by 26 February for three central utility plants at the $11bn New Doha International Airport.

  • Tenders issued for Muscat and Salalah airport maintenance facilities

    The Omani government has issued tenders for contracts to design and supervise the construction of new maintenance facilities at Muscat and Salalah international airports.

  • Tenders issued for Oman airports consultancy contract

    Firms have been invited to bid by 2 March for a contract to provide design and construction supervision services at Muscat and Salalah airports.

  • Three bids expected for Farwania road contract in Kuwait

    Bids are to be submitted on 25 January for a road maintenance contract in the Farwania area of Kuwait.

  • Three firms bid for Kuwait substation work

    Three companies have submitted bids for the contract to build five substations in Kuwait, although one company has been disqualified. The client is the Electricity & Water Ministry.

  • Total General Trading submits lowest bid for Doha West

    The local Total General Trading & Contracting Company is the low bidder for the contract to renovate and increase the production of distillation units at the Doha West power and water distillation plant in Kuwait.

  • Transport research lab to open in Qatar

    The UK's Transport Research Laboratory has announced that it will establish a centre at Qatar Science & Technology Park. The centre will develop innovative processes and technologies in road transport that will aid Qatar's rapid physical growth. TRL also aims to train and create high-value positions for members of the local transport industry.

  • Trend Micro appoints new regional GM

    Trend Micro has announced the appointment of Chris Moore as Manager for Trend Micro Middle East, Africa and Med. Moore joins Trend Micro at a time when the growth in web threats since 2005 has well exceeded 2000%, the company said. Moore will focus on further growing the company in the region with its business partners.

  • Tunis warns of suffer sharp slowdown in exports

    Tunisia’s export industries will suffer a sharp slowdown during 2009, according to Trade Minister Ridha Touiti.

  • Tunisia: IT equipment

    Supply of IT equipment for an educational project. Closing date: 17 February 2009

  • Two firms shortlisted for passenger terminal at Abu Dhabi airport

    Abu Dhabi Airports Company (Adac) has shortlisted two companies for the build operate transfer contract for the midfield terminal on the $6.8bn redevelopment of Abu Dhabi International Airport.

  • UAE bans Antonov An-12

    The General Civil Aviation Authority of the UAE has temporarily banned the Antonov An-12 from UAE airspace effective 8 January. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the GCAA, said the action 'is the result of the numerous incidents that involved this type of aircraft, and considered necessary to ensure the safety of the travelling public until the GCAA completes its investigative actions in accordance with national and international civil aviation standards and regulations'.

  • UAE central bank claims currency exchange facility is lowering borrowing costs

    The Central Bank of the UAE has said that its recently launched dollar/dirham swap facility is starting to improve liquidity in the UAE’s banking market.

  • UAE market regulator demands greater transparency

    The UAE's stock market regulator has called on the country's listed companies to disclose their cash, derivatives and real estate investments in their full-year results for 2008, in a bid to restore investor confidence in its domestic equity markets.

  • UAE mulls tighter visa visitor rules

    The UAE Ministry of Interior is considering a Federal National Council proposal that visitors to the country will have to furnish a clean police record and a bank statement from their country of origin, Khaleej Times has reported. Brigadier Nasser Al Awadhi Al Minhali, Acting Director General of Naturalisation and Residency Department at the ministry, said the restrictions under consideration would be applicable for visit, business and tourist visas.

  • UAE nuclear test for Obama's America

    The UAE aims to be one of the US' most reliable strategic partners but there are challenges ahead as Obama's administration reviews the UAE-US nuclear agreement.

  • UAE signs aviation accord with Tunisia

    Aviation regulators from the UAE and Tunisia have signed an agreement to increase the number of flights between the two countries.

  • UAE to have federal tourism body

    Abu Dhabi is to introduce a federal tourism body which will be responsible for promoting and improving tourism at the national level. Established by the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the new body will operate under the remit of the UAE Ministry of Culture.

  • UAE top source for Boeing orders

    The UAE continued to be the top source for Boeing orders in the Middle East, with 99 aircraft, led by 50 B737-800s by FlyDubai. About 153, or 23.11% of 662 net aircraft orders received by Boeing in 2008 originated from the Middle East, and 115 of them were from the GCC countries.

  • UAE tops Arab ICT Index

    According to a survey conducted by Madar Research Group and Orient Planet, the UAE topped the 2007 Arab Information and Communications Technology Use Index. With a score of 2.19, the UAE became the only country in the Middle East to break through the index's 2.00 barrier.

  • UAE: Air-conditioning and fire-fighting system

    Supply and installation of air-conditioning units and a fire-fighting system. Closing date: 2 February 2009

  • UAE: Bus and taxi terminal design and build

    Provision of design and build services for a city bus and taxi terminal. Closing date: 25 January 2009

  • UAE: Distribution control centre

    Construction of a distribution control centre. Closing date: 2 March 2009

  • UAE: Mini-distribution pillar maintenance

    Maintenance of mini-distribution pillars. Closing date: 4 February 2009

  • UAE: Power interconnection engineering consultancy

    Provision of engineering consultancy services for the interconnection of reactor stations at power generating plants. Closing date: 3 February 2009

  • UAE: Power transformers

    Supply of 33kV power transformers. Closing date: 4 March 2009

  • UAE: Sports club construction

    Construction of a sports club. Closing date: 25 February 2009

  • UAE: Staff accommodation and civil works

    Supply of porta-cabins to accommodate emergency staff and carrying out associated civil works. Closing date: 22 January 2009

  • UAE: Tanker filling station

    Construction of a tanking filling station. Closing date: 26 February 2009

  • UAE: Transmission control centre construction

    Construction of a G+3 transmission control centre. Closing date: 9 February 2009

  • UAE: Warehouse construction

    Construction of warehouses and associated facilities. Closing date: 25 February 2009

  • UAE: Water distribution pipeline

    Supply and installation of a water distribution pipeline. Closing date: 5 February 2009

  • UAE: Water system consultancy services

    Provision of consultancy services for a water system. Closing date: 2 February 2009

  • UAE: Water transmission pipelines

    Supply and installation of water transmission pipelines and associated works. Closing date: 17 February 2009

  • UAE’s Rasmala raises $120m for private equity fund

    Rasmala, a Dubai-based investment bank, has raised $120m for its Sharia compliant private equity fund, Rasmala Middle East & North Africa (Mena) Private Equity Fund 2. It hopes to increase this to $350m by 30 June.

  • UAE's industrial sector gets $21bn boost

    The UAE's industrial sector received a major boost with Dhs77bn ($21bn) investments in 2008, according to the UAE Ministry of Economy Annual Industrial Report 2008. There are 4,219 industrial units in the country, which employ over 318,000 people, the report said. Compared to 2004, when there were 3,036 industrial units in the country, by last year, the sector grew by 40%, with investment volume more than doubling in four years. The number of people employed in industries also grew by about 4

  • UK architect lays off staff in Dubai office

    The UK-based architect’s firm RMJM has been forced into making a new raft of redundancies and pay cuts in the wake of the deepening recession affecting the region's construction sector.

  • Ultra-slim TV demand to hit 14m

    Global demand for ultra-slim television will hit 14 million by 2012 according to research by display consulting firm DisplaySearch. The figures represent a 219% annual increase between 2008 and 2012.

  • United Gulf Construction to take Subiya expressway contract

    Kuwait’s Central Tenders Committee has approved the KD41.3m ($151m) bid by the local United Gulf Construction Company for the third phase of the Jahra-Subiya expressway, paving the way for a contract award next month.

  • UPS offers UAE domestic pick-ups

    UPS has begun offering domestic express pickup and delivery services across the UAE as well as 15 additional countries. The other countries include Algeria, Argentina, Chile, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Malta, Pakistan, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, South Africa, and Ukraine. UPS now provides domestic express services inside more than 45 countries.

  • US architecture firm Burt Hill lays off Dubai staff

    US-based architecture design firm Burt Hill has made 111 staff redundant in Dubai, as the property sector in the emirate continues to slow down and more projects are put on hold.

  • Veco wins consultancy role on Abu Dhabi's 1.8 million project

    US/Canadian firm Veco has won the contract for the first part of the project management consultancy (PMC) on the $3bn '1.8 million' project planned by Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations (Adco).

  • Vodafone Qatar expects approval for stock market listing within weeks

    Vodafone, the UK telecoms operator, expects the Qatari authorities will give the go-ahead for the initial public offering (IPO) of shares in its Vodafone Qatar subsidiary within the next few weeks.

  • Wataniya Airways announces Dubai route

    Kuwait's Wataniya Airways has announced that Dubai will be its debut destination when it launches with a twice daily service. CEO, George Cooper, talks to Phil Blizzard about the premium airline.

  • Wataniya Airways targets fleet of seven by 2010

    Kuwait's Wataniya Airways says it aims to have a fleet of seven aircraft by the end of next year.

  • Wataniya readies for first service

    Wataniya Airways has received its first A320 aircraft in time for its scheduled service starting the 24th of January. Wataniya Airways begins operations today with two daily flights to Dubai.

  • Wataniya signs deal with Galileo and Worldspan

    The fares and inventory of the luxury Kuwaiti airline, Wataniya Airways, will now be available to Galileo and Worldspan-connected travel agents. This follows a new multi-year content agreement with Wataniya Airways and Travelport GDS, one of the world's largest global distribution system providers, which operates both the Galileo and the Worldspan brands.

  • WD launches 2 TB hard drives

    Western Digital (WD) has unveiled the first 2 terabyte (TB) hard drive - the world's highest capacity drive and the latest addition to WD's Caviar Green hard drive family. This new 3.5-inch platform is based on WD's industry-leading 500 GB/platter technology (with 400 Gb/in2 areal density) with 32 MB cache, producing drives with capacities of up to 2 TB, the company said in a statement.

  • Westcon inks distribution deal with SonicWall

    Value-added distributor WestconME has signed a distribution agreement with data protection and security vendor SonicWall. Under the agreement, WestconME will distribute and promote SonicWall's portfolio of network security products - including Network Security Appliances, SSL VPNs and email security offerings across MEA. WestconME will work closely with SonicWall's sales, technical support and partner development teams to provide pre- and post-sales support, as well as technical support deliv

  • Wilbur Smith Associates awarded Jubail masterplan contract

    The Royal Commission for Jubail & Yanbu has awarded the US-based Wilbur Smith Associates a SR12m ($3m) architectural engineering services contract.

  • Work stops at Canal Point hospital in Dubai

    Building work on the Canal Point Hospital at Jumeirah Lake Towers has been put on hold after the client Istithmar cancelled the AED500m ($136m) construction contract with the local Al-Naboodah Contracting.

  • Work stops on Dubai Health Care City towers

    Construction work has stopped on two mixed-use towers at Dubai Health Care City after the client, Tatweer, instructed the contractor to stop work.

  • Work stops on Sama Dubai’s Bahrain hotel project

    Construction work has stopped on Sama Dubai’s Al-Salam Resort project in Bahrain.

  • Work suspended at Dubai’s Exhibition City

    Construction work has been suspended on the $450m Exhibition City project next to the new Al Maktoum International airport in Dubai.

  • WorleyParsons wins Chemaweyaat project management deal

    Abu Dhabi’s Chemaweyaat and Australia’s WorleyParsons have signed a long-term project management and consultancy (PMC) contract, with their first project together the initial phase of the Abu Dhabi firm's industrial city in Taweelah.

  • Yahoo to name Bartz as new CEO

    Yahoo Inc plans to name former Autodesk Chief Executive Carol Bartz as the internet network's next chief executive, The Wall Street Journal reported on its website on Tuesday. The offer would end Yahoo's two-month search for a chief executive to succeed co-founder Jerry Yang, who agreed in November to step down. Yang faced growing criticism from investors for rejecting a buyout offer from Microsoft Corp. Microsoft withdrew its $47.5bn buyout offer in May.

  • Yemen to appoint consultant for Hadramout port

    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.

  • Yemen to seek international operator for Aden airport

    Yemen's aviation regulator is to issue a tender for an international operator to manage Aden International Airport.

  • Yemen: Environmental and social impact assessment

    Carrying out an environmental and social impact assessment. Closing date: 30 January 2009

  • Yemen: Municipal development consultancy

    Provision of consultancy services for a municipal development and flood protection project. Closing date: 16 February 2009

  • Zain enters talks to buy stake in Paltel

    Zain, Kuwait's largest telecoms operator, is holding talks with Paltel, the monopoly operator in the West Bank & Gaza, over acquiring a stake in the company.

Newsletter Sign-up

More sector and country newsletters

Subscribe to MEED to receive your choice of premium newsletters

Find out more

Knowledge Bank

Company Profiles

Biographies

Databank

Top 100 projects

Top 100 listed companies

Qatar Projects 2012

Order your copy here

Read sample chapter

Follow MEED on

Linkedin     Twitter     RSS Newsletter