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MEED
Jun 2008 Online Content

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  • $20k fee for tour companies

    Tour companies wishing to bring tourists into the UAE will have to pay a one-off fee of Dh75,000 ($20,424) for a licence to do so, according to a Gulf News report. The company will then need to pay an additional deposit of Dh1,000 ($272)per tourist, which will be refundable once the visitor leaves the country. This is part of a visa fee overhaul announced by the UAE authorities which will come into force on 1 August.

  • $500m industrial zone planned in Saudi prison

    Saudi Arabia plans to set up a $500m 'industrial zone' behind the walls of a prison complex in the kingdom, reported Reuters. The head of Haer prison and the government's Industrial Cities Authority signed a contract to attract private sector investment, which would provide 3,000-5,000 jobs, apparently for prisoners, Saudi media said. It was not clear what industries would be targeted inside the zone, which has been allocated 1 million square metres inside Haer, which is a high-security priso

  • 11m to pass through Dubai

    Dubai International Airport is hiring hundreds of extra staff to cope with a summer traffic increase, Gulf News has reported. Officials expect up to 11 million passengers to pass through the airport between June and August.

  • 3M plans UAE plant

    US manufacturing firm 3M is planning to launch a facility in the UAE this year, according to a Gulf News report. A senior official told the newspaper that construction was scheduled to begin within the next few months on a predetermined site, although the final level of investment had yet to be determined.

  • 3M sets up in TechnoPark

    TechnoPark has announced that 3M will set up a hi-tech manufacturing facility on a 40,000sqm property in TechnoPark. The facility will be under a long-term lease agreement and will be used in applied research and innovation across several sectors.

  • A GCC labour and passport solution

    Bahrain is the only GCC state where nationality is readily given to Arabs with the right qualifications. But it may be time for the rest to follow suit.

  • ABB wins $233m Qatar project

    ABB has won a $233m contract from Hyundai Engineering and Construction of Korea to supply power systems and grid connections for a natural gas and steam turbine power plant in Qatar, Gulf News has reported. ABB will supply the plant's turnkey electrical systems, emergency power supply and the plant's cable systems.

  • ABB wins work at Ras Laffan

    Europe’s ABB has been awarded a $233m contract to supply and install electrical systems for a new power plant at Ras Laffan.

  • Abu Dhabi Airport passenger traffic up 40.9%

    Passenger traffic at Abu Dhabi Airport increased 40.9% in April compared to the same month last year, according to Abu Dhabi Airports Company, the owner-operator of Abu Dhabi International Airport. Year-to-date figures (first four months) show a similar 35% boost in passenger numbers through the UAE capital's main airport.

  • Abu Dhabi airports get new branding

    Abu Dhabi Airports Company has launched a new identity for its international airports in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain that connects it to the brand of Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi airports' identity will be replaced with a new graphic which embodies the spirit of the Abu Dhabi brand in line with the tourism authority, which promotes the emirate around the world. The airports have been given a distinctive sky blue colour to use in the logo.

  • Abu Dhabi appoints Buro Happold as engineer on Louvre project

    The UK’s Buro Happold has been appointed as the engineer on the Louvre Abu Dhabi project on Saadiyat island.

  • Abu Dhabi festival set to open

    'Summer in Abu Dhabi', the UAE capital's largest family festival, is set to open on Thursday. Organised jointly by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company, the festival will be spread over 13,000 square metres of air-conditioned indoor space and will consist of seven themed entertainment islands - Adventure Island, Action Island, Island of Creativity, Fun Island, Imagination Island, Culture Island and Discovery Island. The event, which will go on until Augus

  • Abu Dhabi firm gives go ahead to Morocco refinery

    The board of Abu Dhabi’s International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC) has approved plans to build a refinery in Morocco.

  • Abu Dhabi plans $490m industrial park

    State-owned Abu Dhabi Basic Industries Corporation is to build an industrial park and an associated polymer plant to manufacture substances used for plastics for $490m, reported Reuters. The company expects to attract investments to the park worth more than $4bn.

  • Abu Dhabi to build $4bn polymer park

    Abu Dhabi Basic Industries Corporation (Adbic), a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi government's General Holding Company, has announced plans to build a $4bn polymer park dedicated to plastic conversion. The Abu Dhabi Polymer Park will be located at the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi and will host about 50 to 60 plastic product manufacturers to provide for downstream production and integrate with the mid- and up-stream players in the UAE and the region, reported Gulf News.

  • Abu Dhabi to get 1,360 new buses by 2010

    Abu Dhabi's Department of Transport has launched a two-year programme designed to gradually overhaul the emirate's public transportation network and infrastructure in line with 'Plan Abu Dhabi 2030.' The DoT plans to service Abu Dhabi with 1,360 high caliber, brand new, handicap-accessible buses by the end of 2010 and has already designed Abu Dhabi's future bus route network, which will provide comprehensive coverage within cities and link the emirate's urban areas together.

  • Abu Dhabi to launch UAE metal park

    Abu Dhabi Basic Industries Corporation (Adbic) plans to launch a metal park in the UAE that will focus on aluminium, steel and copper, reported Gulf News. This will be the second industrial cluster in the emirate following the Polymer Park. The park will be located in Al Taweelah, where Emirates Aluminium (Emal) is being established to become the largest smelter worldwide.

  • Adnec awards marine contracts for Capital Centre

    Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (Adnec) has awarded two contracts totalling $25m for marine works at its Capital Centre project.

  • Aecom to carry out masterplan for West Bank town

    The US engineering giant Aecom has been employed to draw up the masterplan for Rawabi, a new town to be built in the West Bank.

  • AFICO completes factory expansion

    Arabian Fiberglass Insulation Co, a joint venture between Owens Corning and Zamil Industrial Investment Company and a sector business of Zamil Industrial, recently announced the completion of a major capacity expansion at its manufacturing facility located in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The expansion will allow AFICO to increase its production capacity by 50%, the company said in a statement.

  • Agility eyes $2.5bn Army deal

    Kuwait-based Arabic daily newspaper Al-Seyassah has reported that Agility, the biggest logistics provider in the Gulf, is set to sign a $2.5bn deal with the US Army within the next month. The agreement would encompass providing food and logistical support.

  • Agility renews $200m US Army deal

    Kuwait-based logistics provider Agility has won a renewal of a US government deal worth up to $200m, the company said. The one-year deal, which has a minimal value of $20m, is to provide the US army with logistics and transport services, reported Reuters.

  • Agility to buy Chinese freight forwarder

    Kuwait-based logistics company Agility has signed a conditional agreement to acquire Cosa Freight, a full-service ocean freight forwarder with offices in six key locations in China and a presence in Hong Kong, USA, and Canada. The acquisition will further strengthen Agility's network capability in China and increase the range of services on offer in major trading and manufacturing centres across the country, the company said in a press release.

  • Agility wins $200m heavy lifting contract with US army

    Agility Defense & Government Services has had a $200m contract with the US army extended for a third successive year.

  • Agility wins logistics contract for EU forces

    A subsidiary of Kuwait’s Agility Logistics has won a contract worth up to $174m to feed EU troops stationed in the central African nation of Chad.

  • AHS - Menzies wins QAIA ground handling

    AHS - Menzies Aviation has won a 7-year contract to operate as the second Ground Handling Agent Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA). The contract was awared by Airport International Group, the international consortium responsible for developing and operating QAIA. AHS - Menzies will provide passenger, ramp, and cargo handling services to airlines at QAIA.

  • AIAP to invest in Qatar logistics

    Ali Iskandar Al-Ansari & Partners Company (AIAP) - Qatar is seeking to increase its capital from QR36m to QR450m. AIAP will expand in the transport, supplies, and logistic service sectors, in cooperation with Capivest Investment Bank - Bahrain. The company is in the process of executing the private placement by offering 59.8% of the capital of Gulf Holding Company to Qatari investors, with a value approaching QR404m, and 32.2% of the capital of Capitra Investment to Gulf, Arab and foreign in

  • Air Arabia adds flights to Beirut and Amman

    Air Arabia, the largest low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa, is adding three additional flights per week to Amman, Jordan, and Beirut, Lebanon, respectively from the carrier's hub in Sharjah, UAE. Air Arabia currently flies daily to Amman and Beirut.

  • Air Arabia doubles Khartoum flights

    Air Arabia, the largest low-cost carrier in the Mena region, announced that beginning on June 8, the number of flights to Khartoum will double, from three a week to six, from the carriers hub in the Sharjah, UAE. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, flights will depart Sharjah at 21:40pm and arrive in Khartoum at 00:30am. On the same days, return flights will depart Khartoum at 1:15am and arrive in Sharjah at 6:00am. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays flights will depart Sharjah at 14:15pm

  • Air Arabia doubles Mumbai flights

    Air Arabia, the largest low-cost carrier in the Mena region, has announced that beginning on June 8, 2008, the number of flights to Mumbai will double, to twice a day, from the LCC's primary hub in Sharjah, UAE. Every day, afternoon flights will depart Sharjah at 16:36pm and arrive in Mumbai at 21:00pm. Return flights will depart Mumbai at 21:45pm and arrive in Sharjah at 23:05pm. Evening flights will depart Sharjah at 23:35pm and arrive in Mumbai at 4:00am. Return flights will depart Mumbai

  • Air Arabia flies to Shiraz

    Air Arabia, the largest low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa, today launched non-stop service to Shiraz, Iran, from the carrier’s main hub in Sharjah. Flights will initially operate four times per week. Shiraz is Air Arabia’s second destination in Iran, the other being the capital, Tehran.

  • Air Arabia to fly to Shiraz, Iran

    Air Arabia, the largest low-cost carrier in the Mena region, plans to launch service to Shiraz, Iran, from June 25, 2008. Flights will initially operate four times per week between Shiraz and Air Arabia's hub in Sharjah. Shiraz is Air Arabia's second destination in Iran, the other being the capital, Tehran.

  • Air Arabia to launch second Iran route

    Air Arabia is to expand its international network, launching flights between Sharjah and Shiraz in Iran from 25 June.

  • Air Blue to expand in Gulf

    Air Blue, Pakistan's largest private airline, is planning a major expansion of its operations in the Gulf, reported Gulf News. The airline plans to add 14 moer flights to Dubai from destinations in Pakistan, and it also hopes to start flights to Sharjah and Abu Dhabi soon. Air Blue currently operates 21 flights per week from Dubai to four major cities in Pakistan.

  • Air transport association selects Dubai for e-freight project

    Dubai has been selected as one of 11 new locations for an international freight initiative by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), with implementation expected by 2009 at the latest.

  • Airbus eyes Abu Dhabi as manufacturing site

    Airbus, the world's largest commercial aircraft maker, says Abu Dhabi is a potential site for its future manufacturing facilities, reported the Bahrain Tribune. Tom Enders, CEO of Airbus, said Abu Dhabi is being considered as the company is taking steps to cut costs and move operations outside of Europe. But he emphasized that Abu Dhabi is not the only place it is considering.

  • Aircraft Interiors show opens

    Aircraft Interiors Middle East is set to open today and run until 17 June at the Dubai International Conventions & Exhibitions Centre. The event will feature a two-day conference programme for the aircraft interiors sector. Organizer F&E Aerospace expects participation from 100 companies from 15 countries.

  • Airlines face losses as fuel prices mount

    IATA director-general Giovanni Bisignani said the global airline industry will incur losses of $6.1bn if oil stays at $135 for the rest of the year, reported Gulf News. Even at a consensus estimate of $107 a barrel, the airline industry faces a fuel bill of $176bn, $40bn more than in 2007, he noted. This would see the industry making a loss of $2.3bn in 2008. The industry registered a net profit of $5.6bn in 2007.

  • Al Ain possible Heritage site

    Al Ain in the UAE is on Unesco's Tentative List of World Heritage Sites. The placing preliminary step to making the final list. Officials at the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage have said that work to preserve the emirate's historical sites is ongoing.

  • Al Aqili wins Fakhruddin hotel furnishing

    Al Aqili Furnishings has recently won Fakhruddin Properties' Dhs26m furnishing and interior design for the property developer's Coral International Serviced Apartments project at Dubai Sports City. Coral International Serviced Apartments, will be completed in 2010.

  • Al Ghadeer gets $50m fund

    The Bank of London and The Middle East has completed the $50m syndicated Ijara leasing facility for Al Ghadeer Marine Shipping LLC. The Dubai based shipping company will use the fund for the acquisition of the 53,000DWT double-skinned bulk carrier, Sara V.

  • Al Habtoor to build Trump hotel

    The Al Habtoor-Murray and Roberts Joint Venture has won the Dhs2.9bn contract to build Trump International Hotel and Tower in Dubai for Nakheel. Trump International Hotel & Tower Dubai is a mixed-use development comprising of 378 hotel rooms and suites, 385 condominiums, 12 exclusive townhouses, 45,000 square feet of retail and 60,000 square feet of office space.

  • Al Rushaid, Zeeco to build OEM facility

    Al Rushaid Group and Zeeco has formed a joint venture to build an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) facility for Flare Technologies. The technology will utilize Saudi Aramco's patented High Pressure Air Assist System, HPAAS. The facility will have two units, a combustion related equipment manufacturing, test and repair facility and R&D facility. The project cost is approximately $30m.

  • ALAFCO sells 8 Dreamliners to KSA

    Kuwait's Aviation Lease and Finance Co (ALAFCO) is to sell Saudi Arabian Airlines eight Boeing Dreamliner B787-9 aircraft for $1.6bn, reported AP. Delivery of the planes will occur in 2014 and 2015 when AlAFCO receives the planes from the manufacturer. Saudi Airlines has also agreed to lease four planes of the same type for 12 years starting from 2012, and five Airbus A320-200 for eight years starting next year. The total cost of the lease contracts is $1.125bn at list prices.

  • Alafco to sell Boeing planes to Saudia

    Kuwait's Aviation Lease and Finance Company (Alafco) has announced plans to sell eight Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft to Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) in a deal worth $1.6bn.

  • Alam Steel signs JV with Macsteel

    Dubai-based Alam Steel Ltd has signed a Dhs100m ($27m) joint venture with South Africa's Macsteel SA to build the Middle East's first service centre for processing high grade steel plates in Jebel Ali, reported Khaleej Times. as part of a Dhs1bn five-year expansion programme across the Gulf region. The 50:50 joint venture facility is to be operational within a year. Alam Steel also operates a 500,000 tonne steel debar processing plant in in Dubai Investment Park.

  • ALGERIA TENDER: Drilling completion workover services

    Provision of drilling completion workover services. Closing date: 23 July 2008

  • ALGERIA TENDER: Drilling equipment

    Supply of drilling equipment. Closing date: 16 July 2008

  • ALGERIA TENDER: Mud logging services

    Provision of mud logging services. Closing date: 8 June 2008

  • ALGERIA TENDER: Power station rehabilitation

    Rehabilitation of a thermal power station. Closing date: 7 July 2008

  • ALGERIA TENDER: Seismic data acquisition

    Acquisition of 2D seismic data. Closing date: 1 July 2008

  • Algeria, France to sign nuclear accord in June

    Paris will sign a nuclear energy accord with Algiers in June to provide it with technological expertise as well as financial and technical assistance.

  • Algerian unemployment rate decreases

    Algeria’s unemployment rate has fallen to 12.3 per cent in June from 13.8 per cent nine months ago, according to the country’s employment minister.

  • Algerian, Indian firms sign Libyan oil exploration deal

    A consortium of Algeria’s Sonatrach International Petroleum Exploration & Production (Sipex), Indian Oil Corporation and Oil India have signed a production sharing contract with Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) for block 95/96 in the Ghadames basin, near the Algerian-Libyan border.

  • Al-Husam frontrunner for Abu Dhabi pipeline work

    The local Al-Husam General Contracting is the frontrunner for the contract to provide pipeline construction services to Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations (Adco).

  • Ali Moosa & Sons secure Dubai metro car park work

    The local Ali Moosa & Sons Contracting has been awarded an estimated AED460m ($123m) contract to build a car park next to the Jumeirah Station on the red line of the Dubai Metro.

  • Al-Mazaya to launch Saudi Arabia real estate projects

    The Kuwait-based Al-Mazaya Real Estate Development Company is to launch three mixed-used projects in Saudi Arabia with a total value of SR4bn ($1.1bn).

  • Amana wins Adnoc contract

    Amana Contracting and Steel Buildings has announced that it has won the Dh85m contract from the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) to build the firm's new research centre at Takreer. The project will form part of the Petroleum Institute Campus, being developed by Adnoc at Sas Al Nakhl in Abu Dhabi, according to Gulf News.

  • Amman owes more to local banks after paying foreign debt

    The Jordanian government has increased the amount it owes its largest banks after it paid off a $2.4bn debt to foreign governments using loans from its domestic banking sector.

  • Arabian Construction Company wins Burj Dubai towers contract

    Lebanon’s Arabian Construction Company (ACC) has been awarded the estimated AED815m ($222m) contract to build residential towers at the Downtown Burj Dubai development.

  • ArabJet may buy SilverJet

    ArabJet, a proposed premium class airline based in Dubai, is talking to the administrators of SilverJet about a possible sale, reported Reuters. Luton-based SilverJet, which operated three planes between London, Dubai and New York, collapsed into administration last month due to weak demand and record fuel prices. Talks to buy SilverJet by Kingplace, an Irish-registered company managed by Swiss trust and management company Heritage, collapsed on Friday, when the company made its 420 employees

  • Arabtec awarded Al-Furjan villas

    The local Arabtec Construction has been awarded the estimated AED3bn ($817m) contract to build the first phase of villas at the Al-Furjan development in the Jebel Ali area of Dubai.

  • Aramco orders ten ships to boost offshore activities

    Saudi Aramco has ordered 10 new tug, supply and safety ships to assist with its offshore operations.

  • Aramco prepares Manifa pipeline award

    Saudi Aramco is expected to award a deal for pipeline and power cable equipment by the end of June as part of its 900,000-barrel-a-day (b/d) offshore Manifa field development.

  • Aramco set to award Karan pipeline deal

    Saudi Aramco expects to award a deal for a $200m, 300-kilometre subsea pipeline package for its offshore Karan gas field by the end of June with at least six companies in line for the contract.

  • Aramco to award contract for Manifa pipeline equipment

    Saudi Aramco is expected to award a contract for pipeline and power cable equipment worth about $110m early next week as part of its 900,000-barrel-a-day (b/d) offshore Manifa field development.

  • Aramco to open China refinery units in 2008

    Saudi Aramco is to bring the first units of the upgraded Fujian refinery in China online earlier than expected, as part of its effort to build refineries capable of handling heavier grades of crude oil.

  • Aramex uses hybrid vehicles

    Aramex has introduced four hybrid cars to its ground fleet, as part of its bid to help reduce its carbon footprint across the region. The hybrid vehicles operate on two engines designed to minimize fuel consumption, while reducing the harmful emission of carbon dioxide.

  • Arco bids low for Dubai water pumping stations

    The local Arco General Contracting is low bidder at AED112m ($30.5m) for a contract to build two water pumping stations for Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (Dewa).

  • Ascon starts work on metro car park

    The local ETA Ascon has started work on the AED600m ($163m) contract to build the car park at Rashidiya station on the Dubai metro network.

  • August deadline for Masdar solar plant

    Prequalified companies have until 31 August to submit their bids for the largest solar power project in the world, the Shams 1 plant in Abu Dhabi. The client is Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar).

  • Aviation authority grounds Sudan Airways

    Sudan Airways has been grounded indefinitely on the orders of the country’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

  • Aviation College to teach risk management

    Emirates Aviation College for Aerospace and Academic Studies has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Washington Consulting Group to offer courses in Safety Risk Management and related fields for aviation professionals. The college will offer two-week safety risk management training to middle and senior level management, followed by a six-week mentoring programme, reported Gulf News.

  • Bahrain Air postpones expanding fleet as fuel price rises

    Bahrain Air will postpone adding a third plane to its fleet until later in 2008, as it waits for aircraft leasing rates to drop due to the current fuel crisis.

  • BAHRAIN TENDER: Computers and accessories

    Supply of computers and accessories. Closing date: 2 July 2008

  • BAHRAIN TENDER: Drinking water transport

    Transport of drinking water. Closing date: 25 June 2008

  • BAHRAIN TENDER: Sewage treatment plant

    Development of a 150,000-cubic-metre-a-day sewage treatment plant. Closing date: 21 June 2008

  • BAHRAIN TENDER: Stormwater drainage project

    Carrying out a stormwater drainage project. Closing date: 25 June 2008

  • Banking groups form for Ras al Zour water and power plant

    Banking groups have formed for the $5.5bn independent water and power project at Ras al-Zour in Saudi Arabia, following the submission of bids by three of the shortlisted developers on 28 June.

  • Banque du Caire sell-off halted

    Egypt has halted the privatisation of Banque du Caire after rejecting three bids, and disqualifying two other bidders.

  • Beltone plans to expand into Kuwait and Libya

    Beltone Financial, the Egyptian investment bank, is planning to expand into Kuwait and Libya in the coming months.

  • Bharat Heavy wins Syria power contract

    India’s Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL) has won a turnkey contract to build a 400MW extension to the Tishreen thermal power plant in Syria - its first ever contract in the country’s power sector.

  • Bids delayed again for Abu Dhabi’s Nation Towers

    The deadline for bids to build the Nation Towers project on Abu Dhabi corniche has been extended to 29 June.

  • Bids in for Oman justice ministry building

    Bids have been received for the construction of a Ministry of Justice building in Sohar, Oman.

  • Bids submitted for Addur water and power project

    Technical bids from two developer groups have been opened for the concession to develop the Addur independent water and power project (IWPP) in Bahrain.

  • Bids submitted for Riyadh women's college

    Bids have been submitted for the SR7bn ($1.9bn) women’s college at King Saud University.

  • Bids submitted for Safco urea train

    Technical bids from three international contractors have been submitted for the contract to build a fifth urea train for Jubail-based Saudi Arabian Fertiliser Company (Safco).

  • Bids submitted for Saudi university

    Bids have been submitted for a university building at Taibah University, near Medina, with an award expected in July.

  • BNP Paribas aims to double profits in GCC by 2010

    BNP Paribas says it aims to double the profit being made by its UAE operations every two years, while across the GCC as a whole it plans to double profit between 2007 and 2010.

  • Borouge signs up for Khalifa port

    The Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) has signed an agreement with Borouge to provide port services for Borouge's petrochemical operations, said news reports. ADPC has agreed to provide sufficient land, storage facilities, infrastructure and services at Khalifa Port to accommodate Borouge's products and to assure the seamless transition of Borouge's current port operations at Mina Zayed to Khalifa Port.

  • BP lines up firms for Libya exploration work

    UK oil major BP, which signed a $2bn exploration deal with Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) in 23007, is to launch a search for firms to provide well services and construct a base camp in the country.

  • Brad Pitt to design Dubai resort

    Zabeel Properties yesterday unveiled details of a new 800-room hotel and leisure development for Dubai and confirmed the appointment of Los Angeles-based architecture firm Graft, whose team of design consultants will include Hollywood actor Brad Pitt. Christina Lawson of Zabeel Properties said Pitt's involvement will be hands on, and will bring him to the UAE. The actor said the new hotel and resort designed by him will be an 'incredible attraction', and will 'underpin not only my values for

  • Cairo plans Abu Qir desalination plant

    Egypt’s West Delta Electricity Production Company has invited bids for the development of a desalination plant at Abu Qir.

  • Can district cooling cure Gulf's energy headache?

    A $100bn investment could make district cooling one of the region's most buoyant industries.

  • CBQ completes $700m LSE listing

    Commercial Bank of Qatar has raised $700m on the London Stock Exchange through an offering of global depositary receipts, alongside a $200m rights issue to existing shareholders in Doha.

  • Cement prices rise 50% in March

    The average cement price in Dubai increased by more than 50% in March to meet rising demand for construction projects, according to a report by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Cement production in the UAE in 2007 was estimated at 13.2 million tonnes, but consumption was about 18.2 million tonnes and is expected to reach 23 million tonnes by 2010, reported Gulf News.

  • Citi Cool to pour in Dhs6bn for projects

    UAE-based district cooling and water treatment company, Citi Cool, announced it will invest about Dhs6bn on projects within the Gulf region, Gulf News has reported. The company is working towards a total of 600,000 refrigerating tonnes capacity for all its projects. Its projects include Crown Dilmun, a labour village in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah Investment Centre and Bay La Sun project in King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia, with developer Emaar The Economic City.

  • Concorde to build $43.5m sewage plant in UAE

    The Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company has awarded a Dhs160m ($43.5m) contract to Concorde Industries to design and build a sewage treatment plant for the largest planned labour accommodation facility in the UAE, reported Gulf News. The facility will treat waste water from the Construction Workers' Residential City, a planned Dhs418m labour compound in the Al Mafraq area of Abu Dhabi. Concorde is aiming to complete the plant in just 11 months.

  • Construction to start on $2.5bn Mecca project

    Construction work on the first phase of the Rawabi Abraj al-Bait is due to begin by the end of 2008.

  • Construction work on Jabal Omar to begin this year in Mecca

    Foundation work on the Jabal Omar project in Mecca is due to begin by the end of the summer.

  • Consultant wins work on $11bn Arabian Canal in Dubai

    Faithful+Gould has been appointed by local developer Limitless to provide cost management services on the Arabian Canal development in Dubai.

  • Contract for Lamar Towers expected within weeks

    The main construction contract for the Lamar Towers in Jeddah is due to be awarded in the next few weeks, according to the project manager on the scheme.

  • Contractors aim for $1.7bn Dubai hotel contract

    Dubai-based developer Zabeel Properties has begun talks with three contractors to build a $1.7bn hotel in the emirate, reported our sister company MEED. The companies that have been approached are the local/UK Al-Naboodah Laing O'Rourke, Arabtec Construction, and Khansaheb Civil Engineering, both local. Zabeel has appointed Los Angeles-based Graft as the design consultant for the resort and is bringing in the actor Brad Pitt to be one of the design consultants.

  • Contractors bid for Ras al-Zour housing scheme

    Nine contractors have submitted bids for an estimated $500m contract to build housing units for workers at the planned fertiliser and aluminium complexes at Ras al-Zour on the Saudi Arabian Gulf coast.

  • Contractors holds talks with Zabeel over $1.7bn Dubai hotel

    Local developer Zabeel Properties has started talks with three contractors to build a AED6.2bn ($1.7bn) hotel in Dubai.

  • Dana Gas completes Sharjah pipeline

    Sharjah-based Dana Gas says it has completed and inaugurated the Middle East’s first common user gas pipeline, linking the Sharjah gas hub at Sajaa with the Hamriyah industrial area.

  • Deadline ends for Bahrain Logistics Zone applications

    Bahrain has closed the book for companies applying for space at the Bahrain Logistics Zone and will announce the winners in six weeks.

  • Deal signed to develop Bahrain Logistics Zone

    Bahrain’s General Organisation of Sea Ports (GOP) and the Bahrain Real-Estate Investment Company (Edamah), have agreed to develop a range of facilities at the Bahrain Logistics Zone.

  • Delta launches Cairo service

    US carrier Delta Airlines will launch a non-stop service between Cairo and New York's JFK airport from 5 June. The service, which will run five times per week, is the first direct route between the two countries to be operated by a US carrier.

  • Delta launches nonstop Amman-NY service

    Delta Air Lines has announced that its new nonstop flight from Amman's Queen Alia International Airport to New York's - John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) will be begin on June 6. The new service will be operated using a Boeing 767-300ER aircraft and will operate 4 times per week. The new service is the only scheduled nonstop service operated by a US airline between Jordan and the US.

  • Dewa sukuk fails to hit pricing ambitions

    Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) has completed a AED2.75bn ($749m) sukuk issue at margins of 125 basis points over the emirates interbank offered rate (eibor), indicating that investor demand was not as strong as the utility had hoped.

  • DHL inks deal with Abu Dhabi Customs

    DHL Express and Abu Dhabi Customs have signed an agreement to launch the first Electronic Data Interface system for the logistics sector in Abu Dhabi which will be aimed at ensuring faster clearance of goods imported into the capital city. The new 'Gold Card' programme will allow DHL customers to lodge and complete customs declaration processes prior to the arrival of their goods. Customers will be able to send their shipment information electronically and receive customs clearance confirmati

  • Dnata buys stake in Hogg Robinson

    Dubai National Air Travel Agency (Dnata) has bought a 19% stake in Hogg Robinson Group Plc, the U.K. business-travel agency founded by a wine merchant in 1845, Bloomberg has reported. Dnata acquired 57.3 million shares, and has mentioned in a statement that it has no current intention of a takeover for Basingstoke, the England-based Hogg Robinson.

  • Dnata named as Virgin agent

    Virgin Atlantic has appointed Dnata Travel as its general sales agent in Kuwait. The agency will oversee all Virgin's offline service in the country.

  • Doha Bank has $800m for acquisitions

    Doha Bank, the Qatar-based commercial bank, has $800m for acquisitions to expand its international network, according to chief executive officer Seetharaman.

  • DP World achieves security standard

    Global marine terminal operator DP World has achieved the international standard ISO 28000 for security management at two Belgian terminals — DP World Antwerp and Antwerp Gateway. The terminals are the 13th and 14th DP World operated terminals to be certified as complying with the independently audited standard for supply chain security management.

  • DP World buys into Spain

    DP World has announced an expansion of its European operations with a first venture into Spain, buying a 60 per cent stake in ports company Contarsa Sociedad de Estiba.

  • DP World buys into Spain

    UAE-based marine terminal operator DP World has signed a sale and purchase agreement for a 60% stake in Contarsa Sociedad de Estiba (Contarsa), a privately owned company which holds the exclusive concession for Tarragona container terminal in northern Spain, reported Khaleej Times. The transaction has received approval from the Tarragona Port Authority and is currently seeking European Union regulatory clearance. The price was not disclosed.

  • DP World joins US security initiative

    DP World, the Dubai-owned global marine terminal operator, has been certified as a partner in the Customs-Trade Partnership against Terrorism initiative by US Customs and Border Patrol - the only international port operator to have achieved this recognition. The certification is based on DP World's commitment to the ISO 28000 international security standards, the company said. It's rolling out the standards throughout its network of 44 terminals across the world.

  • DP World launches 'Promis'

    DP World-UAE Region has launched the first phase of its new port management operation system 'Promis,' which will gradually replace the existing systems applied in all departments and sections of the company. The new system has been fully put into application in the Marine Operations Department at Jebel Ali Port, where it connects the various departments through an integrated control and coordination centre.

  • Drake & Scull to launch Dhs1bn IPO

    Dubai-based contracting firm Drake & Scull plans to raise Dhs1bn ($272m) in an initial public offering this month and list the stock on the Dubai Financial Market by October, reported Reuters. Owners of the company plan to sell a 55% stake, according to a company spokeswoman who declined to identify the owners.

  • Drake & Scull wins contract on Palm Jumeirah

    The Dubai-based Drake & Scull International has been awarded a AED162m ($44m) contract for mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) work on the Palm Jumeirah.

  • Dredger selected for Ras al-Khaimah island

    Belgium’s Dredging International has been selected to carry out the $2bn ($544m) dredging and reclamation works for the Dana island project in the emirate of Ras al-Khaimah.

  • Dry-bulk shipping market soars

    The dry bulk shipping market has experienced exponential growth over the past five years with 2008 already breaking records, according to a report by FIS, a UK-based dry-freight broker. The cost of hiring a Capesize bulk carrier, which carries coal and iron ore, has hit $233,988/day, up over 200% from January this year. Meanwhile, the dry bulk derivatives market is now worth $125bn, up from $50bn at the same time in 2007 with banks and hedge funds accounting for 40% of this value compared wit

  • DSO eyes microelectronics firms at Interconex

    Dubai Silicon Oasis, a regional integrated innovations hub for high-tech industries, plans to target international microelectronics companies at Interconex 2008, which takes place in Paris from 24th to 25th June. In line with its mission to attract Foreign Direct Investment into the UAE, Dubai Silicon Oasis will utilise the platform of the forum to showcase its state-of-the-art infrastructure that is tailored to host international technology corporations, according to a statement.

  • Dubai Airports launches express check-in

    Dubai Airports announced today a new express service for travellers with hand luggage only. 'Express Check-in' enables passengers travelling light to check in at six new counters on the upper floor of the departures area in Terminal One, and proceed straight to passport control. Opened this week, the new service cuts the average time it takes from check-in to boarding gate considerably, according to a Dubai Airports statement.

  • Dubai commodities firm creates $250m sharia hedge fund

    Barclays Capital and the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre Authority will be launching the first shariah compliant hedge funds on the Al-Safi Trust alternative investment platform.

  • Dubai developer selects World islands for next project

    A joint venture of Dubai-based Select Group and UK-based Select Property has bought two islands from local developer Nakheel on the The World project, off the coast of Dubai.

  • Dubai eyes title in global spa

    With luxury properties coming up in Dubai projections show its 17% year-on-year growth in spa industry will soar further, Gulf News has reported. According to the Wellness and Spas Middle East International Trade Fair, investment in the UAE in the spa and wellness industry is now exceeding £38bn.

  • Dubai firm to build Red Sea bridge

    Dubai-based Middle East Development plans to build the first bridge across the Red Sea linking Yemen and Djibouti, reported Reuters. The bridge, which will be 28.5 kilometres long, will cost $14bn, with construction completed in phases over seven to 15 years.

  • Dubai invites contractors to bid for One Zabeel project

    Prequalified contractors have been invited to bid by 16 July for the main construction package on the One Zabeel project in Dubai.

  • Dubai mandates supervisors on buses

    Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority has issued new rules that will require every school bus in the emirate to carry a supervisor on board to ensure safety, reported Gulf News. As per the new rules, which take effect September 1, all buses - whether owned by schools or rented - will be licensed by the Public Transport Agency, which will ensure that they follow all safety rules.

  • Dubai market attracts first dual listing from US company

    A US technology company has become the first business from outside the Middle East to hold a dual listing on a GCC stock exchange.

  • Dubai may ban cars over 20 years old

    Vehicles over 20 years old may be banned in Dubai under a new law aimed at reducing air emissions in the emirate, reported Gulf News. According to a Roads and Transport Authority official, the new law would initially ban registration of cars over 20 years, but would be extended to prohibit renewal of cars over 15 years old beginning in January 2010. However, the date of implementation of the new rule is yet to be decided.

  • Dubai police unveil mobile cameras

    Dubai's Traffic Police have begun using mobile cameras on highways in the emirate to record traffic violations by motorists, reported Khaleej Times. The cameras have been installed in police patrol vehicles and vehicles of undercover agents who have started touring the emirate monitoring various roads round the clock. The cameras have the ability to record eight types of traffic violations, including speeding, not keeping safe distance, ignoring lane discipline, and using mobile phones while

  • Dubai Properties issues tenders for Dubailand villas

    Local developer Dubai Properties has invited companies to bid by 2 July for a contract to build 800 villas in Dubailand.

  • Dubai reclassifies hotel ratings

    Dubai is reclassifying hotel ratings in the emirate, with details due to be announced soon. Speaking at the Hotel Show in Dubai, HE Khalid bin Sulayem, Director General Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, for the Government of Dubai said the current ratings system had been under review for some time and that it was now time for a change. 'We have been holding consultation meeting across all sectors...and with new projects coming on stream we feel there is time for a review.'

  • Dubai set for e-freight

    The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that 11 new locations have been identified as ready for e-freight. These are: Dubai, USA, Luxembourg, France, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Iceland, Denmark and Norway. Since 2007, e-freight has been operational in six locations: Canada, Sweden, UK, Hong Kong, Singapore and the Netherlands. A further three—Germany, Mauritius and South Korea have launched projects to go live within 2008.

  • Dubai tests hybrid taxi fleet

    Dubai is conducting a pilot test of ten hybrid vehicles to be used in the emirate's taxi fleet. The vehicles are the environmentally friendly Chevrolet Tahoe and Malibu models by General Motors, which are the first of their kind to be used in the Middle East. The emirate has also inaugurated new double-decker buses fitted with Euro 4 engines, which conform to global environment standards.

  • Dubai to build Indian entertainment district

    Dubai Infinity Holdings is joining forces with Yash Raj Films, a prominent entertainment brand in India, to build the Yashraj Films Entertainment District in Dubai, reported Gulf News. The multi-million dollar project will comprise theme park attractions, a movie palace, hotels and many other unique Indian genre entertainment concepts. Yashraj Films is one of the world's largest film distribution houses and has produced some of the highest revenue films in the industry.

  • Dubai to get 28 taxi stations

    Dubai will soon provide 28 dedicated taxi stations across the emirate to help relieve long waits for taxis that are a chronic problem in the city, reported Khaleej Times. In addition, more taxis will be made available in densely populated areas of the emirate, where the waits for taxis are the longest.

  • Dubai to impose fines for safety violations

    Warehouses and factories in Dubai who violate safety standards will be fined Dhs50,000 ($13,623) under a new 'Safety Comes First' campaign launched by Dubai Civil Defence, reported Khaleej Times. Following the imposition of fines, violators will be issued directives to rectify the mistake within a given time frame, failing which, their licences will be suspended. Under the campaign, helicopters will be used to monitor open warehouses and factories.

  • Dubai traffic fines can be payed via ATM

    Paying traffic fines has now been made easier in Dubai, reported Gulf News. Emirates Bank and National Bank of Dubai customers can now inquire about their traffic fines and pay them through ATM machines, cash deposit machines and online banking through the BankNet service. Motorists should have a bank account to use the facilities, but anyone can pay through cash deposit machines belonging to Emirates NBD bank.

  • Dubai traffic offences fall sharply

    The number of traffic offences in Dubai have dropped significantly since tougher penalties were issued in March, according to senior traffic officials in the emirate. Statistics show that 90,680 traffic offences were registered in April 2007, compared to 29,410 in April of this year. Officials credit the decrease to the new Federal Traffic Law, which imposes stiff penalties for serious traffic offences as well as black points against the licence of the driver.

  • Dubai transport authority awards two contracts

    The Roads & Transport Authority has awarded two major road contracts in Dubai to South Korea’s Sungwon Corporation and the local Emirates Road Contracting (ERC).

  • Dubai World buys Gazeley

    Dubai World, an investment company owned by the emirate's government, has agreed to buy Wal-Mart UK's international warehouse and logistics-center development business Gazeley Limited Group, reported Bloomberg. The purchase was made through Economic Zones World, according to a statement.

  • Dubai World finalises $5.5bn loan

    Dubai World has finalised a $5.5bn syndicated loan at margins of 135-185 basis points above London interbank offered rate (libor).

  • Dubai's low cost airline named 'FlyDubai'

    Dubai's new low cost airline has been named 'FlyDubai'. The airline, which will be entirely separate from Emirates Airline and Group, will initially focus on regional flights within the GCC area and surrounding countries. The brand identity and livery for FlyDubai will be unveiled in the coming months.

  • Dubal shows 12.6% increase

    Dubai Aluminium (Dubal) has reported a 12.6% increase in output for 2007. The state-owned company's total output was 889,548 tonnes. Output for Q1 2008 also rose, showing a 5% increase on the same period last year.

  • Ducab opens new plants in UAE

    Ducab, a joint venture between the governments of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, on Monday inaugurated two new plants in Abu Dhabi for copper rod production and new cables manufacturing, reported Gulf News. The copper rod plant is the first of its kind in the UAE and has an annual capacity of 110,000 tonnes, which can be expanded to 160,000 tonnes. The new cable factory is dedicated to the production of magnetised wire for engines and generators, and can produce 25,000 tonnes of copper and 7,000 tonnes

  • DuPont Titanium to raise prices

    US-based DuPont Titanium Technologies has announced that it will be raising prices for Ti-Pure titanium dioxide grades. The $200 per tonne Middle East increase will be effective in two installments. The first $100 will come into force 1 July, while the second will take place 1 October.

  • Efeco buys 30,000 LG air-conditioners

    Emirates Falcon Electromechanical(Efeco), a subsidiary of Arabtec Holding specialising in mechanical, electrical and plumbing works, has signed a deal with LG Electronics and its local representative, Fortune International Trading, to purchase 30,000 air conditioning units worth approximately Dhs70m ($19m). Efeco will install these units in more than 6,000 villas that it has under contract at various projects in Dubai.

  • EGYPT TENDER: Desalination plant

    Provision of a desalination plant. Closing date: 14 August 2008

  • EGYPT TENDER: Drinking water treatment plant

    Linking a new drinking water treatment plant. Closing date: 18 June 2008

  • EGYPT TENDER: Factory revamp

    Revamping of an artificial kidney filters factory. Closing date: 28 June 2008

  • EGYPT TENDER: Gas meters

    Supply of gas meters for a natural gas connection project. Closing date: 10 August 2008

  • EGYPT TENDER: Housing construction

    Construction of 96 residential buildings comprising 2,880 housing units. Closing date: 14 July 2008

  • EGYPT TENDER: Housing construction

    Construction of 122 residential buildings comprising 2,440 housing units. Closing date: 20 July 2008

  • EGYPT TENDER: Lube oils, greases and liquids

    Supply of bottled lube oils, greases and liquids. Closing date: 6 July 2008

  • EGYPT TENDER: Phosphate mill rehabilitation

    Rehabilitation of two raw phosphate mills. Closing date: 1 July 2008

  • EGYPT TENDER: Railway central ticketing and reservation IT system

    Provision of IT systems and equipment. Closing date: 17 August 2008

  • EGYPT TENDER: Railway ERP system

    Provision of IT systems and equipment. Closing date: 31 August 2008

  • EGYPT TENDER: Residential building construction

    Construction of 122 residential buildings comprising 2,440 housing units. Closing date: 20 July 2008

  • EGYPT TENDER: Residential building construction (96)

    Construction of 96 residential buildings comprising 2,880 housing units. Closing date: 13 July 2008

  • EGYPT TENDER: Residential buildings

    Construction of 122 residential buildings comprising 2,440 housing units. Closing date: 20 July 2008

  • EGYPT TENDER: Road construction

    Construction and paving of a road. Closing date: 10 July 2008

  • EGYPT TENDER: Sanitary drainage pipelines

    Supply of two sloping pipelines for a sanitary drainage project. Closing date: 26 June 2008

  • EGYPT TENDER: Water pipeline replacement

    Replacement of a sloping water pipeline. Closing date: 19 June 2008

  • Egypt wants Agrium plant moved

    The Egyptian parliament has recommended the relocation of Agrium Inc's $1.2bn fertiliser plant from its site in Egypt's Mediterranean city of Damietta, reported Bloomberg. Residents have feared pollution, prompting the parliament suggesting to move the factory to any other suitable industrial zone. Agrium is 60% owned by EAgrium joint venture, with Egyptian Natural Gas Co, other Egyptian partners and Arab Petroleum Investments Corp.

  • Egyptian firm sells stake in Suez oil

    Egypt Kuwait Holding has provisionally agreed to sell a 20 per cent stake in the North Shadwan oil concession in the Gulf of Suez to Autralian firm Beach Petroleum.

  • Eitzen Maritime agrees to buy Seven Seas

    Eitzen Maritime Services, a Norwegian maker of chemicals for cleaning tankers, has agreed to buy Dubai-based Seven Seas Shipchandlers for Dhs423m ($115m). The transaction is expected to close by the end of the third quarter.

  • Electrical contractor selected for Qatar’s Sidra hospital

    Kentz Group has been awarded the $208m contract for the design, supply and delivery of the main electrical systems for the Sidra Medical & Research Centre in Doha.

  • Elie Saab to design Dubai hotel

    Famed Lebanese fashion designer Elie Saab has been tapped to design a boutique hotel bearing his name at the Tiger Woods Dubai complex in Dubailand, reported Gulf News. The Dhs600m ($163m) hotel will include 89 suites, 14 bungalows, and a 10,000 square feet swimming pool.

  • Emaar awards $172m contract to City Cool

    City Cool, a district cooling provider and a subsidiary of Al Rajhi Investment Group, has signed an Dhs630m ($172m) agreement with Emaar The Economic City to provide district cooling infrastructure for the Bay La Sun development in Saudi Arabia. The development will be supplied with 67,000 tonnes of refrigeration, with future expansion up to 80,000 tonnes, from two district cooling plants.

  • Emaar awards bridges contract to Huta

    Emaar, The Economic City, the Tadawul-listed company developing King Abdullah Economic City, has awarded a contract worth 83m Saudi riyals ($22m) to Saudi Arabia-based Huta Group to build two bridges across the water canals at Bay La Sun Village within KAEC, reported Gulf News. Emaar E.C had earlier awarded a contract worth 250m riyals to the Huta Group to develop man-made water canals with supporting walls over an area of 1.9 million cubic metres.

  • Emaar awards economic city cooling contract

    UAE-based City Cool Company has signed a deal to provide cooling stations to King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) in Saudi Arabia.

  • Emaar Bawadi launch residential tower complex

    Emaar Bawadi, a joint venture between the local Emaar Properties and Bawadi, a member of Tatweer, has launched Maysan Towers.

  • Emaar to open second school in King Abdullah Economic City

    Emaar The Economic City has signed an agreement with sister company Emaar Education to open a new educational facility in King Abdullah Economic City.

  • EMAL awards contract for cooling towers

    Emirates Aluminium (EMAL), established to construct the world's largest, single-site aluminium smelter, has awarded a $10m contract to Italian manufacturer, Società per Impianti Generali for the supply of its cooling towers. EMAL's power plant will use SPIG's cooling tower technology to reduce the temperature of the water used during the energy production process and ensure that water is returned to the sea within a one degree Celsius temperature range. This is well within Abu Dhabi Environm

  • E-Marine cable depot finalised

    UAE-based submarine cable services provider E-Marine has announced that its new cable depot in Salalah, Oman is ready for operation. The secure depot consists of eight submarine cable storage tanks, office space and general storage and is targetted at shipping firms operating in the western Indian Ocean and Red Sea regions.

  • Emirates adds 3 flights to Cairo

    Emirates Airline in Egypt said it has added three flights to Dubai for the month of June. The flights, will run on the 25th, 29th, and 30th and will depart Dubai at 0800hrs and arrive in Cairo at 1050hrs. On the same days, from Cairo, the flight leaves on the same days at 1205hrs and arrive in Dubai at 1640hrs.

  • Emirates drops plans to fly direct to Durban

    Emirates airline's plan to have direct flights to Durban, South Africa from Dubai in December has been abandoned due to high fuel costs, reported South Africa's Independent Online. Fouad Caunhye, the regional manager of Emirates Southern Africa, said the flights, which had been announced a month ago, have been deferred until further notice.

  • Emirates gets first A380 in July

    Emirates takes delivery of its first Airbus A380 on 28th July. By the end of its current financial year in March 2009 it should have received five of the delayed superjumbos. All are for long-haul flights, so will have 489 seats, made up of 14 in first class, 76 in business and 399 in economy. The A380s will initially fly between Dubai and London, Australia and the US - it will announce details of its first commercial flight soon. Emirates has 58 A380s on order, worth $18.8bn.

  • Emirates offers low summer fares

    Emirates Airlines has announced value-for-money Dubai Summer Surprises packages starting from $62. Valid from June 19 to August 22, the packages must be booked for a minimum of three nights and offer customers a choice of 24 city and beach hotels in various price brackets. Prices include all accommodation-related taxes and service charges and are available to all Emirates passengers regardless of class of travel.

  • Emirates offers special packages

    Emirates Airlines is offering special packages to first and business class passengers flying to or via Dubai from July 1 to August 31. First class passengers receive two nights at The Palace - The Old Town or The Harbour Hotel and Residence. Business class passengers receive one night's stay at Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel or The Harbour Hotel and Residence. Each person will also get $100 credit at the hotel to be used towards food and beverage and/or spa facilities and a 96-hour visa.

  • Emirates postpones launching Durban flights due to fuel costs

    Emirates Airline is to postpone its December launch of flights to Durban to cut back on fuel costs.

  • Emirates shippers double US capacity

    Emirates SkyCargo and Schenker AG have doubled capacity between Dubai and Ohio via Frankfurt-Hahn with the addition of another weekly Boeing 747-400F service. The move is a response to increased demand for intercontinental shipping and will add a further 120 tonne capacity in each direction.

  • Emirates unveils A380 date

    Emirates Airlines has announced that its brand new A380 will fly direct to New York's JFK airport on 1 August on its inaugural commercial service. The flight will also be the first commercial run by an A380 to the Americas. After the first flights the A380 will service one of the carriers regular twice-daily runs. Emirates is expecting delivery of the first of its 58 ordered A380s on 28 July.

  • Emirates ups flights to India

    Emirates has announced plans to advance its Indian operation with 18 additional flights per week, effective 1st July 2008. The Dubai-based airline will step up its frequencies to the country's capital city, New Delhi, and IT hubs, Bangalore and Hyderabad, progressing its Indian footprint to 132 flights per week - the highest ever frequency for an international carrier in the Indian skies.

  • Emirates warns of 'correction'

    Ram Menen, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President Cargo, warned delegates at the Emirates SkyCargo Worldwide Conference 2008, of a coming 'correction period'. Attendees from the carrier's global stations were told that the industry would face a tough year ahead that airlines operating fuel inefficient aircraft would not survive.

  • Enabling works started at Dubai Towers - Dubai

    Construction work on the Dubai Towers - Dubai has begun.

  • Etihad adds flights to Geneva

    Etihad Airways is bosting its summer service to Geneva from June 22 as a result of increased demand from travellers wishing to visit Switzerland's second biggest city, according to a statement. Presently, Etihad operates four flights a week from its Abu Dhabi home-base to Geneva which will increase to five a week with an additional flight operating every Sunday until September 7.

  • Etihad adds flights to Heathrow

    Etihad Airways will expand its flying programme in October to the UK and add a third daily flight from its Abu Dhabi home base to London's Heathrow airport. The new service, which brings the total number of flights to Heathrow each week from 17 to 21, compliments Etihad's other UK destination, Manchester, to which it operates a daily service.

  • Etihad Etisalat buys Saudi internet service provider

    Etihad Etisalat, Saudi Arabia's second mobile phone provider, has acquired internet service provider Zajil for SR85m ($22.7m).

  • Etihad extends promo fare to India

    Etihad Airways has announced that it will extend its promotional fares from Kuwait to Calicut and Chennai until 10 July 2008. The ongoing promotion is applicable to frequent flyer program Etihad Guest. Travellers need to book and buy their tickets before 10 July through the Etihad website, sales office and travel agencies.

  • Etihad increases flights to India

    Etihad Airways plans to launch flights from its Abu Dhabi home base to the Indian cities of Kozhikode (Calicut) and Chennai (Madras) from 1st August 2008. Etihad will operate on a daily basis to Kozhikode from Kuwait via Abu Dhabi, taking off on times that meet the needs of passengers. The Abu Dhabi based airline will also operate flights to Chennai four times per week from Kuwait via Abu Dhabi, according to a statement.

  • Etihad inks code share deal with Jet Airways

    Etihad Airways has signed a new code-share agreement with Jet Airways under which the Abu Dhabi-based airline will place its two-letter 'EY' code on all of Jet Airways' daily services between the Indian carrier's two hub airports, Delhi and Mumbai, and Etihad's own home base, from July 1. In turn, Jet Airways will place its '9W' code on the daily services operated by Etihad on the same routes. The new code-share arrangements will provide additional connection opportunities for Etihad's passen

  • Etihad launches low fares for Kuwaiti travelers

    Etihad Airways is offering roundtrip summer special fares to Kuwait travelers, starting from KD 99 in economy class to three popular European destinations, London, Manchester and Frankfurt. The promotion is valid for travel until the end of June 2008 and is part of carriers's summer campaign to deliver popular destinations at highly competitive rates to its customers.

  • Etihad passes IATA safety audit

    Etihad has received its clean bill of safety from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) after it has been examined in detail for safety procedures and processes. The audits are mandatory for all IATA member airlines and require meeting 926 separate standards in areas including organisation and management, flight, cabin, ground and cargo operations, maintenance, flight dispatch and security.

  • Etihad strikes codeshare deal with India's Jet Airways

    Etihad Airways has further expanded its international network via a further codeshare agreement, this time with India's carrier Jet Airways.

  • Etihad to launch Minsk service

    Etihad Airways will become to the first airline from the Gulf region to fly to Belarus when the Abu Dhabi-based carrier launches its twice weekly flights to the country's capital, Minsk, on 5 August 2008. Etihad will serve Minsk with one of its new Airbus A319 aircraft every Tuesday and Thursday, with a third weekly flight to be added every Saturday from October 2008.

  • Everest Metal sales up 58%

    UAE-based Everest Metal Industries, a manufacturer of cable management solutions, has reported record sales of Dhs10.7m ($2.9m) for the first quarter of 2008, an increase of 58% during the same period last year, the company said in a statement. EMI said it expects sales to grow by another 57% to Dhs12.5m for the second quarter of 2008 up from Dhs8m last year.

  • Falcon to buy 23 jets, helicopters

    Falcon Aviation Services has signed a lease finance facility of Dhs875m with Abu Dhabi National Leasing to acquire 23 additional corporate jets and helicopters. The acquisition will include Embraer Legacy 600, Gulfstream G450, Embraer Lineage 1000, Embraer Phenom 300, and GROB SPn while the helicopter orders include Agusta A109, and Eurocopter EC130.

  • Feng Shui hotel planned for Palm Jumeirah

    National Bank of Abu Dhabi and UAE-based Das Real Estate today signed a Dhs708m long term loan agreement to finance the Sea View Club Hotel & Apartments Complex development, which will be built on the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. The Feng Shui-designed development will have 246 hotel suites and 92 residences, all with a sea view and direct access to a private beach.

  • Fibrex and Thinet to start work on Material City roads

    The local/French joint venture of Fibrex and Thinet Emirates has been given notice to proceed on the infrastructure and roads construction package for the Building Materials City project in Abu Dhabi emirate.

  • Firms bid for $150m Riyadh road contract

    Bids have been submitted for a new road construction contract in Riyadh.

  • Firms bid for Salalah power and water plant

    Three international developer groups have submitted proposals for the concession to develop the Salalah independent water and power project (IWPP) in the south of Oman.

  • Firms invited to express interest in Capital Centre buildings

    Contractors have been invited to express interest in the construction of two buildings at the Capital Centre development neighbouring the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

  • France and US reaffirm support for Beirut

    A joint statement has been issued by the US and French governments reaffirming their support of an independent, democratic Lebanon.

  • Future Pipe borrows $150m

    Future Pipe Industries Group, a Dubai-based fiberglass pipe maker, plans to borrow $150m from a group of about 12 banks to refinance old debt, reported Bloomberg. Last month the company dropped plans for an initial share sale. Founded in 1984, Future Pipe has 11 factories in the Middle East, US, and Netherlands.

  • Gate Gourmet, Western form JV

    Airline catering Gate Gourmet has formed a joint venture with the UAE's Western Group to form Gate Gourmet Middle East. The JV is formed with co-investor Sultan International Group. The new company will hold offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai to serve its major Middle East partners.

  • GAZA/WEST BANK TENDER: Educational programme evaluation consultancy

    Provision of consultancy services comprising the evaluation of academic programmes for tertiary education institutions. Closing date: 29 June 2008

  • Gazprom tenders Libyan gas exploration work

    Russian gas producer Gazprom has invited contractors to bid for the provision of seismic services as it looks to develop three gas exploration blocks in the southern part of the Ghadames Basin.

  • GCC needs $1.2 trillion of energy and infrastructure investment

    GCC countries require additional investment of $1.2 trillion to bring their energy and infrastructure networks to a level which can support the economic diversification of the region, according to a report by Ithmar Capital.

  • Government issues tender for $320m Riyadh office building

    The General Organisation for Social Insurance has issued the tender for the construction of a new office building in Riyadh.

  • Gulf Air sets new record

    Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, had its highest passenger load factor ever in May, reported Gulf Daily News. The airline, which expects to carry six million passengers this year, registered a network-wide passenger seat factor exceeding 85% on several occasions during the month of May.

  • Gulf Projects 10 June 2008

    The MEED Projects index climbed by almost 2 per cent to $2.21 trillion in the week to 10 June, as all the Gulf statesbar Iran registered an increase in the value of projects planned or under way.

  • Gulf Projects 17 June 2008

    The MEED Projects tracker of construction projects showed a 1.2 per cent increase in the second week of June to $2.24 trillion.

  • Gulf Projects 2 June 2008

    The MEED Projects index returned to positive territory in the week ending 2 June, edging up by 0.1 per cent to $2.17 trillion.

  • Gulf Projects 27 June 2008

    Construction activity in the Middle East continues to rise on the back of the region’s strong oil earnings.

  • Gulf Projects 27 May 2008

    The MEED Projects index dipped by 0.5 per cent to $2.17 trillion in the week ending 27 May.

  • Gulfsands completes drilling on Syrian test well

    Gulfsands Petroleum, a UK-based oil exploration company, has completed drilling operations on its latest development well in the Khurbet East field.

  • Hadeed's portfolio to hit Dhs1bn

    Hadeed Emirates, an Abu Dhabi-based holding company which specialises in the manufacture and supply of metallic building materials, plans to double its portfolio this year from Dhs500m ($136m) to Dhs1bn, reported Gulf News. The company's plans include building a steel factory at the Mussafah industrial area. The company's projects also include the cargo terminal at Jebel Ali's Dubai World and the largest press in the world at the Abu Dhabi Media City.

  • Hill forms partnerships in Egypt and Abu Dhabi

    US-based Hill International has entered into strategic partnerships in Abu Dhabi and Egypt.

  • Hilton extends online booking to all customers

    Hilton Hotels' is extending its online booking facility to all customers as part of a special summer promotion. All customers can now find discounts through Hilton's Personalised Online Group (POG) web portals, at Hilton hotels across the UAE and Oman. The previlige is normally offered only to corporate customers.

  • Hochtief moves into next phase on Barwa Commercial Avenue

    Germany’s Hochtief has received a letter of award for the construction works on the Barwa Commercial Avenue project in southern Doha.

  • Holiday Inn Express opens in Dubai

    InterContinental Hotels Group and Ishraq Gulf Real Estate Holding Co., have opened its limited service hotel for short-stay frequent travelers called Holiday Inn Express Dubai Safa Park. The hotel is located in Shaikh Zayed Road, featuring 171 bedrooms, meeting facilities, food and beverage outlets and mini gymnasium.

  • Honeywell wins Petro-Rabigh software deal

    The US’ Honeywell has won a major contract to supply planning and scheduling software to the Rabigh Refining & Petrochemicals Company (Petro-Rabigh).

  • Hotel Show opens its doors

    One of the region's largest hospitality exhibitions, the Hotel Show, has opened in Dubai. Over 1,000 exhibitors are expected to attend the expo, which this year, is themed on sustainability in the hospitality industry.

  • Huta Group wins King Abdullah Economic City contract

    Saudi Arabia's Huta Group has been awarded a SR83m ($22m) contract for construction work in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC).

  • IATA announces Chairman

    Royal Jordanian Airlines CEO Samer Majali has taken up his position as Chairman of the International Air Transport Association. He takes over from Fernando Pinto, CEO of TAP Portugal and will remain in the position for one year.

  • ICCI ventures in cars, aircraft production

    The Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has formed an investment company called Foras Investment Co., which looks into manufacturing low-cost cars, aircraft and satellites, Arab News has reported. It has an initial capital of SR562m, 20% stake of which is from the Islamic Development Bank. The company is looking into several industrial projects in OIC member countries.

  • IFA offers Kempinski in Lebanon

    IFA Hotels & Resorts and Kuwait Real Estate Company have launched the Kempinski Residences Alabadiyah Hills serviced apartments. Alabadiyah Hills is comprised of 15 private villas, 30 townhouses and 220 luxury apartments with their own swimming pools and gardens. The development is located in the freehold Alabadiyah Hills resort in Lebanon's Dhour Abadiyah village.

  • IFA signs $100m loan agreement

    IFA Hotels & Resorts has secured a $100m syndicated loan facility led by Emirates NBD. The facility will be utilised towards growing the IFA HR global portfolio and tapping into new emerging markets. IFA HR is currently present in over 15 markets across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Indian Ocean region, Asia and North America.

  • IHG to open first property in Morocco

    InterContinental Hotels & Resorts signed an agreement with Moroccan developer, Groupe Cadex, to open its first property in Morocco in the resort destination of Marrakech. Not only is this the first venture into Morocco for the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts brand, but also for parent company InterContinental Hotels Group. The new-build resort development — the InterContinental Marrakech Resort & Spa — is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2011.

  • Indian firm invests in Oman aluminium

    Bangalore-based Future Metals Private Ltd has partnered with the Oman Oil Company to establish an aluminium rod extrusion plant at the Sohar Industrial Estate. The plant will use the hot metal from Sohar Aluminium's newly operational $2.4bn smelter, reported Gulf News. Future Metals will have 70% stake, while the remaining 30% will be owned by Takamul Investment, a venture capital fund set up by Oman Oil Company.

  • InterContinental to develop UAE resort

    InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has signed an agreement with RAK properties to develop InterContinental Mina Al Arab Resort in the UAE emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. The 300-room property will be located on the Coast Road, which connects all UAE emirates. The resort is set to open in 2010 as part of the Mina Al Arab development - a Dhs10bn ($2.7bn) mixed-use leisure and holiday complex situated along a 13 kilometre beach.

  • Interest sought for Fairmont Abu Dhabi

    The National Investment Corporation has invited selected companies to express interest in the main construction package for the Fairmont hotel and serviced apartments development in Abu Dhabi.

  • International Finance Company close to signing $100m loan

    Kuwait’s International Finance Company (IFC) is close to finalising a syndicated loan of up to $100m with a consortium of regional and international banks.

  • Investment in King Abdullah Economic City passes $35bn

    Investment in King Abdullah Economic City has reached more than SR130bn ($35bn), according to Amr al-Dabbagh, governor of the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (Sagia).

  • IOC needs to think again about Gulf Olympic bids

    Qatar is rightly confused by the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC’s) startling decision to exclude it from the 2016 summer Olympics shortlist.

  • Ipic plans to build headquarters in Abu Dhabi

    Abu Dhabi’s International Petroleum Investment Company (Ipic) has approached companies for the contract to build a new headquarters building in the UAE capital.

  • Iran Air to lose fuel subsidy after privatisation

    Iran Air will lose its government fuel subsidy over the coming months as the airline progresses to privatisation.

  • Iran awards South Pars drilling deal to Dana

    State-run Pars Oil and Gas Company (POGC) has awarded a contract to Iran’s Dana Drilling Company for the drilling of 24 wells on phase 13 of the South Pars gas field.

  • Iran creates alternative to stalled UAE gas deal

    Iran’s state-run Oil Engineering and Development Company (OEDC) is to tender the construction of a new pipeline linking the Salman gas field with the Assaluyeh region, as an alternative to a stalled deal with the UAE’s Crescent Petroleum.

  • Iran outlines $200bn investment hopes

    National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) is planning to attract over $200bn of domestic and foreign investment in its oil and gas projects over the next 20 years.

  • Iran signs three-year Kish drilling deal

    The state-run National Iranian Drilling Company (NIDC) has been awarded a three-year deal to drill 13 wells in the massive Kish gas field, following an initial award to Iranian Petroleum Engineering and Development Company in March.

  • IRAN TENDER: Synthetic cryolite

    Supply of 2,000 tonnes of synthetic cryolite. Closing date: 18 June 2008

  • IRAN TENDER: Ball valves

    Supply of welded ball valves. Closing date: not stated

  • IRAN TENDER: Body scanners

    Supply of two body scanners for detecting narcotics. Closing date: 22 June 2008

  • IRAN TENDER: Cement pumping services

    Provision of cement pumping services for drilling rigs. Closing date: 29 July 2008

  • IRAN TENDER: Construction equipment

    Supply of construction equipment as part of an earthquake emergency reconstruction project. Closing date: 22 August 2008

  • IRAN TENDER: Drilling equipment

    Supply of drilling equipment. Closing date: not stated

  • IRAN TENDER: Drilling rig refurbishment

    Refurbishment and upgrading of an offshore drilling rig. Closing date: 15 July 2008

  • IRAN TENDER: Drilling rig repair

    Repair and maintenance of offshore drilling rigs. Closing date: 15 July 2008

  • IRAN TENDER: Drilling unit charter

    Charter of drilling units. Closing date: 9 August 2008

  • IRAN TENDER: Effluent trunk and pump station construction

    Construction of a main effluent trunk and pump station. Closing date: 19 July 2008

  • IRAN TENDER: Metal sleepers

    Supply of 50,000 metal sleepers. Closing date: 19 July 2008

  • IRAN TENDER: Pour point depressant and flow improver

    Supply of pour point depressant and flow improver. Closing date: 7 July 2008

  • IRAN TENDER: Radio link equipment

    Supply of high-capacity radio link equipment. Closing date: 2 August 2008

  • IRAN TENDER: Radio link equipment

    Supply of high-capacity radio link equipment. Closing date: 2 August 2008

  • IRAN TENDER: Residential, trading, administrative and services complex

    Supply of land, designing and building a large residential, trading, administrative and services complex. Closing date: 9 June 2008

  • IRAN TENDER: Residential, trading, administrative and services complex

    Supply of land, designing and building a large residential, trading, administrative and services complex. Closing date: 9 June 2008

  • IRAN TENDER: Road construction

    Construction of the second carriageway of a highway over about 104 kilometres. Closing date: 16 August 2008

  • IRAN TENDER: Road construction project

    Construction of the second carriageway of a highway over about 104 kilometres. Closing date: 16 August 2008

  • IRAN TENDER: Vessel traffic system

    Design, manufacture and delivery of a vessel traffic system. Closing date: 7 September 2008

  • IRAN TENDER: Wastewater collection system inspection and rehabilitation (closing date extension)

    Provision of inspection and rehabilitation services for a wastewater collection system. New closing date: 15 July 2008

  • IRAN TENDER: Wastewater treatment plant

    Supply, manufacturing, installation and commissioning of electromechanical equipment and construction works. Closing date: 31 July 2008

  • IRAN TENDER: Wastewater treatment plant (Al-Teymour)

    Supply, manufacturing, installation and commissioning of electromechanical equipment and construction works. Closing date: 31 July 2008

  • IRAN TENDER: Wastewater treatment plant (Khin-Arab)

    Supply, manufacturing, installation and commissioning of electromechanical equipment and construction works. Closing date: 31 July 2008

  • IRAN TENDER: Water meters

    Supply of water meters. Closing date: 5 July 2008

  • IRAN TENDER: Water meters

    Supply of water meters. Closing date: 5 July 2008

  • Iraq issues major field drilling tenders

    Iraq’s state-run Oil Exploration Company has issued tenders for the drilling of deep wells at two of the country’s largest oil fields.

  • Iraq launches oil and gas round

    Iraq’s oil minister has announced details of the country’s first oil and gas licensing round since the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.

  • Iraq prepares technical service deals with oil majors

    Iraq is to reveal further details of its technical service contracts with foreign oil majors on 30 June, in the latest stage of its efforts to increase oil production at existing fields by 100,000-barrels-a-day (b/d).

  • IRAQ TENDER: Batching plants

    Supply of five portable batching plants. Closing date: 20 August 2008

  • IRAQ TENDER: Electricity reconstruction project audit

    Carrying out an audit of an emergency electricity reconstruction project. Closing date: 29 July 2008

  • IRAQ TENDER: Hydraulic excavators

    Supply of 11 hydraulic excavators. Closing date: 13 August 2008

  • IRAQ TENDER: Medical equipment and furniture

    Supply of medical equipment, furniture and appliances. Closing date: 15 August 2008

  • IRAQ TENDER: School construction

    Construction of a primary school. Closing date: 24 June 2008

  • Iraq to delay signing technical service deals

    Iraq is expected to delay signing technical service contracts with foreign oil majors until early July in the latest stage of its efforts to increase oil production at existing fields by a combined 500,000 barrels-a-day (b/d).

  • Iraq transportation summit planned

    Lucrative commercial opportunities will be made available for companies operating in the global transportation sector at the Iraq Transportation & Communications Technology Summit in Dubai on 9-10 October 2008. The summit comes as a result of the clearly identified need to improve and develop Iraq's transport infrastructure, with investment needed to regenerate the country's railways, ports, airports and civil aviation sectors, according to a statement by the conference organizers.

  • Irish firm eyes Silverjet

    Ireland-registered investment company Kingplace Ltd has contacted the administrators for downed business-class only airline Silverjet with a view to relaunching the carrier. Kingplace is thought to be establishing contact on behalf of a group of private clients.

  • Jazeera Airways targets 65 per cent growth

    Jazeera Airways is aiming to carry 700,000 more passengers this year, an increase of almost 65 per cent.

  • Jeddah talks too little, too late

    Energy price rises have exposed the myth of Western prosperity.

  • Jet Airways to begin daily flights to Dubai

    Jet Airways, India's largest private airline, will begin daily direct flights to Dubai from New Delhi and Mumbai next month, reported Gulf News. The Dubai route follows the carrier's launching of daily direct flights to Abu Dhabi from Mumbai and Delhi from April 23. Jet also flies to Kuwait, Bahrain, Muscat and Doha, and hopes to start flights to Jeddah and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, pending clearance from authorities.

  • Jizan refinery faces fresh delay

    Saudi Arabia has missed the deadline to send a request for proposals to oil majors on its Jizan refinery, citing procedural delays in receiving approval from the Supreme Petroleum Council (SPC).

  • Jordan creates security force to help police

    Amman has set up a new internal security force to take on some of the roles of the kingdom’s police force.

  • Jordan gets in-flight mobile service

    Mobile operator Orange has launched in-flight roaming services in Jordan, enabling Orange subscribers to use their mobile phones and smartphones to send and receive text messages, and make and receive phone calls during flights on several airliners. The service, Mobile On-Air, is now available through Royal Jordanian, Jazeera Airlines, and Oman Air.

  • Jordan inks $332m rail project deal

    The Jordanian government is teaming up with with a coalition of Spanish and Kuwaiti firms to build a light rail system between Amman and the city of Zarqahas, reported Arab News. The project, which will cost $332m, calls for the construction of a dual-track 26-kilometer railway between the two cities. The consortium is led by Spanish engineering and consulting group, INECO-TIFSA, informed sources said.

  • Jordan light railway date set

    The Amman Zarqa Light Railway project is scheduled to begin operating in 2011. The service will run 26km from Zarqa City to Raghadan station in Amman city centre and is expected to transport 100,000 passengers per day. The service and infrastructure will be built and operated by a Kuwaiti-Spanish consortium according to the terms of the $335.5m deal.

  • Jordan seeks developers for Aqaba port

    The Aqaba Development Corporation has called for expressions of interest from developers to build and operate the new port at Aqaba.

  • Jordan signs nuclear memorandum with UK

    Jordan and the UK have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on nuclear cooperation.

  • Jordan Telecom cuts internet costs by 20 per cent

    Jordan Telecom, the monopoly fixed-line telecoms operator in Jordan, has cut the cost of wholesale internet access by 20 per cent.

  • JORDAN TENDER: Climate change consultancy services

    Provision of international climate change consultancy services. Closing date: 7 July 2008

  • JORDAN TENDER: Environmental inspection management consultancy

    Provision of consultancy services for an environmental inspection management reform programme. Closing date: 30 June 2008

  • JORDAN TENDER: Landfill gas recovery system

    Design, building and operating a landfill gas recovery system. Closing date: 23 July 2008

  • JORDAN TENDER: Port construction and operation

    Design, build, finance, operate and transfer the new Port of Aqaba in the southern industrial zone. Closing date: 10 July 2008

  • JORDAN TENDER: Street and public space rehabilitation and traffic management: Closing date extension

    Rehabilitation of streets, public spaces, and traffic and parking management. New closing date: 28 July 2008

  • Jubail methanol plant comes onstream

    The fifth-phase expansion of the Ar-Razi methanol complex at Jubail has come onstream, making the it the world’s largest chemical methanol production facility.

  • Jumeirah to manage Palm hotel

    Jumeirah Group, the Dubai-based hospitality management group and member of Dubai Holding, has been appointed by Al Fattan Properties to manage the Jumeirah Al Fattan Palm Resort. Scheduled to open late 2009, the resort will feature 213 rooms and suites.

  • Jumeirah to manage South American resort

    Jumeirah Group, a member of Dubai Holding, has been appointed to manage a luxury resort in Argentina dedicated to polo and equestrian sports. The Jumeirah Culu Culu Polo Lifestyle Resort, which will be located in Lobos, one hour outside the capital of Buenos Aires, will feature eight polo fields. Jumeirah will manage the resort's five-star hotel of 252 rooms, including 90 suites in a central building and the remainder in one-four bedroom villas.

  • Kalimat Telecom launches fixed-line service in Iraq

    Kalimat Telecom, a privately-owned Kuwaiti company, has launched a fixed-line network in Iraq, more than a year after it won a licence from the country’s telecoms regulator.

  • Kayan reaches financial close

    Financing for the Saudi Kayan petrochemicals complex has finally reached financial close, after being delayed while the project sponsors, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (Sabic), waited for the Public Investment Fund (PIF) to sign the documents.

  • Kempinski to manage hotel in Jeddah

    ahKempinski Hotels has signed an agreement with Mohammed Al Issa and Sons to manage a new five-star luxury hotel in Jeddah. Located on the Jeddah Corniche overlooking the Red Sea, the first property for the group in Saudi Arabia is expected to open in winter 2010. The new property is also slated to be the first green intelligent hotel building in the kingdom using the most advanced electro mechanical green technology, according to a statement.

  • King Saud University issues tender for $1.9bn women's college

    A tender has been issued for a new women’s college at King Saud University in Riyadh.

  • Kingdom buys Abraaj's 30% stake in NAS

    Kingdom Holding Co, the investment company owned by Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal, acquired a 30% stake in National Air Services of Saudi Arabia from Dubai-based Abraaj Capital. Abraaj's Saudi investors earned a 52% internal rate of return over two years on the stake, the Dubai firm said in a statement.

  • Kingdom Holding raises stake in Saudi airline to 39 per cent

    Kingdom Holding, the investment group owned by the Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, has bought a further 30 per cent stake in the aviation group National Air Services (NAS).

  • Knowledge Economic City construction starts in early 2009

    Construction work on Saudi Arabia's Knowledge Economic City (KEC) is set to start in the first few months of 2009.

  • Kuwait anti-piracy drive gathers pace

    The Kuwaiti Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in conjunction with global industry watchdog the Business Software Alliance, has destroyed thousands of illegal software CDs. The move is part of Kuwait's plan to establish itself as a secure IT investment destination. The pirated software disks were seized in a series of raids on retailers across the country.

  • Kuwait awards major oil services deals

    State upstream operator Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) has awarded two contracts totalling KD55m ($204m) for the provision of electric submersible pumping (ESP) systems at its oil fields.

  • Kuwait awards substation contract to Ahlea

    The local Al-Ahlea Electric Boards Company has been awarded the contract for the supply and installation of five 132/11 kV substations at Jaber al-Ahmed.

  • Kuwait factory fire raises concerns over nearby refinery

    An explosion and fire at a Kuwait paint facility, close to the state’s Mina Abdulla refinery, caused oil prices to rise by nearly a dollar as traders reacted nervously to the news.

  • Kuwait inflation rises over 10 per cent

    Inflation in Kuwait has risen to 10.1 per cent in February, from 9.5 per cent in January, making it the fourth GCC country to report double digit inflation rates.

  • Kuwait invites bids for massive refinery pipeline project

    State upstream operator Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) has invited international contractors to submit bids by 27 July for the long-awaited contract to build pipelines to supply crude feedstock for the state’s planned 615,000 barrel-a-day grassroots refinery at Al-Zour.

  • Kuwait invites major substation bids

    Kuwait’s Electricity & Water Ministry has issued to bid three major contracts to build 300/400-kV substations across the state.

  • Kuwait money supply rises 23 per cent

    The latest figures from the Central Bank of Kuwait show that liquidity is continuing to rise despite government efforts to combat inflation by stemming growth in bank credit.

  • KUWAIT TENDER: Agricultural facilities

    Construction, completion and maintenance of agricultural facilities. Closing date: 10 August 2008

  • KUWAIT TENDER: Airport communications system

    Provision of a communications system at an international airport. Closing date: 20 July 2008

  • KUWAIT TENDER: Airport road tunnel construction

    Construction, completion and maintenance of an airport road tunnel. Closing date: 17 August 2008

  • KUWAIT TENDER: Automatic technical supplies system upgrade

    Upgrading of an automatic technical supplies system. Closing date: 15 July 2008

  • KUWAIT TENDER: Boat leasing

    Leasing of boats. Closing date: 1 July 2008

  • KUWAIT TENDER: Computer networks

    Leasing, supply, installation, operation and maintenance of computer networks. Closing date: 15 July 2008

  • KUWAIT TENDER: Construction materials

    Supply of construction materials comprising reinforced iron. Closing date: 15 June 2008

  • KUWAIT TENDER: Construction materials

    Supply of construction materials comprising reinforced iron. Closing date: 15 June 2008

  • KUWAIT TENDER: Electrical transformer

    Supply and installation of a 1,000-kVA electrical transformer. Closing date: 12 June 2008

  • KUWAIT TENDER: Laptops

    Supply of laptops for teaching staff. Closing date: 22 July 2008

  • KUWAIT TENDER: Medical waste treatment unit operation

    Operation of a medical waste treatment unit. Closing date: 22 July 2008

  • KUWAIT TENDER: Oil feed pipelines

    Provision of oil feed pipelines. Closing date: 27 July 2008

  • KUWAIT TENDER: Overhead power lines

    Supply of overhead power lines. Closing date: 8 July 2008

  • KUWAIT TENDER: Power and water distillation station transformers

    Supply, installation and testing of eight high-tension power transformers. Closing date: 17 August 2008

  • KUWAIT TENDER: Power line repair and installation

    Carrying out repair and installation works for overhead power lines. Closing date: 20 July 2008

  • KUWAIT TENDER: Power transformer station (F)

    Supply and installation of a main power transformer station. Closing date: 8 July 2008

  • KUWAIT TENDER: Power transformer station (J)

    Supply and installation of a main power transformer station. Closing date: 8 July 2008

  • KUWAIT TENDER: Power transformer station (S)

    Supply and installation of a main power transformer station. Closing date: 8 July 2008

  • KUWAIT TENDER: Residential project

    Study, design, construction, completion and maintenance of an expatriate manpower residential project. Closing date: 5 August 2008

  • KUWAIT TENDER: Road, rain and drainage water project

    Construction and maintenance of roads, rain and drainage water. Closing date: 5 August 2008

  • KUWAIT TENDER: School furniture

    Provision of school furniture. Closing date: 13 July 2008

  • KUWAIT TENDER: Street lightening network

    Construction, completion and maintenance of a street lightening network. Closing date: 5 August 2008

  • KUWAIT TENDER: Traffic control cameras

    Operation and maintenance of traffic control cameras. Closing date: 13 July 2008

  • KUWAIT TENDER: Transformer stations

    Construction and completion of 120 transformer stations. Closing date: 29 August 2008

  • KUWAIT TENDER: Transport leasing services

    Provision of leasing services comprising multiple means transport. Closing date: 15 July 2008

  • KUWAIT TENDER: University building maintenance works

    Completion of maintenance works for university buildings. Closing date: 27 July 2008

  • Lebanese flag carrier to expand on back of political settlement

    Lebanon’s Middle East Airlines (MEA) has confirmed that it hopes to open services to Moscow in 2010 and is considering launching other long-haul routes within two years.

  • LEBANON TENDER: Cultural heritage and urban development consultancy services

    Provision of design and supervision services for a cultural heritage and urban development project. Closing date: 28 July 2008

  • LEBANON TENDER: Hospital rehabilitation

    Rehabilitation of a hospital. Closing date: 19 August 2008

  • LEBANON TENDER: Road and hotel viaduct reconstruction

    Reconstruction of a road and hotel viaduct. Closing date: 14 August 2008

  • LEBANON TENDER: Road connection works

    Carrying out road connection works. Closing date: 2 July 2008

  • LEBANON TENDER: Wastewater treatment plant and sea outfall consultancy services

    Provision of consultancy services for the supervision of the design and build of a wastewater treatment plant and sea outfall Closing date: 10 July 2008

  • LEBANON TENDER: Water and sewage water network and treatment system services

    Provision of services for the design of water and sewage water network systems and water and wastewater treatment plants. Closing date: 10 July 2008

  • Libya signs oil deals with Occidental and OMV

    Libya’s state-owned National Oil Corporation (NOC) has signed five exploration and production-sharing agreements with the US’ Occidental Petroleum and Austria’s OMV, covering exploration, carbon dioxide storage and enhanced oil recovery projects.

  • LIBYA TENDER: Base camp construction

    Construction and operation of a base camp to support planned seismic and drilling operations. Closing date: 26 June 2008

  • LIBYA TENDER: Casing

    Supply of casing and tubing. Closing date: 13 July 2008

  • LIBYA TENDER: Drill bit services

    Provision of drill bit services for offshore drilling operations. Closing date: 17 July 2008

  • LIBYA TENDER: Drilling rig consultancy services

    Provision of consultancy services for the provision of a drilling rig to drill exploration wells. Closing date: not stated

  • LIBYA TENDER: Environmental impact assessment studies

    Provision of environmental impact assessment studies for drilling locations. Closing date: 10 June 2008

  • LIBYA TENDER: Land and marine seismic data processing services

    Carrying out a market survey for the provision of 3D land and marine seismic data processing services. Closing date: 3 July 2008

  • LIBYA TENDER: Land drilling rig and workover rigs

    Provision of a 1,500-2,000-hp land drilling rig and a workover/well test rig. Closing date: 15 June 2008

  • LIBYA TENDER: Offshore drill cuttings box services

    Provision of offshore drill cuttings box services for offshore drilling operations. Closing date: 17 July 2008

  • LIBYA TENDER: Oil company facilities

    Construction, installation and commissioning of a perimeter fence and facilities. Closing date: 15 June 2008

  • LIBYA TENDER: Oil company facilities

    Construction, installation and commissioning of a perimeter fence and facilities. Closing date: 15 June 2008

  • LIBYA TENDER: Oil well drilling services

    Provision of oil well drilling services. Closing date: 26 June 2008

  • LIBYA TENDER: Oil well services

    Provision of oil well services. Closing date: 26 June 2008

  • LIBYA TENDER: Road and water pool construction services

    Carrying out road and water pool construction services. Closing date: 3 July 2008

  • LIBYA TENDER: Seismic acquisition services

    Provision of 3D seismic acquisition services. Closing date: 20 July 2008

  • LIBYA TENDER: Subsea well inspection and rectification works

    Provision of an under-water inspection campaign and carrying out rectification activities to subsea wells. Closing date: not stated

  • LIBYA TENDER: Water well drilling services

    Carrying out water well drilling services. Closing date: 6 July 2008

  • Libya tenders Sirte basin seismic work

    Sirte Oil Company (SOC), a subsidiary of Libya’s state-run National Oil Corporation (NOC), has invited bids from contractors to carry out a 3D seismic survey for a new 800 square kilometre area of acreage in the Sirte Basin.

  • Louvre engineering contract set

    The Tourism Development & Investment Company has awarded the engineering services contract for the Louvre Abu Dhabi to Buro Happold. The UK consultancy will work with designer Jean Nouvel on concept validation of the initial design and on the schematic design of the museum, which is scheduled to open in 2012.

  • LPG taxis in Doha soon

    Mowasalat announced it is all set to open the first Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) fuel refilling unit for taxis in Doha, reported The Peninsula. The company is also considering the introduction of LPG-fuelled buses for public transport soon.

  • Lufthansa now daily from Dubai to Munich

    Lufthansa German Airlines will increase the frequency on its all business class Dubai-Munich route to daily service, from July 15. The Lufthansa Business Jet service commenced on May 1st with six flights a week. With this new service, Lufthansa passengers can avail of a year-round connection from Dubai to Munich complimenting the flights from Dubai to Frankfurt, which are scheduled for all days of the week.

  • Maaden fertiliser deal reaches financial close

    Debt financing for the joint venture between Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden) and Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (Sabic) to develop a $5.5bn fertiliser complex at Ras al-Zour has reached financial close.

  • Maaden to launch debt syndication for aluminium smelter by year end

    The project finance debt on the $8bn Maaden aluminium complex is expected to be launched to the banking market before the end of the year, according to sources close to the deal.

  • Malaysia expects 400,000 tourists from ME

    Malaysia's Tourism Ministry said it expects 400,000 tourists from the Middle East to visit the country this year, up from 340,000 last year, reported Malaysia's state news agency Bernama. Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said Malaysia's halal food, extensively promoted in the Middle East, was a draw for tourists from the region, especially the UAE, Syria and Saudi Arabia.

  • Malaysian firm to build Al-Falah villas in Abu Dhabi

    Malaysia’s SPK-Sentosa Corporation has been awarded the AED2.65bn ($722m) contract to build the Al-Falah villas development in Abu Dhabi emirate.

  • Manazel approaches contractors for Material City residences

    The local Manazel Real Estate has invited selected contractors to express interest in a design and build contract for residential blocks at Building Material City (BMC).

  • Manazel approaches contractors for Material City residences

    The local Manazel Real Estate has invited selected contractors to express interest in a design and build contract for residential blocks at Building Material City.

  • Masader consortium exits Ras al-Zour bidding

    A consortium led by Saudi Masader and Taiwan Power Company withdraw from the bidding for the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract on the $3bn independent water and power project (IWPP) at Ras al-Zour.

  • ME hotel construction pipeline hits record

    The construction pipeline for Middle East hotel developments hit a record high of 527 projects with 155,989 guestrooms at the end of Q1 2008, according to a report by US-based Lodging Econometrics. A cyclical high of 233 projects/66,775 rooms, or 43% of the total pipeline, are already under construction. Total project and room counts scheduled to start construction in the next 12 months peaked in Q4 2007, and declined slightly to 159 projects/45,529 rooms in Q1 2008, the study said.

  • ME to spend $40bn on airports by 2015

    An estimated $40bn will be spent on airport infrastructure in the Middle East by 2015, according to Andreas Schimm, Director of Economics and Programme Development for Airports Council International. Speaking at the Airport Show today in Dubai, Schimm added that the investment will boost the region's passenger capacity to 300 million by 2015, which is three times the current volume.

  • Meydan Hotel in progress

    The construction of the Meydan Hotel has reached the eighth floor. Managed by Banyan Tree, the Meydan Hotel is expected to have 10 floors comprising of 278 rooms, with nearly all rooms having a direct unobstructed view of the racetrack.

  • Middle East contracts awarded: June 2008

    Over $6bn worth of contracts were awarded across the Middle East region in June, according to this selected checklist compiled from MEED reports throughout the month.

  • Middle East needs more airports

    The need for new airports - especially low-cost, or secondary, airports - has never been greater in the Middle East, according to the CEO of Air Arabia, the largest low-cost carrier in the Mena Region. Pointing to the successful development of Sharjah Airport, the carrier's primary hub, Adel Ali said the region must invest in the development of secondary airports that will support increased activity in the LCC sector.

  • Mobilisation work begins on Saudi domestic airports

    The local Al-Mabani has begun work on three airports in the kingdom.

  • Money supply in Qatar up 13 per cent

    Money supply in Qatar has risen by 13.2 per cent in the first three months of the year, indicating that inflation is likely to rise further as more cash enters the economy.

  • More rotating towers planned for Dubai

    Local developer 360 Degree Time World plans to build a tower in Dubai that will rotate 360 degrees in seven days.

  • More super high-rise towers planned for Reem Island

    Kuwait-based Dar al-Dhabi Real Estate Company has invited selected companies to prequalify for the main building works for two super high rise towers on Reem Island in Abu Dhabi emirate.

  • MOROCCO TENDER: Environmental and social impact study

    Provision of consultancy services comprising an environmental and social impact study. Closing date: 30 June 2008

  • MOROCCO TENDER: Power extension project

    Provision of a study for and carrying out 60-kV power extension works. Closing date: 23 July 2008

  • MOROCCO TENDER: Power lines

    Provision of a study for and construction of 400-kV overhead power lines. Closing date: 30 July 2008

  • MOROCCO TENDER: Solid waste private sector participation strategy

    Provision of consultancy services for the development of a private sector participation strategy in the solid waste sector. Closing date: 30 June 2008

  • Municipality plans Dubai Sports Complex

    Dubai Municipality (DM) has invited contractors to express an interest in a contract to build a sports complex in the city.

  • Nakheel approaches contractors for Palm buildings

    Local real estate developer Nakheel has invited selected companies to express interest in a contract to build two residential towers on the Palm Jebel.

  • Nakheel awards construction contract for Trump tower

    The local/ South African joint venture of Al-Habtoor Engineering Enterprises and Murray & Roberts Contractors (Middle East) has been awarded the AED2.9bn ($790m) contract to build the Trump International hotel and tower on the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai.

  • Nakheel evaluates bids for Port Rashid dredging

    Local real estate developer Nakheel is evaluating bids for the reclamation contract on the Port Rashid redevelopment in Dubai.

  • Nakheel invites bids for Palm Deira treatment plant

    Local developer Nakheel has invited companies to bid by 6 August for the contract to build the first phase sewage treatment plant for Palm Deira.

  • Nakheel joins forces with Dubai Islamic Bank

    Dubai-based developer Nakheel and Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) have formed a joint venture property company to develop projects in the UAE.

  • Nakheel prepares to issue tender for Palm Jebel Ali bridge

    Local developer Nakheel is preparing to issue tender documents for the contract to build the landmark bridge that will connect the Palm Jebel Ali with the mainland.

  • National Contracting bids low for Manifa substation

    The local National Contracting Company (NCC) is low bidder at SR530m ($141m) for a contract to build a 380kV substation at Manifa for the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC).

  • National Engineering Bureau to be consultant on Palm project

    The local National Engineering Bureau (NEB) has been appointed design consultant for two proposed projects on Palm Jebel Ali.

  • NBAD arranges loan for Al-Farida

    National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) has arranged an AED450m ($122.5m) syndicated term loan facility for Al-Farida Investments, the UAE-based investment conglomerate, to help fund the firm's expansion.

  • NBAD signs $240m finance deal

    National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) has signed a AED875m ($238m) lease finance agreement with Falcon Aviation Services (FAS), for the firm’s purchase of 23 new corporate jets and helicopters.

  • NBK Capital invests in Saudi car rental

    NBK Capital has bought a 40 per cent stake in the Saudi car rental and transport group Al-Tala'a International Transportation Company (Hanco).

  • New measurements agreed

    The Emirates Standardisation and Metrology Authority has announced that it has approved 500 set standard specifications for the UAE at its first directors' meeting. Of the approved measures 492 are GCC unified specifications.

  • Nexans and El-Sewedy to build power cable plants in Qatar

    France’s Nexans and Egypt’s El-Sewedy Cables have announced plans to build power cable plants in Qatar.

  • Nikki Beach to open in Saraya

    Saraya Islands has signed a management agreement with Nikki Beach EMEA Hotels and Resorts Limited, for its operation of a five-star resort in Al Boum Island at Saraya Islands in Ras Al Khaimah. The Nikki Beach Resort and Spa is expected to open by 2011 and will accommodate 140 sea view rooms and suites, a club and pool bar, spa and fitness facilities, VIP lounges, signature restaurants, and about 160 serviced residences.

  • Nine apply for Oman airport job

    Nine local and international contractors have submitted prequalification applications for the main construction contract to build an airport at Ras al-Hadd, about 200 kilometres southwest of Muscat.

  • North Africa signs fertiliser production agreements

    Morocco, Algeria and Libya have signed agreements that will substantially increase their fertiliser and ammonia production capacity.

  • Nuzul launches Somerset in Doha

    Nuzul Qatar has launched its first deluxe serviced apartment venture, the Somerset West Bay, located in Doha's Diplomatic Area. The 200 two and three-bedroom serviced residences are being managed by Ascott International.

  • Occidental receives approval for Qatar oil field

    The US’ Occidental Petroleum has received approval from Qatar Petroleum (QP) for the third-phase development of the Idd al-Shargi north dome, which is aimed at increasing production to about 145,000 barrels a day (b/d).

  • Oil backs off record as Saudi calls for pricing summit

    Oil prices hovered around the $133 mark on 12 June, nearly $7 shy of the previous week’s all-time record, as concerns lingered over a lack of crude supplies to the market.

  • Oil market awaits Saudi pricing summit as prices hold

    Oil prices hovered around the $133 mark on 19 June, nearly $7 shy of the all-time record set earlier in the week, after China said it would raise gasoline and diesel prices.

  • Oil nears record on fear of Libya production cut

    Oil rose by $3 on 26 June to near record levels, after Opec’s president predicted crude could hit $170 in the next few months and Libya said it may cut its production.

  • Oil prices fall from record highs

    Oil prices fell back from record highs on 5 June to just over $123 a barrel, with weekly supply figures in the US showing refiners had increased oil products stocks.

  • Oman Air adds Kozhikode route

    Oman Air has launched services to the southern Indian city of Kozhikode, its ninth destination in India. The carrier now has a network to 26 destinations worldwide. India's technology hub Bangalore will be added to the network on June 15.

  • Oman Air flies to Bangalore

    Oman Air has launched services to Bangalore, the airline's 10th destination in India. There will be five flights to Bangalore each week.

  • Oman Air plans more flights to India

    Oman Air is planning to add up to four new destinations in India to its network over the coming months.

  • Oman bitumen plant faces retender

    The contract to build a new bitumen plant at the 116,000-barrel-a-day Sohar refinery is likely to have to be rebid or retendered after only one company submitted an offer by the 2 June deadline.

  • Oman issues tender for Sohar airport

    A tender has been issued for a construction package at the new Sohar airport in Oman.

  • Oman issues three tenders for Duqm drydock

    The Oman Drydock Company has issued three new tenders for the continued development of the facilities at Duqm.

  • Oman plans more airports

    Omani authorities have announced construction works are expected to begin later this year for two new greenfield airports in the country, reported Gulf News. An international airport at Duqm in the Wusta region is now under construction while a modest-sized airport facility at Ras Al Hadd in the Sharqiya region is on queue to cater to eco-tourism resorts planned in the area. Sohar, Haima, Adam and Shaleem are also eyed for greenfield airports in the future.

  • Oman pushes back Salalah power project bid deadline

    The state-owned Oman Power & Water Procurement Company has extended the bid deadline to 16 June for the concession to develop the Salalah independent water and power project (IWPP) in the south of the sultanate.

  • Oman retenders contract to build Duqm plant

    Oman’s Rural Areas Electricity Company has retendered the project to build a power plant at Duqm, on the Gulf of Masirah in the east of the country.

  • OMAN TENDER: Agricultural sprayers

    Supply and distribution of 1,000 high-pressure agricultural sprayers. Closing date: 14 July 2008

  • OMAN TENDER: Agricultural sprayers

    Supply and distribution of 1,000 high-pressure agricultural sprayers. Closing date: 14 July 2008

  • OMAN TENDER: Airport airfield infrastructure

    Provision of airfield infrastructure for an airport. Closing date: 21 July 2008

  • OMAN TENDER: Airport civil works

    Carrying out civil works at the new Sohar airport. Closing date: 1 September 2008

  • OMAN TENDER: Compressor station EPC

    Engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of a compressor station. Closing date: 11 August 2008

  • OMAN TENDER: Compressor station services

    Engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of a compressor station. Closing date: 11 August 2008

  • OMAN TENDER: Electric power equipment

    Design, manufacture, installation and commissioning of electric power equipment. Closing date: 28 July 2008

  • OMAN TENDER: Flood protection dam

    Construction of a flood protection dam. Closing date: 7 July 2008

  • OMAN TENDER: FM transmitters

    Supply, delivery, installation and commissioning of FM transmitters. Closing date: 11 August 2008

  • OMAN TENDER: Heavy lifting and transportation equipment

    Supply of heavy lifting and transportation equipment. Closing date: 28 July 2008

  • OMAN TENDER: High-pressure agricultural sprayers

    Supply and distribution of 1,000 high-pressure agricultural sprayers. Closing date: 14 July 2008

  • OMAN TENDER: Hotel development consultancy services

    Provision of architectural/lead design consultancy services for the development of a hotel. Closing date: 28 July 2008

  • OMAN TENDER: Power line diversion

    Diversion of 132-kV power lines. Closing date: 7 July 2008

  • OMAN TENDER: Power network interconnection feeders

    Supply of power network interconnection feeders. Closing date: 28 July 2008

  • OMAN TENDER: Power plant EPC

    Engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of a power plant. Closing date: 25 August 2008

  • OMAN TENDER: Power plant EPC

    Engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of a power plant. Closing date: 25 August 2008

  • OMAN TENDER: Power plant project

    Engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of a power plant. Closing date: 25 August 2008

  • OMAN TENDER: Power plant system EPC

    Engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of an 11/33-kV system for a power plant. Closing date: 25 August 2008

  • OMAN TENDER: Recharge dam construction

    Construction of recharge dams. Closing date: 4 August 2008

  • OMAN TENDER: Road construction

    Construction of a road. Closing date: 4 August 2008

  • OMAN TENDER: Road consultancy

    Provision of consultancy services comprising the design of an asphalt road. Closing date: 4 August 2008

  • OMAN TENDER: Single-jib cranes

    Design, manufacture, installation and commissioning of single-jib cranes. Closing date: 28 July 2008

  • OMAN TENDER: Substation construction

    Construction of a 132-kV substation. Closing date: 26 July 2008

  • OMAN TENDER: Telecoms customer premise equipment routers

    Supply and installation of telecoms customer premise equipment routers. Closing date: 7 July 2008

  • OMAN TENDER: Vehicles

    Supply and delivery of vehicles. Closing date: 28 July 2008

  • Oman tenders two wastewater engineering deals

    The Oman Wastewater Services Company (OWSC) has tendered two major contracts covering the design and project management of two wastewater projects close to Muscat.

  • Oman to add berths to Port of Salalah

    The Government of Oman has signed an agreement with Port of Salalah for the construction and operation of 3 additional deepwater container berths, which will give the port a total of 9 berths totaling 3,555 metres in length. Berth 7-9 is the first stage of terminal 2 and will encompass 1,350 metres quay wall and add additional 3 million TEU (twenty foot container equivalent unit) to the annual capacity. Berth 7 is expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2011, with berth 8 and 9 sch

  • Omantel agrees on $205m loan facility

    Omantel, the largest mobile operator in Oman, has agreed on a $205m credit facility in its first major attempt to finance itself using the debt markets.

  • Oneworld to launch online booking

    Oneworld, the airline alliance with members based in the Middle East, South America, and Australia, plans to launch its online booking facility by the end of this year, reported Gulf News. The facility will initially be offered on Oneworld Explorer, the multi-airline ticket booking facility. This will enable passengers to use the flights of any of Oneworld's ten member airlines and 20 affiliates, who serve 700 destinations in 150 countries.

  • Orascom receives $1.2bn for Iraq business

    Orascom Telecom, the Egyptian telecoms company, has received $1.2bn from the Kuwaiti firm Zain for its Iraqi business Iraqna.

  • Orascom wins Skikda gas construction work

    The US’ KBR has awarded a sub-contract to Egypt’s Orascom Construction Industries on Sonatrach’s new 4.5 million-tonne-a-year liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant at Skikda in the north-east of Algeria.

  • P&O Maritime sets up in Dubai

    P&O Maritime Services, DP World's wholly owned, Australia-based subsidiary has expanded into the Middle East to provide its services at Jebel Ali terminal and throughout the UAE, reported Gulf News. As a specialist vessel fleet manager, owner and operator, P&O Maritime Services will offer crewing and maintenance of more than 20 vessels including tug boats, pilot boats and line boats, both in-harbour and offshore.

  • Passengers stranded

    The UK's Civil Aviation Authority has said that close to 10,000 passengers have been affected by the collapse of business-class only airline Silverjet. The carrier's last service left the UK for Dubai yesterday morning but customers with tickets for cancelled flights have been told to make alternative arrangements.

  • Penspen wins trans-emirates pipeline work

    The UK’s Penspen has won a contract to carry out detailed engineering on the Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Pipeline (Adcop) aimed at transporting crude from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah on the federation’s east coast.

  • Petronas concerned over Iran gas deal

    Malaysian energy company Petronas has revealed it may delay or possibly cancel its gas project in Iran because of rampant inflation.

  • Prestige Jet hires Palm Aviation

    Palm Aviation has clinched a deal with Prestige Jet to provide ground handling services and logistical support for all Prestige Jet flights worldwide. Palm Aviation is internationally certified to obtain global over-flight and landing permits, as well as global fuelling and ground handling, weather forecasts, computerized flight plans, and ATC flight plans.

  • Qatar Airways agrees $900m loan

    Qatar Airways has agreed to $900m loans to purchase six new Boeing aircraft, MEED has reported. The financing deal is being arranged by Calyon, Arab Bank, European Arab Bank, ING Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui, Standard Chartered Bank, BNP Paribas and Deutsche Bank.

  • Qatar and Shell to invest $70m researching carbon storage projects

    Qatar Petroleum is to jointly invest up to $70m with the UK/Dutch Shell Group in researching carbon dioxide storage projects in the Middle East, including the development of potential sites in the gas-rich state.

  • Qatar inflation rises after food hikes

    Qatar’s inflation rate increased to 14.75 per cent for the three months to the end of March due to a continued surge in rents and food prices.

  • Qatar invites bids for Al-Shaheen refinery

    Qatar Petroleum (QP) has invited contractors to bid for the main construction package on its $5bn Al-Shaheen refinery.

  • Qatar issues Dukhan engineering tender

    Qatar Petroleum (QP) has issued a procurement and engineering tender covering its onshore Dukhan field, as part of an upgrade of existing facilities.

  • Qatar issues offshore oil construction tender

    Qatar Petroleum (QP) has issued a construction services tender covering its offshore fields as part of a three-year deal.

  • Qatar keeps steel price

    Qatar Steel announced it will maintain steel selling prices during the third quarter of 2008 to the level of the second quarter, reported The Peninsula. However, priority will be given to the local market at all times by providing the company's distributors with the required quantities. A Qatar Steel official said the initiative aims to limit the inflation rate and aid the construction industry in the country.

  • QATAR TENDER: Aircraft warning lights and overhead lines

    Supply of aircraft warning lights and sphere overhead lines. Closing date: 6 July 2008

  • QATAR TENDER: Electrical substation civil maintenance

    Carrying out electrical substation civil maintenance works. Closing date: 15 June 2008

  • QATAR TENDER: Electricity distribution network works

    Carrying out electricity distribution network works. Closing date: 29 June 2008

  • QATAR TENDER: Indoor switchgear

    Supply of indoor switchgear. Closing date: 6 July 2008

  • QATAR TENDER: Irrigation line flow meter

    Supply and installation of a flow meter for an irrigation line. Closing date: 14 July 2008

  • QATAR TENDER: Lake and sanitaryware storage facility

    Provision of engineering, procurement, installation and commissioning (EPIC) services for a proposed lake and sanitaryware storage facility. Closing date: 6 July 2008

  • QATAR TENDER: NGL plant shutdown works

    Carrying out shutdown works for natural gas liquids (NGL) plants. Closing date: 6 July 2008

  • QATAR TENDER: Oil and gas flowline post weld heat treatment

    Carrying out post weld heat treatment works to oil and gas flowlines. Closing date: 27 July 2008

  • QATAR TENDER: Oil field modification works

    Provision of engineering, procurement, installation and commissioning (EPIC) services for modification works in oil fields. Closing date: 20 July 2008

  • QATAR TENDER: Oil well slot manifold EPIC services

    Provision of engineering, procurement, installation and commissioning (EPIC) services for the creation of slot manifolds at a degassing station. Closing date: 27 July 2008

  • QATAR TENDER: Refinery shutdown maintenance services

    Provision of turnaround maintenance shutdown services at a refinery’s facilities. Closing date: 27 July 2008

  • QATAR TENDER: Road upgrade

    Upgrading of roads. Closing date: 20 July 2008

  • QATAR TENDER: Roads, sewerage and earthworks project

    Carrying out a road, sewerage and earthworks project. Closing date: 19 August 2008

  • QATAR TENDER: Sewer extensions and house connections

    Provision of sewer extensions and house connections. Closing date: 30 June 2008

  • QATAR TENDER: Sewer extensions and house connections (Al-Salata)

    Provision of sewer extensions and house connections. Closing date: 30 June 2008

  • QATAR TENDER: Survey equipment materials

    Supply of survey equipment materials. Closing date: 14 July 2008

  • Qatar tenders for barley

    Eureopean traders said Qatar's state purchasing agency is tendering to buy 30,000 tonnes of feed barley, cited Reuters. There is no mention of shipping date but bidding had been closed and prices were in consideration. Tightening global grain supplies are cited as reasons for grain tenders recently in the Middle East. An Abu Dhabi mill has tendered in April while Oman plans wheat tender in July.

  • Qatar waits a month delay on 777

    Delivery of Qatar Airways' next Boeing 777 has been delayed by a month, The Peninsula has reported. Qatar Airways will now have to wait until August for its next 777, supposedly delivered this July. However, the report mentioned the delay will have no effect on the airline's operations in factors related to scheduling and deployment of aircraft on various routes.

  • Qatari Diar and Hochtief form construction joint venture

    Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company has signed an agreement with Germany’s Hochtief to form a joint venture to provide construction services on Qatari Diar projects.

  • Qtel edges closer to takeover of Indonesian phone operator

    Qtel, the Qatari telecoms company, says it plans to acquire a majority stake in Indonesia's second-largest mobile phone operator after completing the acquisition of a 40.8 per cent stake of PT Indosat in a $1.8bn deal on 23 June.

  • RAK to launch bus service

    The UAE emirate of Ras Al Khaimah plans to start bus services within the three months, reported Gulf News. The emirate's Transport Authority said the new services will connect various places in the emirate and will also connect Ras Al Khaimah with the rest of the UAE.

  • Ras al-Khaimah launches offshore development

    The UAE emirate of Ras al-Khaimah has launched an offshore mixed-use development.

  • RasGas awards gas turbine service deal

    US-based GE Oil & Gas has signed a multi-million-dollar contract with Ras Laffan Liquefied Natural Gas Company (RasGas) to service trains 6 and 7 of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) development and phase 2 of its Al-Khaleej gas development.

  • RBS and Riyad Bank win Ras Tanura advisory deal

    Royal bank of Scotland (RBS) and Riyad Bank have been appointed as joint financial advisers for the $25bn Ras Tanura refinery and petrochemicals project being developed by Saudi Aramco and the US-based Dow Chemical Company, according to a source close to the deal.

  • Regional airlines fall behind on transparency

    Middle East airlines are lagging behind global industry leaders when it comes to reporting a wider range of company information, research has revealed.

  • Rezidor launces 50th hotel in MEAO region

    The Rezidor Hotel Group has announced its 50th property in operation or under development in the MEAO-region (Middle East, Africa & Others). The latest offering from the Sweden-based hotel group is the Radisson Dubai Trade Centre District, a 450-room property scheduled to open end of 2011. 'Our pipeline in this area now features almost 13,000 rooms, and we are having 8 hotels in Dubai alone', said Kurt Ritter, President & CEO of Rezidor.

  • Riyadh authority issues tender for construction of museums

    A tender is to be issued for construction work at Atturaif, close to Riyadh, one of Saudi Arabia’s major cultural sites.

  • Riyadh issues tender for Yanbu waterfront work

    The Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu has issued a tender for the construction and site development of the waterfront at Yanbu.

  • Riyadh to launch industrial development in a prison

    A new industrial development is to be launched in a prison close to the Saudi Arabian capital.

  • Rotem wins Oman sewage plant

    South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem has won the RO77.6m ($201.8m) contract to build a sewage treatment plant at Seeb, near the capital.

  • Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu awards $107m electrical contract

    Saudi Services for Electro Mechanic Works has been awarded a SR400m ($107m) contract for electrical works at Jubail 2.

  • Royal Commission issues packages for Jubail and Yanbu

    The Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu has issued packages for four more construction contracts in the two cities.

  • Royal Jordanian passenger load up 30%

    Royal Jordanian has reported a 30% rise in the number of passengers it carried in May compared to May 2007. The airline carried 215,000 passengers in May this year, against 166,000 in May last year and its seat factor average rose from 64% to 70%. The carrier said its passenger numbers rose 21% during the first five months of 2008, while its fuel expenses rose 91% year-on-year.

  • Royal Jordanian passenger numbers increase despite soaring fuel costs

    Royal Jordanian has revealed that its passenger numbers for May rose 30 per cent year-on-year, despite the impact of soaring fuel costs.

  • Royal Jordanian to increase fuel hedging to tackle rising costs

    Royal Jordanian will seek to substantially increase its advance purchasing of fuel in the coming months, to stave of the effects of rising fuel costs.

  • RTA awards 5th contract for Parallel Rd

    The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority announced the awarding of the fifth contract of Parallel Roads Project (parallel to Sheikh Zayed Road), worth Dhs1.7bn. Phase V is the most expensive phase in the Parallel Roads project, which includes ten phases. Five contracts have been awarded and four are under construction. The total value of contracts awarded in Parallel Roads Project reached to more than Dhs6.2bn.

  • RTA begins Dubai-Sharjah night buses

    The Public Transport Agency at Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) announced that night bus services between Dubai and Sharjah are now operational. The service started earlier this month, and runs from 11:00pm and through to 05:30am.

  • RTA promises more roads

    The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority has said that it will finalise a number of road and bridge projects worth Dhs5m in the coming months. The projects include the Arabian Ranches Interchange, Phases 3 (A & B) of Ras Al Khor Project; the upper deck of the Finance Center Road, Dubai Bypass Road, Al Nahda Bridge and Wafi Center; Phase I & II of the widening of Al Ittihad Project, Jumeirah Lakes Interchange, and landscaping of Zaabeel, Jumeirah and others.

  • Sabic gains after expansion into China

    Sabic was one of the few winners in a dismal week for the Middle East’s largest stocks.

  • Sabic signs $3.7bn phospate deal

    Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (Sabic) has signed agreements with Maaden Phosphate Company in Riyadh, reported Arab News. The $3.7bn deal will develop the substantial phosphate deposits at Al-Jalamid and utilize local natural gas and sulfur resources to manufacture diammonium phosphate.

  • Salmiya Park construction tender to be issued in August

    The tender for the main construction package for Kuwait’s Salmiya Park project is expected to be issued in mid-August, according to sources involved in the project.

  • Sama flies to Sharm El-Sheikh

    Sama Airlines has commenced services to Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt. Thee flights are scheduled every Wednesday and Friday from Riyadh, and every Saturday, Tuesday, and Thursday from Jeddah. Sama flies to 10 international destinations, including Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Amman, Damascus, Latakia, Aleppo, Beirut, Alexandria, Asiut and Sharm el Sheikh.

  • Saudi Arabia hosts oil price summit

    Saudi Arabia is hosting an international energy conference to discuss the oil crisis and to look at ways of bringing rising prices under control.

  • SAUDI ARABIA TENDER: Building construction

    Construction of a building. Closing date: 7 July 2008

  • SAUDI ARABIA TENDER: Corrosion repair and protective works

    Carrying out corrosion repair and protective works. Closing date: 29 July 2008

  • SAUDI ARABIA TENDER: Environmental control services

    Provision of environmental control services. Closing date: 5 August 2008

  • SAUDI ARABIA TENDER: Housing construction

    Procurement and construction of 123 housing units. Closing date: 3 August 2008

  • SAUDI ARABIA TENDER: Port gate development

    Development of a port’s main gate. Closing date: 19 August 2008

  • SAUDI ARABIA TENDER: Port gate development project

    Development of a port’s main gate. Closing date: 19 August 2008

  • SAUDI ARABIA TENDER: Power plant security system

    Provision of a security system for a power plant. Closing date: 28 June 2008

  • SAUDI ARABIA TENDER: Road asphalting

    Asphalting of roads. Closing date: 23 June 2008

  • SAUDI ARABIA TENDER: Road maintenance

    Maintenance of a road. Closing date: 19 July 2008

  • SAUDI ARABIA TENDER: Site development works (phase 2)

    Carrying out site development works. Closing date: 12 August 2008

  • SAUDI ARABIA TENDER: Technical institute and industrial college equipment O&M

    Operation and maintenance (O&M) of equipment for a technical institute and an industrial college. Closing date: 4 August 2008

  • SAUDI ARABIA TENDER: Training centre

    Development of a training centre. Closing date: 11 August 2008

  • SAUDI ARABIA TENDER: Wastewater pipelines and pumping station

    Installation of wastewater pipelines and construction of a pumping station.Closing date: 7 July 2008

  • SAUDI ARABIA TENDER: Water pipelines

    Installation of pipelines and water sub-networks. Closing date: 28 July 2008

  • SAUDI ARABIA TENDER: Waterfront construction and site development

    Carrying out construction and site development works for a waterfront. Closing date: 10 August 2008

  • SAUDI ARABIA TENDER: Wireless communications network

    Installation of a wireless communications network. Closing date: 12 July 2008

  • Saudi Arabian Airlines to buy 787s and A330s

    State-owned carrier Saudi Arabian Airlines has committed to buying 12 Boeing 787 airliners and eight Airbus A330 models, valued at $3.2bn, reported Bloomberg. The airline, which has already placed an order for as many as 50 single-aisle A320s from Airbus, is aiming for a 70-aircraft fleet within a decade, according to its Director General Khalid Almulhim.

  • Saudi Freyssinet tipped for Headquarters Business Park contract

    Saudi Freyssinet looks set to secure the SR800m ($213m) contract for the Headquarters Business Park in Jeddah.

  • Saudi inflation holds steady at over 10 per cent

    Inflation in Saudi Arabia has stabilised at 10.4 per cent in May, a slight fall from a more than 30 year high of 10.5 per cent in the previous month.

  • Saudi inks deals for highways

    Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Transport has signed major agreements with 12 private sector companies for construction of highways in eight regions in the kingdom, reported Arab News. Highways that will be developed are leading to Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, Al-Qassim , Jouf, Jizan, Tabuk and Asir.

  • Saudi invests in food abroad

    Saudi Arabia has revealed plans to invest in large-scale overseas agricultural projects to secure food supplies, reported the Financial Times. The report mentioned Riyadh eyes Ukraine, Pakistan, Sudan, Turkey and Egypt as areas of investment to grow crops such as wheat, corn, rice, soyabeans and alfalfa, a feed for livestock.

  • Saudi Oger to complete work on Meridian Towers by end of 2008

    Saudi Oger is to complete work on the final six towers of the Meridian Towers development in Mecca by the end of 2008.

  • Saudi to cut steel exports

    Saudi Arabia will cut steel exports to neighbouring countries following a rise in domestic demand. The move, reported in local newspapers, mirrors a similar initiative last week which saw the kingdom slash cement exports.

  • Saudi tourism plan receives approval

    Saudi Arabia’s $38bn tourism strategy has been approved by the Council of Ministers.

  • Saudia announces summer fuel surcharge

    Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) will impose a surcharge on its international routes during the summer to ease its rising fuel costs.

  • Saudia to open women-only branches

    Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) is to soon open exclusive ladies branches in Jeddah, Madinah and Dammam, reported Gulf News. The new branches will offer all the services being provided by other Saudia offices, including reservations and issuance of e-tickets, according to Khalid Al Molhem, director general of the airline. He said the carrier plans to open branches for women in other cities in the kingdom in the near future.

  • Second phase of residential community launched in King Abdullah Economic City

    Emaar, the Economic City has launched the second phase of the Esmeralda Suburb, located in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC).

  • Sharjah launches new traffic project

    The UAE emirate of Sharjah has launched a new traffic system that will monitor the duration of traffic lights based on the amount of congestion on the roads, reported Gulf News. Over 14 intersections and squares will be connected to the central control room at Sharjah Municipality that will also alert police if there is heavy congestion. The cost of the new system is Dhs25m ($6.8).

  • Sharjah’s Sahara Centre plans expansion

    An expansion is planned for the AED5bn ($1.36bn) Sahara City project in the emirate of Sharjah.

  • Sheikh Nasser dies in helicopter crash

    Sheikh Nasser bin Zayed al-Nahyan of the UAE has died in a helicopter crash.

  • Shibh al-Jazira tipped to land $100m infrastructure contract

    Saudi firm Shibh al-Jazira Contracting Company has been tipped to sign a SR375m ($100m) infrastructure contract for a road scheme in Jeddah.

  • Ship shortage may hike rates

    Shipping costs for Middle East crude to Asia may climb for a 16th day because of a shortage of ships, Bloomberg has reported. Only 22 double-hulled very large crude carriers, or VLCCs are available for hire within the next 30 days, a shortage of eight tankers required, said the report.

  • Shortlist for Gate of Kuwait tower nears

    Kuwait's Al-Shaya Group will reveal the list of prequalified bidders to build the $260m 70-storey Gate of Kuwait tower next week.

  • Shuaa to develop Saudi hotels

    Shuaa Capital Saudi Arabia has signed a master agreement with Rotana Hotel Management Corporation to develop about 17 hotels and serviced apartments. The $533m Sharia compliant closed-end fund will operate under the name Shuaa Saudi Hospitality Fund I, and will develop hotels across Saudi Arabia.

  • Silverjet close to being rescued

    Business-class-only airline Silverjet may return to the skies after a company managed by a Swiss trust agreed to buy the carrier out of administration. A formal offer for the airline, which flies from Luton to New York and Dubai, was made by Kingplace, a company registered in the Irish Republic that is controlled by Heritage, an investment group based in Switzerland. A statement from Begbies Traynor, the administrator handling the sale, said that the offer by Kingplace was being made on behal

  • Silverjet may be sold next week

    Silverjet, the London-based business-class airline that suspended operations last week, may be sold as early as Monday, reported Reuters. Nigel Atkinson, of administrators Begbies Traynor, said the the airline has received two offers from potential buyers. Silverjet operated three carriers between London, New York and Dubai.

  • Snamprogetti signs Kuwait gas station deal

    Italy's Snamprogetti has signed a KD179m ($676m) contract to build gas booster station 160 for Kuwait Oil Company (KOC), after the Central Tenders Committee approved its offer in May.

  • SNC Lavalin wins Algerian desalination deal

    Canada’s SNC Lavalin has won an estimated $150m contract to design and build the Tipaza desalination plant on Algeria’s north coast.

  • SriLankan adds flights to ME

    SriLankan Airlines is adding more flights to the Middle East in hopes of attracting more tourists from the region to the South Asian country. With this initiative, SriLankan will have 37 weekly connections to nine cities in the Middle East - Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Bahrain, Doha, Muscat, Dammam, Riyadh, Jeddah and Kuwait. Additional flights are to three cities - Doha which increases from the present 4 flights up to 6; Bahrain which goes from 5 to 7; and Dammam which will have 3 flights, up from the

  • Standard Chartered Bank economist criticises Gulf policies

    Standard Chartered Bank’s chief economist Gerard Lyons said at a briefing in Dubai on 5 December that the economic policies of Gulf governments were off course.

  • SUDAN TENDER: Diesel generators

    Supply of diesel generators as part of a livestock and fisheries project. Closing date: 9 July 2008

  • SUDAN TENDER: Road project consultancy services

    Provision of consultancy services for road projects. Closing date: 30 June 2008

  • SUDAN TENDER: Vehicles and mobile veterinary clinics

    Supply of vehicles, motor cycles and mobile veterinary clinics. Closing date: 15 July 2008

  • Sungwon to build $466m Dubai road

    South Korean builder Sungwon Corp has won a $465.6m from the Dubai government to build a road in the emirate, reported Reuters. No details were provided about where the road will be located.

  • Swiss firm to buy stake in Desert Adventures

    Swiss travel company Kuoni Reisen Holding has agreed to buy an 80% stake in Dubai-based Desert Adventures Tourism together with a local partner, reported Bloomberg. The remaining portion of the company will be held by Desert Adventures' current managing director. Desert Adventures Tourism has operations in the UAE, Oman, Qatar and Bahrain.

  • SYRIA TENDER: Compressing truck

    Supply of a compressing truck. Closing date: 26 June 2008

  • Taameer Jordan plans $2bn tourist project in Aqaba

    Taameer Jordan Holdings has unveiled a JD1.5bn ($2.12bn) project to redevelop the Aqaba Special Economic Zone and build a new tourist resort on the site.

  • Tameer forms alliance to build Abu Dhabi towers

    Sharjah-based Tameer Holding has formed an alliance with the joint venture of the local Al-Habtoor Engineering Enterprises, South Africa's Murray & Roberts Contractors (Middle East) and Saudi-based Al-Rahji Contracting for the construction of the Tameer Towers project on Reem island in Abu Dhabi.

  • Taqa partners with Theolia for Moroccan wind farm

    Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa) and France’s Theolia have signed a strategic partnership to develop renewable energy in Morocco.

  • Tender issued for flood protection scheme in Oman

    A tender has been issued for a consultant to conduct a feasibility study and undertake thedetailed design of a flood protection dam scheme in the Hilti-Salahi catchments in Oman.

  • Tender issued for Muscat Court complex

    A tender has been issued for a new government building in Oman’s capital Muscat.

  • Tender issued for Oman power plant

    A tender has been issued for the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract for a power plant in Oman.

  • Tenders issued for Mina Al-Arab villas

    Local developer RAK Properties has invited companies to bid by 16 July for a contract to build 500 villas at the Mina al-Arab development in Ras al-Khaimah.

  • The Address hotels complete structural work

    Emaar Hospitality Group has announced progress in developing its first two hotel projects under The Address Hotels & Resorts roster. The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai is over 90% complete and The Address, Dubai Mall also located within Downtown Burj Dubai is 70% complete. The structural work has been finished and cladding and interior fittings are ongoing.

  • Three line up for Ras al-Zour

    Saudi Arabia’s Water & Electricity Company (WEC) has opened bids from three consortiums vying for the 850 - 1100MW 220 million gallon a day Ras al-Zour independent water and power project.

  • Traffic up by 39% in Abu Dhabi airport

    Abu Dhabi Airport has said that over 3.5 million passengers travelled through the airport from January to May this year, showing a growth of 39.2% compared to the previous year's performance. The top five city destinations served from Abu Dhabi in May, representing 17.1% of total passenger numbers, are Doha, London, Cairo, Bahrain and Manila.

  • Travel Exhibition opens

    Kuwait's Travel Market Exhibition opened its doors yesterday, with representatives from 40 international hotel chains and destinations in attendance. At the launch Boodai Aviation Group announced that it would be adding several new destinations to its portfolio, including Brazil, Mexico, New Zealand, and South Korea.

  • Trump's NY hotel on sale in UAE

    The Trump organisation has launched the sale of its penthouses in the Trump Soho Hotel Condominium New York exclusively in the UAE. The 400-hotel condominium units will have 141 deluxe suites, 253 studio suites, five penthouse suites and one Presidential Suite. Prodigy International is the exclusive sales and marketing organisation for Trump Soho Hotel Condominium.

  • Turkish firm invites contractors to prequalify for Libya drilling work

    Turkish Petroleum Overseas Company (TPOC) has invited contractors to prequalify for drilling services deals in Libya’s Sirte and Murzuq regions as part of the second phase of its exploration programme.

  • Two fast lanes closed on Shaikh Zayed Road

    Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority is partially closing two fast lanes on Shaikh Zayed Road in both directions between interchanges 4 and 5, till 5am on Sunday. This has been done for the construction of a pedestrian crossing.

  • Two firms bid for Ras al-Zour power plant

    Two companies have submitted bids for the 2,400MW Ras al-Zour captive power plant project.

  • UAE money supply rises 8 per cent

    Money supply in the UAE rose by 8.4 per cent in the first quarter of 2008, indicating that the burgeoning level of capital in the economy will continue to put upward pressure on inflation.

  • UAE TENDER: Cable laying works

    Carrying out cable laying works at five substations. Closing date: 18 June 2008

  • UAE TENDER: Cable laying works (closing date extension)

    Carrying out cable laying works at five substations. New closing date: 2 July 2008

  • UAE TENDER: Distributed control centre (339)

    Construction of a distributed control centre. Closing date: 10 July 2008

  • UAE TENDER: Distributed control centre (348)

    Construction of a distributed control centre. Closing date: 10 July 2008

  • UAE TENDER: FGRP kiosks

    Supply of outdoor FGRP kiosks. Closing date: 28 July 2008

  • UAE TENDER: Medical equipment

    Supply of medical equipment for a hospital. Closing date: 21 July 2008

  • UAE TENDER: Power and desalination plant (Rebid)

    Construction of a power and desalination plant. Closing date: 8 July 2008

  • UAE TENDER: Power station staff accommodation

    Supply and installation of portable cabins for staff members at a power station. Closing date: 13 July 2008

  • UAE TENDER: Solar power project feasibility study

    Carrying out a feasibility study for a solar power project. Closing date: 21 July 2008

  • UAE TENDER: Substations and cable laying works

    Supply and installation of substations and carrying out cable laying works. Closing date: 30 June 2008

  • UAE TENDER: Water transmission pipelines

    Supply, installation, testing and commissioning of water transmission pipelines. Closing date: 13 August 2008

  • UAE to ban old cars from roads

    The UAE will no longer allow vehicles older than 20 years on its roads from January, reported Khaleej Times. A senior official at the Ministry of Interior said licences for cars manufactured before 1988 would not be renewed, while the import of cars manufactured five years earlier would be banned. The licences of cars manufactured 15 years ago would also not be renewed from January 2010, he added.

  • UK paint contracting firm eyes UAE

    The biggest paint contracting company in the UK, Bell Group, said it is considering possible expansion in the Middle East to tap the opportunities of booming construction business in Dubai. The organisation, which specialises in top end decorating and protecting of new buildings, is looking to expand its operation outside Britain for the first time.

  • UK raises UAE terror threat level

    A travel advisory raising the terrorism threat level in the UAE to 'high' has been issued by the UK Foreign Office. The warning has been prefaced with an assurance that the vast majority of visits to the country are trouble free. Over 120,000 UK citizens currently reside in the UAE and over one million travel there annually.

  • US bourse to buy stake in Doha Securities Market

    The US stock exchange group NYSE Euronext is to buy a 25 per cent stake in the Doha Securities Market for $250m.

  • US firm wins Kuwaiti rig deals

    The US’ Nabors Drilling International has won two major contracts, totaling more than KD60m ($223m), for the supply of two deep drilling rigs to state upstream operator Kuwait Oil Company (KOC).

  • Virgin offers Silverjet fare deal

    Virgin Atlantic is offering stranded Silverjet passengers special fares to reach their destinations. The offer is only valid for those holding tickets for travel between May 30 and June 30. Upper Class from Dubai to London will cost AED4,500.

  • Vodafone Qatar to float on Doha market by October

    Vodafone Qatar, the holder of the second mobile phone licence in Qatar, will float 40 per cent of its shares on the Doha Securities Market by the end of October.

  • Volunteers needed to test new terminal

    Dubai Airports is looking for about 4,000 members of the public to participate in operational readiness trials this summer to test Dubai International Airport's new Terminal 3, which is dedicated to Emirates Airline, reported Khaleej Times. Volunteers will be given a script describing their role as a passenger in the trials, which are aimed at ensuring a smooth transfer to the new terminal. Those who want to participate in the trials can register at www.efast.ae/trials.

  • Wataniya Airways appoints Kipco to manage flotation

    Kuwait's Wataniya Airways has appointed Kipco Asset Management Company to oversee the company’s stock market flotation later this year.

  • Wataniya appoints new executive staff

    Kuwait's Wataniya Airways has announced the appointment of two new executive staff. Paul Sies was appointed as Chief Commercial Officer. and Chandrasekhar Nene has joined as Chief Information Officer. Sies, who has nearly two decades in the airline industry. moves to Kuwait from Belgium where he was Chief Commercial Officer for Center Parcs Europe. Nene brings 30 years of expertise in information technology. His aviation experience includes senior roles at Jet Airways, Kenya Airways, and mos

  • Westin Dubai has strong opening

    The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina has beat all forecast figures to record a 73% occupancy in its first month of operations, the company said in a statement. The 294 room property opened on May 11, marking the brand's entry into the Middle East market.

  • Work to start on Ajmakan masterplan

    Work is due to begin on the masterplan for Ajmakan, a 2 million square metre development in Riyadh.

  • Xjet sets up at Dubai World Central

    Private aviation service provider XJet World has inked a deal with Dubai World Central Aviation City to set up a fixed base operations facility for business and private aircraft, according to news reports. Xjet has put in an initial investment of $35m to set up the facility.

  • YEMEN TENDER: Communications network and IT equipment

    Supply of a communications network and IT equipment. Closing date: 9 July 2008

  • YEMEN TENDER: Leasing market demand assessment consultancy

    Provision of consultancy services for a leasing market demand assessment. Closing date: 30 June 2008

  • YEMEN TENDER: School furniture

    Supply of school furniture. Closing date: 27 July 2008

  • Yemenia to increase flights to the Gulf and India

    Yemen Airways (Yemenia) is preparing to expand its route network with new flights around the Gulf and to the Indian subcontinent later in 2008.

  • Zain Saudi Arabia to miss market share target, says EFG-Hermes

    Zain, the Kuwaiti mobile phone giant, will fail to hit its long-term target for the number of Saudi mobile users it signs up, according to Egyptian investment bank EFG-Hermes.

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