MEED
Melissa Hancock

Full contributor list at http://www.meed.com/melissa-hancock/41.contributor

Market Reform - A larger role for capital markets

Issue 53 31 December 2010 - 6 January 2011
Along with market consolidation, the next decade will see some radical changes made to the Gulf’s exchanges in a bid to draw in more international investors and boost liquidity
Arab Banking Corporation makes Libyan acquisition

16 December 2010, 10:43 GMT
Bahrain-based bank keen to strengthen presence in North Africa
Iran plans bond to fund South Pars gas field development

Issue 51 17-23 December 2010
First batch of $3bn bonds sold ahead of schedule
Iran's state-owned mobile operator to float 5 per cent stake

Issue 51 17-23 December 2010
Flotation to take place in week commencing 19 December
Iran: Oil well parts

14 December 2010, 15:54 GMT
Oil well travelling block parts required
Saudi Electricity Company signs $1.3bn loan with four local lenders

14 December 2010, 7:09 GMT
Loan has a tenor of 15 years
New chairman appointed for Dubai World

13 December 2010, 13:56 GMT
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum named new Dubai World chairman
Kuwait’s Global Investment House meets first-year debt repayment

12 December 2010, 14:36 GMT
Global makes $27m principal payment
Dubai's DIFC slashes rents by up to 50 per cent in bid to boost business

12 December 2010, 14:11 GMT
New rents benchmarked against global financial centres
Yearbook 2011: Capital Markets outlook - Gulf stock markets feel the strain

Supplement: MEED Yearbook 2011
Local stock exchanges struggle to gain investor support following the aftermath of the debt crisis
Saudi Arabia: Catering services

8 December 2010, 13:56 GMT
Provision of catering services for educational authority
Qtel mulls public offerings of Iraq and Tunisia units

8 December 2010, 13:11 GMT
Tunisian offering could happen in summer of 2011
Value of regional public offerings falls by 79 per cent

8 December 2010, 12:18 GMT
$177m of funds raised across Mena region in third quarter of 2010
UAE: GRP enclosures

8 December 2010, 11:34 GMT
Supply of GRP enclosures for an electricity & water authority
Kuwait: Communication system

8 December 2010, 11:32 GMT
Communication system to be used by Ministry for its foreign missions
Kuwait: Landscaping and irrigation

8 December 2010, 11:26 GMT
Provision of agricultural services at Bayan Palace and surrounding areas
Iran: Submarine pipelines

8 December 2010, 11:14 GMT
Pipelines to be installed between Balal production platform and Lavan Island
Wataniya Palestine offering attracted more than 11,000 investors

8 December 2010, 9:31 GMT
Funds raised for Palestine mobile operator floatation could hit $80m
UAE mobile retailer Axiom Telecom cancels initial public offering

7 December 2010, 9:48 GMT
Retailer blames weak market conditions for listing cancellation
World Cup will benefit all Qatari banks

7 December 2010, 5:38 GMT
Banks to benefit from new infrastructure projects and upgrading of transport systems
Gulf lenders look further afield

Issue 50 10-16 December 2010
With loan growth in GCC countries likely to remain subdued over the next couple of years, the broader region is becoming an ever-more attractive proposition for investment
Legislating to support the Gulf banking sector

Issue 50 10-16 December 2010
Gulf central banks moved swiftly to shield their banking systems from the impact of the global financial crisis. Now regulators are acting to improve transparency with the establishment of credit bureaus
UAE hopes to rejoin planned Gulf single currency project

6 December 2010, 10:19 GMT
Single currency unlikely to be launched by its current 2015 deadline
Wataniya Palestine offering 1.5 times oversubscribed

6 December 2010, 6:26 GMT
Wataniya is largest company to be listed on Palestine Exchange by paid-up capital
Aluminium Bahrain investors in profit on first day of trading

5 December 2010, 9:00 GMT
Company shares closed at BD0.915
Gulf private equity overlooking emerging market opportunities

30 November 2010, 8:14 GMT
Africa and Southeast Asia offer huge potential says industry head
Dubai Financial Market plans to diversify

Issue 49 3-9 December 2010
Exchange encouraging trading, logistics and tourism firms to list
UAE markets regulator working to introduce new laws by 2012

Issue 49 3-9 December 2010
Delivery versus payment law given priority
Wataniya Palestine offering attracts more than 5,000 retail investors

Issue 49 3-9 December 2010
Telecoms offering will be oversubscribed, says industry head
UAE Minister of Economy predicts growth of up to 3.5 per cent in 2011

28 November 2010, 12:51 GMT
UAE gross domestic product will reach $272.3bn in 2010
Dubai Mercantile Exchange announces new swaps and options contracts

28 November 2010, 8:17 GMT
Contracts will address customers’ risk management needs
Nasdaq Dubai's losses halve after July merger

Issue 48 26 November - 2 December 2010
Nasdaq should be able to make profit in 2011, says DFM head
UAE finalising law to reduce minimum stake for company listings

Issue 48 26 November - 2 December 2010
Law expected to reduce stake to 20-30 per cent
Axiom share sale to exclude retail investors

21 November 2010, 11:26 GMT
Initial public offering implies market capitalisation of between $760m and $1.093bn
Private sector credit growth continues to struggle in Saudi Arabia

21 November 2010, 8:26 GMT
Private sector bank credit grew 2.6 per cent in September
Cost of insuring Dubai debt hits two-month high

14 November 2010, 11:06 GMT
Credit default swaps rise as Dubai Group seeks to restructure debt
Borse Dubai says it will repay $2.5bn in February 2011

11 November 2010, 13:39 GMT
The holding firm’s assets are worth $6bn
Egypt government invests $12m in Abraaj's small business fund

11 November 2010, 9:58 GMT
Abraaj fund aimed at financing small businesses across region
Aluminium Bahrain raises $338m in share sale

10 November 2010, 11:41 GMT
The Bahrain firm targeted $541m in IPO priced at the bottom of the range
Kuwait: Programme devices and licenses

8 November 2010, 7:39 GMT
Kuwait University looking for supply and installation of IT programs
Kuwait: Training devices for government centre

8 November 2010, 7:38 GMT
Pre-tender meeting to be held on 22 November
Abraaj small business fund invests $28m in five companies

Issue 46 12-18 November 2010
Firm hopes to close five more deals before end of 2010
Pinebridge eyes Middle East assets for future growth

Issue 46 12-18 November 2010
Regional assets of the firm currently stands at $1.5bn
Regulator caution hinders Riyadh bourse

Issue 46 12-18 November 2010
Regulator showing caution towards derivatives and short-selling
White & Case forms new practice with Saudi law firm

7 November 2010, 8:19 GMT
New practice will enable US firm to deliver local law advice
Dubai Investments to list 30 per cent stake of private equity arm

4 November 2010, 13:55 GMT
Listing planned for first half of 2011
US firm launches fund to invest in Iraq equities and infrastructure

3 November 2010, 9:25 GMT
Fund will invest up to 20 per cent of assets in early-stage projects
Middle East’s buyout activity triples during October to $1,7bn

2 November 2010, 10:17 GMT
National Bank of Kuwait’s $1.3bn rights issue was the largest deal
Tamweel resumes mortgage lending after two-year lull

2 November 2010, 10:17 GMT
Fresh lending follows rescue by Dubai Islamic Bank in late September
Dubai hopes to launch secondary stock market by late 2011

Issue 45 5-11 November 2010
Market would provide small businesses with much-needed growth capital
Gulf companies eye London listings

1 November 2010, 8:54 GMT
Interest coming from technology, business support and logistics companies
A strong year for bonds

1 November 2010, 0:00 GMT
Transparency will aid future growth
Wataniya Palestine to list on 7 November

31 October 2010, 10:39 GMT
Mobile operator hopes to raise $50m
Nawras raises $473m out of targeted $608m in share sale

28 October 2010, 13:46 GMT
Forty per cent share offering prices at bottom of range
National Bank of Kuwait’s rights issue five times oversubscribed

28 October 2010, 10:25 GMT
Rights issue plans to raise $1.3bn
Regional private equity industry ripe for growth

27 October 2010, 14:19 GMT
Industry to benefit from family business restructurings
Dubai World secures full approval for $24.9bn restructuring

27 October 2010, 12:17 GMT
Creditor approvals expected to speed up closure of restructuring deal
Private equity recovery needed to stimulate small business listings

26 October 2010, 11:27 GMT
Before the economic crisis there was $7 billion of private equity funds looking for investment in the region
Doha’s diplomatic role in the Middle East

Issue 44 29 October-5 November 2010
Maintaining good relations with Washington and Tehran, as well as placating Riyadh’s concerns about its diplomatic ambitions will be Qatar’s biggest test yet
Focus shifts to insurance in Qatar

Issue 44 29 October-5 November 2010
After five successful years, Qatar Financial Centre is changing its strategy to focus on asset management and insurance. But a unified regulator will be key to future gains
Middle East bond issuance to hit $30bn by end of 2010

Issue 44 29 October-5 November 2010
$26bn-worth of bonds issued to date, says HSBC executive
Qatar bourse sets the pace for recovery

Issue 44 29 October-5 November 2010
The global economic crisis put an end to the rapid growth the Qatar Exchange was enjoying. But with new investment and a new leadership, it is expected to make a strong comeback
Foreign investor appetite grows for GCC listed companies

25 October 2010, 14:00 GMT
Interest from Mena funds, emerging markets and hedge funds
GCC market recovery held back by retail investors

25 October 2010, 12:12 GMT
Nasdaq Dubai chief says markets still suffering from low trade volumes
Bahrain Financial Exchange launches Islamic trading platform

21 October 2010, 15:25 GMT
Islamic products will be accessible to both local and international investors
UAE firms keen to acquire Irish banks' distressed assets

20 October 2010, 15:32 GMT
Property assets available at good valuations, says financial advisory firm
Oman plans $260m bond to help finance new infrastructure

20 October 2010, 12:48 GMT
Government planning to spend $3.5bn over next five years
Mumtalakat to reinvest proceeds of Alba sell-off internationally

Issue 43 22-28 October 2010
The company’s current international investments comprise 2 per cent of its portfolio
Mumtalakat seeking to raise $540m in Alba listing

18 October 2010, 13:45 GMT
Listing will see the sale of up to 163 million shares
Saudi Arabia's Al-Khodari listing fails to attract enough retail demand

18 October 2010, 9:41 GMT
Retail tranche secured only 83 per cent coverage
UAE's Noor Islamic Bank denies merger talks

17 October 2010, 14:18 GMT
Bank says talks are ‘market rumours’
Qatar National Bank seeking majority stake in Indonesian lender

14 October 2010, 14:25 GMT
Acquisition is part of bank’s international growth plans
Qatar National Bank to resume brokerage activities

Issue 42 15-21 October 2010
Banks resuming share trading after Qatar Financial Markets Authority reverses 2006 ban
QInvest to list on Qatar Exchange in 2011

Issue 42 15-21 October 2010
Qatari investment bank plots capital markets debut
Kuwait Energy plans listing in 2011

11 October 2010, 11:52 GMT
Company may list on both the Kuwait and London exchanges
Mubadala planning $7bn Malaysian aluminium smelter

10 October 2010, 10:54 GMT
Abu Dhabi investment fund signs agreement with Malaysian state developer
Dubai commodities exchange volumes surge 63 per cent

7 October 2010, 13:11 GMT
Currency futures drive trading
Qtel’s bond issue 10 times oversubscribed

7 October 2010, 13:10 GMT
Bids for $1.5bn bond sale exceed $15bn
Abu Dhabi's Invest AD launches Iraqi investment fund

5 October 2010, 6:25 GMT
Fund will capitalise on Iraq’s forecast 7 per cent economic growth
Gulf banks benefit from sharia rules

Issue 41 8-14 October 2010
The Gulf’s Islamic banks have been tested by the global financial crisis, but most have fared better than their conventional peers. Challenges still need to be faced, but the future is looking positive
Qatar targets growing insurance market with new regulations

Issue 41 8-14 October 2010
State will take on Bahrain and Dubai to establish new insurance hub
UAE to tighten lending rules

Issue 41 8-14 October 2010
New multiple of earning regulations will limit the size of loans
New regulations will protect Qatar's Islamic banks

30 September 2010, 13:09 GMT
Martket has been growing at 15-20 per cent a year
Saudi Arabia’s Al-Khodari to sell shares at $12.80 each

29 September 2010, 14:17 GMT
Book-building process values company at $544m
Qatari banks' Islamic lending activities curbed by new central bank regulations

29 September 2010, 8:37 GMT
Banks given 12 months to comply with new regulations
Regional banks to focus on affluent customers for future growth

28 September 2010, 10:48 GMT
Market grew 8 per cent in 2009
Insufficient credit data preventing UAE banks from resumed lending

Issue 40 1-7 October 2010
Banks still relying on inadequate information
National Bank of Abu Dhabi targets doubling retail revenues by 2015

Issue 40 1-7 October 2010
Bank to grow retail division through new products and branches
UAE retail banks to impose stronger credit checks

27 September 2010, 14:17 GMT
Institutions plan to lend more responsibly
Lack of credit bureau to blame for high rate of consumer loan delinquencies

27 September 2010, 13:08 GMT
Banks were unable to profile consumer creditworthiness
Dubai Islamic Bank raises Tamweel stake to 57.33 per cent

27 September 2010, 11:27 GMT
Tamweel will be able to resume lending in weeks
Fitch affirms Abu Dhabi's AA rating

26 September 2010, 12:08 GMT
Rating anchored by strong balance sheet
Qatar Islamic Bank to launch first dollar-based Islamic bond

23 September 2010, 13:39 GMT
Investor roadshow begins on 24 September
Aluminium Bahrain to float stake by end of 2010

23 September 2010, 11:28 GMT
Proceeds will be used by Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund
Abu Dhabi's Mubadala sets up specialised investment unit

21 September 2010, 11:17 GMT
New unit will serve as primary vehicle for financial invesment
National Commercial Bank advising on two Saudi listings

Issue No 39 24-30 September 2010
Listings planned for first quarter of 2011
Damas extends $816.7m debt standstill to 30 November

20 September 2010, 11:40 GMT
Second extension for company in two months
UAE stocks surge on market status upgrade

19 September 2010, 14:35 GMT
Dubai Financial Market trading reaches highest level since 24 May
Gulf borrowers face sharp rise in the cost of debt

19 September 2010, 14:06 GMT
Basel III regulations will lead to a increase in the cost of capital
Emirates NBD in talks with Libyan central bank to establish subsidiary

Issue No 38 17-25 September 2010
Wholesale banking offers greatest potential for Dubai-based bank
Iran's Dana Insurance stock value falls 30 per cent after listing

Issue No 38 17-25 September 2010
Stock was hugely overvalued say analysts
Oman's Nawras to IPO 40 per cent of shares on 15 September

Issue No 38 17-25 September 2010
Nawras expects to raise up to $603m
Dubai World gets approval for $24.9bn debt restructuring

12 September 2010, 13:16 GMT
Restructuring expected to be completed in coming weeks
National Bank of Kuwait's rights issue to begin on 5 October

9 September 2010, 9:25 GMT
Issue aimed at supporting expansion plans
Second delay for Dubai Holding’s $555m loan repayment

8 September 2010, 11:13 GMT
Repayment delayed until 30 November
Three new listings planned for Palestine exchange by end of the year

7 September 2010, 13:58 GMT
Wataniya Palestine scheduled to be largest listing in 2010
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank arranges $1.1bn project finance deal for Emirates Steel

6 September 2010, 13:51 GMT
Facility is UAE’s largest project finance deal in 2010
Iran sells bonds for South Pars gas development ahead of schedule

Issue No 37 10-16 September 2010
Bonds will be used to finance development of gas fields
Iran’s Turquoise Partners raises $2.8m for mutual fund

19 August 2010, 11:59 GMT
Turquoise started investing fund on 17 August
Bahrain's Investcorp to delist from London stock exchange

19 August 2010, 11:05 GMT
Firm will offer investors $4.76 per share
Majority of companies on Palestine bourse report 2010 profits

18 August 2010, 10:32 GMT
32 out of 40 companies achieved profits in half-year results
Iran's Dana Insurance initial public offering raises $14m

18 August 2010, 10:09 GMT
Investors buy 5 per cent stake in nine minutes
Iran: Oil Drilling

18 August 2010, 8:17 GMT
Supply of rotary tong parts
Iran: Esfahan Steel

18 August 2010, 8:16 GMT
Supply of raw materials
Egyptian corporate bond issuance sees sharp revival

17 August 2010, 13:14 GMT
Companies favour bonds as bank credit remains tight
Tripoli's banking sector reluctant to embrace foreign institutions

17 August 2010, 12:59 GMT
Libyan banks in urgent need of modernisation
Egypt: Lighting equipment

17 August 2010, 7:58 GMT
Two fog spreading instruments and public lighting equipment
Aabar Investments to convert to private joint-stock company

17 August 2010, 7:52 GMT
Subsequent delisting due for 1 September
Egypt: Children's heart hospital

16 August 2010, 14:41 GMT
Request for proposals for operation of hospital
Iran to launch first initial public offering on 17 August

16 August 2010, 13:31 GMT
Dana Insurance will offer a 5 per cent stake
Iraq: Legal media training

16 August 2010, 7:36 GMT
Training to improve the quality of legal reporting
Global Investment House posts loss of $119m

15 August 2010, 12:32 GMT
Bank attributes loss to regional market turbulence
Kuwait expected to appoint head of first market regulator during Ramadan

12 August 2010, 13:14 GMT
Regulator will have power to impose prison sentences and fines
Saudi Arabia approves five year development plan

12 August 2010, 11:58 GMT
Education and training will receive largest share of new allocations
Gulf Finance House signs new Islamic financing deal

11 August 2010, 7:24 GMT
Agreement valid for two years
Aldar Properties downgraded by Moody's

10 August 2010, 11:45 GMT
Downgrade reflects weak financials and local property market
Negative outlook for DIFC Investments as it starts $1bn asset sale

10 August 2010, 9:42 GMT
Standard & Poor’s says company’s plan faces “execution risk”
Abu Dhabi National Energy Company's profit jumps 160 per cent

9 August 2010, 14:18 GMT
Profit driven by increases in capacity and commodity pricing
UAE’s Abraaj Capital fund receives $150m from US agency

8 August 2010, 13:42 GMT
Fund will provide capital to small businesses
Moody’s upgrades outlook on Kuwait to stable

8 August 2010, 13:30 GMT
Upgrade based on passing of key economic legislation
Tehran exchange suffers another IPO setback

5 August 2010, 11:25 GMT
Dana Insurance’s July listing postponed
Gulf International Bank's UK subsidiary launches $100m fund

5 August 2010, 9:35 GMT
Fund will focus on opportunities in emerging markets
Shuaa Partners completes Rotana stake sale

4 August 2010, 10:57 GMT
Private equity fund generated 36 per cent rate of return
Political uncertainty delays foreign banks push into Iraq

4 August 2010, 10:56 GMT
Several international banks withdraw licence applications
Turquoise Partners lists $5m mutual fund in Tehran

1 August 2010, 14:41 GMT
Fund raised $500,000 to date
Middle East’s buyout activity falls to 12 month low in July

1 August 2010, 13:54 GMT
Activity represents an 88 per cent monthly decline
Abu Dhabi developer posts first half loss of AED789.5m

29 July 2010, 15:41 GMT
Aldar Properties’ losses due to lower property sales and valuations
Palestinian listed firms pay out $120.8m in 2010

28 July 2010, 15:31 GMT
Palestine Telecommunications records largest dividend distribution of $60m
Bahrain bourse signs deal to sell global investment products

28 July 2010, 14:21 GMT
New Bahraini exchange to launch range of investment products in October
Maintaining the Iran market rally

28 July 2010, 0:00 GMT
Tehran needs the outside world if its stock exchange is to sustain its stellar performance
Retail banking: Focus shifts from growth to retention

Issue No 31 30-5 August 2010
Banks in the UAE are reviewing business models amid a slowdown in lending, placing greater emphasis on tailoring retail products to match customers’ needs
Dubai Financial Market profits fall 57 per cent this year

26 July 2010, 14:14 GMT
Trading value falls 32 per cent in second quarter
Emirates NBD profit falls

26 July 2010, 14:12 GMT
First half profits for 2010 down 28 per cent to AED1.5bn
Regulatory reform in Oman set to boost exchange

Issue No 30 23-29 July 2010
The Muscat market regulator is using the downturn to amend key trading laws and finalise approval of new products to attract foreign investors and boost liquidity
Saudi's Binladin raises $187m in Islamic bond issue

19 July 2010, 9:32 GMT
Construction firm secured offers of more than twice the amount it was trying to raise
Saudi's Al-Jouf Cement to raise $174m from listing

18 July 2010, 14:49 GMT
Cement company to sell off 50 per cent stake on stock market
Dubai's commodities exchange records one million trades

18 July 2010, 12:02 GMT
Trading volumes up 48 per cent on 2009
Strong recovery for IPO market in 2010

15 July 2010, 13:46 GMT
Value of funds almost doubled year-on-year
Saudi’s Al-Khodari appoints financial adviser for its October listing

14 July 2010, 10:38 GMT
Al-Khodari to float 30 per cent stake
Bahrain's Ithmaar Bank appoints new chief executive

13 July 2010, 13:46 GMT
New chief executive tasked with final conversion into retail bank
HSBC looks for Libyan refinery partner

Issue No 29 16-22 July 2010
Refinery expected to cost in excess of $5bn
Egypt appoints new stock exchange chairman

12 July 2010, 11:43 GMT
Khaled Seyam to begin new role on 15 July
Saudi Arabia's National Commercial Bank records $704m profit

12 July 2010, 11:42 GMT
First half profit rises 18 per cent
Abu Dhabi plans to list real estate funds by end of 2010

11 July 2010, 12:17 GMT
Funds expected to boost overall property market
Nasdaq Dubai equities start trading on Dubai Financial Market

11 July 2010, 12:16 GMT
Nasdaq Dubai gains access to 548,000 retail investors
Bahrain’s BMI bank appoints new group chief executive

8 July 2010, 12:52 GMT
Jamal al-Hazeem was previously the Bahrain chief executive
Saudi Arabia to list $6.7m petrochemical fund

8 July 2010, 9:38 GMT
Fund will include 14 companies
Qatar National Bank announces $742m profit in 2010

7 July 2010, 11:04 GMT
Profit driven by international expansion
Abu Dhabi exchange planning to list real estate funds

6 July 2010, 12:11 GMT
Exchange currently seeking approval from UAE regulator
Bahrain’s ABC bank signs $35.8m loan for Kanoo Tower

5 July 2010, 11:51 GMT
Tower located in diplomatic area of Manama
Nakheel to take control of Limitless

5 July 2010, 7:27 GMT
New board appointed for Dubai World’s economic zone developers
Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange volumes peak in June

4 July 2010, 10:49 GMT
Over 192,000 contracts were traded
First Abu Dhabi IPO of the year delayed indefinitely

1 July 2010, 8:33 GMT
Listing was set to raise $272m
Wataniya Palestine delays listing until end of third quarter

1 July 2010, 8:03 GMT
Mobile operator expected to offer 30 per cent stake
Growth remains sluggish on region's bourses

July 2010 Online Content
Financial crisis has hampered liquidity and trading volumes
DP World delays London listing until 2011

28 June 2010, 15:45 GMT
Company waiting for merger of Dubai’s exchanges
Kuwait tightens investment firm regulations

28 June 2010, 11:06 GMT
Firms given until June 2012 to comply with new regulations
Aabar buys 4.99 per cent stake in UniCredit

27 June 2010, 14:32 GMT
Abu Dhabi fund paid $2.3bn for stake in Italy’s largest bank
Bahrain's sovereign wealth fund Mumtalakat posts $485m loss for 2009

27 June 2010, 14:19 GMT
High losses at Gulf Air and Aluminium Bahrain weigh down results
Egypt’s $3.5bn Mostorod refinery hit by financing delays

24 June 2010, 14:54 GMT
Financing delayed until early July
New currency contract volumes hit $40m on Dubai exchange

24 June 2010, 12:41 GMT
New contracts listed on 15 June
Iran overhauls capital market legislation

24 June 2010, 11:55 GMT
Foreign investors’ holding increased to 20 per cent
UAE and Qatar stock markets retain frontier status

22 June 2010, 15:49 GMT
Key index provider says ‘major concerns’ prevent upgrade to emerging market status for Qatar and UAE
Gulf International Bank appoints new managing director

22 June 2010, 12:35 GMT
Adel al-Mangour named new head
Banking: Bad loans and falling assets hit growth in the GCC

Issue No 26 25-1 July 2010
Asset growth at the 20 largest banks in the GCC slowed sharply in 2009. The recovery will be gradual particularly as non-performing loans have still yet to peak
Challenges continue for GCC banks

Issue No 26 25-1 July 2010
With a sector-wide drop in profits during 2009, the region’s banks have shifted their focus to preserving core operations and improving risk management
RAK Ceramics listing oversubscribed by 15 times

21 June 2010, 17:05 GMT
Listing sets record as highest-ever in Bangladesh
National Bank of Abu Dhabi announces new project finance head

21 June 2010, 11:33 GMT
Nathan Weatherstone will focus on power and infrastructure deals
$720m claim filed against Algosaibi bank

20 June 2010, 10:54 GMT
Claim filed for the assets of The International Banking Corporation
Turquoise Partners to list Tehran mutual fund

17 June 2010, 8:48 GMT
Fund expected to be launched by mid-July
Iraq Stock Exchange to benefit from new legislation

17 June 2010, 7:37 GMT
Legislation proposes raising banks’ minimum capital to $214m
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank acquires Royal Bank of Scotland's UAE retail banking unit

16 June 2010, 16:59 GMT
The acquisition of the RBS operation doubles the size of ADCB’s credit card business
Alinma grants $1bn credit to Sabic

16 June 2010, 11:10 GMT
Bank facility will be used to fund petrochemical projects
Nasdaq Dubai announces new board of directors

14 June 2010, 14:35 GMT
Abdul al-Fahim appointed as chairman
Sameer al-Ansari leaves Dubai International Capital

14 June 2010, 14:28 GMT
Investment firm appoints new board
Economic growth slows in Saudi Arabia

14 June 2010, 14:04 GMT
Government to pick up slack of lower oil growth
Egypt’s Juhayna public offering 6.8 times oversubscribed

13 June 2010, 12:16 GMT
Capital will be used for expansion projects
Oman Insurance Company replaces board

13 June 2010, 11:44 GMT
Seven new members appointed
Regional exchanges need government support

10 June 2010, 12:58 GMT
Abu Dhabi and Dubai should merge their exchanges
Middle East’s buyout activity at 12-month low

10 June 2010, 12:57 GMT
Value of deals records 83 per cent monthly decline
Gulf Finance House restructuring is progressing

10 June 2010, 12:48 GMT
Bahrain lender embarked on an asset sell-off earlier this year
UAE markets are weakest regional performers

10 June 2010, 12:36 GMT
Dubai bourse down 14 per cent in 2010
Abu Dhabi’s Aabar raises capital by $249m

9 June 2010, 12:57 GMT
Capital raised through bonus shares and bonds
Burgan Bank to issue $478m bonds

8 June 2010, 10:44 GMT
Kuwaiti bank will give priority to the local market
Kuwaiti investment company agrees $498m debt restructuring

8 June 2010, 10:44 GMT
Debt to be repaid over five years
Dubai's Rasmala to launch $100m real estate fund

8 June 2010, 10:43 GMT
Fund will target Saudi Arabia’s mid-end residential market
Egypt’s Juhayna private offering oversubscribed

7 June 2010, 12:26 GMT
Egypt’s first listing since 2008
Fuelling a knowledge economy in Qatar

Issue No 23 4-10 June 2010
Revenues from its hydrocarbons sector are helping Qatar to diversify and develop its education, healthcare, science and technology sectors
Egypt's small enterprise exchange to begin trading on 3 June

26 May 2010, 12:25 GMT
Egyptian plastics company to offer capital of $69,000
Six companies to list on Palestine Securities Exchange by end of this year

26 May 2010, 12:00 GMT
Wataniya Mobile to offer biggest listing at $170m
UAE Central Bank governor calls for regulatory partnership

25 May 2010, 12:05 GMT
Cooperation among banks will ensure sustained growth
Saudi Arabia's private sector credit growth gains momentum

24 May 2010, 14:19 GMT
Credit growth improves, but government remains main financier of Saudi projects
Abu Dhabi's Taqa refinances $1.3bn credit facility

24 May 2010, 14:18 GMT
State-owned firm gets funding from Canadian banks
Kuwait posts $28.3bn budget surplus

24 May 2010, 14:17 GMT
Oil revenue hits more than double budget forecast
Abu Dhabi's Aabar Investments enters $800m loan agreement

23 May 2010, 15:48 GMT
Loan to be used for general corporate purposes
Palestine exchange set for strong listing activity in 2010

20 May 2010, 16:49 GMT
Two companies have already listed and six more IPOs are planned
Lebanon economy to grow up to 8 per cent in 2010

20 May 2010, 16:48 GMT
Growth driven by high capital inflows
Abu Dhabi's Aabar profit surges on derivatives

20 May 2010, 12:54 GMT
Company restates 2009 profit
MerchantBridge seeking $200m for Iraq cement plant

20 May 2010, 12:54 GMT
Funds should be secured by the end of July
GCC equity funds gain 3.93 per cent in 2010

19 May 2010, 11:24 GMT
Kuwait’s NBK Capital was best performing fund
First Gulf Bank

Issue No 21 21 - 27 May 2010
The UAE lender, delivers consistent profits despite rising provisions
First Gulf Bank: MEED Assessment

Issue No 21 21 - 27 May 2010
The lender is one of the few banks in the UAE to have maintained a healthy profit and revenue stream during the global downturn
Dubai economy could shrink further in 2010

17 May 2010, 15:01 GMT
Association of financial instituitions says contraction hinges on construction and real estate sectors
Sovereign debt woes take centre stage

16 May 2010, 14:19 GMT
Greece’s bailout is a reminder that the financial crisis is far from over
Vodafone Qatar reports $185m loss

16 May 2010, 14:03 GMT
Loss driven by licence fee amortisation
Arab stocks fall due to Greece's debt crisis

16 May 2010, 13:25 GMT
Egyptian Exchange records steepest drop
Egypt inflation falls to 11.4 per cent

12 May 2010, 12:46 GMT
Inflation at lowest rate since September 2009
Saudi Electricity Company completes $1.9bn sukuk

11 May 2010, 13:55 GMT
Sukuk being used to fund expansion plans
Fivefold increase in the total value of Middle East public listings

11 May 2010, 11:31 GMT
IPO activity valued at $420.5m in 2010
Commercial Bank of Kuwait chairman resigns

11 May 2010, 11:29 GMT
Banks has not provided details of his replacement
Dubai establishes first official credit bureau

5 May 2010, 14:14 GMT
Emcredit targets increased financial transparency
Winners and losers emerge from UAE property market

5 May 2010, 12:00 GMT
Emaar strongest performer with $207m profit
Winners and losers emerge from UAE property market

Issue No 19 7 - 13 May 2010
Supply and demand imbalance prevails
Dubai Financial Market appoints new chairman

4 May 2010, 13:57 GMT
Former DFM chairman becomes chief executive officer
National Bank of Ras Al-Khaimah profit rises 42 per cent

4 May 2010, 13:55 GMT
Rakbank’s growth driven by core business operations
DIFC Investments posts $562m loss

3 May 2010, 14:08 GMT
Losses caused by real estate and other business investment writedowns
Dubai bourse profit falls 8 per cent

3 May 2010, 13:47 GMT
Revenue declines by 5 per cent
Aldar posts 54 per cent revenue decline

2 May 2010, 14:01 GMT
Revenue decline driven by lack of property sales
Middle East’s buyout activity plunges 91 per cent

2 May 2010, 14:00 GMT
Activity valued at $463m
Dubai’s Mashreqbank profit falls 48 per cent

29 April 2010, 12:43 GMT
Performance affected by high provisioning
Saudi Arabia's IPO market rebounds

28 April 2010, 14:30 GMT
Seven companies closed share sales in first quarter
UAE lowers growth forecast to 2.5 per cent

28 April 2010, 14:27 GMT
Forecast revised down from 3.2 per cent
Tabreed's 2010 profit doubles

27 April 2010, 14:29 GMT
Abu Dhabi-based firm’ profits driven by new plants coming online
Banque Saudi Fransi posts fall in profit

26 April 2010, 13:23 GMT
Saudi bank hit by slowdown in lending income
Bahrain's Arab Banking Corporation profit grows 25 per cent

26 April 2010, 13:21 GMT
Profit for first quarter is $41m
Mena region to grow 4.5 per cent in 2010

26 April 2010, 10:14 GMT
Qatar will be the region’s strongest performer, says IMF
Emaar profit beats expectations

26 April 2010, 10:12 GMT
Profit driven by Emaar’s hospitality and mall divisions
Saudi's Finance Ministry approves projects worth $5.57bn

26 April 2010, 10:10 GMT
Construction projects include roads, schools, and wastewater facilities
Abu Dhabi’s Finance House records $8.4m profit

25 April 2010, 13:45 GMT
Profit is driven by the company’s core business
Sharjah Islamic Bank records $18.4m profit

25 April 2010, 13:23 GMT
First quarter profit declines 20.6 per cent
Tehran Stock Exchange's trade volumes hit $1.1bn

22 April 2010, 15:28 GMT
Surge in trading driven by commodity price rally
ABN Amro targets Middle East private banking clients

21 April 2010, 14:22 GMT
Dutch bank moves private banking operations to Dubai
Sabic reports profit of $1.45bn

20 April 2010, 15:44 GMT
Profits surge on back of rise in sales volume and prices
National Bank of Kuwait profit up 20 per cent

20 April 2010, 12:48 GMT
Bank records $264m profit in first quarter
Bahrain Financial Exchange launch postponed to October

15 April 2010, 13:57 GMT
Launch postponed to ensure successful trading activity
Kuwait’s Agility to pay $600m in fraud case

15 April 2010, 13:50 GMT
Agility payment to US government will be made over three years
Moody’s upgrades Lebanon’s government bond ratings

15 April 2010, 12:59 GMT
Bonds remain in junk status
Egypt's inflation eases to 12.2 per cent in March

14 April 2010, 14:43 GMT
Inflation down from 12.8 per cent in February
Saudi British Bank’s profits fall

14 April 2010, 14:23 GMT
Profits down by 18.3 per cent in 2010
Middle East banks in talks to open branches in Iraq

14 April 2010, 13:34 GMT
Lenders hope to capitalise on Iraq’s massive reconstruction programme
Kuwaiti finance company defaults on $200m Islamic bond

14 April 2010, 9:10 GMT
Kuwait International Investment Group bond could be dissolved
Dubai records direct exports increase in 2009

13 April 2010, 15:05 GMT
Exports increase by 22.9 per cent from 2008
Jordan's inflation rate hits 4.6 per cent

11 April 2010, 8:07 GMT
Transport increases by 14.8 per cent in first quarter
Iran’s annual inflation falls to 10.8 per cent

8 April 2010, 13:14 GMT
March inflation posts 10.4 per cent year-on-year increase
Bahrain's 2009 retail bank loans hit $15.6bn

8 April 2010, 13:13 GMT
Total deposits stood at $21.2bn in 2009
Moody's confirms DP World's ratings with a stable outlook

8 April 2010, 13:12 GMT
Issuer and sukuk ratings confirmed for port operator
Standard & Poor's downgrades Commercial Bank of Kuwait

8 April 2010, 13:12 GMT
Rating lowered due to deteriorating asset quality and funding profile
Standard & Poor’s may downgrade Abu Dhabi entities

8 April 2010, 13:11 GMT
Downgrades of up to two notches mooted for firms in UAE capital
Qatar National Bank's first quarter profit rises

7 April 2010, 13:26 GMT
First quarter profit increases 25 per cent to $349m compared to last year
Dubai Islamic Bank signs $215m financing deal

6 April 2010, 12:05 GMT
Deal signed with Kuwait’s Kharafi National
Egyptian Petroleum Corporation appoints banks on $2bn loan

6 April 2010, 12:04 GMT
Mandated lead arrangers are JP Morgan and National Bank of Egypt
Oman's inflation reaches 2 per cent in February

6 April 2010, 12:03 GMT
Inflation increases 0.3 per cent from January
Middle East’s buyout activity hits $8.6bn in first quarter

6 April 2010, 9:39 GMT
Value of mergers and acquisitions more than doubles in quarter-on-quarter growth
Foreign investment: Sowing seeds for continued growth in Egypt

Issue No 15 9-15 April 2010
Despite the global economic downturn affecting its plans to attract foreign money and push reforms, Egypt is keen to lure investors to its agriculture, infrastruture and manufacturing hubs
Aabar Investments to issue $2bn of convertible bonds

4 April 2010, 13:48 GMT
Bonds will be issued to Abu Dhabi’s International Petroleum Investment Company
Arab Banking Corporation completes $1.1bn capital increase

1 April 2010, 15:36 GMT
Injection brings total capital to $3.11bn
Saudi Arabia bank profits fall 14.8 per cent in 2010

1 April 2010, 14:07 GMT
Bank profits stood at $1.38bn at end of February
Limitless given extension on $1.2bn loan

31 March 2010, 16:21 GMT
Lenders still negotiating new loan terms
GCC needs to invest $137bn to meet power and water demand

Issue No 14 2-8 April 2010
Power demand growth to average 8 per cent until 2019
US firms favourites to be lead arrangers on $290m EgyptAir loan

Issue No 14 2-8 April 2010
US’ JP Morgan and Citigroup submit best bids
A long road ahead for Dubai World

Issue No 14 2-8 April 2010
Debt proposals lack clarity on crucial details and a final settlement will still be a long way off
Egyptian Petroleum shortlists three for $2bn loan

Issue No 14 2-8 April 2010
Winning bid to be announced on 1 April
Dubai appoints new Nakheel board

30 March 2010, 17:20 GMT
Nakheel Chairman Sultan bin Sulayem replaced
Jubail refinery partners secure $120m loan

29 March 2010, 7:50 GMT
Local Islamic Development Bank to provide loan
National Bank of Kuwait gains approval to increase Boubyan stake

29 March 2010, 7:50 GMT
Bank given approval to raise stake to 60 per cent
Foreign investors buy $456m of shares on Dubai exchange

28 March 2010, 14:30 GMT
Net foreign investment reaches AED37.7m on Dubai Financial Market
UAE can service Dubai World’s debts, says Deutsche Bank regional head

25 March 2010, 13:44 GMT
Questions remain over level of federal support
Kuwait central bank forecasts GDP growth of up to 5 per cent in 2010

25 March 2010, 13:23 GMT
Worst is over for banks, central bank governor says
National Bank of Abu Dhabi to list first exchange-traded fund on stock exchange

25 March 2010, 13:20 GMT
Fund to track Dow Jones index
Zain finalising sale of African operations to Bharti

25 March 2010, 13:04 GMT
Bharti to pay Kuwait telecoms operator $9bn in cash
Standard & Poor’s raises Morocco's credit rating

24 March 2010, 6:34 GMT
Ratings agency cites improved economic flexibility
Standard & Poor’s affirms stable outlook for Oman

24 March 2010, 6:33 GMT
Higher oil production strengthens Oman’s public finances
Abu Dhabi plans foreign investment agency

23 March 2010, 13:27 GMT
Agency to begin operations by end of the year
Fitch downgrades Mashreqbank

23 March 2010, 12:30 GMT
Downgrade reflects Dubai World and Saudi corporate exposure
Tadawul to allow funds to invest in Islamic bonds

23 March 2010, 6:02 GMT
Regulator says exchange traded funds will be able to invest in sukuk and commodities
Nasdaq Dubai looks for liquidity

Issue No 13 26 March - 1 April 2010
Can its acquisition by Dubai Financial Market convince more traders to use Nasdaq Dubai?
Noor Islamic Bank

Issue No 13 26 March - 1 April 2010
Noor Islamic Bank has revised its timetable for growth in light of ongoing market uncertainty
Noor Islamic Bank: MEED Assessment

Issue No 13 26 March - 1 April 2010
Bank’s dependence on the state for sources of funding raises concerns about future lending capacity
Q&A: Hussain Al-Qemzi, CEO, Noor Islamic Bank

Issue No 13 26 March - 1 April 2010
Growth potential for GCC Islamic banks as demand outpaces the competition
Saudi Arabia: A lure for overseas business

Issue No 13 26 March - 1 April 2010
Economic, financial and legal reform are making Saudi Arabia an increasingly attractive destination for foreign investors
Saudi Arabia: A lure for overseas business

Issue No 13 26 March - 1 April 2010
Economic, financial and legal reform are making Saudi Arabia an increasingly attractive destination for foreign investors
Mubadala reports $2.3bn profits for 2009

22 March 2010, 12:22 GMT
Total asset values rise by 75 per cent
Dubai Investments in talks to float private equity arm

21 March 2010, 12:45 GMT
M’Sharie listing expected no later than March 2011
Commercial Bank of Kuwait profit drops 99 per cent in 2009

21 March 2010, 9:57 GMT
Kuwait lender’s profits hit by high provisions for bad loans
Adia restructures board of directors

18 March 2010, 13:06 GMT
Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund publishes first annual review
Saudi Arabia approves first exchange-traded fund for foreigners

17 March 2010, 14:15 GMT
Falcom Financial Services wins approval to list exchange-traded fund
S&P downgrades local operations of Jordan’s Arab Bank

17 March 2010, 13:45 GMT
Rating action follows downgrade of Jordan’s sovereign credit rating
Banks in the Gulf to increase lending activities this year

17 March 2010, 5:46 GMT
Standard & Poor’s forecasts banks to increase lending after flat growth in 2009
Foreign investors buy $335 shares on Dubai exchange

15 March 2010, 11:57 GMT
Net foreign investment reached AED83.6m
Oman inflation jumps to five-month high in January

15 March 2010, 11:55 GMT
Rise in transport prices and rents drives inflation
Nasdaq Dubai equities trading jumps 61 per cent in February

15 March 2010, 7:23 GMT
Total equities volumes on UAE’s Nasdaq Dubai drop 43.1 per cent compared last year
Region's stock markets rebound 4.9 per cent in February

15 March 2010, 7:23 GMT
Kuwait Stock Exchange is top performer in the Middle East and North Africa
Bahrain’s Ithmaar Bank plans $400m capital increase

14 March 2010, 12:48 GMT
Ithmaar to sell shares above market price
Gulf growth to outpace developed countries in 2010

14 March 2010, 12:17 GMT
International Monetary Fund says Gulf’s medium-term outlook remains positive
Tabreed likely to restructure debt

11 March 2010, 14:17 GMT
UAE district cooling company seeking support from creditors for recapitalisation
Balancing Saudi Arabia’s local and export oil needs

Issue No 11 12-18 March 2010
A rise in domestic fuel consumption and a fall in oil export revenues will test the kingdom’s economy in 2010
Gulf banks’ non performing loans will peak in mid-2010

8 March 2010, 14:36 GMT
Kuwait and Dubai-based banks fuel rise in region’s non-performing loans
Moody’s downgrades UAE government-related issuers

4 March 2010, 15:44 GMT
Ratings agency raises concerns over strength of sovereign support
Oman records $57m budget deficit in 2009

4 March 2010, 14:40 GMT
Budget outperforms expectations after oil price recovers
Saudi Aramco seeks $4bn from local banks for Jubail refinery

3 March 2010, 17:28 GMT
Financing set to be completed by the end of March
Du returns to growth in 2009

2 March 2010, 11:25 GMT
Telecom operator’s net profits increase by $72m
Daman Investments launches GCC fund

23 February 2010, 16:00 GMT
Fund targets petrochemicals and telecoms sectors
Al-Rajhi Capital and Arcapita Bank launch property fund

22 February 2010, 17:40 GMT
Demand for Saudi Arabian real estate increases
Saudi Electricity Company plans power projects worth $20bn

17 February 2010, 17:11 GMT
Utility plans to use more financing from private sector
Bahraini economy grows 3 per cent

17 February 2010, 16:25 GMT
Islamic finance is set to become an important funding mechanism for projects
Regional power and water deals require $13bn financing in 2010

17 February 2010, 15:35 GMT
Developers focus on competitive IWPP model
Dubai enters an age of austerity

Issue No 8 19-25 February 2010
The emirate has announced a 6 per cent cut in state spending for 2010 as it feels the strain of its debts in the aftermath of its real estate sector collapse
Oman to tender first solar project by December

Issue No 8 19-25 February 2010
Renewable energy scheme is likely to be privately financed
Alternative funding fills the gap in project finance sector

Issue No 7 12-18 February 2010
Despite the squeeze on liquidity, banks have worked hard to find creative ways of closing deals and the Middle East remains among the world’s most active project finance markets
Khaleeji Commercial Bank profits fall 89 per cent

9 February 2010, 16:28 GMT
Provisioning for bad debts and tough regional market hits institution
Megaprojects push Qatar's population up

Issue No 6 5-11 February 2010
Qatar’s mushrooming expatriate population is putting increasing pressure on the state’s infrastructure – but the influx of new workers is also proving a motor for diversification
National Bank of Abu Dhabi reports $822m profit in 2009

2 February 2010, 16:26 GMT
Tough market conditions hit institution
Global Banking Corporation (GBC)

2 February 2010, 7:28 GMT
The fledgling Bahrain-based finance house is seeking to grow its business internationally.
Barclays urges businesses to exploit regional bond market

27 January 2010, 17:38 GMT
Bonds will allow investors to raise debt and maintain growth locally
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank reports $139m loss in 2009

27 January 2010, 17:18 GMT
Net impairment allowances grow by 151 per cent
Iraq approves $72bn budget for 2010

27 January 2010, 15:11 GMT
Parliament predicts 23 per cent increase in spending
Sharjah Islamic Bank profits rise 12 per cent

26 January 2010, 15:00 GMT
Total assets hit $4bn by end of 2009
Fitch places Commercial Bank of Kuwait on watch negative

24 January 2010, 14:29 GMT
Bank’s non-performing loans almost triple over 2009
Qatar’s Commercialbank reports fall in profits

24 January 2010, 14:04 GMT
Fourth quarter net profit increases by 33 per cent
National Commercial Bank doubles profits in 2009

19 January 2010, 17:11 GMT
Value of Saudi state-owned bank’s assets grow by 16.1 per cent
Riyadh spending to safeguard the future

Issue No 4 22-28 January 2009
In a bid to maintain its economic growth and diversify its economy, the kingdom is using its vast financial reserves to support an increasingly expansionist spending programme
Alinma Bank announces 85 per cent fall in profits

18 January 2010, 14:24 GMT
Rising operating costs hit Saudi bank’s profits
Al-Rajhi Bank profits rise by 3.2 per cent

17 January 2010, 14:04 GMT
Fourth quarter profit rise despite increased provisions
Gulf taps into Western educational expertise

Issue No 2 8-14 January 2010
In a bid to develop tertiary education, Gulf states are luring international universities to open colleges in the region, but there are concerns about the quality of education on offer
Nurturing regional talent

Issue No 2 8-14 January 2010
Corporate and state funded scholarships are playing a crucial role in equipping students with the essential skills for a modern economy
Arab Banking Corporation

Issue no 51 18-24 December 2009
ABC is focusing on expanding its retail business as it aims to become one of the region’s leading banks
Arab Banking Corporation: MEED Assessment

Issue no 51 18-24 December 2009
ABC’s capital base is strong, so future performance will depend on how successful it is in implementing its revised business strategy
Special Report: Construction - Industrial schemes prompt hope

Issue No 50 11-17 December 2009
Dubai-based real estate developer Nakheel has become the focus of the problems in the emirate’s construction market in recent weeks, as it tries to restructure a $3.5bn sukuk (Islamic bond) before the repayment deadline of 14 December.
Sukuk face crisis of confidence

Issue No 50 11-17 December 2009
Defaults on project finance sukuk are making both clients and investors wary, but a change to the tenor of Islamic bonds could rekindle their popularity in the future
Ajman plans for recovery

Issue No 49 4-10 December 2009
The northern emirate is seeking to restore long-term confidence in its property market after the devastating impact of the downturn in Dubai
A new breed of Islamic bank in the region

18 November 2009, 16:23 GMT
The launch of a series of institutions with government backing is helping to modernise the Islamic banking sector in the Gulf
Agencies maintain cautious stance over regional banks

18 November 2009, 16:09 GMT
One year on from when the global financial crisis began to have an impact in the Middle East, the three major credit ratings agencies are yet to improve their assessment of the region’s banks
Doha economy continues to shine

Issue No 44 30 October - 5 November 2009
Qatar is forecast to be the world’s fastest-growing economy this year, driven by strong sales of liquefied natural gas
Investors wake up to IT opportunities in the region

Issue No 44 30 October - 5 November 2009
The region’s information and communications technology companies have previously attracted little interest from the private sector compared with sectors such as real estate, but that is changing
Rapid change in Gulf healthcare brings opportunities

20 October 2009, 15:46 GMT
As governments in the region commit large sums to improving the quality of their healthcare provision, they are opening the way for the private sector to become increasingly involved.
GCC project finance

Issue No 43 23-29 October 2009
The six key figures in the GCC’s project and structured finance markets are: Geoffrey Biron, Joseph Rodriguez, Irfan Said, Mansoor Durrani, Saad ur-Rehman and Hassan Ali
Geoffrey Biron

Issue No 43 23-29 October 2009
A Geoffrey Biron is global head of project and structured finance, Arab Banking Corporation
Hassan Ali

Issue No 43 23-29 October 2009
A key figure in the GCC’s project and structured finance markets
Irfan Said

Issue No 43 23-29 October 2009
Irfan Said is head of project and structured finance, Samba Financial Group
Joseph Rodriguez

Issue No 43 23-29 October 2009
Joseph Rodriguez is head of leveraged finance, Al-Rajhi Capital
Mansoor Durrani

Issue No 43 23-29 October 2009
Mansoor Durrani is vice-president and head of project finance, National Commercial Bank
Saad ur-Rehman

Issue No 43 23-29 October 2009
Saad ur-Rehman is head of the structured finance division, Banque Saudi Fransi (BSF)
National Commercial Bank

Issue No 42 16-22 October 2009
Despite the economic downturn, NCB is prospering, buoyed by its reputation and focus on retail banking
National Commercial Bank: MEED Assessment

Issue No 42 16-22 October 2009
NCB is one of the most respected banks in the region, but unlike many of its counterparts, it maintains sizeable exposure to riskier asset classes
Q&A: Raul Biancardi, Chief Operating Officer, National Commercial Bank Capital

Issue No 42 16-22 October 2009
Already the largest investment bank in Saudi Arabia, NCB’s strategy is to invest in three main business areas to continue its growth
Smoothing the way for entrepreneurs in the Emirates

Issue No 42 16-22 October 2009
The federal government is making a concerted effort to increase the contribution of small companies to the UAE economy by providing funding and making it easier to set up a business
Index launches boost sharia-compliant equities in Saudi Arabia

Issue No 41 9-15 October 2009
Indices tracking the performance of sharia-compliant equities listed on the Saudi stock exchange will open up the market to investors worldwide
Emerging sharia finance sector beats the downturn

Issue No 39 25 September - 1 October 2009
The central tenets of sharia finance stood Islamic banks in good stead during the global economic crisis over the past year, and the sector is now one of the fastest growing in the Middle East
Expertise shortage hampers growth of Islamic finance sector

Issue No 39 25 September - 1 October 2009
The Islamic finance sector has an opportunity to gain a much larger global share, but a lack of scholars able to assess financial products for sharia compliance is holding back the industry
Islamic bonds market stages slow recovery

Issue No 39 25 September - 1 October 2009
Activity is returning to the Islamic bond sector following the global slowdown, with sovereign issuances rekindling investor confidence and providing a fresh benchmark for pricing debt
The West’s Islamic finance hub

Issue No 39 25 September - 1 October 2009
London has quickly established itself as the European leader in Islamic banking, but it will need continued support from Gulf institutions if it is to retain its position
Abdel Khan

Issue No 38 18 - 24 September 2009
Abdel Khan is a sustainability consultant, Faithful & Gould
Jeffrey Willis

Issue No 38 18 - 24 September 2009
Jeffrey Willis is sustainability leader for the Gulf, Arup
Mario Seneviratne

Issue No 38 18 - 24 September 2009
Mario Seneviratne is director, Green Technologies
The MEED List: Gulf green buildings

Issue No 38 18 - 24 September 2009
Six key figures driving environmental sustainability in Gulf construction are: Issa al-Mohannadi, Abdel Khan, Sadek Owainati, Mario Seneviratne, Tim Armstrong and Jeffrey Willis
Tim Armstrong

Issue No 38 18 - 24 September 2009
Tim Armstrong, technical director, WSP Middle East
Burgan Bank

Issue No 36 4 - 10 September 2009
The Kuwaiti bank posted strong growth in the first half of the year despite the tough financial climate.
Burgan Bank: MEED Assessment

Issue No 36 4 - 10 September 2009
The Kuwaiti bank’s expansion strategy and diversified balance sheet has helped it continue to grow its operating income
Regional funding markets begin to recover

Issue No 36 4 - 10 September 2009
The raising of $1.7bn from international banks for the Addur power and water project in Bahrain shows that confidence is returning to the lending markets, with state-sponsored schemes the first to benefit.
Bad debts increase loan provisions in the Gulf

Issue No 35 28 August - 3 September 2009
Gulf banks are setting aside additional funds to cope with the rising volume of non-performing loans
Gulf states turn to the private sector for project finance

14 August 2009, 12:52 GMT
With banks reluctant to offer debt financing on new projects, private equity investors are increasingly taking the opportunity to enter the Gulf’s growing healthcare sector.
Q&A: Ammar Shata, Executive Director, Al-Khabeer

13 August 2009, 17:33 GMT
The company is focused on Saudi Arabia, catering mainly to middle-market businesses and family companies
Al-Khabeer: MEED Assessment

13 August 2009, 17:30 GMT
The Saudi investment bank is still a young company and competition in the Islamic banking sector is getting tougher
Al-Khabeer

13 August 2009, 17:16 GMT
The Saudi investment bank aims to expand its corporate and structured finance business.
Kuwait Islamic banking

7 August 2009, 14:24 GMT
Six key figures working in Kuwait’s Islamic finance sector: Mohammed Sulaiman al-Omar, Adil Ahmad, Fahed Faisal Boodai, Ayman Abdullah Boodai, Adnan Abdulaziz al-Bahar, Adnan al-Musallam.
Special Report: Capital Markets - Downturn exposes investors' weaknesses

31 July 2009, 16:17 GMT
The past 12 months has been a torrid time for GCC stock markets, which collectively lost more than 40 per cent of their value over the period. Today, their total market capitalisation is $655bn - $500bn less than a year ago.
Stock market development plans on hold

31 July 2009, 15:36 GMT
With the global economic downturn having wiped billions of dollars off the value of Gulf bourses, trading in a series of new financial instruments is being postponed.
Real estate undermines Jordanian banks

23 July 2009, 13:55 GMT
Limited integration with international markets and swift action from the regulator has helped to shield Jordan’s banks from the downturn, but their exposure to the property markets is a cause for concern.
Real estate undermines Jordanian banks

23 July 2009, 13:55 GMT
Limited integration with international markets and swift action from the regulator has helped to shield Jordan’s banks from the downturn, but their exposure to the property markets is a cause for concern.
Jordan looking beyond the downturn

23 July 2009, 13:34 GMT
Jordan is boosting public spending, building on its relationship with Baghdad and seeking to implement a series of reforms in a bid to stimulate its economy.
Sukuk show signs of recovery

9 July 2009, 15:46 GMT
The Islamic bonds market is bouncing back from the impact of the global financial crisis.
Credit markets tighten further in the Gulf

2 July 2009, 17:53 GMT
While government injections of cash have helped to strengthen the banks’ balance sheets, lending activity in the region is expected to fall this year.
Credit markets tighten further in the Gulf

2 July 2009, 17:53 GMT
While government injections of cash have helped to strengthen the banks’ balance sheets, lending activity in the region is expected to fall this year.
Gulf banks ride out the downturn

2 July 2009, 16:55 GMT
Despite the global financial downturn, MEED's research into the performance of the GCC banking sector in 2008 shows that most of the largest institutions continued to grow their assets.
Abu Dhabi airports

2 July 2009, 16:11 GMT
Six key figures behind the growth of Abu Dhabi’s airports: Khalifa Mohamed al-Mazrouei, James Hogan, Sheikha al-Maskari, Rudy Vercelli, Hans Bakker and Sheikh Ahmed bin Saif al-Nahyan.
Ithmaar Bank

25 June 2009, 17:42 GMT
The Bahraini Islamic investment bank is diversifying its operations through its Vision 3 subsidiary.
Q&A: Mohamed Hussain, Co-CEO, Ithmaar Bank

25 June 2009, 15:12 GMT
The bank believes its greatest strength is its diversity
Ithmaar Bank: MEED Assessment

25 June 2009, 15:09 GMT
Before the downturn hit, the bank had been reporting record results, but it has suffered as a result of the financial turmoil
Slowdown reveals Qatar's strengths

11 June 2009, 18:44 GMT
Despite the global financial crisis, Qatar’s economy continues to grow thanks to the booming hydrocarbons industry and a range of downstream initiatives.
Slowdown reveals Qatar's strengths

11 June 2009, 18:44 GMT
Despite the global financial crisis, Qatar’s economy continues to grow thanks to the booming hydrocarbons industry and a range of downstream initiatives.
Amman to become net oil exporter

22 May 2009, 15:30 GMT
UK/Dutch Shell Group signs $425m deal to exploit the kingdom's oil shale reserves.
Strict regulator benefits Saudi banks

21 May 2009, 20:33 GMT
Despite the record decline in profits suffered by Saudi banks last year, the conservative policies of the central bank have put them in a strong position for recovery in 2009.
Jordan banking

21 May 2009, 18:29 GMT
The six important figures working in Jordan’s banking sector: Umayya Salah Toukan, Abdel Hamid Shoman, Abdel Karim al-Kabariti, Michel Marto, Marwan Awad and Rajai Muasher.
Falling prices buoy struggling Gulf construction market

30 April 2009, 16:57 GMT
Materials and labour costs will continue to decline this year, encouraging public sector clients in particular to renegotiate deals with contractors to get major infrastructure projects back on track.
Falling prices buoy struggling Gulf construction market

30 April 2009, 16:57 GMT
Materials and labour costs will continue to decline this year, encouraging public sector clients in particular to renegotiate deals with contractors to get major infrastructure projects back on track.
Regional conference sector defies the downturn

23 April 2009, 17:41 GMT
Middle East economies, particularly Dubai, have worked hard to establish themselves as global centres for business events, and the investment continues even as the global economic slowdown hits the sector.
Alinma Bank: MEED Assessment

23 April 2009, 16:32 GMT
Unlike many banks, it has the advantage of a fresh balance sheet with no bad assets, but its real test will be the launch of its retail division
Alinma Bank

23 April 2009, 16:28 GMT
The newcomer to the Saudi financial sector is already the kingdom’s largest bank by capital base.
Improving Cairo's investment climate

8 April 2009, 16:17 GMT
The government’s reform programme has helped Egypt weather the global financial crisis, but with foreign direct investment falling off, Cairo is seeking ways to attract further funds.
Improving Cairo's investment climate

8 April 2009, 16:17 GMT
The government’s reform programme has helped Egypt weather the global financial crisis, but with foreign direct investment falling off, Cairo is seeking ways to attract further funds.
Cleaning up Egypt's bourse

8 April 2009, 16:03 GMT
Egypt’s stock exchange has undergone a series of changes over the past year with the aim of boosting liquidity and improving trading efficiency.
Cairo reviews growth predictions

8 April 2009, 15:56 GMT
While the Egyptian authorities have lowered their growth targets for this year, with two $2.7bn fiscal stimulus packages announced and strong fundamentals, the country is well placed for the recovery.
Egypt inward investment

2 April 2009, 13:09 GMT
The six key figures leading Egypt’s drive to attract foreign direct investment are: Mahmoud Mohieldin, Maged Shawky, Assem Ragab, Ahmed Nazif, Tarek Kamel and Youssef Boutros-Ghali.
Soaring education fees spark concern in UAE

12 March 2009, 16:22 GMT
The Education Ministry’s decision to allow private schools to charge more in an attempt to drive up standards is coming in for criticism.
Developers in UAE refocus on middle market

12 March 2009, 16:16 GMT
After five years of uninterrupted growth, the UAE real estate sector is entering a phase of correction and consolidation, with luxury developments being shelved in favour of mid-priced properties.
MEED 100 - Sector Analysis: Banking and Finance

1 March 2009, 11:10 GMT
The turmoil in the financial markets has led to a large drop in the number of banks appearing on this year’s list.
MEED 100 - Results: Market values plummet as downturn hits

1 March 2009, 10:58 GMT
The impact of the global economic slowdown is revealed in MEED’s 2009 survey of the region’s largest listed companies, with their combined market capitalisation down almost 50 per cent year on year.
Regional bank regulators

1 March 2009, 9:44 GMT
Six leading figures involved in regulating the region’s banks and financial institutions - Phillip Thorpe, Stephen Glynn, Rasheed al-Maraj, Sheikh Salem al-Sabah, Mohammed al-Jasser and Sultan bin Nasser al-Suwaidi.
Losing confidence in Libor

22 February 2009, 11:18 GMT
The London interbank lending rate has traditionally been a global benchmark, but as the cost of debt has spiralled, its usefulness is increasingly being questioned.
Gulf prioritises essential electricity and water infrastructure

22 February 2009, 9:47 GMT
Despite the collapse of the global banking system, Gulf states are set to continue funding projects that will help build modern electricity and water infrastructure.
Short-term funding bridges the project finance gap

22 February 2009, 9:14 GMT
While the availability of financing for Gulf projects has been hit hard by the global credit crunch, new funding models are enabling clients to keep many of their key projects on track.
Swift action protects Qatar's banks

8 February 2009, 10:58 GMT
While financial institutions in other Gulf states have been hit hard by the global downturn, measures introduced by the Qatar Central Bank have helped shore up the sector.
Monetary union: Gulf reaches accord on currency

8 February 2009, 8:21 GMT
With the deadline for a single GCC currency fast approaching, member states have finally agreed on the draft proposals.
Housing supply fails to match demand in Bahrain

1 February 2009, 10:23 GMT
Despite a growing shortage of affordable homes, the high price and limited availability of land in Bahrain means the kingdom’s property developers have concentrated on the luxury end of the market.
Global Banking Corporation: MEED Assessment

11 January 2009, 7:52 GMT
While investment activity will be quieter in the year ahead, the most prudent growth strategy for GBC will be to focus on the Gulf region
Global Banking Corporation (GBC)

11 January 2009, 7:27 GMT
The fledgling Bahrain-based finance house is seeking to grow its business internationally.
Sector outlook 2009: Banking

2 January 2009, 13:35 GMT
The global liquidity squeeze will affect Middle East banks' performance throughout 2009.
Sector outlook 2009: State spending to speed recovery

2 January 2009, 13:26 GMT
Governments are poised to step in and fund key projects to mitigate the fall in oil prices as the global downturn threatens to undermine the economies of the Middle East and North Africa.
Liberalising the Saudi economy

21 December 2008, 13:44 GMT
The kingdom is leading the region in attracting foreign investment following the easing of restrictions on non-Saudi investors and opening up of the stock market.
Technology outsourcing strategy pays off for Cairo

11 December 2008, 13:06 GMT
With tax reforms and a growing talent pool of IT graduates, the Egyptian capital is becoming an attractive location for overseas firms.
Banking liquidity shortage triggers Gulf price war

5 December 2008, 16:13 GMT
With global financial institutions no longer lending to each other, and loan growth outstripping deposit growth in the region, competition for customers is becoming intense among Gulf banks.
Confidence in Gulf banking sector ebbs away

4 December 2008, 16:08 GMT
Gulf banks posted healthy third-quarter results in October, but as the impact of the global financial crisis is felt across the region, the outlook is turning negative.
Slowdown halts soaring pay in GCC

21 November 2008, 18:48 GMT
While workers’ pay has flatlined in most of the region’s construction markets, competition for labour means it is continuing to rise in some GCC states.
Oversupply hits materials producers in the region

21 November 2008, 18:04 GMT
As the global credit crisis begins to have an effect on the Middle East construction sector, demand for materials is decreasing, leading to falling prices and the risk of oversupply.
Oversupply hits materials producers in the region

21 November 2008, 18:04 GMT
As the global credit crisis begins to have an effect on the Middle East construction sector, demand for materials is decreasing, leading to falling prices and the risk of oversupply.
Housing finance fuels Egyptian property boom

7 November 2008, 16:11 GMT
Lower property taxes and registration fees are encouraging Egyptians to take advantage of home loans to buy properties, and mortgage finance companies are flooding into the untapped market.
Cairo seeks to elude downturn

7 November 2008, 16:00 GMT
Egypt is facing an economic slowdown, but Cairo says liberalising the economy, tapping fresh sources of investment and enforcing firmer regulations will mitigate its impact.
Egyptian banking reforms drives economic growth

7 November 2008, 15:51 GMT
Egypt is not immune to the effects of the global downturn, but Cairo’s overhaul of its banking sector shows the country is well placed to weather the economic storm.
Cairo faces barriers to democracy

7 November 2008, 15:32 GMT
Cairo continues to stifle freedom of expression, political opposition and is accused of rolling back steps towards democracy, while seeking to reassert itself on the regional diplomatic stage.
Egypt banking

24 October 2008, 16:29 GMT
Six key players in the Egyptian banking and finance sector: Farouk el-Okdah, Hisham Ezz al-Arab, Mohamed Kamal al-Din Barakat, Tarek Amer, Mahmoud Abdel Latif and Mohamed Yehia Saim Ozalp.
Qatar is the Middle East’s rising star

9 October 2008, 20:14 GMT
Doha’s efforts to attract big-name foreign financial institutions are working, with more than 100 firms expected to be licensed by the end of the year.
Lending growth fuels inflation in Qatar

9 October 2008, 19:39 GMT
The rapid expansion of the banking sector is a major contributor to Qatar’s high inflation, which is now the greatest economic challenge facing the authorities.
Qatar becoming the region’s peace-broker

9 October 2008, 19:24 GMT
Following successful diplomatic efforts such as the Doha Agreement, Qatar is carving out a role as mediator for the Arab world.
Oman creates a gateway to shipping in the Gulf

19 September 2008, 11:19 GMT
Oman has been investing heavily in building world-class ports with industrial estates as well promoting international trade in a bid to attract investors, boost exports and diversify the economy.
Oil hopes fall on new techniques in Oman

18 September 2008, 19:24 GMT
With declining reserves, Oman has no option but to invest in enhanced oil recovery methods. But it could turn this to its advantage by exporting its newly acquired expertise.
Muscat taps the leisure market

18 September 2008, 18:29 GMT
Oman’s investment in tourism infrastructure is paying off, with visitor numbers rising and the sector on track to meet its target of generating 3 per cent of gross domestic product by 2020.
Planning drives Oman's economic growth

18 September 2008, 14:56 GMT
As the range of activities contributing to Oman’s gross domestic product widens, Sultan Qaboos’ vision of a diversified economy with a home-grown workforce is being realised
Tackling the threat of inflation in Oman

18 September 2008, 14:48 GMT
While Muscat’s diversification strategy is fuelling an economic boom, the rising cost of living needs to be brought under control if its success is to be maintained.
Nawras

14 September 2008, 13:26 GMT
Oman’s only private telecoms company faces a challenge in the form of further market reforms
Q&A: Ross Cormack, CEO, Nawras

14 September 2008, 13:26 GMT
Government introduction of resellers puts pressure on build-out plans
Noor a new force in Islamic banking

14 September 2008, 13:03 GMT
NIB is planning a multi-billion-dollar spending spree to help it achieve its goal of becoming the world’s largest sharia-compliant financial institution within five years.
Nawras: MEED Assessment

14 September 2008, 12:26 GMT
New competition poses a challenge for Oman’s leading telecom company
Islamic finance: Moving into the mainstream

14 September 2008, 7:59 GMT
From a niche market just a few years ago, the Islamic finance sector is set to be worth $4 trillion within five years as demand for sharia-compliant products soars.
Bank Muscat

31 July 2008, 12:38 GMT
The Omani bank is building on its London Stock Exchange listing with plans to expand overseas
Bank Muscat: MEED Assessment

31 July 2008, 12:38 GMT
Strong dependence on the performance of the local economy makes the Bank Muscat vulnerable to market forces
Q&A: Sheikh Abdulmalik bin Abdullah al-Khalili, Chairman, Bank Muscat

31 July 2008, 8:28 GMT
Rapid expansion will secure the Gulf bank’s position as a leader in the GCC
Abu Dhabi’s blueprint for education

17 July 2008, 15:36 GMT
The emirate is reforming its colleges and universities to provide the skilled workforce its economy needs.

MEEDMelissa Hancock

MEED
Melissa Hancock