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MEED
Dec 2008 Online Content

View all stories from this issue.

  • 2008 hospitality revenue up

    Hospitality revenue in the GUlf has increased over the first nine months of 2008, but a downturn is expected in the coming months. Abu Dhabi reported a 39.9% change in revenue per room in the first nine months of the year, followed by Oman with 32.9% and Saudi Arabia with 23.1% while Dubai grew 4.7%, according to Deloitte.

  • 40% of households in Jordan have PCs

    The number of Jordanian households that have PCs and are connected to the Internet increased by around 7% in 2008, reported Jordan Times, citing a survey by the kingdom's Department of Statistics. About two-fifth of Jordanian families have PCs in 2008, the survey found, compared with about one-third in 2007. About 22% of Jordanian households are connected to the Internet in 2008, compared with about 16% in 2007.

  • A third of tourism projects in UAE may be cancelled

    One-third of the tourism projects being planned in the UAE will be cancelled because of the increasing difficulty of financing these projects, reported The National, citing Alex Kyriakidis, the global managing partner of tourism, hospitality and leisure at Deloitte. Of the remaining projects, a third will be delayed and only a third will be delivered on time, he added. One of the major reasons that these projects will be delayed or cancelled is because banks and investors still regard these p

  • Abu Dhabi airports to run new venture

    The Abu Dhabi Airport Company (Adac) has begun to manage and run a new airport on Sir Bani Yas Island, off the coast of Abu Dhabi, with domestic flights expected to begin this month. The terminal was built by the Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC). Under a partnership agreement between TDIC and Adac, the island's airport is being additionally upgraded by Adac to be a fully-certified airport capable of receiving domestic and short-haul international commercial flights. The full sc

  • Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank sets up $1bn infrastructure fund with Macquarie

    Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and Australia’s Macquarie Group have launched an infrastructure fund, which they expect will raise up to $1bn to invest mainly in the GCC.

  • Abu Dhabi delays bid date for Bab oil compressor deal

    Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations (Adco) has delayed the submission date for commercial bids by two months for the contract to install gas compressors at its onshore Bab field.

  • Abu Dhabi extends credit line to Egypt

    Abu Dhabi’s Arab Trade Financing Program has extended a $20m line of credit to the Export Development Bank of Egypt, the Egyptian Trade & Industry Ministry announced on 4 December.

  • Abu Dhabi firm buys stake in Italian toll road operator

    Abu Dhabi-based Aabar Investment has bought a 3.3 per cent stake in Italian toll-road firm Atlantia for $355m.

  • Abu Dhabi hotel occupancy rate 85-90%, says official

    Ali Al Hosani, Director of Promotions at the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), said the UAE capital is currently experiencing a heavy demand for hotel accommodation, with hotels achieving 85-90% occupancy for most of the year despite the global financial meltdown. Disclosing this in a statement, Al Hosani said hoteliers in the emirate remained bullish about prospects for 2009. ADTA is to mount pavilions at 17 overseas exhibitions across 11 countries in 2009 — three more than in 2008. Promot

  • Abu Dhabi invites firms to express interest in hotels

    The Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) has invited companies to express interest in two projects in Abu Dhabi.

  • Abu Dhabi launches new bus routes

    The Department of Transport in Abu Dhabi has launched two new bus routes in the capital serving Airport Road and Muroor Road every seven minutes. The public bus network now has nine routes and aims to increase bus usage by more than 30 per cent. Bus commuters can dial toll-free number 80055555 for inquiries about routes and timetables can be collected from bus stations.

  • Abu Dhabi to award financial advisory for Masdar City in 2009

    An award for the financial advisory mandate on the Masdar City project in Abu Dhabi is expected to be made in early 2009, with BNP Paribas understood to be one of the favourites to win the contract, according to a project source.

  • Abu Dhabi to host aviation study centre

    A Gulf Centre for Aviation Studies (GCAS) has been set up in Abu Dhabi as a result of a joint agreement between the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC). The centre will focus on training, learning, research, studies and symposia and will work with ICAO to achieve the objective.

  • Acer launches new mini PC

    Acer, the third largest PC vendor globally, today launched the Veriton X270, a powerful 8.5 liter extra small form factor desktop PC, designed for office users seeking a feature-rich system that satisfies entertainment and infotainment needs. Occupying less than a third of the space of a traditional desktop PC, the Aspire X270 boasts a full set of powerful features, including Intel Core2 Quad processor1, NVIDIA GeForce 7100 graphics and nForce 630i chipset, and PCI Express 2.0.

  • Action needed to stop the seventh tsunami

    Oil prices are crumbling fast. Governments in the Gulf will soon have to take decisive action to avoid long-term damage to private sector confidence and development ambitions.

  • Acwa Power recruits Suez executives to join Dubai office

    Senior executives from Belgium’s Suez Energy International have left the company to join Acwa Power International’s new Dubai office.

  • Adobe in new SAP deal

    Adobe has announced that it has extended its collaboration agreement with SAP. As part of plans to expand the capabilities of its SAP NetWeaver technology platform, SAP plans to enable developers to use Adobe Flash and Adobe Flex components with the Web Dynpro environment to add data visualisation within SAP applications.

  • Agencies review Shuaa and Arcapita ratings

    Two ratings agencies have lowered their outlook for the UAE investment bank Shuaa Capital and Bahrain investment firm Arcapita as a result of lower earnings expectations triggered by the global financial crisis.

  • Agility breaks ground on new logistics hub

    Agility, a global logistics provider, and Borouge, a provider of plastics solutions, broke ground on November 28th on a new logistics hub in Shanghai that will receive over 600,000 tons of polyolefins (polypropylene and polyethylene) annually. The 70,000 sq m facility, which will mainly serve the China market, will be completed by 2009 and will be fully operational by May 2010, employing some 120 dedicated Agility staff. The hub will receive the polymer granules in bulk containers directly fr

  • Agility wins $932m US military contract

    Agility, the Middle East's largest storage and logistics company, has won a contract worth up to $932m to provide repair parts for communications and electronics equipment to the US military, Bloomberg has reported. The contract, awarded by the Defense Supply Center Columbus, is for four years with two additional two-year options. A unit of Agility will provide the communications and electronics equipment at the Tobyhanna Army Depot in Pennsylvania.

  • Ahmadinejad proposes energy subsidy cut

    Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has submitted an economic reform bill to parliament, which includes scrapping fuel and electricity subsidies.

  • Air Arabia named 'low-cost carrier of the year'

    Air Arabia, the largest low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa, has been named 'Low-Cost Carrier of the Year' for the second consecutive year, at the Aviation Business Awards 2008. Air Arabia was recognized for its services, growth, performance, and reliability, according to a press statement.

  • Air Arabia partners with Emirates India Int'l Exchange

    Low-cost carrier Air Arabia has entered into a partnership with Emirates India International Exchange that will enable the carrier's customers to pay for tickets booked through the airline's call centre at any of the Exchange's 12 branches in Sharjah, Dubai, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. The customer will receive a reservation number and the booking will be held for 24 hours. Upon presentation of the reservation number, the customer can pay the full amount of the ticket, confirm the fli

  • Air India Express reschedules flights to Doha

    Air India Express flights to Mumbai on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays will depart Doha at 17.45 and arrive in Mumbai at 23.10 from January 12, 2009. The new timings will offer connections to Air India flights from the same terminal with customs and immigration at final destination. The three Mangalore flights will now operate on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays and depart at 10.00 arriving in Doha at 1150 hours.

  • Al Ain to host industrial park

    Arkan Building Materials Company, a subsidiary of the government-owned General Holding Company, is establishing a multi-billion dirham Industrial Park in Al Ain covering an area of 15 sqkm. The phased four-to-six year development will involve establishing a complex of over 40 industrial units to manufacture building materials.

  • Aldar extends tender for Banyan Tree hotel

    Local real estate developer Aldar Properties has extended the tender closing date to 4 January for the contract to build the Banyan Tree hotel at its Al-Gurm development in Abu Dhabi to give bidders more time. The original closing date was 6 December.

  • Algeria delays oil licence bid deadline

    Algeria has delayed the bid deadline for 45 onshore blocks and zones in the eastern and central parts of the country until 13 December from the original 3 December deadline.

  • Algeria delays oil round bid date

    Algeria has delayed the bid deadline for 45 onshore blocks and zones in the eastern and central parts of the country until 13 December from the original 3 December deadline.

  • Algeria: Railway studies and renovation work

    Six packages to conduct feasibility studies and carry out renovation work on railway lines and earthworks. Closing date: 13 January 2009

  • Algerian gas demand to double over next decade

    Algeria’s demand for natural gas will reach between 49.6 billion cubic metres and 67.1 billion cubic metres within the next ten years, according to the electricity and gas regulator, Commission de Regulation de l’Electricite et du Gaz (Creg).

  • Al-Habtoor joint venture team wins Dubai airport work

    The joint venture of South Africa’s Murray & Roberts, Japan’s Takenaka and the local Al-Habtoor Engineering has been awarded the $1.33bn contract to build Concourse 3 at Dubai International Airport.

  • Al-Nasr wins Dubailand golf project deal

    The local Al-Nasr Contracting Company has won the AED582m ($159m) infrastructure contract for the Tiger Woods golf development in Dubailand.

  • Al-Raha Gardens: Aldar seeks expressions of interest for tower centre

    Local developer Aldar Properties has invited selected companies to express interest in the contract to build the estimated AED2.5bn ($680m) town centre at its Al-Raha Gardens development, within the Al-Raha Beach Development, in Abu Dhabi.

  • Amman to select preferred bidder on Al-Kamshah wind farm

    Amman is evaluating a recommendation from the US' CRA International for the preferred bidder for a wind farm to be built at Al-Kamshah, according to a source close to the project.

  • Arabian Canal tender extended again

    Local developer Limitless has extended for the second time the tender closing date for the second excavation package on the AED40bn ($10.1bn) Arabian Canal project.

  • Arabtec and Aktor to build Abu Dhabi’s Cleveland clinic

    A joint venture of the local Arabtec Construction and Greece’s Aktor has been awarded the estimated AED7bn ($1.9bn) design and build contract for the Cleveland Clinic on Abu Dhabi’s Sowwah island.

  • Aramco assesses resubmitted Karan gas bids

    Saudi Aramco is assessing new bids from at least five companies for a platforms and pipelines package on its Karan gas field.

  • Aramex expands in Oman

    Aramex has expanded in Oman, opening a new office in Al Khuwair commercial area of Muscat, next to Nizwa University. The new office will be the company's main office in Oman as the company witnessed an increase in volume from major corporate clients, targeting the financial industry. Aramex has increased its ground fleet in Oman to 25 vehicles.

  • Asscom signs deal with Airbus

    Asscom Middle East has signed a long-term contract for the provision of repair shop, storage and office facilities with Airbus Middle East. Asscom will cater to all aspects of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) product support needs - from 24/7 emergency spare parts supply to the establishment of warranty and commercial repair services. The new Asscom premises include a state-of-the-art avionics and electronics repair shop as well as office and storage facilities for OEM's equipment and s

  • Attijariwafa Bank launches $250m bond issue

    Morocco's Attijariwafa Bank is to launch a MAD2bn ($250m) 10-year bond issue in late December.

  • Axis releases new surveillance camera

    Axis Communications is bringing out an addition to its H.264 video camera surveillance system. The Axis P1311 is aimed at organisations with demanding storage and bandwidth requirements, such as schools, shops, banks and office buildings. Features include progressive scan and a wide dynamic range for clearer images, support for MPEG-4 Part 2, optional support for SD/SDHC memory cards for local video recordings and video motion detection, audio detection and detection of camera tampering attem

  • BA cuts fuel charge

    British Airways, which operates 28 weekly flights from the UAE to London Heathrow, has cut its fuel surcharge by as much as a third on longhaul services. The reduction in the fuel surcharge - the airline's second cut in two months - applies to all four British Airways cabins: World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy), Club World (business) and First. 'The lowered fuel surcharges mean UAE customers will save between Dhs165 and Dhs450 on return trips to London and North

  • BA in merger talks with Qantas

    British Airways revealed on Tuesday that it is in merger talks with Australia's Qantas. BA also said in a statement yesterday that prior merger talks between it and Iberia to form the world's third largest airline were continuing. In 1993 BA acquired 25% of Qantas in the first step towards privatisation of the Australian carrier but sold out 11 years later, reported Reuters.

  • Baghdad launches housing projects in northern city of Duhuk

    The Iraqi Investment Authority has launched two residential construction projects in the northern city of Duhuk, estimated to cost $40m in total.

  • Baghdad predicts oil law will be approved in 2009

    Iraq expects to enact its long-awaited hydrocarbons law by the spring of 2009, according to a senior government figure in Baghdad. The fourth draft of the law is currently being prepared to pave the way for a revamp of the country’s energy industry.

  • Bahrain matches US interest rate cut

    The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) has cut its key lending rate by 75 basis points, mirroring the cut made by the US Federal Reserve on 16 December and making it one of the most aggressive cuts in the GCC.

  • Bahrain may host food safety lab

    At a meeting of Gulf port food officials, it was discussed that Bahrain may soon host a regional laboratory aimed at improving food safety across the Gulf. The meeting reviewed allocating different ports in the Gulf for specific food tests across the region. Health Ministry' food hygiene head Abdulla Baqer said the food lab in Bahrain is ideal for microbiological tests on meat, chicken and fish.

  • Bahrain to enhance coastal areas

    Bahrain plans to develop and provide modern sea transportation for its beaches, islands and the Tubli Bay, in line with the government's facelift project for coastal areas. Proposals to upgrade part of Hawar Islands as a tourist destination have also been approved.

  • Banks commit to short-term financing for Shuweihat 2 power plant

    Six banks have agreed to provide a $900m bridging loan for the Shuweihat 2 independent water and power project (IWPP) in Abu Dhabi.

  • Be happy! It is 2007, really

    The oil price crash and lower demand will hammer Gulf economies in the new year. But we shall only be going back to 2007.

  • BenQ brings Lite book to UAE, KSA

    BenQ has shipped in 2,000 units of Joybook Lite U101 for the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The Taiwanese firm is the only one in the market to launch 10.1-inch wide format netbook. BenQ hopes to attain a 6% to 6.5% market share in the laptop market next year from the current market share of close to 5%.

  • Bid deadline set for Riyadh technology park

    Local contractors are to submit bids for packages valued at over SR5bn ($1.3bn) by 22 February for a technology business park in Riyadh.

  • Bidder requests further extension to King Khaled University deadline

    At least one contractor planning to bid for the SR5bn ($1.3bn) King Khaled University at Abha is to ask the Higher Education Ministry to extend the bid deadline for a third time, to February 2009.

  • BMB Group buys EMP Global

    BMB Group has acquired the US private equity firm EMP Global, which is focused on investing in emerging markets.

  • Brent Crude Oil Prices: 1988 - 2009

    The table of Brent crude oil prices from 1998-2009 tells a fascinating story about the turbluence which continues to affect the Middle East more than any other region in the world.

  • Brent Crude Oil Prices: 1988 - 2009

    The table of Brent crude oil prices from 1998-2009 tells a fascinating story about the turbluence which continues to affect the Middle East more than any other region in the world.

  • Burhan International wins Kuwaiti road contract

    Kuwait's Public Works Ministry has awarded the local Burhan International Construction Company a KD3m ($11m) infrastructure contract.

  • Cairo plans $2.8bn package to boost economy

    Egyptian Finance Minister Youssef Boutros Ghali has announced new measures worth£E15bn ($2.8bn) to stimulate the country’s economy.

  • Cargo volumes increase at Saudi ports

    Saudi Arabia’s ports handled 114.7 million tonnes of cargo during the first nine months of the year, a 10.2 per cent increase on the same period of last year.

  • China and Russia express interest in Iranian telecoms firm

    Investors from China, Russia and Indonesia have expressed interest in acquiring a stake in Telecommunications Company of Iran (TCI), according to Davoud Zareian, a spokesman for the Iranian state-owned telecoms operator.

  • Commercial close on Abu Dhabi wastewater schemes due

    Abu Dhabi Sewage Services Company (ADSCC) is expected to achieve commercial close on two wastewater plants on 18 December, according to a source close to the schemes.

  • Companies line up for Oman water projects

    Four companies have purchased the tender documents for the construction supervision contract on the project to build water distribution networks in the Musanaah region in the north of Oman.

  • Comstor rolls out Cisco Handbook

    Comstor Middle East, distributors of Cisco-focused advanced technology solutions has released the fifth global edition of the Cisco Solutions Handbook to the Middle East market. The Cisco Solutions Handbook is a comprehensive desk reference book that contains detailed product and positioning information for all the Cisco-oriented products Comstor carries on a multi-national basis.

  • Conergy wins Saudi solar energy contract

    Saudi Aramco has awarded Conergy Asia-Pacific, a subsidiary of Hamburg-based Conergy, a 2MW solar power plant to be built at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST).

  • Conrad to open in Bahrain

    With a management agreement signed by Hilton Hotels Corporation and Diyar Al Bahrain, the first Conrad hotel is due to open in Bahrain in 2011. The Conrad Bahrain, will be located on the newly-built Reef Island off Bahrain's capital city Manama and will have 250 guest rooms and 50 apartments.

  • Construction on Jeddah project to start in 2009

    Construction on the Singapore-based developer Keppel Land’s SR3bn Jeddah residential project is to begin in the first half of 2009.

  • Construction work slows on Zabeel projects

    Construction work has slowed on at least two projects being developed by Zabeel Properties in Dubai.

  • Contract award for Hail Economic City delayed

    A consultant to draw up the masterplan for Hail Economic City is now set to be appointed in the first quarter of 2009, several months later than expected.

  • Contractors approached for Reem island tower

    Selected companies have been invited to express interest in a mixed-use tower project in the Shams Abu Dhabi development on Reem island.

  • Cornell Group appointed to oversee Umm Qasr port work

    The Iraqi Transport Ministry has appointed US transport consultant Cornell Group to oversee the development of Umm Qasr port.

  • Credit ratings agencies turn on Dubai

    Standard & Poor’s (S&P) and Fitch Ratings have both lowered the ratings for a number of major Dubai government-related companies.

  • Cruise chiefs call for Gulf association

    A Gulf association is key to the promotion and development of the growing cruise industry in the region, according to speakers at the Sixth Seatrade Middle East Cruise Conference in Dubai. Pier Luigi Foschi, chairman and CEO of Costa Crociere - which has three cruise ships based in Dubai for the winter season - said a permanent forum was needed to debate and progress issues such as port infrastructure, shore excursions and immigration formalities. Michael Bayley, Senior Vice President Interna

  • Cruise liner evacuates passengers to avoid pirates

    A cruise liner bound for Dubai is evacuating hundreds of passengers and flying them to the emirate to avoid Somali pirates in the Gulf of Eden, The National has reported. Operators of the Columbus cruise liner set down 246 passengers and most of its crew in the Yemeni Red Sea port of Hodeida after travelling from Italy through the Suez canal. Today they will be flown from Yemen to Dubai to stay for three days in a hotel while awaiting arrival of their ship, which will sail with a skeleton cre

  • DAE Capital inks deal with Air New Zealand

    DAE Capital, the aircraft leasing and financial business arm of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, has signed a long-term leasing agreement with Air New Zealand for two Boeing 777-300 Extended Range aircraft. DAE Capital has signed up the New Zealand flag carrier in a sale and leaseback financing agreement. The deal will see two new Boeing 777-319ER aircraft join DAE Capital's fast growing fleet portfolio, with a lease term of 12 years. Representing two of Air New Zealand's four aircraft on order wi

  • Daewoo to build factory in Jordan

    South Korea-based Daewoo International Corporation has announced plans to build an electric appliances factory in Jordan that will be the largest in the Middle East and North Africa region, reported Jordan Times. The factory, which will start production in 2009, will create 5,000 job opportunities for Jordanians. The factory will be created under a partnership agreement signed between Daewoo and the National Integrated Industrial Complex, one of the companies affiliated to the Middle East Com

  • Degremont wins contract for Baghdad drinking water plant

    France’s Degremont, a subsidiary of Suez Environnement, has signed a contract with a group of Al Mabrook Construction & Trading and Issam al-Iraqi Construction Contractors companies for a drinking water plant to be built in Baghdad.

  • Depa wins Singapore resort contract

    Depa Ltd, a UAE-based interiors contractor fitting out the world's tallest tower in Dubai, has won a Dhs118m ($32m contract at a holiday resort in Singapore. Depa and its partner DDS Contracts & Interior Solutions will fit out an entertainment venue at Resorts World, a resort on the Sentosa island in Singapore, the companies said on Monday in a joint emailed statement.

  • DIFC pulls $350m loan from syndications market

    DIFC Investments, the investment arm of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), has pulled a $350m loan refinancing from the syndications market after failing to pick up interest and despite offering lenders a high margin.

  • Doha transport to hire 2,500 Filipino drivers

    Mowasalat will be hiring 2,000 to 2,500 new Filipino drivers to fill the public transport company's expansion programme. The announcement was made by a Mowasalat official before Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

  • Dollar swap facility begins to lower UAE interbank rates

    A Central Bank of the UAE facility, which allows banks to easily swap dollars and dirhams, has begun to reduce interbank lending rates and help banks cope with liquidity issues, according to economists.

  • Doosan consortium signs Jeddah desalination contract

    A consortium led by South Korea’s Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction has signed the contract for the construction of phase 3 of the Jeddah desalination plant.

  • Dow seeks Kuwait partnership

    The Dow Chemical Company has recently said in a statement, its partnership with Kuwait's Petrochemical Industries Company, will push the country to become a major player in the global petrochemicals industry. The partnership is seeking to establish the joint venture called K-Dow to become the largest polyethylene producer in the world.

  • Dubai airport to miss passenger target for 2008

    Dubai International Airport will not meet its initial projections of 40 million passengers this year as travel slowed due to the financial crisis, reported The National, citing an official at the airport. The official said 38 milllion passengers will travel through the airport this year, a 12% rise over 2007.

  • Dubai hotel occupancy down 25%

    Dubai hotels have seen occupancy rates fall by as much as 25% this month, The National has reported. Four and five-star town hotels have seen the greatest slowdown, the paper reported. The decline in occupancy is prompting hotels to offer heavy discounts.

  • Dubai hotel offers free food for laid off workers

    The Arabian Park hotel in Dubai is offering a free dinner to UAE residents who have recently been made redundant due to the financial crisis, Gulf News has reported. General Manager Mark Lee said the offer, which runs from December 15 until January 15, 2009, is designed to remind people of the hotel's value for money. To avail of the offer customers need to bring along their redundancy notice. The complimentary dinners will be offered in the hotel's Brasserie restaurant.

  • Dubai house prices set to decrease

    House prices in Dubai will fall during the fourth quarter of 2008, according to Colliers International.

  • Dubai looks up to Hamburg port

    Dubai is looking at Hamburg for lessons to learn about the shipping and logistics industry as it seeks to become the best port in Middle East and Asia, Gulf News has reported. Trade between the UAE and Hamburg has doubled since 2005, nos standing at around Dhs716.41m. Dubai delegations were recently in Hamburg for the Dubai Hamburg Business Forum.

  • Dubai Metro naming rights announced

    Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the first batch of winning companies in the international bid of the Naming Rights of Dubai Metro Stations and the two lines. The winning companies which will have stations named after them include Majid Al Futtaim (Mall of the Emirates Station and Deira City Centre Station) and Dubai Airport Free Zone Station, among others.

  • Dubai Metro station name sell-off raises $490m

    Dubai’s Road’s and Transport Authority (RTA) has raised AED1.8bn ($490m) from its first sale of naming rights for 18 stations on the Red and Green lines of Dubai Metro.

  • Dubai motorists able to verify Salik charges

    Dubai motorists wishing to verify their Salik offences, now have the option of viewing the image of their vehicles at the Salik website (www.salik.ae), the Roads and Transport Authority announced on Saturday. Motorists can check the offences made and even screen the image of the vehicle involved, in addition to other details.

  • Dubai named world's best destination

    Dubai has been named the world's best holiday destination and the leading cruise port at the final World Travel Awards ceremony of the year. Held on the Turks and Caicos Islands on 2 December, the event was the result of a voting process involving 167,000 travel professionals worldwide. Other award winners were Burj Al Arab (best all-suite hotel), Qatar Airways (leading business class carrier), and Etihad Airways (leading first class carrier).

  • Dubai non-oil trade up 44 per cent

    Dubai’s non-oil trade has risen by 44 per cent in the first nine months of the year, according to the latest data from Dubai World’s statistics department.

  • Dubai police to install radars every two kilometres

    Dubai police will soon install radars every two kilometres on the roads to deter speeding and reckless motorists, a senior police official told Gulf News. Lieutenant Colonel Saif Muhair Al Mazroui, Acting Director of Dubai Police's Traffic Department, said the police will also use mobile radars to deter speeding and reckless motorists and protect road users. He said the department has installed 90 new digital radars on several internal roads and highways in Dubai.

  • Dubai police use breathalysers

    Dubai police are now using breathalysers for the first time to test motorists suspected of drinking and driving, reported 7DAYS. The machines have been introduced at a number of stations across the city and police may use them to conduct random tests on drivers. Stiffer penalites now exist for anyone prosecuted for drunk driving, with the maximum sentence being three years in jail and a fine of Dhs200,000, the daily reported.

  • Dubai postpones bids for water demand forecast contract

    Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (Dewa) has extended the deadline for a water consultancy contract to 8 January.

  • Dubai ruler cancels New Year galas

    Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has ordered the cancellation of all New Year celebrations in Dubai. According to a statement issued last night, Sheikh Mohammed said Dubai will mark the New Year with a sombre tone as a token of solidarity with the Palestinian people in general and Gaza Strip in particular which is currently under military attack from Israel. It is unclear what impact the ruling will have on planned parties in hotels and restaurants in the emirate.

  • Dubai Silicon Oasis joins DQG

    Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, the regulatory body of the Dubai Silicon Oasis, has joined Dubai Quality Group as its newest partner. According to officials the partnership enables DQG's network to expand across key sectors in the UAE, while securing an important ally in the group's continued pursuit of excellence within the local business community.

  • Dubai solar project on hold, say bidders

    Bidders for the feasibility study for Dubai’s first solar power project say they believe the scheme is on hold.

  • Dubai to introduce water-powered taxis

    Dubai will get its first of 10 catamaran-based vessels next year, a modern version of the traditional abra water taxi. Powered by Rolls-Royce water-jets, the sea trials are scheduled to be carried out in August 2009. Each water taxi is capable of more than 30 knots and can carry 11 passengers. They will work around the Dubai Creek as well as the Dubai coast.

  • Dubai transfers ownership of Emirates, Dnata to IDC

    The government of Dubai has transferred ownership of Emirates airline and air travel services firm Dnata to state-owned Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD), Emirates said yesterday. The airline did not give a reason for the move and it was not immediately clear if the decision might be linked to a move towards privatising the carrier or selling a stake in it. 'The transfer does not affect the management structure nor any of our contracts with employees, suppliers or other third parties,' a

  • Dubai transport gets 476 new buses

    Dubai's Public Transport Agency has announced 476 new buses which arrived on Friday. The new fleet includes standard buses, articulated buses and double-decker buses. The Road and Transport Authority has said, it aims to raise the percentage of trips made using mass transit to 30% by 2020.

  • Dubai World repays $1.2bn loan

    Dubai World has repaid a $1.2bn loan that had been arranged to finance the acquisition of a stake in the US' MGM Mirage in August last year. The loan was repaid using Dubai World’s operating reserves.

  • Dubai’s Esplanade project slows down

    Construction work has slowed on the AED1.55bn ($422m) Esplanade development in the Al-Barsha area of Dubai, according to industry sources.

  • Dubai-based Depa wins Sentosa Island fit-out contract

    DDS Contracts & Interior Solutions, a joint venture of the Dubai-based interior design contractor Depa and Singapore-based Design Studio, has been awarded a AED118m ($32m) fit-out contract for an entertainment venue at the Singapore leisure resort, Sentosa Island.

  • Dupont developing new refrigerant

    Dupont has said it has made significant progress towards developing and commercialising a new refrigerant for automotive air conditioning that has considerably lower global warming potential than the hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) R-134a product currently used. The new refrigerant, hydrofluoro-olefin (HFO)-1234yf, came through a joint development agreement between Dupont and Honeywell. Dupont claims the use of the new refrigerant in new cars has the potential to save more than 2,200 million litres

  • Edison signs Abu Qir oil and gas deal

    Italy’s Edison International announced on 2 December that it has signed a deal with the state-owned Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation for the Abu Qir concession in the Mediterranean Sea near Alexandria.

  • Egypt Air, United to code share

    United Airlines has reached an agreement with Egypt Air on a code-sharing alliance that will go into effect next summer. United will place its code on Egypt Air flights to Cairo from New York Kennedy Airport and London's Heathrow Airport, while Egypt Air will attach its code to United flights from New York to Los Angeles and San Francisco, and flights linking London Heathrow with Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington.

  • Egypt offers $1.3bn aid to industrial firms

    Egyptian Trade & Industry Minister Rachid Rachid announced on 1 December a£E7bn ($1.3bn) support package to help Egypt's exporters cope with the global economic downturn.

  • Egypt to join Somalia pirate patrols

    Egypt said it is willing to join a multinational operation under the banner of the United Nations to patrol the Gulf of Aden following a number of piracy attacks off Somalia's coast, Bloomberg has reported. Companies including Euronav NV and TMT Co, owners of ships designed to haul Middle East crude to Europe and the US, have said that they are reviewing whether to stop sending their carriers through the Suez Canal to avoid traveling near the site of most of the attacks off the coast of Somal

  • Egypt: Copper and fibre optic cables

    Design, installation and commissioning of XLPE copper cables and fibre optic cables. Closing date: 15 January 2008

  • Egypt: Gas fittings, tubes and connections

    Supply of fittings, tubes and connections for a natural gas connection project. Closing date: 15 February 2009

  • Egypt: Gas jointing compound, valves and fixtures

    Supply of jointing compound, valves and fixtures for a natural gas connection project. Closing date: 10 February 2009

  • Egypt: Mechanical and electromechanical equipment (1)

    Supply and erection of electromechanical equipment for a lifting station. Closing date: 2 February 2009

  • Egypt: Mechanical and electromechanical equipment (2)

    Supply and erection of electromechanical equipment for a lifting station. Closing date: 5 February 2009

  • Egypt: Shunt capacitor banks

    Supply and installation of shunt capacitor banks. Closing date: 21 January 2009

  • Egypt: Soya oil

    Supply of soya oil. Closing date: 23 December 2008

  • Egypt: Steam generators and auxiliaries

    Supply of steam generators and auxiliaries for a supercritical thermal power plant project. Closing date: 11 March 2009

  • Egypt: Steel pipes and cast iron fittings

    Supply of steel pipes and cast iron fittings for a natural gas connection project. Closing date: 12 January 2009

  • Egyptian inflation decreases

    Egyptian inflation dropped to 20.9 per cent for the year to November, compared with 21.2 per cent for the year to October.

  • Eithad launches JV with Amadeus

    Etihad Airways and Amadeus IT Group have launched Amadeus Gulf, a joint venture company to provide a global distribution system for travel companies and travel agents in the UAE, Bahrain and Oman. The Amadeus Reservations System will offer travel agents in these markets access to a database of Etihad's full range of air fares. Amadeus will also give Etihad greater access to business and leisure travellers across the world and support the airline's growth strategy, according to a press stateme

  • Emaar awarded $100m social housing development in Cairo

    Emaar, the UAE's largest real estate developer, has won a $100m contract to develop and project manage a social housing project in Cairo.

  • Emaar The Economic City awards villa contract to Al-Redwan

    Emaar The Economic City has awarded the local Al-Redwan Trading & Contracting a SR325m ($88m) contract for the construction of 134 villas in King Abdullah Economic City.

  • Emal signs $100m smelter contract

    The UAE’s Emal has signed a $100m (AED367m) turnkey contract with French-based equipment supplier ECL and Australia’s Kempe to provide equipment for its aluminium smelter at Taweelah.

  • Emirates Aluminium awards $100m deal

    Emirates Aluminium has awarded contracts worth $100m to two companies, French group ECL and Australian firm Kempe. The companies will build an on-site anode rodding plant, which will provide metal bars for the smelter currently under construction at Taweelah in Abu Dhabi.

  • Emirates begins daily flights to Cote D'Ivoire

    Emirates airline has introduced daily flights to Cote D'Ivoire, one of the world's leading producers of cocoa. Under the new schedule, EK flight 787 leaves Dubai each day at 7:40am and arrives at Felix Houphouet Boigny Airport, at 2:55pm. The flights are served by a three-class Airbus A340-300 and make a short stop in Accra, Ghana.

  • Emirates denies merger rumours

    Emirates Airlines has once again denied rumours of a possible merger with Abu Dhabi-based national carrier Etihad. 'There are no merger talks taking place between Emirates and Etihad. We have no knowledge of the federal government or Abu Dhabi, or another airline taking a stake in Emirates', the carrier told Gulf News.

  • Emirates doubles service between Dubai, Lagos

    Emirates Airline has announced that it will double its service between Dubai and Lagos. The airline will increase its seven-times-a-week Lagos service to twice daily from February 1st next year, further supporting trade in Nigeria and expanding channels of investment between the west African nation, the UAE and beyond, according to a statement.

  • Emirates plans world's longest 'green' flight

    Emirates plans to operate the first global cross-polar green flight on its service launch from Dubai to San Francisco on 15 December. The carrier is working with the governments of Russia, Iceland, Canada and the US to optimize routings for the aircraft and possibly achieve a continuous descent approach to minimize fuel burn. The carrier aims to save roughly 7,570 litres of fuel and 30,000lb of carbon emissions on the 16-hour flight. Other fuel and emission saving procedures planned for the f

  • Emirates says no layoffs planned

    Emirates Airline has no plans to lay off any employees in the wake of the financial crisis, said Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group and President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority. On the contrary, the carrier is expanding and plans to hire more staff, Shaikh Ahmad said. He also denied rumours of a merger between Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways and Emirates, saying, 'the issue has never been discussed', Gulf News reported.

  • Emirates to stick with A380 orders

    Emirates has no plans to rein in its expansion amid air travel slump, Bloomberg has reported. According to its Vice-Chairman Maurice Flanagan, the carrier has no intention of deferring any of its plane orders and will take delivery of 55 more A380s after having received three that it has deployed on routes to New York and London.

  • Emirates, Jet Airways on code share

    Emirates and Jet Airways have agreed to unilaterally code share on Jet Airways' daily flights from Mumbai and New Delhi to Dubai. Emirates' customers will have the option to travel on its four daily flights, as well as on Jet Airways' daily service between Mumbai and Dubai. On the New Delhi-Dubai sector, Emirates will offer 25 flights per week on its aircraft and an additional seven flights per week on Jet Airways.

  • Epson unveils new CD/DVD production system

    Epson has announced the Middle East launch of the Discproducer PP-100, a new CD/DVD production system that produces reliable data burning and realistic photo printing in one single fully automated process. The new production system also introduces a separate ink cartridge system that makes for low cost maintenance and ink efficiency, promising 1,000 print jobs and more without the need to change the ink.

  • Etihad awarded flying rights to Japan

    Etihad Airways has been awarded rights to start a five-flights-a-week service from its Abu Dhabi home base to the Japanese capital Tokyo, from March 2010. The decision follows bilateral talks which took place in Tokyo during the past week between UAE and Japanese government and aviation officials, as well as Etihad Airways representatives.In line with gaining flying rights to Narita airport in Tokyo, Etihad also has the option to start flights to the regions of Kansai and Chubu.

  • Etihad launches Moscow route

    UAE national carrier Etihad has launched its maiden voyage from Abu Dhabi to Moscow. The carrier will run five flights per week. Etihad will also launch a new service to Kazakhstan's capital, Almaty, on December 2.

  • Etihad launches service from Abu Dhabi to Kazakhstan

    Etihad Airways has launched its first flight from Abu Dhabi to the Kazakhstan commercial capital, Almaty, bringing to 50 the number of destinations served by the national airline of the UAE. The four flights a week Almaty service follows Monday's launch of the airline's new Moscow route, which will operate five times weekly. Almaty will be Etihad's ninth destination in its flight network in the Asia-Pacific region, which already includes services to Brisbane, Sydney, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lu

  • Etihad loyalty programme tops 500,000 members

    Etihad Airways has announced that the 500,000th customer has enrolled with the airline's Etihad Guest loyalty programme. To mark the occasion the Abu Dhabi-based airline awarded Mohammed Al Jurishy, the 500,000th Etihad Guest member, with 100,000 Etihad Guest miles. Etihad Guest was launched in August 2006.

  • Etihad mulls stake in Air Berlin

    A German newspaper has reported that Etihad Airways is considering acquiring a stake in Germany's Air Berlin, taking advantage of attractive stock prices. However, an Etihad spokesman has denied any comments on the speculation.

  • Etihad plans 2009 routes

    UAE national carrier Etihad has said that it plans to open a range of new long-distance routes in 2009. New destinations include the carrier's third Australian city Melbourne, where the city's stadium will be renamed Etihad.

  • Etihad relief flights from Thailand continue

    Etihad Airways is planning a second relief flight from Phuket International Airport in Thailand in order to move as many stranded passengers as possible starting from today, reported Gulf News. The airline has flown 1,000 British passengers out of a total of 1,600 so far from U-Tapao airport in Thailand to its home base of Abu Dhabi and onwards to London and Manchester. A further 400 passengers travelled on Tuesday evening on the airline's fifth special flight to Abu Dhabi and connected on to

  • Etihad signs $575m Rolls-Royce engine deal

    Etihad Airways has agreed a $575m deal with Rolls-Royce for engines to power eight of the airline’s Airbus A330 aircraft.

  • Etihad voted best US-ME business class

    Etihad Airways has won the award for the best business class service between the US and the Middle East, from Business Traveller USA. The award was compiled from a survey of readers and their views of airlines, hotels, cruise lines, car rental firms and destinations.

  • Etihad's first class wins award

    Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has been voted the 'world's leading first class airline' at this year's World Travel Awards. Votes for the WTA ceremony, which took place at Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort and Spa, were taken from nearly 170,000 travel industry professionals from around the world.

  • EU and Syria initial association agreement

    Syria and the EU have initialled an new association agreement in Damascus, four years after a previous agreement was initialled before being shelved.

  • Fairmont launches new project in Egypt

    Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has announced the launch of Fairmont Residences, Zamalek Island, Cairo. Developed by Palm Properties, the residences are located on the banks of the Nile River on Gezira Island. Construction is currently underway with sales scheduled to start in early 2009, and the project slated to open in 2010. The development will build on Fairmont's presence in Cairo, joining Fairmont Heliopolis and Fairmont Towers Heliopolis, and Fairmont Nile City, opening in 2009.

  • Financial crisis forces Muscat to cancel Omantel sale

    Muscat has cancelled the sale of a 25 per cent stake in state telecoms firm Omantel because of the deteriorating global economy and declining stock markets.

  • Fire damages Fujairah Free Zone

    A huge fire broke out and has caused substantial damages in parts of Fujairah Free Zone on Thursday night but no injuries have been reported, Gulf News has cited. A number of warehouses and factories were damaged in the fire as most of the warehouses contained dry material such as paper, as well as liquid matter including petrochemicals. Officials cleared, however any health hazards to the general public.

  • Firms invited to submit bids for Nation Towers work in Abu Dhabi

    Companies have been invited to submit bids by 23 December for a construction package on the Nation Towers project on Abu Dhabi corniche.

  • Firms line up for Libya onshore drilling contract

    Five firms are expected to bid for an onshore drilling contract for Total Exploration & Production Libya , a subsidiary of France's Total, with the formal tender process expected to begin in early January.

  • Firms line up for South Pars rig contract

    National Iranian Drilling Company has prequalified six companies for the contract to lease drilling rigs for use on phase 17-18 of the South Pars gas field development.

  • Firms prepare bids for Kuwait airport terminal

    Bids for the design contract for the second terminal at Kuwait airport are to be submitted on 30 December.

  • First homes in King Abdullah Economic City to be handed over in early 2009

    The first residential units in King Abdullah Economic City are to be handed over in the first quarter of 2009.

  • Fitch downgrades 18 GCC banks

    Fitch Ratings has downgraded the standalone credit rating for 18 banks in the GCC as a result of the deteriorating outlook in the region stemming from the global credit crunch.

  • Foreign firms to renovate cement factories in Iraq

    An Iraqi delegation to the Jordanian capital has signed two agreements with a number of foreign companies to renovate two cement factories in Anbar and Ninewa provinces. A legal advisor to the Iraqi prime minister said a preliminary agreement worth $50m has been signed with three companies. The Iraqi government has set aside $150m for the renovations.

  • Free bus rides for two more months

    Bus rides in Abu Dhabi will be free for an extra two months, according to Saeed Al Hameli, General Manager, Bus Office of Abu Dhabi Department of Transport. A fare system is to be introduced in March 2009.

  • French to design Jebel al-Akhdar hotel

    France’s AW2 Design has has been appointed as the lead consultant and architect for the Jabal al-Akhdar hotel in the Nizwa area of Oman.

  • Galfar awarded OR18.5m deal

    Galfar Engineering and Contracting has been awarded the contract to carry out the civil works for the construction of the nine million tonnes per annum pelletising plant being constructed in Sohar by Vale. The deal is worth an estimated OR18.5m. A leading global mining company with headquarters in Brazil, Vale employs over 100,000 people worldwide, while Galfar is the largest construction company in Oman.

  • Gas exporting countries agree to set up Qatari headquarters

    The Gas Exporting Countries Forum has agreed a formal charter and headquarters, laying the groundwork for greater co-operation between member states.

  • Gaza pays the price for Israeli fears

    Israel claims Palestinian militants are to blame for its attacks on Gaza. Divisions at home are the real cause.

  • GCC rail plan may be approved by year end

    GCC member states may be able to reach agreement on the specifics of the GCC Railway project by the end of 2008, reported MEED. The 1,500-kilometre project, which is expected to cost about $14bn and will connect all six member states, will be discussed at the next GCC Summit, in Muscat on 29-30 December. Members are said to be close to agreeing to final terms for the project, including the issue of whether to have a single regulator overseeing the project or six separate bodies.

  • GCC set to discuss rail plan approval

    The GCC member states could approve the specifications for the GCC Railway project by the end of 2008.

  • GCC steel demand to rise 14.5%

    A research study has found that demand for steel in GCC countries rose to 20m metric tonnes in 2007 and is likely to grow by 14.5%. The UAE Steel Industry Analysis further reported that demand in the country was set to grow by 12.8% by 2010, driven by the construction industry.

  • GE signs $3bn Iraq electricty deal

    GE has signed a $3bn deal with Iraq’s Electricity Ministry to help rebuild and support the country’s electricity grid.

  • GE wins $3bn Iraq turbine order

    General Electric has won an order valued at about $3bn to provide electricity-generating equipment and services to Iraq, reported Bloomberg. It is the largest single order in the history of the GE Energy segment, a GE official said. GE, based in Fairfield, Connecticut, will provide 56 of its 9E model turbines capable of supplying 7,000 megawatts of electricity, nearly doubling the country's generating capacity.

  • Global Investment House fails to repay loan

    Kuwait's Global Investment House has failed to repay a loan obligation due on 15 December, and has 72 hours to make the payment before the company has defaulted on the loan, according to Fitch Ratings.

  • Global Investment House loan still not repaid

    Kuwait’s Global Investment House has still not repaid a loan obligation due on 15 December and is in negotiations with creditors to extend its grace period while it works to solve its financing issues.

  • Global Investment House sells BBK stake

    Kuwait’s Global Investment House has sold its 14.7 per cent stake in Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK) for KD43.6m ($158m) as part of a strategy to reduce its investment book and build up its fee-generating business.

  • Google holds Dubai webmaster event

    Dubai Internet City hosted the first Google webmaster event in Dubai on Thursday. The event is held to promote greater understanding of search engine technology and highlighted ways for web publishers to maximize their visibility on the internet.

  • Google releases top searched terms of 2008

    'Beijing 2008' was the most commonly searched phrase by users of the Internet in the UAE this year, according to Google. The 2008 Year-End Google Zeitgeist offers a unique perspective on the year's major events and hottest trends based on global searches, as well as searches conducted in UAE and 35 other countries. In the UAE, the fastest rising web queries also included the Atlantis Hotel, Emirates ID, Obama and Bahrain Air while most common used economy-related searches in the country inclu

  • Gulf Energy takes delivery of 11th vessel

    Gulf Energy Maritime, the Middle East's largest independent commercial product tanker operator, has taken delivery of the second of two tankers expected this year from Korea's Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, one of the world's largest ship makers. Named Gulf Jumeirah, the $56m tanker would be the 11th vessel in GEM's growing fleet.

  • Gulf Extrusions wins Armani Hotel deal

    Gulf Extrusions has announced that it has won the deal to supply the aluminium requirements of the Armani Hotel currently under construction as part of the Burj Dubai development. The company is providing the aluminium materials for all working areas in the hotel under a contract with Fino International.

  • Gulf International Bank chief resigns

    The chief executive officer of Gulf International Bank (GIB), Khaled al-Fayez has resigned from the bank after 35 years, following a difficult 12 months for the Bahraini institution.

  • Gulf markets stabilise after Lehman crisis

    The Middle East's major stock markets all climbed this week for the first time since the collapse of Lehman Brothers on 15 September.

  • Gulf project delays

    MEED's top stories on the fallout the global financial crisis and the resulting GCC downturn is having on construction projects, many of which are now delayed, suspended or slowing down.

  • Gulf projects 05 January 2009

    The MEED Projects index rose by 0.3 per cent in the two weeks to 5 January to reach $2.97 trillion.

  • Gulf projects 1 December 2008

    The MEED Projects index rose to $2.92 trillion in the week ending 1 December, up by just 0.4 per cent on the previous week.

  • Gulf projects 15 December 2008

    The MEED index of projects planned or under way in the Gulf rose by only 0.1 per cent in the week ending 15 December.

  • Gulf projects 17 November 2008

    The MEED Projects index rose marginally to $2.8 trillion in the week ending 17 November.

  • Gulf projects 22 December 2008

    The MEED index of projects planned or under way in the Gulf rose by 1.4 per cent in the week ending 22 December, thanks mainly to a leap in Iraqi projects.

  • Gulf projects 24 November 2008

    The MEED Projects index grew by just 0.5 per cent to $2.91 trillion in the week to 24 November.

  • Gulf projects 8 December 2008

    The MEED Projects index remained virtually unchanged in the week ending 8 December.

  • Gulf public sector projects 'full steam ahead'

    As the credit crunch takes a big toll on private businesses, the Gulf countries are investing their energies in public sector schemes. Major air and rail projects are among the schemes together with power and water infrastructure plans. Economist Monica Malik, from EFG-Hermes investment bank said there is an absolute need to invest in key areas, like water and power projects. These projects are likely to continue.

  • 'Halal' tourism gains ground in Dubai

    Dubai-based Al Jawhara Hospitality Group (JHG) has brought on show the 'Pure Rooms' event, the first of its kind in the Middle East that strictly adheres to Islamic hospitality, Khaleej Times has reported. The event introduces the concept of 'Halal Tourism'. The JHG does not allow liquor within its apartments and hotels. Halal body care items and Halal champagnes were also showcased in the exhibition.

  • Hilton Hotels regional development to continue

    According to Ivor McBurney, Hilton Hotels Middle East vice-president for developments, Hilton continues to pursue new developments in the region, despite the global economic crisis affecting the hospitality sector. Several Dubai hotels planned for completion in 2007 and 2008 were delayed due to a shortage of contractors because the construction market was overheated and because of financing problems. Work is unaffected on projects under development.

  • Hilton in 13 hotel Saudi deal

    The Hilton Hotels corporation has entered into a non-exclusive agreement with the Abdulmohsen Al-Hokair Group for Tourism and Development group in which the hotel chain will open 13 Hilton Garden Inn properties across Saudi Arabia. The agreement will deliver a total of 2,500 rooms, with the first property expected to open in 2009 in Riyadh.

  • Hilton offers weekend discounts

    Hilton Hotels has slashed prices by up to 50% on weekend breaks until the end of August 2009, for bookings made from December 29 to January 31, 2009. Hilton Dubai Creek is offering rooms from Dhs530, Hilton Al Ain is promoting rates from Dhs435 and Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa has weekend breaks from Dhs460. The Hilton Salalah Resort is offering rooms from OMR47.

  • Hotels pay taxis to bring in customers

    Some hotels in Dubai's central business district are paying taxi drivers Dhs100 ($27) to Dhs150 as commission for bringing in clients, reported The National. These hotels, which rely heavily on walk-in customers and traders from neighbouring countries, are being forced to take this unusual step because occupancy is down at least 25% this December. One taxi driver said many of his colleagues are taking up the hotels on their offer.

  • HP faces scrutiny for printer sales in Iran

    Hewlett-Packard is under scrutiny because of press report which claims that one of its Middle Eastern distributors sells HP printers in Iran. The Boston Globe report traced the relationship between HP and a distributor in Dubai called Redington Gulf, which started doing business in 1997, selling HP supplies in Iran. According to the report, HP printers have become the top sellers in Iran despite a comprehensive trade embargo put in place by former President Bill Clinton in 1995 and enforced w

  • HSBC appointed debt adviser to Global Investment House

    HSBC has confirmed that it has been appointed as financial adviser to Global Investment House to work on restructuring the Kuwait banks’ debt after it failed to make a payment scheduled for 15 December.

  • ictQatar to digitise Arabic books

    In a recent interview to the New York Times, Dr Hessa Al Jaber, ictQatar General Secretary, stated the communications regulatory authority is starting a project to digitise approximately 18,000 books in Arabic. This is part of an initiative to give Arabic-speaking people more access to the Internet. It was revealed that 65% of Arabs who explore the Internet do not read or write English.

  • Industrial park to be built in Al Ain

    A 15-square kilometre industrial park is being developed in Al Ain, reported Khaleej Times. At least 40 medium to large size industrial units will be set up to manufacture construction materials in the park, which is being built by Arkan Building Materials Company, a subsidiary of Government-owned General Holding Corporation (GHC).

  • Inflation in Saudi Arabia to fall to 7 per cent in 2009

    Inflation in Saudi Arabia is set to fall to 7 per cent in 2009 as slowing economic growth and falls in global commodity prices hit the costs of goods, according to Standard Chartered Bank.

  • Intel's fastest CPU launches in Egypt

    Intel launched its fastest desktop processor, the Core i7 CPU, into the Egyptian market today. The processor is an eight core CPU that doubles the memory bandwidth of previous Intel 'Extreme' processors. The Core i7 processors and Intel X58 Express Chipset-based Desktop Board DX58SO Extreme Series are for sale immediately, both through retail stores and channel partners.

  • Intercontinental Hotels to build hotel in Duqm

    The Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) has signed an agreement to build a new hotel in the coastal Omani city of Duqm.

  • International routes planned for Najaf airport

    The first scheduled international flights from Iraq's al-Najaf International Airport to Kuwait, Bahrain and Dubai are due to launch in the coming weeks, with plans to begin operating direct flights to Europe early in 2009.

  • Internet cable repairs delayed

    The slowdown in internet services in Qatar are to continue as repair work on the damaged undersea cables in the Mediterranean Sea has been delayed. The repairs are now expected to be completed by January 5. According to agency reports, an important undersea cable broke for a second time, this time at a much greater depth.

  • Investment Corporation of Dubai takes ownership of Emirates Airlines

    The government of Dubai has transferred the ownership of Emirates Airline and the travel agent and cargo handler Dnata to Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD), the Dubai-owned sovereign fund.

  • Iran agrees $1.2bn zinc deal

    Iran has signed a deal with Australian company Union Resources to build a $1.2bn zinc plant. The plant will produce 300,000 tonnes annually and will come under the umbrella of the state-backed Mineral Products Procurement and Production Company.

  • Iran and UAE sign deal to increase passenger flights

    The UAE and Iran have signed an air services agreement to increase passenger flights between the two countries.

  • Iran: Antistatic additive

    Supply of antistatic additive. Closing date: 23 December 2008

  • Iran: Bam earthquake reconstruction equipment

    Procurement of construction equipment for reconstruction of Bam following the 2003 earthquake. Closing date: 3 February 2009

  • Iran: CCTV system

    Supply of a closed-circuit television (CCTV) system. Closing date: 22 February 2009

  • Iran: Centrifugal pumps

    Supply of vertical centrifugal pumps. Closing date: 30 December 2008

  • Iran: Community project consultancy

    Provision of consultancy services for a local community project. Closing date: 11 January 2009

  • Iran: Community project consultancy (Kermanshah)

    Provision of consultancy services for a local community project. Closing date: 14 January 2009

  • Iran: Drilling fluid services

    Provision of drilling fluid services. Closing date: 14 February 2009

  • Iran: Drilling mud and cementing materials

    Supply of drilling mud and cementing materials. Closing date: not stated

  • Iran: Engineering services for South Pars gas field

    Engineering services for South Pars gas field.

  • Iran: Ferrochrome production materials

    Supply of cold carbon ramming and electrode paste for a ferrochrome production plant. Closing date: 17 January 2009

  • Iran: Multi-purpose funfair complex investment

    Provision of investors for the establishment of a multi-purpose funfair complex. Closing date: not stated

  • Iran: Nitrogen storage/transport trailers

    Supply of two nitrogen storage/transport tanker trailers. Closing date: not stated

  • Iran: Offshore rig operation consultancy

    Provision of consultancy and supply services for offshore drilling rig operations. Closing date: 7 February 2009

  • Iran: Supply of centrifugal pump

    Supply of centrifugal pump and spare part. Closing date: 3 January 2009.

  • Iran: Supply of mud balance equipment

    Supply of mud balance baroid four scale complete equipment. Closing date: 28 February 2009.

  • Iraq considers new Basra oil export terminal

    Iraq is in talks with contractors over the construction of a new offshore crude export terminal at Basra, in addition to the rehabilitation of the existing facility.

  • Iraq launches second oil licensing round

    Iraq’s Oil Ministry has launched its second oil licensing round, with 10 oil fields and one gas field on offer to international oil companies.

  • Iraq plans to build airport near Karbala

    The local government of Karbala has set aside 100,000 square metres for the construction of an airport to serve the province.

  • Iraq prepares for second oil licensing round

    Iraq’s Oil Ministry is to launch its second oil licensing bid round on 31 December with 14 oil fields and two gas fields to be offered to international oil companies.

  • Iraq to overhaul $150m cement plant

    Iraq has signed a preliminary agreement to reopen and overhaul a cement factory at a cost of $150m, reported MEED. The factory is believed to be in the west of the country, where Baghdad is keen to redevelop the country's industrial infrastructure.

  • Iraq to redevelop $150m cement plant

    Iraq has signed a preliminary agreement to reopen and overhaul a cement factory at a cost of $150m.

  • Iraq to take control of Basra airport from 1 January

    Iraqi security forces will take control of Basra International Airport from UK troops on 1 January, 2009.

  • Iraq: Dam project

    Execution of a dam project. Closing date: 21 December 2008

  • Iraq: Dam supervision works

    Carrying out consultancy and general supervision works for a dam in the western desert. Closing date: 4 January 2009.

  • Iraq: Diethanol amine

    Supply of diethanol amine. Closing date: 8 December 2008

  • Iraq: Fire alarm system

    Supply and installation of fire alarm system for new Samawa depot project. Deadline: 29 January 2009.

  • Iraq: Fire-fighting trucks (30)

    Supply of fire-fighting trucks. Closing date: 23 December 2008

  • Iraq: Hydropower auditing consultancy services

    Provision of external auditing consultancy services for an emergency hydropower project. Closing date: 3 February 2009

  • Iraq: Hydropower environmental consultancy services

    Provision of hydropower environmental consultancy services. Closing date: 26 January 2009

  • Iraq: Iron pipes

    Supply of ductile iron pipes with accessories. Closing date: 15 December 2008

  • Iraq: LPG tank semi-trailers

    Supply of 75 LPG tank semi-trailers. Closing date: 31 December 2008

  • Iraq: Silo vehicles

    Supply of 10 silo vehicles. Closing date: 28 December 2008

  • Iraq: Spare parts for drilling rigs

    The supply of equipment and spare parts for the rehabilitation of drilling rigs. Closing date: 17 December at 2pm.

  • Iraq: Switchgear

    Design, supply and installation of medium-voltage switchgear. Closing date: 29 January 2009

  • Islamic art museum opens

    The Museum of Islamic Art in Doha is to open to the public today. The museum sits 60 metres off the coast of the Corniche and has been described as 'iconic' by the designer.

  • Joining up the dots in Gulf water

    The Gulf is one of the world’s driest places. So why is water being wasted and what are the sustainable alternatives? A regional approach to water management may offer answers.

  • Jordan signs nuclear deal with Kepco

    Amman has signed a memorandum of understanding with Korea Electric Power Corporation (Kepco) to carry out a feasibility study for one of Jordan's first nuclear power plants.

  • Jordan: Construction of schools

    Four tenders for the construction of a total of 12 schools at sites around the country. Closing date: 30 December.

  • Jordan: Gasoline

    Supply of unleaded gasoline. Closing date: 30 December 2008

  • Jordan: LPG cylinders

    Supply of LPG cylinders. Closing date: 27 January 2009

  • Jordan: Pumps

    Supply of submersible pumps. Closing date: 16 December 2008

  • Jumeirah to operate Macau hotel

    The Jumeirah Group has announced that it plans to operate a five-star hotel in Macau as part of an agreement with Hong Kong developer Shun Tak Limited. The Jumeirah Macau hotel is located in the tourist hub of Cotai and is scheduled for completion in 2013. The Jumeirah Macau hotel is the third management agreement for the Jumeirah Group in China. The previous two include the Jumeirah HanTang Xintiandi, scheduled to open in Shangahi in 2009 and the Jumeirah Guangzhou hotel, scheduled for 2011.

  • Khatami attacks Ahmadinejad's spending plans

    Mohammad Khatami, the president of Iran between 1997 and 2005, has attacked Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's spending plans, saying they threaten the economic wellbeing of many Iranians.

  • Kuwait and Dow announce $17bn joint venture

    Kuwait's Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC) and the US' Dow Chemical Company have ended rumours that their petrochemical joint venture is on hold after announcing that the venture will start work on 1 January 2009.

  • Kuwait awards power and wastewater projects

    The Kuwaiti government has awarded a series of contracts for power, water and wastewater projects.

  • Kuwait cancels $17bn joint venture with Dow Chemicals

    Kuwait’s Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC) has cancelled its agreement with Dow Chemicals to enter into a 50-50 joint venture, K-Dow, the value of which had been estimated at $17bn.

  • Kuwait cancels Dow deal

    According to Kuwait's K television station Al Rai, the country's cabinet has cancelled a deal to form a $17.4bn petrochemical joint venture with US firm Dow Chemical due to parliamentary opposition. There has been no immediate official confirmation of the report.

  • Kuwait delays bids for compressor contract

    Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) has delayed bids for the contract to install new compressors at three gathering centres by three weeks.

  • Kuwait issues construction tenders for mosques

    Kuwait’s Awqaf & Islamic Affairs Ministry has issued a raft of tenders for construction work on a number of mosques across the country.

  • Kuwait issues road maintenance tenders

    Kuwait’s Public Works Ministry has issued three tenders for general improvement works in three of its six governorates.

  • Kuwait logistics firm signs agreement with Japan's Kintetsu

    The Kuwait Transcontinental Shipping Company (KTS) has signed a global freight forwarding agreement with Japan’s Kintetsu World Express.

  • Kuwait market falls after bank misses debt payment

    The financial crisis claimed a second victim in Kuwait's banking sector when Global Investment House, an investment bank, missed a debt repayment on 16 December.

  • Kuwait Municipality issues tender for building

    Kuwait Municipality has issued a tender for construction work for a regional municipality building.

  • Kuwait Oil Company agrees additional financing for pipeline

    Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) has awarded the local Combined Group Company KD8.79m ($32m) in further financing for an oil pipeline construction project in the north of the country.

  • Kuwait Oil Company issues Mina al-Ahmadi marine expansion tender

    Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) has issued a design consultancy tender for marine expansion works.

  • Kuwait revalues Dow deal

    Kuwait has revalued a deal with Dow Chemicals down to $16bn from $20bn, according to the Kuwait Times. The Petroleum Industries Company will now pay $8bn and a finalized deal is to be announced later this week. The Supreme Petroleum Council has already given the green light for the deal under the new financial terms, which come as Dow's share prices have dropped due to the current financial turmoil.

  • Kuwait: Cement bricks

    Supply of cement bricks. Closing date: 30 December 2008

  • Kuwait: Chemical storage and handling facilities

    Provision of bulk storing and handling facilities for chemical products. Closing date: 24 February 2009

  • Kuwait: Cleaning services

    Provision of cleaning and refuse transportation services. Closing date: 1 February 2009

  • Kuwait: Computer equipment

    Supply of personal computer equipment. Closing date: 15 February 2009

  • Kuwait: Construction and maintenance of operation building at ammonia plant

    The construction and maintenance of operation building at ammonia plant.

  • Kuwait: Cooling tower maintenance

    Provision of maintenance services for main cooling towers. Closing date: 1 February 2009

  • Kuwait: Heavy transport equipment lease

    Leasing of heavy transport equipment and moveable equipment. Closing date: 27 January 2009

  • Kuwait: Laboratory building construction

    Construction, completion and maintenance of a central laboratory building. Closing date: 15 February 2009

  • Kuwait: Maintenance for A/C cooling

    Maintenance for A/C cooling, ventilation and heating at three refineries. Closing date: 22 February 2009

  • Kuwait: Nitrogen gas

    Provision of nitrogen gas via trailers for refineries. Closing date: 24 February 2009

  • Kuwait: Petroleum company administration services

    Provision of administration services at a petroleum company utilities. Closing date: 15 February 2009

  • Kuwait: Rehabilition and maintenance for Ministry sites

    Rehabilitation and small construction works for various building sites in Kuwait. Closing date 11 January 2009.

  • Kuwait: Transformer station control equipment

    Supply and installation of monitoring and control equipment for a transformer station. Closing date: 8 February 2009

  • Kuwait: Transformer substation locks

    Supply of locks with non-immitigable keys for transformer substations. Closing date: 23 January 2009

  • Kuwait: Vehicles

    Supply of vehicles. Closing date: 17 December 2008

  • Kuwaiti public companies could struggle to survive, says NBK Capital

    A large number of companies listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange could struggle to survive because of exposures to investments that have fallen in value, according to a report by the investment banking arm of National Bank of Kuwait, NBK Capital.

  • Kuwait's Agility secures US logistics contract

    Kuwait-based Agility has secured a logistics contract worth up to $932m, to supply and deliver spare parts for communications and electronics equipment to the US army.

  • Lebanon appoints ambassador to Syria

    Lebanon has appointed an ambassador to Syria, signalling the first time the Arab neighbours will have full diplomatic relations since gaining independence from France in 1946.

  • Lebanon postpones telecoms privatisation

    The Lebanese government has postponed the privatisation of its two state-owned mobile phone networks until after parliamentary elections in May 2009.

  • Lebanon regains tourism in 2008

    Tourism ministry director general Nada Sardouk has said Lebanon's tourism industry are back and enjoying its best year since 2004, as number of foreign visitors are expected to reach 1.3 million people for the whole of this year, Gulf Daily News has reported. Hotels have reported 100% occupancy rate for the holidays, taking the rate to more than 70% in Greater Beirut for the last six months.

  • Lebanon: University faculty construction

    Construction Works of the Faculties of Engineering and Fine Arts at the Lebanese University Campus in Tripoli, Lebanon.

  • Lenovo unveils 'Good Idea' programme

    Lenovo has launched its new 'Good Idea' programme for channel-focused personal computer vendors across the region. The programme provides Lenovo's local business partners with attractive incentive programmes that support their business objectives. As part of the 'Good Idea' business partner drive, Lenovo is now offering new partners special activation pricing until 31 December 2008.

  • Leviton sets up in Jebel Ali

    Wiring device manufacturer Leviton Manufacturing Company has opened its Middle East regional office in Jebel Ali Free Zone. The company is investing $2m to ramp up its business in the Middle East. The US-based company is also a producer of electrical and electronic products.

  • Libya appoints HSBC as adviser on Zwara refinery

    State-owned Zwara Oil Refinery Company (Zorco) has appointed HSBC as financial adviser on the development of a 200,000 barrels-a-day crude oil refinery.

  • Libya: Construction of building, removal of parking lot

    Construction of building, removal of parking lot. Closing date: 8 January 2009

  • Libya: Engineering and Design Review for De-Bottlenecking

    Engineering and design review of existing gas-oil separation plant facilities and crude oil exporting system in El-Feel Field for de-bottlenecking. Closing date: 11 January 2009.

  • Libya: Moored semi-submersible drilling unit equipment

    Supply of a moored semi-submersible drilling unit and associated equipment and services. Closing date: 30 December.

  • Libya: Oil terminal control room upgrade

    Upgrading of oil terminal control rooms. Closing date: 29 January 2009

  • Limitless invites firms to prequalify for Sanaya Amman towers

    Dubai-based property developer Limitless has invited selected contractors to prequalify by December 14 for the main construction package on the $300m Sanaya Amman towers project in Jordan.

  • Link Research inks Egypt deal for Vislink

    Link Research and Integrated Systems of Cairo have inked an agreement for the distribution of Vislink group's broadcast and video communications products in Egypt. The agreement covers the Link Research wireless camera systems and Vislink's range of microwave transmission products for broadcast and security which will be demonstrated at CABSAT in March 2009.

  • Local investors 'to dominate UAE stock markets in 2009'

    The flight of foreign investors from Middle East markets will mean local retail investors will dominate the market in the year ahead, leading to increased volatility and a shift of trading volume towards the lowest priced stocks, according to EFG Hermes.

  • Low-cost DIC attracts companies

    Citing cheaper operating costs and extensive labour accommodation, over 500 companies plan to relocate their businesses to the Dubai Industrial City, according to Khaled Al Malik, Tatweer Dubai Chief Executive Officer. The industrial complex is less expensive by as much as 30% compared to the centre of Dubai, Al Malik said. DIC is on schedule for completion by 2015.

  • Majan to offer mobile phone services

    An Omani company has become the Middle East's first virtual network operator (VNO), which is a firm that uses the network of an existing telecoms operator to sell its own mobile phone services.

  • Maritime complex underway in Sharjah

    A $327m integrated maritime industrial complex has been launched at Seatrade Middle East Maritime. Construction work is underway on the 500,000 square metre Hamriyah Maritime City in Sharjah, which aims to capture companies from the regional growth in the offshore oil and gas and marine business. Dredging work for the harbour basins and quay walls is almost complete and contractors have started infrastructure construction. The first tenant companies are expected to move into the complex in th

  • ME airlines face slowdown in 2009

    A new report issued yesterday by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has forecast that airlines in the Middle East will lose $200m in 2009 as demand falls for air travel. The report said the challenge for the region will be to match capacity to demand as fleets expand and traffic slows, particularly for long-haul connections. The outlook is even more bleak for the worldwide industry, which is slated to lose $2.5bn in 2009 on top of the $5bn it is forecast to lose this year.

  • Medgaz consortium completes pipeline between Algeria and Spain

    The international natural gas consortium Medgaz has completed the process of laying pipeline between the Algerian and Spanish coasts, with the project on-track for start-up in the second half of 2009.

  • Mena Wimax demand to soar

    Subscriptions for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (Wimax) in the Middle East and Africa are expected to touch 4.45 million by 2012 as the sector witnesses an unprecedented level of growth, an industry report has said. There is strong and growing regional demand for mobile, fixed-line and pay-TV services, according to a report by research firm Informa Telecoms & Media.

  • Meraas reviews plans for $95bn Jumeira Gardens

    Dubai-based developer Meraas Development is reviewing its business strategy and roll-out plans for its AED350bn ($95bn) Jumeira Gardens project in Dubai.

  • Metito wins Das Island desalination plant

    UAE-based water and wastewater specialist Metito has won the $21m engineering, procurement and construction contract for a desalination plant on Das Island, 140 kilometres off the Abu Dhabi coast.

  • Microsoft signs agreement with Bahrain Ministry

    Microsoft has signed a Partners in Learning agreement with the Education Ministry in Bahrain. Under the initiative, the Education Ministry will receive technology training, tailored curriculum development, access to the latest technology and help raising the levels of ICT literacy in schools.

  • Middle East freight traffic down 1.6%

    Freight traffic for Middle Eastern carriers dropped 1.6% after a one per cent rise in October, the International Air Traffic Association said yesterday. However, this figure is slight compared with the global decline of 13.5% for the same period. Giovanni Bisignani, Iata's Director-General and CEO called the drop in international air cargo 'shocking'.

  • Middle East internet crippled again by sub-sea cable cuts

    Internet users across the Middle East are struggling to get online after the second major cut to undersea cables servicing the region this year.

  • Middle East oil exports to Japan fall

    Exports of crude oil from the Middle East to Japan fell 10 per cent year-on-year and 3 percent month-on-month in November, according to new statistics from Japan's Economy, Industry & Trade Ministry.

  • Ministry u-turn on car ban

    Following instructions from UAE President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan cars older than 20 years will be allowed to carry on operating on the country's roads. These cars were to have been banned effective December 1, but this has now been suspended.

  • Modon signs five contracts for second industrial city in Dammam

    Modon, Saudi Arabia’s industrial development arm has signed five contracts valued at SR420m ($112m) for the development of industrial sites within Dammam’s second industrial city.

  • Modon signs up Jurong to develop masterplan for Sudair Industrial City

    Modon, the Saudi Arabian industrial development agency, has signed an agreement with Singapore-based Jurong International to carry out the detailed masterplan for the first phase of the $40bn Sudair Industrial City.

  • Moody’s lowers outlook for four UAE banks

    Credit ratings agency Moody’s has lowered the outlook on four UAE banks as a result of liquidity pressures and falling asset prices.

  • Moody's affirms ratings for UAE and Abu Dhabi

    Ratings agency Moody’s has said that falling oil prices will not affect the Aa2 rating of Abu Dhabi and the UAE because of the emirate’s large stock of offshore financial assets, which total more than $280bn.

  • More pedestrian bridges for Abu Dhabi and Dubai

    Future plans for more pedestrian bridges have been drawn up by the Abu Dhabi Municipality and the Road Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai. In an attempt to reduce the number of road accidents due to jay walking, the construction of 32 air-conditioned pedestrian crossings will commence in the capital during the first quarter of 2009 and be ready in 18 months. In Dubai, 19 pedestrian crossings will be completed by the end of the year.

  • More than ten firms prequalify for Libya drilling contract

    Turkish Petroleum Overseas Company has prequalified more than ten companies for the contract to provide drilling rig services in the Murzuq basin in Libya.

  • Moroccan bourse regulator eases share buyback rules

    Morocco's stock market regulator has relaxed regulations governing share buybacks by companies.

  • Morocco gets $78m grant for road construction

    Morocco is to receive €60m ($77.5m) from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to build 700km of roads in isolated areas of the country.

  • Morocco invites firms to express interest in power tariff study

    Moroccan state-owned utility, Office National de l’Electricite (One), has invited companies to express interest for an electricity tariff study.

  • Morocco sets up carbon trading fund

    Morocco’s state-run pension fund Caisee de Depot et de Gestion (CDG) has set up a carbon trading fund with capital of MD300m ($35m).

  • Morocco: Petroleum pricing consultancy contract

    Consulting services for petroleum pricing rules, financed by the World Bank. Closing date: 19 December 2008.

  • Mubadala closes $323m financing for university project

    Mubadala Development Company and the Abu Dhabi Education Council have closed the $323m debt financing for the development of the Paris-Sorbonne University in Abu Dhabi.

  • Mubadala ups its stake in AMD

    Abu Dhabi-based Mubadala Development has renegotiated the terms of an agreement made in October in the light of the falling value of shares in Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), The National has reported. AMD, which is based in Sunnyvale, California, has lost more than half its market value since the deal with the Mubadala-affiliated Advanced Technology Investment Company (ATIC) was announced. As part of the original agreement, AMD would spin off its manufacturing system into a new business, tenta

  • Muscat to re-tender Sohar refinery contract

    Oman Refineries & Petrochemicals Company (ORPC) is expected to retender the contract on its planned bitumen plant at the 116,000-barrel-a-day (b/d) Sohar refinery early next year.

  • Nakheel awards $1bn contract for Village Centre on Palm Jumeirah

    Local developer Nakheel has awarded South Korea's Samsung Corporation an estimated $1.1bn contract to build the Village Centre development on the Palm Jumeirah.

  • Nakheel delays Trump tower work

    Nakheel is scaling back work on more of its projects, including the Trump Tower, as the credit crunch forces the developer to reassess its business plans.

  • National Bank of Oman raises $42m

    National Bank of Oman has raised OR16m ($42m) from a private placement with investors, the bank said on 29 December.

  • National Investment Corporation issues tenders for Abu Dhabi Fairmont hotel

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

  • Netgear wins Qatar VPN deal

    Netgear has recently secured a QR270,000 contract to implement a virtual private network (VPN) solution for the 'Zakat Fund' Headquarters to link its 10 branch offices all over Qatar. The solution provides comprehensive controls that block or filter unwanted addresses, services, protocols, and URLs.

  • Netjets Middle East expansion plans

    On board a Hawker 750 executive jet Phil Blizzard talks to James Lonas, CEO, NetJets Middle East Operations, about their ambitious expansion plans and also on the acquisition of the new Hawker 750 aircraft.

  • New anti-theft notebook launched

    Fujitsu Siemens Computers is now offering a notebook with a new anti-theft protection solution that features technology by Intel and Computrace. Fujitsu Siemens is one of only two manufacturers in EMEA who already offer such innovation in its current notebook range. The complex anti-theft protection will be available as an option in the ESPRIMO Mobile models in the business line and in the LIFEBOOK T5010 and LIFEBOOK E8420. Anti-theft protection has two main functions: tracking stolen or lost

  • New gaming mouse launched

    Golden Systems Electronics has announced the availability of GIGABYTE's GM-M8000 - its first-ever GHOST Gaming Series mouse with laser engine technology. The company says it is the highest performance laser engine with the most accurate precision, no tracking lag, and the highest resolution up to 4000dpi accompanying the unique scaling-designed switching button, which allows users freely adjust their favorite dpi in four levels.

  • New Gulf deal needed for Obama era

    Economics, oil and Iran are where the GCC and the US can quickly co-operate in 2009. It will be a year of hard labour.

  • New Madina airport up for bidding

    Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation is to put up for bidding a project to build the new Prince Muhammad Bin Abdul Aziz International Airport in Madina, through the Build-Operate-Transfer system. The project involves the construction of terminals and the development of runways.

  • Nokia Music Store goes live in UAE

    The UAE has become the first country in the Arab world, and number 12 worldwide, to go live with Nokia's music store initiative. Individual tracks on the cost Dhs3 and albums cost Dhs30. The online store also offers a monthly subscription for PC streaming for Dhs20 per month. All music can be purchased using UAE credit cards.

  • Occidental submits low bid for Bahrain Awali field development

    The US' Occidental Petroleum has submitted the lowest bid to Bahrain's National Oil & Gas Authority (Noga) for a lucrative contract to more than double production from the country's Awali oil field.

  • Oil price rises to $45 after Riyadh cuts ouput

    The oil price rose by more than five per cent to top $45 after Saudi Arabia revealed it had cut crude output by more than analysts had expected, ahead of an Opec meeting on 17 December.

  • Oman Air adds the newest Boeing to its fleet

    Oman Air has added the new B737-800 NG to its fleet increasing the airline's total number of Boeing 737's to 11. Peter Hill, Chief Executive Officer, said this latest addition comes in line with Oman Air's plans to expand its fleet for short and medium haul flights, which will enhance Oman Air's presence on the map of the regional aviation industry.

  • Oman Air to fly daily to Heathrow

    Oman Air has announced its new service to London Heathrow Airport, flying daily, non-stop service between Muscat and London starting 15th January 2009. However, with this new service, Oman Air's current operation into London Gatwick will cease.

  • Oman awards gas turbine contract to Bharat

    India’s Bharat Heavy Electricals (Bhel) has won a six to seven year IR20,000m ($400m) contract to supply, install and commission gas turbines in Oman.

  • Oman opens new road

    Wadi Al Ain-Sanat Road in Oman was opened at a ceremony held at Sanat village in the wilayat of Bahla. The 14-kilometre long highway was built at a total cost of RO1.169,857. The new road serves residents living in the mountainous areas of Sanat and Sa'ant.

  • Oman Shipping and Emirates agencies set up joint venture

    Oman Shipping Company (OSC) and Emirates for Trade Agencies (ETA) have signed an agreement to establish a 50-50 joint venture company, which will buy three crude oil tankers, each with a capacity of 300,000 tonnes. The Sultanate and the UAE have joint objectives and strategies to achieve economic development for both the countries.

  • Oman targets oil production boost in 2009

    Oman expects to boost oil production by 50,000 barrels-a-day (b/d) in 2009 to 810,000 b/d, according to the Oil Ministry.

  • Oman: Air compressors

    Design and installation of air compressors for a drydock company. Closing date: 16 February 2009

  • Oman: Air traffic management system

    Supply of an air traffic management system for an international airport. Closing date: 9 February 2009

  • Oman: Airport baggage handling system

    Supply of a baggage handling system for an international airport. Closing date: 9 February 2009

  • Oman: Airport passenger terminal building

    Construction of an airport passenger terminal building. Closing date: 9 February 2009

  • Oman: Construction of tourism project

    Construction, completion and maintenance of a tourism development project at Al Jabal Al Akhdar. Closing date: 21 January 2009.

  • Oman: Environmental facilities

    Design and installation of environmental facilities for a drydock company. Closing date: 16 February 2009

  • Oman: NIX recycling plant

    Design and installation of an NIX recycling plant for a drydock company. Closing date: 16 February 2009

  • Oman: NIX recycling plant

    Design, installation and commissioning of an NIX recycling plant for a drydock company. Closing date: 16 February 2009

  • Oman: NIX recycling plant

    Design and installation of an NIX recycling plant for a drydock company. Closing date: 16 February 2009

  • Oman: Overhead power line re-routing

    Re-routing of overhead power lines. Closing date: 23 February 2009

  • Oman: Port and drydock consultancy

    Provision of construction management consultancy services at a port and drydock. Closing date: 9 February 2009

  • Oman: Power transformers

    Supply of power transformers. Closing date: 23 February 2009

  • Oman: Road construction

    Construction of a road. Closing date: 23 February 2009

  • Oman: Road construction

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

  • Oman: Road construction

    Construction of an asphalt road. Closing date: 19 January 2009

  • Oman: Sewer cleaning machine

    Supply of a sewer cleaning machine. Closing date: 16 February 2009

  • Oman: Sewerage treatment plant chemicals

    Supply of chemicals for a sewerage treatment plant. Closing date: 16 February 2009

  • Oman: Storage reservoir

    Construction of a storage reservoir. Closing date: 9 February 2009

  • Oman: Substation upgrade

    Upgrading of a primary substation. Closing date: 9 February 2009

  • Oman: Supply of transformers

    Supply of transformers. Closing date: 23 February 2009.

  • Oman: Vehicles

    Supply of vehicles. Closing date: 9 February 2009

  • Oman: Water distribution network consultancy

    Provision of construction supervision consultancy services for water distribution networks. Closing date: 23 February 2009

  • Oman: Water storage reservoir

    Construction of a water storage reservoir. Closing date: 9 February 2009

  • Oman: Water supply

    Carrying out a water supply project. Closing date: 9 March 2009

  • Oman: Water supply to airport project

    Construction of potable water supply system to Ras al-Hadd airport from Al Daffah tanker filling station.

  • Orascom Telecom debt downgraded

    Orascom Telecom had its debt downgraded in early December because the business is highly leveraged, according to a statement from ratings agency Standard & Poor's on 11 December.

  • Palestinian GDP drops 3.6 per cent

    Gross domestic product (GDP) in the West Bank and Gaza was $1bn during the third financial quarter of the year, a fall of 3.6 per cent on the same period of 2007.

  • Palestinian tourism revenue hits highest level in eight years

    Revenues from tourism in the West Bank and Gaza are set to hit $280m in 2008, their highest level since the start of the second intifada in 2000.

  • Parsons Brinckerhoff appointed for Kuwait infrastructure works

    Kuwait’s Public Works Ministry has appointed the US-based Parsons Brinckerhoff to project manage infrastructure upgrade works in the country.

  • Passenger numbers grow at Abu Dhabi Airport

    Passenger numbers have grown just over 32% this year at Abu Dhabi International Airport (ADIA). Year to date passenger growth for November was up 27% compared to the same month last year. During Hajj, ADIA flew 14,784 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, pushing passenger numbers to the kingdom up by 34.5%. It made Saudi Arabia the third most served market from Abu Dhabi in November.

  • Petra 'at risk' from tourist numbers

    The Jordanian Department of Antiquities (DoA) Director General Fawwaz Khraysheh has warned that the increasing number of visitors to Petra poses a threat to archaeological sites. Between 5,000 and 6,000 tourists visit Petra on a daily basis, and the influx has led the department to consider regulating the number of visitors allowed to enter the rose-red city. The DoA also said that a two-year renovation plan includes two museums located in downtown Amman and Madaba, in addition to maintenanc

  • Potential bidders emerge for Saadiyat resort

    The prequalifiers for the Saadiyat Beach Residences project in Abu Dhabi are Alec, Al-Habtoor Engineering Enterprises, Arabtec Construction, all local, the local/Belgian Six Construct Abu Dhabi, the local/UK Dutco Balfour Beatty, and Australia’s Multiplex.

  • Power, petrochem projects to stay

    BNP Paribas has said core sectors such as power petrochemical projects will weather the current financial storm and will continue to provide business, the Financial Times has reported. BNP's regional director for the Arab Gulf states said its traditional strengths - project and structured finance, could face a slowdown and that there will be a refocus on large infrastructure and industrial projects.

  • Premium aviation market continues to defy downturn

    The premium aviation market in the Middle East grew strongly in October, defying the continued downturn in most other regions.

  • Private equity investments in the Gulf to increase

    International private equity firms will dramatically increase their exposure to the Middle East within the next three years, according to a poll of private equity investors around the world.

  • Property transactions decrease in Dubai

    The number of properties available for sale in Dubai increased by 36 per cent during November as the volume of property transactions dries up, while in Abu Dhabi prices have fallen by a further 1 per cent.

  • Qatar Airways' business class wins award

    Qatar Airways was named the world's leading business class carrier at the World Travel Awards. The airline was recognized for all aspects of its business class service this year, both in the sky as well as on the ground, from the premium terminal and business class to its cabin crew and inflight entertainment.

  • Qatar Airways eyes stake in Olympic

    Qatar Airways is considering a stake in Greek airline Olympic, Gulf Times has reported. Qatar's CEO Akbar al-Baker said the carrier has signed a letter of interest in Olympic and will make a decision in the near future on whether it will buy a stake in the Greek airline. Greece's parliament approved the privatisation of debt-ridden Olympic Airlines in October.

  • Qatar Airways reduces fuel surcharges on lower oil price

    Qatar Airways has reduced its fuel surcharge on flights from Doha by 15 per cent to reflect the lower crude oil and jet fuel prices of recent months.

  • Qatar Airways secures $500m of aircraft finance

    Qatar Airways secured $500m of new financing to fund the acquisition of three long-haul aircraft.

  • Qatar awards $611m shipyard order to Daewoo

    Daewoo Engineering & Construction Co, South Korea's largest builder, has received a $611m order from Qatar Petroleum to build a ship-repair yard, reported Bloomberg. The yard will be completed by Dec. 31, 2009, the Seoul- based company said.

  • Qatar offers new Seychelles flights

    Qatar Airways has launched a number of connecting flights from Doha to the Seychelles, for passengers arriving on flights from the UK. The airline will offer connecting flights from Doha for passengers on a range of services from London Heathrow Airport, London Gatwick Airport or Manchester Airport,

  • Qatar Petroleum invites bids for Mesaieed gas facility contract

    Qatar Petroleum (QP) has invited contractors to bid for the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract covering the $200m gas sweetening facilities integrated project at Mesaieed.

  • Qatar plans to fly to 150 destinations

    Qatar Airways plans to expand its routes to up to 150 destinations, Ali al Rais, the airline's executive vice president, told Reuters. The carrier is looking at adding more destinations in North America, South America, and Australia, he noted. The airline currently serves 83 destinations worldwide.

  • Qatar Real Estate signs $275m Islamic loan

    Qatar Real Estate Investment Company has agreed a $275m Islamic loan with Qatar National Bank (QNB) and Qatar International Islamic Bank (QIIB), despite growing pessimism about Gulf real estate.

  • Qatar sets new bid date for Al-Shaheen refinery

    Qatar Petroleum has given contractors a new date for the submission of technical bids on its Al-Shaheen refinery, after postponing the original bid deadline earlier this month.

  • Qatar tourism looks at cruising

    Qatar is looking to become a new destination for cruise liners. The Qatar Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (QTEA) has deployed a delegation to take part in a regional meeting in Dubai which is to review procedures adopted by every country in the Gulf where cruise liners are to make a stopover. The QTEA is to discuss with major tour operators and cruise companies the possibility of adding Qatar on the cruising map.

  • Qatar: Biocide

    Supply of biocide. Closing date: 4 January 2009

  • Qatar: Casing and tubing

    Supply of casing and tubing. Closing date: 8 February 2009

  • Qatar: Construction of Islamic Centre

    Tender for the construction of an Islamic Centre at Ain Khalid. Deadline for bids: 20 January 2009.

  • Qatar: Development of roads in Bani Hajer

    Development of roads in Bani Hajer, Zone 51. Deadline for bids:13 January 2009.

  • Qatar: Industrial cleaners for Dukhan fields

    Provision of industrial cleaners for Dukhan fields. Closing date: 28 December 2008.

  • Qatar: Mobile harbour crane

    Supply of a mobile harbour crane. Closing date: 11 January 2009

  • Qatar: Mobile harbour crane

    Supply and installation of a 100-tonne mobile harbour crane. Closing date: 11 January 2009

  • Qatar: Offshore facility workboat

    Provision of a workboat for construction services for offshore facilities. Closing date: 18 January 2009

  • Qatar: Offshore/onshore operation machinery

    Supply of tool machinery and fabrication for offshore and onshore operations. Closing date: 28 December 2008

  • Qatar: Roads and construction

    Building new roads and grading corridors in Ras Laffan.

  • Qatar: School construction (1)

    Construction of a girls’ secondary school. Closing date: 20 January 2009

  • Qatar: School construction (14)

    Construction of a school. Closing date: 20 January 2009

  • Qatar: School construction (22)

    Construction of a boys’ secondary school. Closing date: 20 January 2009

  • Qatar: School construction (23)

    Construction of a school. Closing date: 20 January 2009

  • Qatar: School construction (7)

    Construction of a girls’ secondary school. Closing date: 20 January 2009

  • Qatar: Training centre equipment

    Supply and installation of specialist training equipment. Closing date: 11 January 2009

  • Qatar: Water distribution mains

    Extension of water distribution mains. Closing date: 12 February 2009

  • Qatargas invites bid for liquefied natural gas deal

    Qatargas is to invite contractors to bid in early 2009 for the onshore component of its plateau maintenance project for Qatargas I.

  • Qatargas set to award Ras Laffan gas recovery contract

    Qatargas is expected to issue an engineering, procurement and construction award for a gas recovery project at Ras Laffan by the end of December, with seven contractors in line for the contract.

  • Qatar's aviation authority offers weather forecast

    Qatar's Civil Aviation Authority has launched a round-the-clock free weather information bureau at its Meteorology Department. The public can call 4480444 for the next 24-hour weather forecast. The daily weather forecaster will provide details of Qatar's general weather conditions, including the wind speed, visibility, sea levels inshore and offshore; and high and low tides.

  • Qatar's Ezdan Contracting secures financing for expansion

    Doha-based Ezdan Contracting Company has secured a financing deal worth QR324 ($89m) with Qatar’s Al-Yusr Islamic Bank

  • Qtel offers free router

    Qtel is offering a free ADSL WiFi Router and free connection for every new customer to its barQ ADSL service. With the new offer recently unveiled, new customers will get a WiFi router - worth QR210 - for free, to enable them to surf the internet from anywhere in their home. In addition, Qtel is also offering free installation, creating an overall saving of QR409.

  • Qtel warns of fraudulent e-mail

    Qtel is warning Internet users in Qatar of fraudulent e-mails that claim to come from Qatar Internet Services and ask consumers to disclose personal information, reported The Peninsula. The e-mail purportedly offers a new and improved service, but also says that anyone who does not respond will risk having their e-mail and internet accounts permanently de-activated. It is headlined 'The all-new Qatar Internet Services! You must be a part of it to avoid de-activation of your Internet Qatar e-m

  • Race on to fix internet cables to Middle East

    Engineers are painstakingly fixing cuts to three sub-Mediterranean cables that have knocked out internet and phone access for millions in the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

  • RAK HGV drivers to undergo classes

    Drivers applying for licences to drive buses and heavy trucks in Ras al Khaimah will have to first attend lectures at the RAK Driving Academy before their training classes. This will take effect from January 2009. Under the new laws issued by the Traffic and Licensing Department all applicants will have to attend eight lectures on the basic and fundamental driving principles in addition to the traffic culture, rules and regulations.

  • RAK Minerals buys stake in smelter

    RAK Minerals & Metals Investments (RMMI) said today that it intends to buy a 24% equity stake in National Aluminum Company's new aluminium smelter in Indonesia. The Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two organisations will mean that RMMI will provide five million tons per annum of low sulphur thermal coal to manage the energy needs of the aluminium smelter and manage the logistics. The equity stake brings the overall investment in the smelter and power plant to $4bn.

  • RAK street naming plans finalised

    Ras Al Khaimah Municipality has announced that they have completed the project-plans renaming all the main roads and streets in the emirate. New and clear codes have also been allocated to the various plots and buildings in the emirate. Mubarak Ali Al Shamsi, chairman of RAK Municipality said the new street numbering and renaming system is to replace the difficult current names of many streets with easier ones.

  • Raya launches $70m property development in Jordan

    Raya Development and Investment, a Saudi Arabian developer, has started work on its JD50m ($71m) Raya Seaside Residence in the Jordanian city of Aqaba on the Red Sea coast.

  • Rebar demand to drop 30%

    Demand for reinforcement steel used in construction, or rebar, in the Gulf will fall by at least 30% next year, Reuters has reported, citing an official at Qatar Steel. The demand will slow because of the financial crisis and falling oil prices, the official said.

  • Riyadh prepares for $17bn budget deficit in 2009

    Saudi Arabia is expecting to record a budget deficit of SR65bn ($17m) in 2009, the country’s first deficit in six years, as a result of continued spending growth and lower oil revenues.

  • RJ is first airline to land in Bangkok

    Royal Jordanian was the first foreign airline to land at the Bangkok international airport on Wednesday since the November 26 closure of the facility. A statement from the company said an RJ flight landed after having an 'exceptional permission' from the airport authorities. RJ President/CEO Samer Majali said that the airline operated its first flight from Amman to Bangkok on December 3, at 2:00am, announcing the resumption of flights between the two countries. He indicated that the company o

  • RJ launches new marketing campaign

    Royal Jordanian has launched a new marketing campaign, 'You're there', coinciding with its 45th anniversary. Hussein Dabbas, Vice President/Marketing, Sales and Services, said that launching the campaign under this slogan complements the occasion the company is celebrating, both reflecting the airline's long history of progress and prosperity in all fields. The campaign follows RJ joining the oneworld airline alliance which enlarged its route network to cover 56 direct destinations and more t

  • Rosewood to extend Riyadh property

    Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has announced a multi-million dollar extension of the Al Faisaliah hotel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The development will see the addition of 107 rooms and suites, bringing the total number of to 331. Scheduled to open in late 2009, the majority of the new accommodation will be in a new, all-suite wing of the hotel. The hotel will also be launching a new spa for women, offering 12 treatment rooms, to compliment its existing facilities for men.

  • Rotana in Baghdad hotel deal

    The Rotana Hotels groups has been awarded the contract to manage a hotel in Baghdad's Green Zone, the group's second Iraq venture following a contract to run a hotel in Kurdistan. The deal is with Summit hotels, which expects the property to open in 2012.

  • Rotana plans major expansion in Abu Dhabi

    Rotana, the Middle East's largest hotel management company, has signed deals for 29 properties in Abu Dhabi this year, The National has reported. Five new Rotana hotels will open in the UAE capital in the second half of next year, including two on Yas Island. Overall, the chain manages a portfolio of 67 properties throughout the Middle East and plans to open 42 more by 2010.

  • Royal Commission extends Yanbu Waterfront deadline

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

  • Royal Commission issues tender for Jubail substation

    The Royal Commission for Jubail & Yanbu has issued a construction tender for a substation at Jubail.

  • Royal Jordanian to be official carrier of WEF

    Royal Jordanian has been selected as the official carrier for the World Economic Forum to be held in Jordan on May 15-17. This will be the fifth time the airline has been selected. The agreement was signed by RJ president and CEO Samer Majali and WEF Middle East Director Sharif Al Diwany.

  • Rydges to manage Reef projects

    Reef Real Estate Investment Company has signed an operator agreement with Rydges Hotels and Resorts for two of its upcoming projects, the Crystal Tower at Business Bay and Al Wadi Hotel and Residence at Mizin project, Dubailand. Crystal Tower is a 30-storey building designed for business and corporate travelers.

  • Sabic says diversification to offset weak steel sales

    The top executive of Saudi Basic Industries Corp (Sabic) said he expects the company's diverse product portfolio to help it weather the impact of lower revenues from its steel business, reported Reuters. Sabic, whose Hadeed steel affiliate is the kingdom's largest, has cut prices by 43% since September on sagging demand.

  • Sabic to cut workforce by 10%

    Sabic Innovative Plastics said on Wednesday it plans to eliminate 10% of its global workforce through 2009 as part of a larger restructuring scheme, reported ICIS news. The private company came into existence after the Saudi petrochemical giant Saudi Basic Industries Corp bought GE Plastics for $11.6bn in May 2007. Sabic has 80 locations in 21 countries.

  • Sama replaces chief after making losses

    Sama has replaced its chief executive officer (CEO), Andrew Cowen, after almost four years in the job, and hiring Bruce Ashby, former head of the Indian low-cost carrier Indigo Airlines.

  • Saudi Arabia plans new airport

    Saudi Arabia is planning to build a new commercial airport at Taif in the west of the kingdom, MEED has reported. The national aviation regulator, the General Authority of Civil Aviation, has identified a site 20 kilometres north of the city and will begin preliminary designs before seeking to appoint a consultant to the project. Taif does not currently have its own dedicated civilian airport and passengers share space with a military facility.

  • Saudi Arabia plans Taif airport

    Saudi Arabia is making preliminary plans to build a new commercial airport at Taif in the west of the kingdom.

  • Saudi Arabia: Beach improvement works

    Carrying out improvement and beautification of beaches and entrances. Closing date: 27 December 2008

  • Saudi Arabia: Cleaning and catering services

    Provision of cleaning and catering services. Closing date: 15 February 2009

  • Saudi Arabia: College O&M

    Operation and maintenance (O&M) of an industrial college. Closing date: 1 February 2009

  • Saudi Arabia: Computer systems maintenance

    Maintenance of computer systems. Closing date: 27 January 2009

  • Saudi Arabia: Concrete television tower

    Construction of a concrete television tower. Closing date: 17 January 2009

  • Saudi Arabia: Flood hazard prevention

    Provision of flood hazard prevention. Closing date: 27 December 2008

  • Saudi Arabia: Gas transmission system

    Implementation of a natural gas transmission system for desalination plants. Closing date: 19 April 2009

  • Saudi Arabia: Hospital furnishing

    Completion of furnishing works at a hospital. Closing date: 4 January 2009

  • Saudi Arabia: Hospital furnishing and preparation

    Carrying out preparation and furnishing works at a hospital. Closing date: 17 January 2009

  • Saudi Arabia: Institute building construction

    Construction of buildings for a technical studies institute. Closing date: 22 December 2008

  • Saudi Arabia: Institute buildings

    Construction of buildings at a technical studies institute. Closing date: 22 December 2008

  • Saudi Arabia: Medical towers

    Construction of medical towers at a hospital. Closing date: 19 January 2009

  • Saudi Arabia: Motor cars and buses

    Supply of pick-up cars, micro-buses, buses and jeeps. Closing date: 13 January 2009

  • Saudi Arabia: Office building

    Construction of an office building. Closing date: 17 January 2009

  • Saudi Arabia: Pipeline corridor support facilities

    Provision of pipeline corridor support facilities. Closing date: 8 February 2009

  • Saudi Arabia: Power plant equipment

    Replacement of band screens and screen wash pumps at a power plant. Closing date: 13 January 2009

  • Saudi Arabia: Pumping station power supplies

    Provision of power supplies to pumping stations. Closing date: 11 January 2009

  • Saudi Arabia: Research institute

    Construction of a research institute. Closing date: 28 May 2009

  • Saudi Arabia: Residential city maintenance

    Maintenance and cleaning of a residential city. Closing date: 26 January 2009

  • Saudi Arabia: Sewer construction

    Construction of sanitary sewers. Closing date: 15 February 2009.

  • Saudi Arabia: Sewer expansion

    Procurement and construction of expansion and improvement of sanitary sewer system at Yanbu. Closing date: 31 March 2009.

  • Saudi Arabia: Substation

    Construction of a substation. Closing date: 15 February 2009

  • Saudi Arabia: Travel and air cargo services

    Providing travel and air cargo services for Saudi Electricity Company for the southern sector.

  • Saudi Arabia: Water drainage network

    Maintenance of a surface water and storm water drainage network. Closing date: 27 December 2008

  • Saudi Arabia: Waterfront development

    Carrying out construction and site development for a waterfront project. Closing date: 24 March 2009

  • Saudi Aramco awards Jubail refinery construction deal

    Saudi Aramco and France’s Total have awarded a construction facilities deal on their 400,000 barrel-a-day (b/d) Jubail refinery joint venture to the local Contracting & Construction Enterprises (CCE).

  • Saudi central bank cuts rates to stimulate economy

    The Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (Sama), the country's central bank, has cut domestic interest rates by 50 basis points to 2.5 per cent as part of its efforts to boost liquidity in the local banking sector and support the economy.

  • Saudi Chevron approaches contractors over Divided Zone contract

    Saudi Arabian Chevron (SAC), a subsidiary of the US' Chevron Corporation, has approached contractors for a front-end engineering and design (FEED) study to boost output from the Wafra, South Umm Gudair and South Fuwaris oil fields in the Divided Zone by 200,000-barrels-a-day (b/d).

  • Saudi commission issues Yanbu tender

    The Royal Commission for Jubail & Yanbu has issued a tender for the expansion of the medical centre at Yanbu.

  • Saudi Finance Ministry to renegotiate university bids

    Saudi Arabia's Finance Ministry wants the low bidders for the $11.5bn (SR43bn) women’s university in Riyadh to offer a discount.

  • Saudi firm sets up industrial company in Egypt

    Saudi Arabia’s Construction Product Holding Company (CPC) has established a new industrial company in Egypt, with an investment of $120m.

  • Saudi Freyssinet wins Jeddah towers contract

    The local contractor Saudi Freyssinet has been awarded a SR750m ($200m) contract for the Headquarters Business Park in Jeddah.

  • Saudi Hollandi raises $207m from Islamic bond

    Saudi Hollandi Bank has secured a fresh investment of SR775m ($206.7m) through a privately placed sukuk (Islamic bond), priced at 200 basis points over the Saudi interbank offered rate (sibor).

  • Saudi Hotels eyes rival

    Saudi Hotels and Resorts Area is planning to merge or acquire a smaller competitor - National Company for Tourism, or Syahha, Bloomberg has reported. Saudi Hotels will hire a consulting firm to conduct a feasibility study of the acquisition plan, the company said.

  • Saudi initiative set to boost domestic tourism

    A planned multi-sector initiative in Saudi Arabia is expected to boost domestic tourism revenue to around SAR73.3bn by 2010, according to a press statement. Elaf Group of Companies, a Saudi Arabian travel, tourism and hospitality company, has developed a plan to diversify the development of the tourism sector across business, leisure and religion.

  • Saudi power industry awaits approval for revised electricity tariffs

    Saudi Arabia’s Council of Ministers is reviewing recommendations for the restructuring of the country’s electricity tariffs.

  • Saudi Telecom starts mobile phone services in Kuwait

    Saudi Telecom's first venture into another Middle Eastern country, its new Kuwaiti operation Viva, will start mobile phone services on 3 December.

  • Saudi to increase wheat stocks

    According to a grains authority official, Saudi Arabia expects to import up to 800,000 tonnes of milling wheat between now and September 2009. The country's aim is to build up stocks while scaling back domestic wheat farming. Saudi Arabia, previously self-sufficient in wheat, announced early this year it would start importing supplies and scale back domestic production to save precious water reserves.

  • Security firms offer protection against pirates

    Shippers based in the UAE are being approached by independent security firms offering armed guards to join the crews of vulnerable vessels to counter the threat of piracy, reported The National. Among those known to have offered their services is the US security firm Blackwater, which supplied the mercenaries who shot dead 17 Iraqi civilians in an incident in Baghdad last year. A UAE seafarers' charity is urging companies against hiring private security, warning that this would put seamen's l

  • Seven new industrial zones proposed for West Bank

    The Palestinian National Authority is considering proposals for up to seven new industrial zones around the West Bank.

  • Shuaa Capital holds talks with workers over retrenchments

    Shuaa Capital has started redundancy talks with 21 staff members as a result of the impact of the global financial crisis on the Middle East, but has said it will continue to develop its business in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

  • Shuaa Capital receives Tadawul authorisation

    The UAE's Shuaa Capital has received authorisation to act as a broker on Saudi Arabia's Tadawul, the region's largest stock exchange.

  • Siemens takes $2.1bn Iraqi deal

    Germany’s Siemens has won a Eur1.5bn ($2.1bn) contract to supply gas turbines in Iraq.

  • Siji Hotel opens in Fujairah

    Abu Dhabi National Hotels-managed Siji Hotel Apartments has opened its doors to business travelers, leisure tourists, and families coming to Fujairah. The 5-star property is under the Al Diar Hotels Brand offering 78 furnished 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments.

  • Silver Air inks deal with ADAT

    Silver Air, the Dubai-based aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance air carrier, has appointed Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies (ADAT) to service its four-strong Boeing fleet. Under the contract, ADAT will be responsible for all of Silver Air's maintenance, repair and overhaul and engineering requirements, providing a 'total care solution' for the company's trio of Boeing 737-200 and one 737-300.

  • Simplex awarded City of Arabia tower

    India's Simplex Infrastructures has been awarded the AED171m ($47m) main construction contract for the Wadi Tower at City of Arabia in Dubailand.

  • Singapore ups frequency of Abu Dhabi route

    Singapore Airlines has announced that beginning 15 March 2009 the carrier will launch daily flights between Abu Dhabi and the Asian city-state of Singapore. The carrier's existing three-times a week service between Singapore and the UAE capital will go daily as part of plans that will also see Singapore Airlines extend its network, through Abu Dhabi, by offering flights to Kuwait City four-times a week - on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

  • Six Flags to build theme park in Qatar

    Oryx Holdings, a Qatar-based diversified group, and Six Flags, one of the largest theme park operators in the world, have signed an agreement to develop a Six Flags branded location within Qatar Entertainment City (QEC), a mixed-use development in Lusail, Qatar, by mid-year 2012. Under the agreement, Six Flags will provide concept development and planning services to Oryx Holdings for the creation of a 50,000 square metre Six Flags branded location within QEC. Once this initial phase is final

  • Sony to be official partner of football tourney

    Sony Gulf is to be the official partner of the 19th Arabian Gulf Cup of Nations. The Gulf's most popular football event is set to take place in Oman next month. This is the first major Middle East football tournament Sony is partnering with and is an extension of the Sony's global 8-year FIFA partnership from 2007-2014 that covers the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups.

  • Sotrapil cancels Tunisian oil pipeline project

    Tunisia's La Societe de Transport des Hydrocarbures par Pipelines (Sotrapil) has cancelled a project to build a pipeline carrying refined oil from the country's coast to its interior.

  • Sudan: IT equipment

    Supply of IT equipment including computers and laptops. Closing date: 15 January 2009

  • Sudan: Skiff boats

    Supply of skiff boats. Closing date: 11 December 2008

  • Sudan: Trade and investment consultancy

    Provision of consultancy services comprising policy advice for trade and investment. Closing date: 16 January 2009

  • Suez Canal revenues drop 10.6 per cent in November

    Revenues at the Suez Canal dipped sharply in November as the global economic crisis hit global shipping.

  • Suez seeks medium-term finance for Addur

    A consortium of Belgium’s Suez Energy International and Kuwait’s Gulf Investment Corporation is seeking a medium-term loan for the Addur independent water and power project (IWPP).

  • Swiss launches A340 Dubai flights

    Swiss International airline has announced that passengers to Dubai will be flown on the new A340 craft. The new long-hauler, which offers 228 seats in a three-class cabin configuration, will be deployed on the carrier's Muscat-Dubai-Zurich route.

  • Syria's Al-Assad meets Lebanon's Aoun

    Syria’s troubled relation with its neighbour Lebanon took another step towards reconciliation yesterday when Syrian President Bashar al-Assad met with Lebanon’s prominent Christian politician Michel Aoun.

  • Taqa launches overseas investment venture

    Abu Dhabi Energy Company (Taqa) and US-based RBS Sempra Commodities have formed Taqa Gen X, a joint venture which will invest in the power sector in North America.

  • Tender issued for Riyadh towers

    The Saudi-based Al-Yabes Real Estate company has issued an engineering, procurement and construction tender for a tower project in Riyadh.

  • Tenders reissued for Saadiyat resort

    Local developer Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) has again invited companies to bid by 26 January for the Saadiyat Beach Resort project in Abu Dhabi.

  • Testing to begin on Saudi north border fence

    Testing is set to begin on the first section of the SR3.4bn ($900m) northern border fence project in Saudi Arabia.

  • Tourism Authority to stop overcharging

    Hotels in Abu Dhabi won't be allowed to overcharge customers, with the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), intervening if necessary, Mubarak Hamad Al Muhairi, ADTA's director general said on Sunday on the sidelines of an industry conference. He said the ADTA will not allow a few hotels to jeopardise the hotel industry and will interfere, if needed.

  • Tower designs for Riyadh financial district to be selected in January

    Riyadh is to award design contracts for a number of buildings at King Abdullah Financial District in January 2009.

  • Tripoli buys six oil tankers

    Libya’s General National Maritime Transport Company (GNMTC) has placed orders for six oil tankers, benefiting from recent global financial turmoil which has seen tanker prices fall sharply.

  • Tunisia secures African Development Bank loan for water project

    The African Development Bank has approved a Eur22.9m ($30.7m) loan to fund investment in Tunisia’s water sector.

  • Tunisia to auction combined fixed-line and mobile phone licence

    Tunisia's government will auction a combined fixed-line and mobile phone licence in the second quarter of 2009, making it the latest of a series of Middle East countries seeking to raise money by licensing more operators.

  • Tunisia: Subway construction

    Building a pedestrian subway as part of phase two of the modernisation of the rail infrastructure. Closing date: 21 January 2009.

  • Tunisian inflation declines to 4.3 per cent

    Tunisia’s annualised inflation rate fell to 4.3 per cent in November, down from 4.5 per cent in the year to October, according to official figures from 11 December.

  • Tunisian inflation falls further below government forecast

    Tunisia's rate of inflation has fallen to 4.3 per cent for the year to the end of November, taking it further below the government's forecast rate of 5 per cent for 2008.

  • Tunisiana banned from bidding for third telecoms licence

    Tunisiana, Tunisia's largest mobile phone operator, has been barred from bidding for the country's third telecoms licence, which includes a fixed-line licence that it could use to compete with the state operator Tunisie Telecom.

  • Two new roads to open in Dubai

    The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority has announced that two major roads will be open to traffic next month. The Al Qiyadah underpass, extending from Al Ittihad Road, and Al Nahdah Tunnel, extending from Beirut Road will be open to traffic by the end of January.

  • Two roads closed in Sharjah

    Two raods in the UAE emirate of Sharjah will be closed from today from 5 to 11am every day until December 31 to accommodate the Arab Cycling Championship. The roads in Al Khan Corniche and Al Mamzar Lagoon will be closed to traffic in both directions. Motorists are advised to use the alternate routes which have been set up by Sharjah Police.

  • Two Tadawul-listed Saudi companies complete rights issues

    Two companies listed on the Saudi stock market, the Tadawul, completed rights issues on 14 December.

  • UAE decides against further cut to interest rates

    The UAE has said it will not follow the latest interest rate cut by the US Federal Reserve (Fed) on 16 December, despite moves by other GCC countries to lower their rates in response.

  • UAE Internet problems to be resolved

    The current Internet and voice traffic disruption in the UAE is expected to be resolved by December 27, according to an etisalat spokesperson. Telecom operator du also issued a statement saying that majority of its capacity for voice and Internet usage has been restored. The three cables that were severed in the Mediterranean Sea, connecting the Gulf and Asia to Europe and United States, will soon be repaired by France Telecom operator's marine ship.

  • UAE signs air services deal with Iran

    The UAE and Iran have signed an agreement to regulate and operate flights between the countries. The two countries agreed to designate Emirates airline, Etihad Airways, Air Arabia, RAK Airways and Fly Dubai as the national carriers from the UAE and Iran Air, Mahan Airlines, Asseman Airlines, Caspian Airlines, Kish Airlines and Taban Air as national carriers from Iran. Under the agreement, Etihad Airways will operate 43 weekly flights between Abu Dhabi and five major Iranian cities, Emirates a

  • UAE slowdown to be less than industrial countries

    The UAE will not be affected by the current global slowdown as much as industrial countries, Khalaf Ahmed Al Habtoor, Chairman of Al Habtoor Group, said in a new report by The Oxford Group. In 'The Report: Dubai 2009', Al Habtoor said the UAE still has companies growing at rates of between 45% and 60% and the overall economy has a growth rate in excess of 6.5%. 'However, growth in certain sectors may have been exaggerated in recent years. This disease that is infecting the economies of the re

  • UAE to establish new tourism authority

    The UAE is setting up a new tourism authority that will bring together the seven emirates under the umbrella of a federal body run by the Ministry of Culture, The National has reported. The president of the UAE has ordered the creation of the new federal tourism authority, whose name and full mandate will be released shortly. At minimum, it is expected that the authority will set protocol and maintain relationships with other countries.

  • UAE to investigate greater rights for domestic workers

    The UAE has agreed to study new legislation allocating greater rights to domestic workers, but has rejected international calls to give employees in the country the right to strike.

  • UAE tops in luxury resorts

    The UAE is the world leader in resort and lodging options, according to a new survey released by FutureBrand. The UAE finished ahead of the US, Maldives, and Australia in the category, which ranked host countries based on the 'superior variety' of accommodations that they offer. Mario Natarelli, CEO of FutureBrand, said 'the UAE has remained in a class of its own in delivering world-class hospitality options that have truly redefined the industry', reported The National.

  • UAE tops Singapore IT export list

    The UAE tops the list of Middle East export destinations for Singapore's IT and telecoms companies, according to official figures. The Emirates accounted for 71% of exports last year, says the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA), a government body. 'The Middle East is one of the fastest growing information and communication technology markets in the world,' said Shaikh Umar, Centre Director for the IDA's regional office in Qatar.

  • UAE Web Awards winners announced

    Winners of the 2008 UAE Web Awards were announced last week. Companies maintaining the best websites in the region were recognised in 35 categories including finance, government, health services, media, and international organisations. The Award of Excellence went to Paravision, with the http://www.alqudrare.ae site designed by the company also winning the International Standards Web Technology Award. www.iacad.gov.ae won as the prestigious Best Arab Website in UAE, while Zed Communications w

  • UAE: Buildings

    Construction of buildings. Closing date: 14 January 2009

  • UAE: Housing maintenance

    Maintenance of 19 low-cost houses. Closing date: 21 December 2008

  • UAE: Linens

    Supply of linens. Closing date: 14 December 2008

  • UAE: Power station store construction

    Construction of a combined store for H station. Rebid. New closing date: 26 January 2009

  • UAE: Reservoir construction

    Construction of a reservoir. Closing date: 28 January 2009

  • UAE: Road maintenance

    Maintenance of roads. Closing date: 12 January 2009

  • UAE: Roof facilities

    Construction of roof facilities. Closing date: 26 February 2009

  • UAE: Seawater intake and outfall system

    Construction of a seawater intake and outfall system. Rebid. New closing date: 11 March 2009

  • UAE: Substations and cable laying (132/11kV)

    Supply and installation of 12 substations and associated cable laying works. Closing date: 30 December 2008

  • UAE: Switchgear spares

    Supply of spare parts for switchgear. Closing date: 15 January 2009

  • UAE: Water demand forecasts

    Provision of consultancy services comprising water demand forecasts. Closing date: 17 December 2008

  • UK report highlights poor efficiency of Palestinian firms

    Palestinian companies continue to operate far below their real capacity, which severely limits their potential as export businesses, according to a new report on the economy of the Occupied Territories.

  • Union Properties considers $680m bond sale

    The local Union Properties is seeking regulatory approval to issue up to AED2.5bn ($680m) of bonds which would be convertible to equity, as part of its attempts to shore up its financial position.

  • US and UAE prepare nuclear deal

    The US and the UAE have agreed the text of a draft nuclear cooperation agreement, according to the UAE’s official WAM news agency, quoting a UAE Foreign Ministry source.

  • US firms to manage Barwa schemes

    A joint venture of two US-based project management firms has been awarded a contract to manage projects for Doha-based Barwa Real Estate Company throughout the Middle East and Europe.

  • US issues warning over Yemen election

    The US has raised concerns that upcoming parliamentary elections in Yemen may not be fair and transparent, due to a lack of cooperation among the country’s political parties.

  • US proposes pursuit of pirates in Somalia

    The United States is circulating a proposal in the UN Security Council that would allow military forces to enter Somali territory in 'hot pursuit' of pirates, CNN has reported. The proposal would expand on existing powers national navies have to enter Somalia's territorial waters. Pirate attacks in the waters off Somalia have shot up this year, with pirates staging increasingly bolder attacks on ever-bigger targets.

  • VMware hires Google executive

    US-based virtualization company VMware has hired away a Google executive to be its first general manager for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, reported PC World. VMware is looking to sign up more customers internationally to maintain its growth rate, which has been slowing in the US, the magazine noted. Maurizio Carli, who was managing director for Google's enterprise business in Europe, started at VMware earlier this month, said VMware spokesman Mathias Raeck.

  • Waha buys two aircraft from AerCap

    Abu Dhabi-basd Waha Leasing, an operating unit of Waha Capital, announced today its purchase of an Airbus 330-200 and an A320-200 from AerCap Holdings, an integrated global aviation company headquartered in Amsterdam. The aircraft, both newly delivered, are subject to long-term operating lease to the Russian airline, Aeroflot. 'The current economic slowdown has been affecting the aviation industry and only few players are pursuing new business this year. Given the prevailing market condition,

  • Washington and Riyadh sign technology agreement

    The US and Saudi Arabia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to encourage co-operation on science and technology.

  • Wataniya's flights to commence January 24th

    Wataniya Airways, Kuwait's new full service luxury airline, has announced that it will be bringing forward its first scheduled flights to Saturday, January 24th 2009 due to the early arrival of its first Airbus A320 aircraft from France. The airline will operate twice daily to Dubai from that date. The carrier's departure point in Kuwait will be the Royal Terminal, which will be the first time that any commercial flight in Kuwait will have taken off from a location other than Kuwait Internati

  • Westcon expands Legrand Group partnership

    Value added distributor Westcon ME, which specialises in security, convergence and mobility products and solutions for technology vendors, has announced that its Network Infrastructure Business Unit will be managing the new line of Estap enclosure products. The move is in line with Westcon's plans to expand its partnership with Legrand Group, which manufactures Electrical and Low Voltage products and systems.

  • Wild Wadi to add two new rides

    Jumeirah Group, a member of Dubai Holding, is adding two new rides as part of an expansion to Wild Wadi Water Park in Dubai. The first ride to be added to the nine-year old park is called 'Tantrum Alley', which will incorporate two large sections of downhill waterslides and two tornados. Guests seated on a four person tube will travel downhill to enter the first tornado where they slide back and forth several times, then circle around and around in the eye of the storm before exiting and hitt

  • Work begins on Qatar-Bahrain causeway

    Construction work on the Qatar-Bahrain Friendship Bridge-Causeway is expected to begin on January 1. The bridge-causeway will link with the King Fahd Causeway that runs from Saudi Arabia to Bahrain, connecting the entire region. Its total length is expected to be 40-kilometres, carrying a two-lane dual carriageway motorway. The bridge-causeway is expected to cost more than $2bn and take four years to build.

  • Work slows down on Dubai’s World Trade Centre

    Construction work has slowed on the World Trade Centre redevelopment project in Dubai, according to a source close to the project.

  • World Bank urges reform of Palestinian financial sector

    The World Bank has recommended the formation of a steering committee to oversee and accelerate the development of the Palestinian financial sector.

  • Yemen: Climate change assessment

    Provision of consultancy services for the assessment of climate change impacts on water and agricultural sectors. Closing date: 10 December 2008

  • Yemen: Groundwater monitoring pipes

    Supply of PVC pipes and fittings for groundwater monitoring. Closing date: 25 January 2009

  • Yemen: Ice plants

    Provision, installation and operation testing of flake ice plants. Closing date: 5 January 2009

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