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MEED
Richard Thompson

  • New cement supply in Saudi Arabia erodes profitability

    Issue No 19 7 - 13 May 2010

    Despite rising domestic demand, new capacity and constraints on exports are eating into margins

  • Infrastructure spending buoys Egypt's construction sector

    Issue No 18 30 April - 6 May 2010

    Approval of the public-private partnership law in July will provide fresh impetus to Egypt’s booming construction industry, as well as helping to meet the needs of a growing population

  • The Gulf looks beyond gas

    28 March 2010, 11:23 GMT

    With access to gas becoming increasingly diffi cult, the region’s utilities are exploring alternative feedstock options

  • Construction materials prices edge upwards in Saudi Arabia

    Issue No 13 26 March - 1 April 2010

    Construction costs in Saudi Arabia are expected to rise throughout 2010 as demand picks up again for building materials such as cement, reinforcement steel bar and aggregates

  • Construction materials prices edge upwards in Saudi Arabia

    Issue No 13 26 March - 1 April 2010

    Construction costs in Saudi Arabia are expected to rise throughout 2010 as demand picks up again for building materials such as cement, reinforcement steel bar and aggregates

  • Uranium: Securing alternative energy supplies

    Issue No 13 26 March - 1 April 2010

    The UAE, Jordan, Egypt and Iran are all edging closer to making nuclear energy part of their power generation base. In terms of uranium production, the most active state in the region is Jordan.

  • Uranium: Securing alternative energy supplies

    Issue No 13 26 March - 1 April 2010

    The UAE, Jordan, Egypt and Iran are all edging closer to making nuclear energy part of their power generation base. In terms of uranium production, the most active state in the region is Jordan.

  • Partnering in Gulf construction falls out of favour

    22 March 2010, 8:29 GMT

    Open-book partnering is being abandoned as clients push risk back on to contractors, but close collaboration between project parties remains a feature of construction in the Gulf

  • State support drives projects market in Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia

    16 March 2010, 11:29 GMT

    The prospects for contract awards in the Gulf region look brighter this year as Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia drive major projects forward

  • State support drives projects market in Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia

    16 March 2010, 11:29 GMT

    The prospects for contract awards in the Gulf region look brighter this year as Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia drive major projects forward

  • Kuwait mobilises $102bn construction development plan

    Issue No 11 12-18 March 2010

    The four-year plan to improve infrastructure covers power, water, metro, housing, roads and healthcare but must overcome bureaucratic hurdles

  • Roads: Making the right links

    Issue No 9 26 February - 4 March 2010

    From Qatar’s $20bn road building programme to Kuwait’s $3.7bn Subiya Causeway and major ring road schemes, road building is enjoying a renewed focus in the region as governments concentrate on improving transport infrastructure.

  • Roads: Making the right links

    Issue No 9 26 February - 4 March 2010

    From Qatar’s $20bn road building programme to Kuwait’s $3.7bn Subiya Causeway and major ring road schemes, road building is enjoying a renewed focus in the region as governments concentrate on improving transport infrastructure.

  • Bupa Arabia

    Issue No 8 19-25 February 2010

    A Saudi law making health insurance compulsory for foreign nationals has brought impressive growth

  • Bupa Arabia: MEED Assessment

    Issue No 8 19-25 February 2010

    Its early arrival in the Kingdom has given it a competitive edge over rivals, but competition is increasing

  • Q&A: Tal Nazer, CEO, Bupa Arabia

    Issue No 8 19-25 February 2010

    Company CEO Nazer explains the changing nature of health insurance in the kingdom

  • Developers seek out new public-private partnerships

    Issue No 7 12-18 February 2010

    With major road, power station and petrochemicals projects expected to reach financial close in 2010, governments are turning to new financing strategies to fund infrastructure projects

  • Qatar Shipping Company

    2 February 2010, 7:15 GMT

    The Doha Securities Market-listed company plans to expand its fleet while the market is in a downturn.

  • Debt stalls hopes of recovery in the Emirates

    Issue No 5 29 January - 4 February 2010

    UAE real estate projects will remain on hold in 2010 as developers struggle financially, but state-backed infrastructure schemes are progressing well

  • Q&A: Khater Massaad, CEO, RAK Ceramics

    Issue No 2 8-14 January 2010

    CEO Massaad explains the impact of the global downturn on the company’s business, as it expands its customer base

  • RAK Ceramics

    Issue No 2 8-14 January 2010

    Economies of scale and wide geographic reach are helping this manufacturer increase profits

  • RAK Ceramics: MEED Assessment

    Issue No 2 8-14 January 2010

    By maintaining a diversified product and customer base, the company thinks it can continue to grow

  • Regional campus construction surges ahead

    Issue No 2 8-14 January 2010

    Education projects in the Middle East and North Africa are offering contractors a rich seam of work as governments step up investment to take advantage of lower construction costs

  • How Burj Dubai contractors met the building challenge

    31 December 2009, 10:00 GMT

    Building the world’s tallest tower presented unprecedented problems for firms working on the Burj Dubai

  • Ghanim bin Saad al-Saad

    Issue No 47 20-26 November 2009

    A key person in charge of Qatar’s largest construction projects

  • Hesham Ismail Abdulrahman al-Emadi

    Issue No 47 20-26 November 2009

    A key person in charge of Qatar’s largest construction projects

  • Khalil Sholy

    Issue No 47 20-26 November 2009

    A key figure in charge of Qatar’s largest construction projects

  • Qatar major projects

    Issue No 47 20-26 November 2009

    The six key people in charge of Qatar’s largest construction projects are: Issa Mohammed al-Mohannadi, Khalil Sholy, Sheikha Hanadi Nasser bin Khaled al-Thani, Ronald Barrott, Ghanim bin Saad al-Saad and Hesham Ismail Abdulrahman al-Emadi

  • Ronald Barrott

    Issue No 47 20-26 November 2009

    A key person in charge of Qatar’s largest construction projects

  • Sheikha Hanadi Nasser bin Khaled al-Thani

    Issue No 47 20-26 November 2009

    A key person in charge of Qatar’s largest construction projects

  • Medgulf

    Issue No 45 6-12 November 2009

    Compulsory health insurance has helped protect the Lebanese company from the worst effects of the economic downturn

  • Medgulf: MEED Assessment

    Issue No 45 6-12 November 2009

    Compulsory health insurance has helped protect the Lebanese company from the worst effects of the economic downturn

  • Q&A: Ayman el-Hout, General Manager, Medgulf Saudi Arabia

    Issue No 45 6-12 November 2009

    Competition is pushing down insurance rates in certain lines of business, making the pricing of premiums critical

  • Region embracing solar energy

    Supplement: Sustainable Development in the Gulf

    Small projects using photovoltaic technology are moving forward rapidly but progress has been slow on large, concentrated solar power generation schemes

  • Wind farm market booms in the region

    Supplement: Sustainable Development in the Gulf

    The construction of a series of wind farms across the Middle East and North Africa signals the start of a period of growth for the sector as governments increasingly seek to harness this free resource

  • Ali Neyzi

    Issue No 44 30 October - 5 November 2009

    A key figure in the region’s growing wind energy industry

  • Amal Haddouche

    Issue No 44 30 October - 5 November 2009

    A key figure in the region’s growing wind energy industry

  • Jan Pieter Cools-Wildiers

    Issue No 44 30 October - 5 November 2009

    A key figure in the region’s growing wind energy industry

  • Joseph Anis

    Issue No 44 30 October - 5 November 2009

    A key figure in the region’s growing wind energy industry

  • Laila Georgy Youssef

    Issue No 44 30 October - 5 November 2009

    A key figure in the region’s growing wind energy industry

  • Qatar real estate developing through the downturn

    Issue No 44 30 October - 5 November 2009

    Firms behind the Heart of Doha, Al-Khor-Urjuan, Al-Waab City and Entertainment City schemes are adapting their plans to meet the needs of residents and visitors in an ever-changing market

  • Regional wind power

    Issue No 44 30 October - 5 November 2009

    The six key people in the region’s growing wind energy industry are: Ziad Jibril Sabra, Laila Georgy Youssef, Joseph Anis, Ali Neyzi, Jan Pieter Cools-Wildiers and Amal Haddouche

  • Ziad Jibril Sabra

    Issue No 44 30 October - 5 November 2009

    A key person in the region’s growing wind energy industry

  • Barwa

    6 October 2009, 8:46 GMT

    The Qatari developer is rapidly diversifying beyond property into a wide range of sectors.

  • State spending plans for Qatar construction boost contractor confidence

    8 February 2009, 11:28 GMT

    Contractors are targeting Qatar as a big growth market in 2009, thanks to the government’s commitment to developing infrastructure schemes, which is fuelling an ongoing construction boom in Doha.

  • Real estate developers look beyond Dubai

    1 February 2009, 9:43 GMT

    With the emirate’s real estate sector stalled, the private firms that have been at the heart of Dubai’s construction boom over the past five years are seeking to grow their operations in other markets.

  • Damac Properties

    1 February 2009, 7:40 GMT

    The Dubai-based private real estate developer expects a recovery in the market towards the end of 2009.

  • Q&A: Peter Riddoch, CEO, Damac Properties

    1 February 2009, 6:57 GMT

    The real estate correction will be healthy for the market, says Riddoch

  • Damac Properties: MEED Assessment

    1 February 2009, 6:09 GMT

    The Dubai-based private real estate developer expects a recovery in the market towards the end of 2009.

  • Partnering in construction

    29 January 2009, 11:13 GMT

    As liquidity tightens and project fundamentals are increasingly scrutinised, partnering could help developers save money and improve contractors’ margins.

  • Supply gap keeps housing rental prices high in Abu Dhabi

    18 January 2009, 8:46 GMT

    A shortage of housing means renting in Abu Dhabi remains expensive despite falling property values.

  • UAE shopping malls

    5 December 2008, 15:27 GMT

    Six key players leading the development of the UAE’s retail sector: Majid Saif al-Ghurair, Majid al-Futtaim, Anders Moberg, Jim Badour, Ilyas Galadari and Graham Dreverman.

  • The rise of Dubai's mega-malls

    27 November 2008, 16:06 GMT

    Dubai’s developers are building the next generation of retail space in a bid to retain the emirate’s reputation as an international shopping destination.

  • Correction cools Dubai property market

    27 November 2008, 15:58 GMT

    Dubai’s once-booming real estate sector is suffering a drop in pricing that is leading banks to rein in lending and forcing developers to cut staff and delay their projects.

  • Giant waterway scheme begins

    21 November 2008, 18:35 GMT

    With excavation work having started on the first phase of Dubai’s 75km Arabian Canal, contractors are battling it out to win the project’s second earthworks package.

  • Compulsory GCC healthcare cover attracts foreign insurers

    30 October 2008, 18:34 GMT

    International companies are competing with a growing number of local providers for a share of the GCC insurance market as mandatory health cover is brought in across the region.

  • Hiring delays slow Gulf health plans

    30 October 2008, 18:25 GMT

    Partnerships with leading international clinics are helping to attract skilled professionals and improve healthcare across the region, but hurdles to recruitment still need to be overcome.

  • Questions & Answers: Essa Kazim, head of regulation, Dubai Health Authority

    30 October 2008, 11:34 GMT

    Dubai is reviewing regulation of the healthcare industry in an effort to attract foreign investment, manage a more transparent sector as well as raising standards to international levels.

  • Private bankers move to Doha

    9 October 2008, 20:50 GMT

    Competition is fierce in Qatar’s private banking sector as its wealthy population attracts the big international asset management firms to set up offices in the state.

  • Barwa

    9 October 2008, 15:04 GMT

    The Qatari developer is rapidly diversifying beyond property into a wide range of sectors.

  • Barwa: MEED Assessment

    9 October 2008, 15:04 GMT

    Government decision to cap material price increases takes pressure off Qatari developers and contractors

  • Q&A: Ghanim Bin Saad al-Saad, Chairman, Barwa

    9 October 2008, 15:04 GMT

    In the drive to globalise, a human resources strategy is essential to integrating local and international expertise

  • Contract disputes: Dubai seeks arbitration role

    2 October 2008, 19:12 GMT

    Contract disputes are on the rise in the Gulf but in the wake of fresh legislation, the Dubai International Financial Centre is seeking to become a regional hub for resolution services.

  • Q&A: Kamal Kothari, CEO, Qatar Shipping Company

    2 October 2008, 13:03 GMT

    Fixed contracts protect income in global economic downturn

  • Qatar Shipping Company

    2 October 2008, 13:03 GMT

    The Doha Securities Market-listed company plans to expand its fleet while the market is in a downturn

  • Qatar Shipping Company: MEED Assessment

    2 October 2008, 13:03 GMT

    QSC in a strong position to grow its asset base as new vessels set to flood the market

  • Real estate company profile: Gulf Finance House

    25 September 2008, 21:49 GMT

    Gulf Finance House (GFH) is an Islamic investment bank that targets infrastructure development as the major part of its portfolio.

  • Real estate market profile: Bahrain

    25 September 2008, 21:39 GMT

    Residential, retail and office space is coming to market in the next five years, reducing pressure on rents.

  • Real estate company profile - Barwa

    25 September 2008, 21:17 GMT

    Barwa Real Estate Company is publicly listed and trades on the Doha Securities Market. Its largest shareholder, with a 45 per cent stake, is master developer Qatari Diar.

  • Real estate company profile: Qatar Diar

    25 September 2008, 20:56 GMT

    As a wholly owned subsidiary of the Qatar Investment Authority, Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company has an agenda beyond pursuing real estate developments. It is also involved in some of the state’s largest infrastructure schemes, including Qatar’s national rail network and the Friendship Bridge, a causeway linking Qatar with Bahrain.

  • Real estate market profile: Qatar

    25 September 2008, 20:36 GMT

    Strong economic growth is increasing demand for Doha’s already limited office space.

  • Bridges and causeways: Bringing Gulf states together

    5 September 2008, 11:22 GMT

    A series of projects to build bridges and causeways will improve political links between countries in the region as well as providing economic benefits.

  • Price pressures on construction materials begin to ease

    5 September 2008, 10:44 GMT

    After five years of soaring materials costs, falls in the commodities markets are set to bring some relief to the Gulf’s overheating construction sector.

  • Price pressures on construction materials begin to ease

    5 September 2008, 10:44 GMT

    After five years of soaring materials costs, falls in the commodities markets are set to bring some relief to the Gulf’s overheating construction sector.

  • “Bridge of Horns” crossing project seeks funding for detailed design phase

    4 September 2008, 11:31 GMT

    Engineers are set to map the seabed between Djibouti and Yemen, as the£25bn continental crossing project enters the next stage.

  • Bahrain bridge forges new Manama-Qatar route

    4 September 2008, 9:29 GMT

    Raed Al-Salah, director at Bahrain’s Ministry of Works, speaks to MEED about the challenge of replacing the Sitra Island bridge crossings and the business benefits for the Kingdom.

  • Special report: Maghreb - The drive for foreign investment

    31 July 2008, 17:11 GMT

    Nowhere else in the world will you find four neighbouring economies with so little in common. But Rabat, Algiers, Tunis and Tripoli do share one thing: an urgent need for foreign investment.

  • Special Report: Maghreb - The drive for foreign investment

    Issue No 31 1 - 7 August 2008

    Nowhere else in the world will you find four neighbouring economies with so little in common. But Rabat, Algiers, Tunis and Tripoli do share one thing: an urgent need for foreign investment.

  • Making solar power work

    25 July 2008, 14:30 GMT

    With oil prices rising and growing concern over climate change, solar energy is becoming an increasingly feasible option for the region.

  • Masdar chief on solar energy investment

    24 July 2008, 10:44 GMT

    Sultan al-Jaber, chief executive officer of the Masdar initiative, explains the strategy for solar energy investment in Abu Dhabi and overseas.

  • Japan seeks Middle East partners for investment fund

    21 July 2008, 15:35 GMT

    Export credit agency the Japanese Bank for International Co-operation (JBIC) is seeking support from Middle East governments for a new investment fund.

  • Amman right to enter nuclear age

    18 July 2008, 8:48 GMT

    Jordan could evolve from an energy sector minnow into a regional centre for nuclear power expertise.

  • Special Report: Jordan - Struggling with soaring inflation

    17 July 2008, 11:25 GMT

    Amman is in the middle of a deeply unpopular subsidy reduction plan aimed at cutting the kingdom’s growing budget deficit, which means that soaring fuel and food costs are now affecting consumers rather than government finances.

  • NOC Survey 2008: Egypt

    4 July 2008, 14:18 GMT

    Further fresh bidding rounds are expected as Cairo prioritises oil and gas exploration.

  • Special Report: NOC Survey 2008 - Bureaucracy hampers national oil companies

    4 July 2008, 12:13 GMT

    As oil prices race past $140 a barrel, and with the world desperate for Middle East oil and gas, the region’s oil companies could think that they have no need to listen to what their suppliers and foreign partners think of them. But they would be foolish not to.

  • Rising costs threaten Aramco's expansion plans

    27 June 2008, 12:03 GMT

    The world’s largest oil and gas company is confident it can mitigate the effects of spiralling costs and labour shortages that have delayed projects key to hitting its ambitious 2009 production targets.

  • Special Report: Saudi Arabia - Prices rise as spending soars

    27 June 2008, 11:22 GMT

    Despite inflation soaring to a 27-year high of 9.7 per cent in 2007, analysts are fairly sanguine about its effect on the Saudi economy.

  • Gulf banks need to diversify income

    20 June 2008, 16:27 GMT

    Banks face challenges as inflation cuts deposits, drives loan defaults and reduces corporate profits.

  • Special Report: Banking - Gulf bank growth accelerates

    20 June 2008, 11:38 GMT

    There is consensus in the banking community that 2008 will be a much better year for the industry than 2007. A stormy 2007 revealed the full impact on banks of the 20-month-long market crash that began in February 2006, which triggered severe falls in advisory fees.

  • Private firms need strategic petrochemicals alliances

    13 June 2008, 16:20 GMT

    Financial backing and feedstock are both becoming far harder to secure for new petrochemicals schemes.

  • Project Finance: Getting clever with credit

    13 June 2008, 13:10 GMT

    Financing the petrochemicals sector’s megaprojects during a liquidity squeeze is becoming difficult and bankers are increasingly turning to unconventional methods to raise capital.

  • Special Report: Petrochemicals - Firms seek new feedstocks

    13 June 2008, 12:19 GMT

    Nothing is more indicative of the region’s struggle to source ethane than the decision of a country with the world’s fifth-largest natural gas reserves to turn to oil-derived feedstock.

  • Special Report: Petrochemicals - Firms seek new feedstocks

    13 June 2008, 12:19 GMT

    Nothing is more indicative of the region’s struggle to source ethane than the decision of a country with the world’s fifth-largest natural gas reserves to turn to oil-derived feedstock.

  • Abu Dhabi: Reshaping the economy

    6 June 2008, 13:40 GMT

    Abu Dhabi is pursuing ambitious targets to encourage business and reduce its economic reliance on the hydrocarbons sector.

  • Special Report: Abu Dhabi - Reforms deliver strong growth

    6 June 2008, 13:10 GMT

    In comparison with Dubai, Abu Dhabi has followed a low-profile, slower-moving development path. But this is changing.

  • Special Report: Why Qatar could extend its gas moratorium

    30 May 2008, 12:17 GMT

    Despite the moratorium on new exploration activity, which effectively locks international firms out of Qatar’s giant North field, there is still plenty happening in the state’s energy sector. Four new offshore exploration rounds are being launched and the oil majors are jostling to gain new acreage.

  • Special Report: Saudi banking - Results analysis

    23 May 2008, 13:27 GMT

    Saudi Arabia’s banks had a disappointing year in 2007. Although the kingdom’s 11 institutions made $8.1bn in profits in 2007, the figure still represents a 14 per cent fall from $9.4bn in 2006.

  • Special Report: Palestinian economy - Private sector push

    16 May 2008, 10:44 GMT

    The Palestinian Authority is clear that stimulation of the private sector is an important footstep on the long road to independence.

  • Palestinian economy - curriculum under review

    14 May 2008, 14:47 GMT

    Criticism of the Palestinian curriculum from Israel and the US has been strong, but education providers claim further modernisation will improve learning.

  • Special Report: Capital markets - The drive for credibility

    9 May 2008, 12:47 GMT

    The region’s stock exchanges have had great success in making headlines as they have attempted to boost their profile as regional hubs for international capital.

  • Building regional hotel brands is the way forward

    2 May 2008, 15:40 GMT

    Shaking off an over-reliance on established hotel operators will help the region hit its tourism targets.

  • Eqypt's Orascom: Six key people

    2 May 2008, 14:51 GMT

    The six most important people at Egyptian conglomerate Orascom Group: Onsi Sawiris, Naguib Sawiris, Samih Sawiris, Nassef Sawiris, Emad Farid and Osama Bishai.

  • Onsi Sawiris

    2 May 2008, 14:51 GMT

    An important person at Egyptian conglomerate Orascom Group

  • Osama Bishai

    2 May 2008, 11:38 GMT

    An important person at Egyptian conglomerate Orascom Group

  • Emad Farid

    2 May 2008, 11:37 GMT

    An important person at Egyptian conglomerate Orascom Group

  • Samih Sawiris

    2 May 2008, 11:33 GMT

    An important person at Egyptian conglomerate Orascom Group

  • Special Report: Hotel investment - The rise of regional hotel brands

    2 May 2008, 11:04 GMT

    Developers across the Gulf are realising that the branding of their hotels and apartments is critical to their future competitiveness.

  • Special Report: Construction - The move to partnership

    25 April 2008, 12:32 GMT

    Despite much talk over the past few years about the introduction of long-term alliances between construction clients and contractors, partnering agreements remain rare in the region.

  • Dubai Investments: MEED Assessment

    23 April 2008, 8:17 GMT

    The strong growth currently experienced looks set to continue

  • Dubai Investments

    18 April 2008, 14:41 GMT

    The largest listed investment company on the Dubai Financial Market plans to triple turnover by 2012

  • Q&A: Khalid bin Kalban, CEO and managing director, Dubai Investments

    18 April 2008, 8:20 GMT

    Looking for opportunities for positive growth

  • Future Pipe Industries

    11 April 2008, 11:29 GMT

    The Dubai manufacturer is preparing to launch an initial public offering to accelerate overseas expansion

  • Q&A, Rami Makhzoumi, CEO, Future Pipe Industries

    11 April 2008, 5:50 GMT

    We have achieved a global leadership position and going public will help us continue to deliver that message

  • Future Pipe Industries: MEED Assessment

    11 April 2008, 5:38 GMT

    The majority of its orders are repeat customers in sectors with major growth potential

  • Dubai's Middle East Developments plans cities across Africa

    4 April 2008, 16:14 GMT

    Middle East Developments seeks US and European investors for scheme to build a series of urban centres.

  • Saudi Arabia - Riyadh's new economic cities

    4 April 2008, 11:11 GMT

    Since launching King Abdullah Economic City near Jeddah in December 2005, Riyadh has revealed the mammoth scale of its ambitions by unveiling a series of mega-city projects that include five other economic cities and several huge industrial clusters such as the $40bn Sudair Industrial City north of Riyadh.

  • Consultant calls for tougher safety standards for construction projects

    31 March 2008, 18:33 GMT

    Andrew Peters, corporate vice president for safety at engineering and construction firm Parsons, has called for the region to introduce tougher safety standards for construction projects.

  • Future Pipe Industries to list shares on Dubai exchange

    31 March 2008, 9:24 GMT

    Fibreglass pipe manufacturer Future Pipe Industries (FPI) is to list 35 per cent of its shares on the Dubai International Financial Exchange in early May.

  • Craig Nethercott

    Issue No 13 28 March - 3 April 2008

    A leading lawyer working on the region’s financing deals

  • David Wadham

    Issue No 13 28 March - 3 April 2008

    A leading lawyer working on the region’s financing deals

  • Dominic Harvey

    Issue No 13 28 March - 3 April 2008

    A leading lawyer working on the region’s financing deals

  • Jonathan Inman

    Issue No 13 28 March - 3 April 2008

    A leading lawyer working on the region’s financing deals

  • Malcolm Turner

    Issue No 13 28 March - 3 April 2008

    A leading lawyer working on the region’s financing deals

  • Political stability must be first step in Kuwait

    28 March 2008, 14:51 GMT

    Despite moves to improve Kuwait’s investment climate, foreign direct investment remains low and the current political crisis will keep it that way.

  • Regional project finance: Six key lawyers

    28 March 2008, 13:27 GMT

    The leading lawyers working on the region’s financing deals: Jonathan Inman, Malcolm Turner, Bimal Desai, Dominic Harvey, Craig Nethercott and David Wadham.

  • Special report: Kuwait - A fresh political crisis unfolds

    28 March 2008, 11:28 GMT

    Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah’s recent decision to dissolve parliament and hold new elections was his only option in the face of the obvious antagonism between the executive and elected members, which culminated in the resignation of the cabinet in March.

  • Special Report: Banking - Searching for dollars

    20 March 2008, 14:32 GMT

    It is no surprise that international banks dominate MEED’s list of the region’s biggest project finance advisers in 2007.

  • Credit agencies set for bigger role

    20 March 2008, 11:52 GMT

    With the global credit squeeze reducing the availability of finance, export credit agencies are becoming increasingly important as sources of funding for projects in the region.

  • Rising costs delay projects

    20 March 2008, 11:31 GMT

    Competition for funding in the power sector is growing as rising raw materials prices and tight finance markets increase the cost of much-needed energy schemes.

  • Emirates must tackle free trade

    14 March 2008, 17:01 GMT

    The UAE cabinet reshuffle in February put international policy and trade at the heart of its agenda.

  • Special report: UAE - Impact of the cabinet reshuffle

    14 March 2008, 11:24 GMT

    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum’s cabinet reshuffle in February is aimed at sustaining momentum on his strategic plan announced in 2007.

  • MEED 100: Privatisation is key to success

    7 March 2008, 16:38 GMT

    A vibrant private sector is better for economies than a state-dominated one, MEED concludes from its analysis of the Middle East's top 100 publicly quoted companies - particularly once oil revenues start to fall.

  • Gulf states must build homes not hotels

    29 February 2008, 17:08 GMT

    The real estate sector faces a mismatch between what developers are building and what most countries need. While investors are keen to build luxury office and apartment blocks, the region’s cities need more affordable housing and industrial facilities.

  • Investors spoilt for choice

    29 February 2008, 12:21 GMT

    A survey of the Middle East’s real estate market reveals that Kuwait City has some of the most expensive land in the region, while Tripoli could be the next big thing for property developers.

  • Investment house offers sukuk to fund real estate projects

    22 February 2008, 17:56 GMT

    Dubai Investments is to enter the Islamic bond market for the first time by issuing a $750m sukuk to raise funding for new real estate projects.

  • Tadawul needs foreign investors

    22 February 2008, 15:21 GMT

    When it comes to opening up the Saudi stock market (Tadawul), the Capital Market Authority is not going to be rushed.

  • Regional investment banking: Six key people

    22 February 2008, 14:54 GMT

    The six most prominent investment bankers in the region: Aladdin Saba, Hassan Heikal, Maha Khaled al-Ghunaim, Salah al-Fulaij, Iyad Duwaji and Esam Janahi.

  • Special report: Saudi Arabia: Building an industrial base

    22 February 2008, 11:30 GMT

    Since joining the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in December 2005, many Saudi companies have seen foreign imports increasing and their own positions in the market being threatened.

  • Dubai Waterfront: Six key people

    15 February 2008, 17:25 GMT

    The six key people behind the 130-square-kilometre Waterfront real estate project: Chris O'Donnell, CEO, Nakheel; Matt Joyce, managing director, Waterfront; Frank Konings, project director, central business district, Waterfront; Conrad Groen, development director, Waterfront; Rem Koolhaas, founder, Office for Metropolitan Architecture; and Kathy Cusack, planning and design manager, Waterfront.

  • Special report: Oil & Gas - Investing in new strategies

    15 February 2008, 11:46 GMT

    Middle East energy producers are working hard to ensure the high oil and gas prices that have generated estimated regional income of $350bn in 2007 work in their favour. Investments are being made in a variety of technologies, from oil shale extraction in Jordan to sour gas production in Abu Dhabi.

  • It is time for Qatar to tackle inflation

    8 February 2008, 16:08 GMT

    Qatar’s economic advisers are warning the emirate that major change is needed to tackle soaring inflation, which, at 13.7 per cent, is higher than in any other state in the region.

  • Aluminium: The region's six key figures

    8 February 2008, 13:00 GMT

    The six most important figures in the Gulf aluminium sector: Ahmed Saleh al-Noaimi; Abdullah Kalban; Truls Gautesen; Abdullah Busfar; Tony Kinsman; and Duncan Hedditch.

  • Special report: Qatar - Doha struggles with rising inflation

    8 February 2008, 11:32 GMT

    With growth of about 14 per cent a year, Qatar is one of the world’s fastest growing economies. It has the highest per capita GDP in the Middle East.

  • Construction boom brings foreign competition

    1 February 2008, 15:20 GMT

    Contractors taking part in MEED’s Top 50 survey say 2008 will be an even bigger year in terms of project awards than 2007 - which would appear to be good news for local firms.

  • Contractor survey 2008 - Bahrain: Private developers drive boom

    1 February 2008, 12:41 GMT

    Following the launch of a series of large, privately financed real estate projects, Bahrain's construction sector is beginning to catch up with the rest of the region.

  • Contractor survey 2008 - Qatar: Labour shortage delays development

    1 February 2008, 12:03 GMT

    Contractors are flocking to Qatar as Doha spends billions on much-needed infrastructure improvements. But difficulties in getting workers into the country could undermine its plans.

  • Change will bring opportunities in Bahrain

    25 January 2008, 17:27 GMT

    Government officials are opposing economic reform in Bahrain, but King Hamad must push ahead.

  • The top six contractors in Kuwait construction

    25 January 2008, 16:51 GMT

    The people to know in Kuwait’s construction industry: Nasser Mohammed al-Kharafi; Fouad Alghanim; Brian Johnson; Abdul Rahman al-Marouf; Aliyar Deghani and Ahmad Faisal al-Thuwainy.

  • Special report: Bahrain - Protests threaten reform

    25 January 2008, 11:52 GMT

    Progress has been made on introducing democratic and economic reforms to Bahrain, but the country now needs to strengthen its economy by creating jobs and diversifying away from the oil and gas sector. These issues are being forcefully tackled by Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa and the Economic Development Board.

  • Special report: Telecoms - Regional competition grows

    18 January 2008, 11:46 GMT

    The era of state-monopoly operators will come to an end this year when the region’s last mobile phone monopoly market, Qatar, opens up to private sector competition.

  • Special report: Saudi Aramco - The drive to boost output

    11 January 2008, 18:07 GMT

    Even the keenest supporters of Saudi Arabia’s first oil exploration programme 75 years ago could not have foreseen the power the kingdom wields today in the world’s energy markets.

  • Libya's six key oil sector players

    11 January 2008, 17:45 GMT

    Six key players in Libya’s oil sector - Shokri Mohamed Ghanem, Baghdadi Ali al-Mahmoudi, Ahmed al-Hadi Aoun, Azzam al-Mesallati, Omar Gazal and Ali el-Sogher Mohamed Salah.

  • Transparency will lead to respect

    11 January 2008, 17:12 GMT

    There is much to applaud at oil giant Saudi Aramco. Oil expertise was nonexistent in the kingdom 75 years ago, but today the company is probably the most advanced national oil company in the world.

  • People to watch in 2008

    4 January 2008, 18:15 GMT

    MEED lists the 12 key figures in the Middle East economy in the coming year: Sheikh Ahmad bin Zayed al-Nahyan, managing director of Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund manager Adia; Mohammed al-Gergawi, executive chairman and chief executive officer of Dubai government company Dubai Holding; Khalid al-Falih, executive vice-president of operations at Saudi Aramco; Hamad Kasasbeh, Finance Minister of Jordan; Mohammed al-Mady, chief executive officer and vice-chairman, Saudi Basic Industries ...

  • Special report: Sector outlook 2008

    4 January 2008, 17:05 GMT

    The urgent need to install the infrastructure required to support the region’s economic development means government-backed power, water, transport and energy projects will become the principal drivers of the region’s project sector in 2008.

  • Region needs gas to drive projects

    4 January 2008, 16:46 GMT

    In 2006 and 2007, real estate was the major driver of the Gulf project market, but in 2008 priorities will change. The need for more water and power supplies - and, above all, gas supplies - to fuel the power plants means real estate is no longer the key project driver.

  • Saudi Arabia's six top construction contractors

    21 December 2007, 10:43 GMT

    The six top contractors in Saudi Arabia’s construction industry: Bakr bin Laden, Saudi Binladin Group; Farid Chaker, Saudi Oger; Khaled Musaed al-Seif, El-Seif Engineering Contracting; Said Bahjat Said, Al-Arrab Contracting Company Group; Nehme Thome, Almabani General Contractors; Fawwaz al-Khodari, Al-Khodari Sons Company.

  • Special report: Banking - The impact of the credit squeeze

    21 December 2007, 10:37 GMT

    The importance of effective risk management and strong corporate governance has been clearly demonstrated by the collapse of the US sub-prime mortgage market. The lack of both has plunged international financial institutions into crisis and cost them billions of dollars.

  • Special report: UAE - Developing the northern emirates

    14 December 2007, 17:16 GMT

    It was 18th century German philosopher Immanuel Kant who said that the best way to predict the future was to invent it. This is a lesson that some in the UAE understand better than others.

  • Gulf can lead on renewable energy

    10 December 2007, 11:30 GMT

    Gulf developers are rightly proud of the iconic structures that are creating a fresh genre of modern Arab architecture. They have been praised for pushing the boundaries of architectural design and the engineering community has met the challenge of turning these futuristic ideas into reality.

  • Special report: The Gulf's architectural revolution

    7 December 2007, 18:28 GMT

    Throughout the current real estate boom, governments and developers in the Gulf have been derided for their lack of concern for the environment.

  • Qatar's six top gas executives

    7 December 2007, 18:03 GMT

    The six most influential executives in Qatar’s gas industry: Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah, chairman and managing director of Qatar Petroleum and Energy & Industry Minister and Deputy Prime Minister; Faisal al-Suwaidi, chief executive officer (CEO) and vice-chairman of Qatargas; Alex Dodds, president and general manager of ExxonMobil Qatar; Hamad Rashid al-Mohannadi, managing director Ras Laffan Liquefied Natural Gas Company (RasGas); Mohamed Saleh al-Sada, Energy & Industry Affairs Minister; ..

  • Gulf architecture goes back to its roots

    7 December 2007, 16:51 GMT

    While the region's many iconic, signature buildings are attracting global attention, simpler, more traditional designs are quietly making a comeback

  • Glass: Gulfguard rival set to reshape market

    7 December 2007, 16:15 GMT

    US glass manufacturer Gulfguard’s dominance in the region is about to be challenged as a local competitor opens its own facilities.

  • Special report: Saudi Arabia - Investment drive

    30 November 2007, 16:43 GMT

    Saudi Arabia has an image problem. In early November, the World Bank’s annual Doing Business report ranked the kingdom as the world’s 7th fastest reforming economy. But worldwide coverage of the country was dominated by a story about the judicial sentence given to a rape victim, who was punished along with her attackers.

  • Special Report: Petrochemicals - Moving downstream

    26 November 2007, 10:24 GMT

    Producers in the region are seeking to expand petrochemicals production downstream into more complex, higher-value plastics.

  • Abdul Rahman al-Tuwaijri

    24 November 2007, 0:00 GMT

    Capital Market Authority, Saudi Arabia

  • Abdullah Salem al-Turafi

    24 November 2007, 0:00 GMT

    Emirates Securities & Commodities Authority

  • Ahmed Saad

    24 November 2007, 0:00 GMT

    Capital Market Authority, Egypt

  • David Knott

    24 November 2007, 0:00 GMT

    Dubai Financial Services Authority

  • Falah Fahad Mohammed al-Hajri

    24 November 2007, 0:00 GMT

    Executive Committee, Kuwait Stock Exchange

  • Phillip Thorpe

    24 November 2007, 0:00 GMT

    Regulator Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority

  • A clean start

    10 August 2007, 9:56 GMT

    Businesses in the region are appealing to governments to get tougher on polluting companies. MEED surveys corporate climate change across the Middle East.

  • Construction materials prices begin to stabilise

    13 July 2007, 16:29 GMT

    Despite an increase in the value of projects under way in the region in the second quarter of 2007, the cost of materials did not rise dramatically.

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