Investment firm said it would continue to be ‘conservative, vigilant and opportunistic’.
Politics
Kuwait’s Gulf Bank narrows 2009 loss
Bank’s operating profits expected to be sufficient to absorb additional provisioning requirements.
Qatar may launch single regulator in 2010 – QFCRA
GFC delayed plans as Qatar focused on containing risks in the banking sector.
Housing to keep Saudi inflation up in Q1 – Cbank
SAMA expects that a stabilisation in food prices will keep inflation below 1.5%.
UAE ranked as number one in MENA, 15th globally – EIU
Country’s high global ranking based on its civic development and high GFP growth.
Kuwait to review sponsorship system
6,000 expats face arrest warrants and deportation from Gulf state after gov’t projects finish.
Qatar consumer prices fall by 4.9% in 2009
Price deflation aggravated by the end of property boom, which sent rents sliding.
RAK planning major push on infrastructure
Senior official reveals growth plans to ‘transform all areas of life’ in emirate.
Qatar’s next budget to be ‘little bigger’ – Fin Minister
Current fiscal year budget is $26bn, including 1.5% cut in spending.
Gulf facing labour market challenge – minister
Region must change to maintain growth and provide jobs for nationals.
Mideast still seen as ‘attractive’ for Western investors
Dubai debt announcement has not hurt region, says National Investor.
Kuwait parliament passes $104bn development plan
Four year plan aimed at attracting investment and boosting private sector participation.
Sharjah commercial licenses up by nearly half in 2010
Number of new licenses rose to 4,428 last year, with renewed licenses up to 45,048.
Gulf investor confidence dropped in Jan – report
Saudi Arabia only index with a positive rise in sentiment, Dubai index sees 11% drop.
Iraq to be top oil producer in 6-7 years – minister
Oil chief sets capacity target at 12 million bpd by 2017, to overtake Saudi Arabia.
GE seeks 10-15% ME growth, keen on healthcare projects
General Electric CEO also says Mubadala partnership ‘has great potential’.
Blair says reforms needed in Mideast education
Former British PM says investment important but also questions curriculum.