Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide recently said it plans to expand its presence into Saudi Arabia with a new Sheraton planned in Makkah. “Makkah has been a particular focus for Starwood growth, with Sheraton being one of three brands to make its entrance into the market in the next year,” Michael Wale, president of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Europe, Africa and Middle East, said. Read More »

A recent investment report by Al Masah Capital (AMC), an alternative asset management and advisory firm focusing on the MENA region, said the UAE economy is "cruising along" while others in the region struggle to maintain growth, and it also noted that Dubai is rowing at a faster rate than Abu Dhabi amid the new reality of low oil prices. Read More »

Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU) recently became the first institution from Qatar to be named to Nature Index’s 2016 Top 25 Research Rising Stars in the Middle East and West Asia, debuting at No. 15. Nature Index works each year to recognize top performers in the areas of academic institutions, corporate institutions and countries around the world. Read More »

The UAE-based SAMENA Council recently said Vestel Trading Co., a Turkey-based original equipment and design manufacturer and market leader for consumer appliances, will join the council. "We wanted to consolidate our presence in the Middle East and what better way to show our commitment to the region than to join SAMENA Council,” Vestel CEO Turan Erdogan said. Read More »

Located in sought-after Al Reem, this stunning upgraded villa boasts a flowing floor plan with 2,788 square feet of living space and beautiful lake and fountain views. The villa has a spacious and open combination living and dining room, a sizable modern kitchen, a handsome study and a maid's room. The villa has three fabulous bedrooms, including a luxurious master suite. Read More »

Though classes have already began, approximately 4,000 United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) freshmen and their parents will officially be received in a ceremony on Tuesday. Events for the day will include a college fair featuring the innovative projects of current students.The research-intensive university has held numerous other events to welcome its incoming students. Read More »

Communications consultancy Hill+Knowlton (H+K) Strategies has appointed Bashar AlKadhi to be CEO of its business in the MENA region. "I am truly excited to take on this new challenge," AlKadhi said. "Hill+Knowlton Strategies was the first international PR company to establish in the Middle East and has a long history in the region." Read More »

Sanad Aero Solutions GmbH (Sanad), a wholly owned Abu Dhabi-based subsidiary of Mubadala Development Company, is expanding its relationship with Etihad Airways with a $265 million, 12-year sale and lease-back agreement. Sanad and Etihad Airways have worked together for five years on various deals; the first, in 2011, included the financing of GE90 and Rolls Royce Trent spare engines. Read More »

John Hallenbeck has been named general manager for Motiongate Dubai, the Middle East's largest Hollywood-inspired theme park. Motiongate Dubai is part of Dubai Parks and Resorts, the area's largest integrated theme park. Hallenbeck has more than 25 years of experience in theme park operations, design and implementation. Read More »

It seems like every time you turn around, there's a new restaurant going into a neighborhood in Dubai. As this cosmopolitan city continues to reinvent itself, all sorts of chains and independent restaurants are targeting customers in the area, with renowned chefs and established restaurateurs sinking a lot of money and effort into serving customers. But how do these restaurants get their start? Read More »

Sloane's Real Estate Brokers has listed a lovely studio apartment in The Piazza in Fox Hills for $233,490. The apartment has a balcony, with a view of a common area and the neighborhood, an L-shaped living room that includes a built-in wardrobe with space for hanging items and drawers and a fully equipped kitchen. There is also a full bathroom. Read More »

Michael Fraim, vice president of technology for U.S.-based Ephraim Oil, has signed a two-year contract to join King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) as a visiting associate professor. Fraim begins his term with KFUPM in Saudia Arabia on Sept. 1. Fraim's courses will cover shale oil and gas development, CO2 and chemical enhanced oil recovery. Read More »

Saudi Aramco has been awarded the 2015 International Technology Exchange Award along with its research and collaboration partner, JGC Catalysts and Chemicals. Read More »

The Bahrain Institute of Finance and Banking (BIBF) recently held an open house in Juffair to highlight its undergraduate programs. Read More »

Qatar Airways has rebranded its cabin crew recognition program, Kafou -- which means 'job well done' -- and added colleague feedback on its flights. Read More »

Arabia CSR Networks is hosting the seventh annual Arabia CSR Forum under the patronage of the League of Arab States on the 19th and 20th of October. Read More »

The Dubai Police recently gave an award to Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) for its collaboration in the realm of sustainability and environment, health and safety (EHS). Read More »

Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has selected Yardi Voyager 7S, a browser-independent, mobile-enabled software, as a service platform to manage real estate solutions across Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Read More »

Volkswagen has appointed Andrew Savvas as brand director to head the company's Middle East operations. Read More »

Kuwait Finance House's (KFH) Gold Opening, Selling & Purchasing Transactions Online Eservice has received good turnout with clients. Read More »