Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry members recently completed food import trade missions to the capital cities of Baku, Azerbaijan, and Tbilisi, Georgia, to publicize potential export advantages and industry practices for the two locales. The delegation organized two successful food export briefings, attended by over 70 public and private sector representatives in each city, Read More »

Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) invites expressions of interest regarding potential development of two solar photovoltaic independent power plants, to be located in Al-Jouf and Rafha. SEC will select a developer or developer consortium to develop and operate the sites. The new power plants will support existing conventional power plants in their respective locations. Read More »

Nationwide Middle East Properties has listed a one-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment in the Al Reef community of Dubai for $253,188. The 957-square-foot apartment features built-in wardrobes, a view of local landmarks and a study in addition to the single bedroom and other living spaces. The open plan living and dining room are perfect for entertaining. Read More »

United Gulf Properties has listed a gorgeous studio apartment on Al Reem Island with reserved parking, walk-in closets and a view of the water for $145,655. The 424-square foot apartment shows unique panoramic views of Al Reem Island. Large windows let in lots of light, and the full kitchen is perfect for those who love to cook. Amenities include a shared pool and spa. Read More »

Etihad Airways recently appointed three Emiratis to management positions in South Korea, Seychelles and Saudi Arabia, increasing the number of UAE nationals on its international management staff to eight. All three designees will serve as airport managers - Fatima Al Hashemi in Incheon, South Korea; Yousuf Mohammed for Medina, Saudi Arabia; and Mansour Hamad to Mahe, Seychelles. Read More »

A furnished farmhouse in the Barka area of Muscat, listed for $1.7 million, offers quite a bit of living space, inside and out.The walkway leading to the front door is lined with trees, ferns and other plants, offering shade along the way. The farmhouse includes built-in wardrobes throughout the home, built-in kitchen appliances and covered parking for residents. Read More »

Guided by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Dubai International Arbitration Center (DIAC) along with three affiliated Korean organizations recently led a dispute resolution seminar in Dubai focusing on the construction industry. The seminar emphasized the role of in-house legal counsel and similar associated practitioners in resolving disputes. Read More »

BGR the Burger Joint has opened an international franchise in Kuwait's new Promenade Mall. BGR features a better-burger concept with a menu focused on cooked-to-order burgers over an open flame, as well as food made from the freshest and highest quality ingredients. The chain is owned by Chanticleer Holdings; the franchise is owned by Master Franchise Operator Al Bassamiah. Read More »

The emirate of Ajman saw a surge in the number of tourists visiting the state in this year’s first quarter. The Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD) reported that the emirate saw a 20 percent increase in guest arrivals, generating total tourism revenue of $29.4 million. Read More »

Over three-fifths of recent MENA survey participants agreed that the holy month of Ramadan, with its emphasis on reflection, kindness and peace, serves to enhance morale in the workplace, according to Bayt.com’s latest questionnaire. More than half the 3,660 respondents indicated that they socialize more at work during Ramadan.. Read More »

Boston Market CEO George Michel signed a deal with Kuwait’s Al-Ghunaim Trading Co. Ltd. to bring the successful eatery to the Middle East with 25 to 30 branches planned initially for Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Qatar and Jordan. The company has just passed its 30-year mark in business, dishing up fresh, hormone-free rotisserie chicken among its many selections. Read More »

The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry is operating on a modified work schedule for Ramadan. The temporary schedule is 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday through Thursday through the end of Ramadan and applies to the chamber’s head office in Deira; the Jebel Ali Branch in the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority and the representative offices in the Dubai Airport Free Zone and Al Aweer. Read More »

Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association Vice Chairman Yousef Abdullah Al-Benyan recently became the association's chairman. Al-Benyan, who leads the global management team at Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) as its CEO and vice chairman. Al-Benyan has held many roles since joining SABIC in 1987, including executive vice president of corporate human resources. Read More »

To optimize its proficiency level in asset management workforce training, the Bahrain Institute for Banking and Finance (BIBF) participated in the May 30-31 Middle East Asset Management Forum at the Gulf Hotel in Manama. The event, supported by the Central Bank of Bahrain, focused on the importance of training and development for the Bahraini financial workforce. Read More »

Hilal Properties Oman has listed a three-bedroom villa in the Al Khoud area of Muscat for $779,018. The villa features three bedrooms, four bathrooms and approximately 8,266 square feet of living space. The kitchen is fully outfitted and has large built-in cabinets along one wall. The living room has a large window that lets in an abundance of light. Read More »

Strengthening its dominance in the sub-sea cable market, E-marine, the Middle East’s principal provider of submarine cable solutions, recently launched its newest cable-laying vessel, the CS Maram, in Dubai. The newest in E-marine’s fleet of five vessels, and the fourth in its cable-laying fleet, CS Maram is considered to be the most modern eco-friendly cable ship ever built. Read More »

InnoVacient LLC and Lamarka Consulting have revamped the InspireU Technology and Entrepreneurship Center of Excellence in Riyadh. InspireU aims to advance job creation and economic growth across the kingdom through innovative solutions that will help improve the standard of living in Saudi Arabia and lead the state away from an oil based economy. Read More »

A Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) committee took part in the recent Bahrain-India Forum held in New Delhi and discussed the possibility of hosting an Indian Week Exhibition in Bahrain. The BCCI Promotion, Exhibitions and Conferences committee went to the forum to increase the Bahraini presence in the promotion of and investment in the business environment and events. Read More »

Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) said a $900 million loan agreement with the Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM) and other international banks will finance the construction of the new Shuqaiq power plant. The loan is guaranteed by KEXIM, but is funded by banks that include Deutsche Bank, Santander Bank and the Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ for the life of the loan, 13.25 years. Read More »

Two recent Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry workshops held at the chamber’s main offices helped to identify and capitalize on the trend away from conventional commerce to that of a cloud-based economy. Sessions led by chamber specialists encouraged participants to prepare for the already apparent shift toward e-commerce in the emirate as well as across many GCC nations. Read More »