From IRAN 2:04pm

Iran’s carpet weavers return to the loom

Plunge in value of rial leads to price surge

12:50pm

El Sewedy leads way for Egypt

US is next target for smart metering technologist

May 15, 2013

Abu Dhabi shares highest since 2008

Increase driven by bank stocks as emirate’s lenders improve earnings

May 13, 2013

Property to drive Dubai’s 14% growth in trade

Busy trade, aviation and tourism behind emirate’s progress

From GULF May 13, 2013

Gulf petrochemicals expansion threatened

Prices of US natural gas challenge Mideast feedstock advantage

Demonstrators march through the streets to protest against Israeli Finance Minister Yair Lapid's budget cuts ©Getty May 12, 2013

Israelis demonstrate against spending cuts

Military and middle classes among targets in austerity budget

Nochi Dankner, chairman and controlling shareholder of IDB Holding ©Reuters From COMPANIES May 10, 2013

Dankner battles populist mood in Israel

IDB chairman determined to overcome anti-business sentiment

May 8, 2013

Dana Gas names investor relations chief

Bid to improve communications after $1bn Islamic bond restructuring

May 6, 2013

Middle East sees surge in M&A activity

Advisers note activity pick-up as companies seek ventures in region

May 2, 2013

Dubai World urged to speed up asset sales

Lenders fear company will miss debt repayments

May 1, 2013

UK pushes for Kuwait commercial ties

London launch event to focus on doubling bilateral trade to $4bn

From COMPANIES Apr 30, 2013

Orascom settles Egyptian tax dispute

Construction group agrees to pay E£7bn

Apr 24, 2013

Saudi Arabia moves to shift weekend

Matching weekends would facilitate closer trade ties among Gulf states

Apr 24, 2013

Libya set to launch oil licensing round

Legislation should be ready within four months

Apr 24, 2013

Emirates NBD chief to leave at end of year

Appointment of Rick Pudner’s successor is proving challenging

Apr 22, 2013

Renewable energy plans face testing year

Questions remain over the implementation of ambitious plans

From MIDDLE EASTERN POLITICS & SOCIETY Apr 22, 2013

Drive to adopt alternative energy options

Middle East and North African countries urged to diversify resources to embed long-term growth

Apr 18, 2013

Egypt’s public sector salary bill soars

IMF officials taken by surprise during loan negotiations

Apr 17, 2013

Shares resilient after IMF leave Egypt

Support from Qatar and Libya agreeing to give $5bn in aid

Apr 17, 2013

Law firms’ merger may spark wave of tie-ups

Baker & McKenzie and Habib Al Mulla form new partnership