Economics and Policy Iran and the UAE are reportedly close to reaching a deal on returning three Iranian-occupied islands in the Arabian Gulf to the UAE. More from Arabian Business Some of the ministers refuse to involve Lebanon's Higher Council for Privatization in certain vital projects in order not to undermine their authority and privileges, the secretary-general of the body has said. More from The Daily Star Authorities in Saudi Arabia are planning to invest $4bn in developing water storage projects in the Gulf kingdom. More from Arabian Business Global oil demand in 2014 will be higher than previously forecast, after consumption in the US rebounded to its strongest level in five years, the International Energy Agency said. More from Bloomberg Companies and Business Habtoor Leighton Group has secured a contract with the Al Habtoor Group worth $395m for the construction of the Residential Towers project
