Economics and Politics
The Lebanese Central Bank has taken the necessary measures to maintain the stability of local lenders, according to Governor Riad Salameh.
The Arab League has approved a Qatari proposal to set up a $1bn fund for Arab East Jerusalem, which Palestinians want as the capital of an independent state under any peace deal with Israel.
Tax evasion and poor enforcement of Egypt's tax code has cost the state treasury at least 66 billion Egyptian pounds (Dh35.65bn) since 2000, and President Morsi is under pressure to reform the system.
Gasoline prices in Lebanon dropped for a fourth week in a row Wednesday, data released by the Energy and Water Ministry showed.
Companies and Business
Shareholders and investment funds that make capital gains from Qatar National Bank’s (QNB) bid for Cairo-based National Societe Generale Bank (NSGB) will face a 10 per cent tax, Egypt’s tax authority said on Tuesday.
Led by UAE banks, GCC lenders recorded strong growth in profits in the last quarter of 2012 on robust volumes and lower provisions, a banking study revealed.
Food and beverage operator SSP has announced a joint venture with Qatar Duty Free to operate 11 outlets at the new Hamad International Airport.
Kuwait's Jazeera Airways said on Tuesday it was optimistic it will exceed its business plan targets this year following a record-breaking year in 2012.
Patients from the Middle East have controversially spent up to US$1.5m on acquiring replacement livers from donors in the UK.