Wataniya Telecom Wins Second MobileLicense in Palestine

Abraaj Capital Purchases10.7% Stake in JNBDubai-based Abraaj Capital purchased 11.8m shares in Jordan National Bank (JNB), the equivalent of 10.7% of total number of shares, for $56m. The deal was concluded through Abraaj Special Opportunities Fund (ASOF) II. Abraaj Capital is an asset management firm, with a primary expertise in private equity buyouts, strong strategic minority block positions in public enterprises and real estate investments. JNB, which is listed on the Amman Stock Exchange, increased its total capital by 8 million shares previous to the purchasing. JNB’s share was last traded at JOD3 ($4.2). IMF: Outlook on the Middle East The International Monetary Fund (IMF) issued its September 2006 World Economic Outlook report discussing trends in global economic growth. The report projects growth in the Middle East region at 5.8% in 2006 and 5.4% in 2007, up from a forecasted global growth of 5.1% in 2006 and 4.9% in 2007.