Abu Dhabi foreign trade rises 9% to Dhs112bn
Abu Dhabi's foreign trade rose to Dhs112.071bn in 2009, an increase of 9% as compared to 2008 as per annual statistics of foreign trade operations announced by HE Saeed Ahmed Abdullah Al Muhairi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Customs today.


Barwa launches its offer to acquire shares of Alaqaria
Barwa Real Estate Company Q.S.C. (Barwa) and Qatar Real Estate Investment Company Q.S.C. (Alaqaria) today announced that, following the companies' joint announcement on 4 March 2010 of the full terms of their proposed combination (the "Proposed Transaction"), the formal offer document (the "Offer Document") relating to the offer by Barwa to acquire the share capital of Alaqaria in exchange for shares in Barwa (the "Offer") will be made available by tomorrow morning.

Tadawul edges lower
Saudi Arabia's Tadawul All Share Index (Tasi) fell 0.36% to 6,530, with 67 stocks falling and 45 rising. Alinma Bank, the day's most active stock by value and by volume, was unchanged at SR12.75, while fellow market leader Kingdom Holding gained 2.11% to SR9.75. Insurance led all sectors, gaining 1.48%.

Initial indicators show that UAE continues to be top tea re-exporter in world
Initial indicators have shown that the UAE is still the top tea re-exporter of the world for the year 2009, and is set to retain the top position it reached in 2004.

HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid opens 12th Water Technologies, Energy and Environment Exhibition
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance and President of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) inaugurated today (Tuesday, March 9, 2010) the 12th Water Technology, Energy and Environment Exhibition 2010 - WETEX 2010 at Zaabeel hall of Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Long-term rating on National Central Cooling downgraded to 'CC' and withdrawn at issuer's request
Standard and Poor's Rating Services said today that it lowered its long-term corporate credit rating on United Arab Emirates-based district cooling company National Central Cooling Co. PJSC (Tabreed) to 'CC' from 'CCC+'. The outlook is negative.


Arabian Automobiles optimistic about growth in commercial vehicle sector in 2010
With positive expectations of growth in 2010 in the commercial vehicles industry, Arabian Automobiles, the exclusive dealer of Nissan, Infiniti and Renault in Dubai and the Northern Emirates is displaying its commercial vehicle line-up at the on-going Commercial Vehicles Middle East (CVME).

Vibrant business for live music in Dubai
From Paolo Nutini to Rod Stewart and Spandau Ballet, along with the Meydan Race night concerts, the live music scene in Dubai is seeing something of a change in rhythm. Phil Blizzard talks to Thomas Ovesen, MD, AEG Middle East about the swing back to Dubai for major shows, after Abu Dhabi taking centre stage for awhile, and what this boost in shows means to those businesses associated with event organisation.

HR Managers on cloud nine as cloud computing promises to simplify relocation logistics
The region's HR managers can now put employee logistics nightmares to bed, according to Curt Clements, Managing Director of Move One's regional hub in Dubai. Move One is an integrated international assignment and moving management company.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority launches Green Building Regulations - Stage II
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), announced the launch of the Green Building Regulations - Stage II, comprising of a new set of guidelines and specifications, to regulate building standards for achieving efficiency in the use of electricity, water and renewable energy, as part of the 'Green Buildings Project.'

Abu Dhabi Education Council commits to upgrading all Abu Dhabi public schools by 2016
Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) announced today the implementation of a new school model that will be applied to all Abu Dhabi government schools with the first phase covering Cycle 1 and will be applied to all of the cycles ending by 2015-16.


Tadhamon Capital announces $28.6m profit in its first year
Tadhamon Capital, a category 1 Islamic investment company based in Bahrain, has announced a net profit of $28.6m for its first period of operations from 15th September 2008 to 31st December 2009.

Unique interpersonal marketing approach launched by SectorMark Marketing Consultants
SectorMark Marketing Consultants FZ-LLC is roundly considered to be newest company of its kind, and in a short time it has achieved a level of renown so notable; with the focus on helping industry leaders in tourism make distinctive, lasting, and substantial improvements to the performance of their organizations.

Inovest's Ordinary and Extraordinary Annual General Meetings held
Inovest BSC held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) at the Al Ghazal Ballroom of Ritz Carlton Hotel, Bahrain on Tuesday March 9th, 2010. The sessions were attended by a number of shareholders and proxy voters whose combined presence provided the required quorum for convening the meetings.

Bahrain's financial sector posts 1.5 % growth in employment during 2009
Employment in Bahrain's financial services industry grew by 1.5% during 2009, with a total of 14,137 people employed at end-2009 compared with 13,922 at end-2008.