Abu Dhabi’s economy set to grow 8.2% in 2008 date: 04 February 2008
UAE. Achievements made in the last two years in regard to government restructuring, and greater engagement of the private sector in the Emirate’s comprehensive development, will open up a new chapter for Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi Economic Forum 2008 kicks off date: 03 February 2008
UAE. ADEF participants will focus on Abu Dhabi’s main economic trends and the potential impact of the government’s new policy agenda on investment flows, government spending and business opportunities in the Emirate’s various economic sectors.
Another undersea cable cut in the Arabian Gulf date: 02 February 2008
UAE. There is speculation that an anchor had sliced the underwater Flag Falcon cable, stretching between the UAE and Oman.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum appointed Dubai Crown Prince date: 02 February 2008
UAE. Ruler of Dubai HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has issued a decree appointing his son Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as Crown Prince of Dubai from 1 February.
S&P lowers Lebanon long-term rating, outlook stable date: 01 February 2008
LEBANON. The ratings on Lebanon were lowered as a result of the political impasse that has raised tensions within Lebanon, and for which no easy resolution appears in sight, the ratings agency said.
EU and Iraq discuss enhancing energy cooperation date: 01 February 2008
IRAQ. Both the EU and Iraq have much to gain from strong energy cooperation. As a first step Europe wants to see Iraq play a full role in the Arab Gas Pipeline.
Internet outage hits business in the Middle East date: 01 February 2008
INTERNATIONAL. Damage to undersea Internet cables hit business across the Middle East and South Asia on Thursday, including the vital call centre industry, prompting appeals for people to limit their surfing.
INTERNATIONAL. There is decoupling – of the US economy as the main motor of global growth – but there is contagion as well and 2008 will be a tough year for the global economy. After the boom of recent years, it would be no surprise if there was a slower pace of global growth. The outlook is compounded by the financial crisis in the West, and the challenges faced by policy makers across many emerging economies as they tighten policy now to ensure sustainable growth.
A year ago, we took a pessimistic view of the US’s prospects in 2007, expecting a slowdown and Fed rate cuts. Despite that, we were predicting strong growth across the emerging world, with high commodity
prices. This is how things have turned out, but yet we are still reluctant to talk of economic decoupling. And the reason may become evident in 2008: the business cycle still exists after…
