UAE's non-oil producing private sector output levels and rate of job creation rise, reveals HSBC UAE PMI survey

UAE. While new orders continued to rise sharply, the rate of increase eased to the slowest in a year. Meanwhile, employment levels rose at the fastest pace in two years.

• Mobile advertising set for significant growth in MENA region
• Egypt's reliance on central bank funding may add to inflationary pressures
• Continued strong public spending expected to support non-oil growth in many oil producing countries

Majid Al Futtaim acquires full ownership of regional Carrefour franchise

UAE. Purchases 25% minority stake owned by Carrefour Group for US$684 million; Operates 50 hypermarkets and 44 supermarkets under the Carrefour brand.

• Singer and composer Georges Moustaki dies at 79
• Audit quality - It's not (only) about the auditor
• DNO hits 100,000 barrels a day milestone at Iraqi Kurdistan's Tawke Field

Over 90% of passwords vulnerable to hacking in the Middle East

UAE. Experts address information security issues at Gulf Information Security Expo and Conference; Kevin Mitnick, hacker turned international cyber security guru, to deliver keynote address on the threat hackers pose to corporate security.

• IFF to present collection of new fragrance developed specifically for the Middle East
• Blue Coat to acquire Solera Networks
• Majid Al Futtaim proposed subordinated perpetual notes assigned 'BB+' issue rating