Total assets of the Top 500 Companies in the Arab World stand at US$2.21 trillion, reveals Forbes study

UAE. Saudi Arabia's SABIC clinched the number one spot with net profits of US$6.6 billion and US$90.2 billion in total assets; Qatari companies top the banking, industrials, insurance, transport and retail sectors; The real estate sector is back on track.

• Emerging economies likely to grow more rapidly but will also face challenges
• Obligations and responsibilities of investment managers in the UAE under the draft SCA
• Egypt ideology devolves into anarchy amid vendettas

Egypt rethinks its subsidy system for the poor

EGYPT. The Egyptian government has taken tentative steps towards reducing the roughly US$20 billion subsidy system that supporters say provides vital aid to the one-in-four Egyptians in poverty, and critics say is unsustainable and enriches the corrupt.

• Commentary: Leading the public web into a Big Data environment
• The growing opportunities in the Saudi healthcare sector
• Dubai's Atlantis Hotel said to seek US$850 million syndicated loan

Leading keynote speakers contest social media at Bahrain's capital Club

BAHRAIN. 85% support the motion that the benefits of social media are worth the consequences, compared to the initial vote of 65% before the arguments began.

• UAE-based entrepreneur Hazel Jackson receives award at Fortune Leadership Summit 2013
• Citadel Capital outlines strong upside potential for sustainable, high-growth investments in Africa and Middle East
• Arabtec appoints new Chief Human Resources Officer