Mobile advertising set for significant growth in MENA region

UAE. MENA accounts for 6% of global smartphone shipments but less than 0.1% of mobile advertising; Regional companies are behind global trends allocating only 6%-7% of advertising on digital; Only 2%-3% of digital budget is allocated to mobile and tablet advertising.

• 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
• Barclays bullish on equities, expectations of recovery on gold are mixed

London attack 'beyond belief'

INTERNATIONAL. The Guardian carried the words "You people will never be safe," on top of a picture of the suspect waving a bloodied hand and wielding a meat cleaver.

• Dubai, Qatar deserve MSCI upgrade, says investment firm
• Analysis: Syria - Outside patronage and a new offensive for the regime
• Commentary: Syria - Humanitarian disaster and political illusion

Saks shares rise on report it hired Goldman Sachs for strategic options

INTERNATIONAL. The luxury department store chain hired Goldman Sachs to explore strategic alternatives, including a possible sale, according to a source briefed on the matter.

• Creativity and innovation at the workplace crucial for economic growth and motivated employees
• CSR increasingly more important in the Middle East
• AHAB responds to Sonecon's report and teleconference on managing defaults in Islamic Finance