Middle East sovereign wealth funds increasingly shifting into private equity, finds Invesco study

UAE. 20% of Sovereign Wealth Fund new assets allocated to private equity; Property and infrastructure are not the big SWF "alternative investment" story, according to 2013 Invesco Middle East Asset Management Study.

• Private equity focus shifts to Americas as Europe's austerity and Asia's uncertainty weaken their deal markets, finds Bain & Co
• Political uncertainties overshadow Bahrain's regional hub status, says A.M Best report
• Total assets of the Top 500 Companies in the Arab World stand at US$2.21 trillion, reveals Forbes study

Muslim Schindlers in focus

SAUDI ARABIA. In mid-April, an unusual exhibition was held in London, highlighting the role Muslims played in saving Jewish lives during the Holocaust. At the exhibition, people saw love and harmony between people of different faiths.

• Kuwait's Kharafi group wins US$930 million from Libya
• Visa report reveals MENA fastest growing e-commerce region worldwide with 45% growth
• HSBC Oman corporate clients explore Renminbi's increasing role in world trade

Arqaam Capital advises Magrabi Retail on its debut investment into Turkey

UAE. Arqaam provides MENA's largest optical retail chain with M&A advisory services, as well as assistance in raising acquisition financing for the transaction.

• Air Arabia signs US$350 million financing deal with QNB Group & CBI
• Nakheel floats tender for ground works at The Pointe at Palm Jumeirah
• DAMAC Properties announces US$ 100 Million Princess Tower in Baghdad