Political uncertainties overshadow Bahrain's regional hub status, says A.M Best report

INTERNATIONAL. Bahrain has maintained its position as a key insurance hub and continues to post growth in its insurance market despite a prolonged period of political turbulence.

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

Gerhard Schubert: Another bad week for gold without a single day of rising prices

UAE. "The general trading atmosphere is sufficiently negative for gold to enable sellers to have a firm grip on the market. However, I fail to see how the rally in the stock markets can be put into any sensible relation to the economic plight of the underlying countries."

• Political uncertainties overshadow Bahrain's regional hub status, says A.M Best report
• Egypt rethinks its subsidy system for the poor
• Commentary: Leading the public web into a Big Data environment

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