GCC bond market to benefit from improving macro-economic climate

UAE. Structural reform will take GCC economies to the next level of their development; Improving macroeconomic fundamentals will lead to higher corporate ratings, according to experts from Crédit Agricole Private Banking.

• Dubai's first IPO in five years as Emirates Reit seeks US$136 million
• Construction, lower energy costs and recovery in tourism should boost Jordan's economic growth
• GCC growth in insurance markets outpaces developed, other emerging markets

Saudi listing of Brotherhood as terrorist group complicates Gulf ties

INTERNATIONAL. Saudi Arabia's fierce campaign against the Muslim Brotherhood, already on the run in its Egyptian birthplace, has divided the Gulf Arab bloc, causing discomfort in some member states where the Islamist group is embedded in daily politics.

• Abu Dhabi's NBAD raises A$400 million with second Kangaroo bond
• Egypt's Sisi in UAE for joint military exercises
• Ogilvy & Mather takes up majority stake in Memac Ogilvy in the Middle East and North Africa

Abu Dhabi's NBAD raises A$400 million with second Kangaroo bond

UAE. National Bank of Abu Dhabi paid half a percentage point less for the US$358 million five-year debt than it did a year ago.

• Ogilvy & Mather takes up majority stake in Memac Ogilvy in the Middle East and North Africa
• Windows XP end-of-support to leave Middle East's large user base extremely vulnerable to attack, warns security expert
• ESOMAR spotlights what's next for Big Data