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

Dubai, Qatar deserve MSCI upgrade, says investment firm

UAE. Dubai and Qatar deserve to be upgraded T. Rowe Price Group said, after the emirates failed to satisfy the index provider's requirements for four years.

• Analysis: Syria - Outside patronage and a new offensive for the regime
• Commentary: Syria - Humanitarian disaster and political illusion
• Mobile advertising set for significant growth in MENA region

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