<rss version="0.91">
<channel>
<title>www.bi-me.com RSS feed for &#8211; Jordan</title>
<link>http://www.bi-me.com</link>
<description>Middle Eastern Business News and Data</description>
<language>en-us</language>
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<title><![CDATA[World Bank prepares emergency financial support to help Jordan manage impact of Syrian refugees]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=61955</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. The influx of refugees is affecting the livelihoods of Jordan&#039;s host communities and access to public services and basic commodities is under pressure.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Kerry heads to Middle East to push peace from Syria to Israel]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=61906</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The discussions on Syria come as  Barack Obama is under increasing pressure from some U.S. lawmakers to do more to bring down Bashar al-Assad. 

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<title><![CDATA[Long-term ratings on Jordan lowered to &#039;BB-&#039;]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=61903</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. Lower foreign grants and high petroleum prices weakened Jordan&#039;s external and fiscal accounts in 2012; Outlook remains negative due to Syria fallout risk. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[The Carlyle Group partners with Jordan&#039;s Nabil Foods]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=61815</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. Significant minority equity stak in one of the largest producers of frozen and chilled food products in Jordan;  First investment in Jordan by Carlyle.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Kuwait fund gives US$215 million for Jordan energy projects]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=61734</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. About US$150 million will be used to build a 65-megawatt wind farm in Maan and US$65 million is for a gas terminal in the Red Sea town of Aqaba.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iraq said to halt Al Jazeera&#039;s license, closes Jordanian border]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=61659</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Iraq has been &quot;affected by a region seething with sectarianism and we are starting to see those problems come to us,&quot; Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Prince Alwaleed tops Forbes Middle East&#039;s &#039;World&#039;s Richest Arabs&#039; for 2013]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=61507</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The year&#039;s list of global billionaires has been published by Forbes Middle East, featuring some of the wealthiest Arabs on the planet.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[How oil shale and nuclear power will shape Jordan&#039;s future]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=61485</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Jordan&#039;s energy potential lies in its unconventional resources - oil shale - which place it among the top ten in the world and account for 85% of known Middle Eastern oil shale resources.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Global Information Technology Report highlights role of digital technologies in creating much needed jobs in the Middle East]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=61480</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The report ranks three GCC countries in the top 30 list globally, and another two in the top 40: Qatar (23), the United Arab Emirates (25), Bahrain (29), Saudi Arabia (31) and Oman (40), demonstrating that they continue to embrace ICT to boost their country&#039;s competitiveness.  ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[North African and Middle East countries poised to upgrade Concentrated Solar Power use]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=61473</link>
<description><![CDATA[TUNISIA. The African Development Bank (AfDB) and World Bank convened a workshop with representatives of Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia to review and upgrade the region&#039;s path-breaking regional Investment Plan for Concentrated Solar Power (CSP), with funding from the Climate Investment Funds (CIF).]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Alabbar to lead speaker panel on fifth ASDA&#039;A Burson-Marsteller Arab Youth Survey ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=61419</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Survey results based on face-to-face interviews with 3,000 Arab youth between the ages of 18 to 24 in 15 Arab nations.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Jordan closes main border crossing with Syria]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=61311</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. The border post is effectively closed because there have been clashes since yesterday and they are continuing,&quot; Jordan&#039;s information minister said.
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<title><![CDATA[Social media empowering MENA businesses to innovate like never before]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=61298</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Pioneering study by Dubai School of Government and SAP focusing on Arab youth, reveals 86% believe social media empowers entrepreneurs.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Social media can help MENA youth find jobs and spark entrepreneurship ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=61272</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Findings revealed in most comprehensive study by Dubai School of Government and SAP on region&#039;s social media trends. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[44% of MENA professionals expect their personal finances to improve in the next six months]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=61234</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. 55% of MENA residents believe business conditions will also become better, according to the latest MENA Consumer Confidence Index Survey conducted by Bayt.com and YouGov.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Urgent job creation on a mass scale key to stability in the Arab region, says UNDP report]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=61212</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Arab States could reap a major &quot;demographic dividend&quot; if they can convert their advances in education into employment opportunities for youth, says the 2013 Human Development Report.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Arab countries in transition seek path to strong, inclusive growth]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=61149</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Region pursues economic and political stability in aftermath of historic uprising; Comprehensive political, social, and financial reform critical to economic success; Middle-class aspirations to boost inclusive growth.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Business travel in MENA on road to recovery, finds YouGov survey]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=61058</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. 43% of respondents report an increase in business travel budgets during 2012; KSA and UAE most popular business travel destinations among respondents in 2012; 29% of business travelers surveyed flew in a premium class in 2012.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Salary tops list of reasons MENA professionals quit, reveals Bayt.com survey]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=61057</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The majority of employees stay no longer than five years in a job; Multinationals seen as having highest retention rates; 60.2% state that retention today is lower than in previous generations. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Forbes Middle East unveils the Best Performing Economies in the Arab World ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=61018</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The study highlights positive transformation in oil-exporting countries including economic diversification and increased public spending on health &amp; education.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[67% of UAE employers planning to hire in 2013]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=60985</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. 30% of MENA employers are &quot;definitely hiring&quot;, an additional 27% say they are &quot;probably hiring&quot;; In the UAE, 35% of the companies are &quot;definitely hiring&quot; in the next three months.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Jordan property makes modest gains in 2012]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=60932</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. Apartment rents rise marginally in selected areas and sales prices rise due to rising energy prices, but overall market conditions are stable says Asteco report]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[PwC hosts Itijah Venture in Amman to address water sustainability concerns ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=60895</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. Leaders from Middle East and Europe tackle the challenge of &quot;Water Scarcity&quot; in the Middle East.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[MENA Hotel RevPAR up by 8% in 2012]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=60775</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Most markets in the Middle East and North Africa region post an increase in RevPAR in 2012, driven mainly by better demand according to MKG Hospitality. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Overall hotel occupancy rate in Dubai at 80%, finds Ernst &amp; Young survey]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=60714</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The report covers occupancy and rate performance in key hotel markets across selected countries and cities in the Middle East. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[MENA governments need to engage the private sector to help address the growing crisis of affordable housing, says Ernst &amp; Young]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=60663</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Despite many MENA nations&#039; commendable efforts so far, the supply of affordable housing is falling far short of demand, and demand is rising.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Work-life balance is the most motivating factor for employees in the UAE, reveals survey]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=60578</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. 38% of UAE respondents claim to receive very little or no company support towards achieving a healthy balance, according to Bayt.com and YouGov survey.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Queen Alia International Airport reports 15.3% increase in year-to-date passenger traffic]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=60453</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. Airport International Group (AIG), the Jordanian consortium responsible for the rehabilitation, expansion and operation of QAIA,  announced its November traffic results, exceeding records in year-to-date passenger volume and aircraft movement.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Rigid ideologies are battling political pragmatism at the expense of economic growth and reduced investment, says IIF report]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=60390</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Byblos Bank hosts the launch of IIF new report on the Middle East and North Africa; Lebanon: recovery hinges on political stability and reforms.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[UNICEF to help the Syrian children refugee and displaced survive the icy weather]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=60292</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. UNICEF is urgently mobilizing more than 100,000 children&#039;s clothing kits and around 160,000 blankets, including baby blankets, along with other winter supplies for displaced children in Syria and surrounding countries. 
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Oil, gas and petrochemicals are top industries in MENA, reveals survey]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=60282</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Industry is a regional leader in terms of current employee satisfaction, and respondent perceptions, according to Bayt.com and YouGov survey.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[The World&#039;s Most Influential 500 Muslims ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=60233</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. The publication introduces a list of the 500 most influential Muslims in the world. It ranks the Top 50, and places the remaining 450 into 13 categories.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Total Jordan acquires petroleum product marketing license]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=60209</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. Total&#039;s Marketing &amp; Services subsidiary steps up wxpansion in a developing market.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Oman ranked top five in Economic Freedom of the Arab World report]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=60190</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Bahrain and the UAE occupy the top two positions followed by Jordan, Kuwait, and Lebanon and Oman in joint fifth position ahead Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Gulf states mull aid for Jordan amid fuel protests ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=60139</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Oil-rich Gulf states are mulling ways to help Jordan shore up its fuel supplies after sharp price increases sparked protests against the king, the UAE foreign minister said. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Jordanians protest fuel-subsidy cut]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=60102</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. Thousands of Jordanians rallied around the country for a third day against the government&#039;s decision to cut subsidies on fuel, with some demanding the ouster of King Abdullah II.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Britain to start talks with armed Syria opposition  ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=59997</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The announcement was made as David Cameron toured a desert refugee camp for Syrians in northern Jordan, on the third and final leg of a tour of the Middle East. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Investors frustrated by constrained liquidity across the region, reveals survey]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=59825</link>
<description><![CDATA[QATAR. Investors remain positive about Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman; Dubai enjoys a comeback; Worries about Lebanon and Jordan, and to a lesser extent Kuwait, as political unrest waxes and wanes across the region, says latest QFC Authority/FTSE Global Markets MENA asset management survey. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Start-ups in MENA grow eight fold since 2005 with UAE attracting 17% of new enterprises]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=59744</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt and the UAE attracted most early stage investments, reveals Dubai Internet City and Frost &amp; Sullivan report.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[IMF U-turn in Jordan shows Egypt need to engage public on policy]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=59544</link>
<description><![CDATA[&quot;INTERNATIONAL. &quot;We recognize that this is a socially and politically difficult thing to do,&quot; Masood Ahmed, head of the IMF Middle East and Central Asia Department, said of Jordan&#039;s efforts to tighten the budget. &quot;They have to manage it. It will require difficult decisions.&quot; ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Taba Heights Marina reopening to boost tourism on the Sinai Peninsula ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=59539</link>
<description><![CDATA[EGYPT. Orascom Development destination featuring six hotels with 2,365 rooms. The marina allows guests to visit Jordan and the ancient city of Petra, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[MIT crowned world&#039;s top university while Middle East institutions consolidate standings ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=59267</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Top 700 universities published today in 2012/13 QS World University Rankings; 26 institutions from the Middle East in the top 700; Highest ranked institution (197) remains  King Saud University]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Middle East consumers among world&#039;s most brand loyal, reveals Ernst &amp; Young report ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=59125</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. 25% of respondents in the UK and the US  stated that brand influences their purchasing decision compared to 29% in Saudi Arabia,  31% in the UAE, 33% in Bahrain, 34% in Jordan and 35% in Oman.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Personal finances, employment conditions expected to improve across MENA region, reveals consumer confidence survey]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=58951</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Respondents are optimistic for the upcoming year. The majority believe that their personal financial situation (51%), country&#039;s economy (44%), business conditions (49%) and employment conditions (35%) will improve, according to Bayt.com and YouGov survey. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syrian regime collapsing, says former prime minister]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=58886</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Syrian troops and officials loyal to President Bashar al-Assad should join the opposition and abandon the &quot;enemy of God,&quot; said Riad Hijab.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Middle East leaders increasingly use Twitter to engage with citizens, finds &#039;Twiplomacy&#039; study]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=58814</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has 13 other world leaders following him, making him the most followed by leaders in the region. Queen Rania is the fourth most followed world leader (2,222,872 followers) preceded by Barack Obama in first position (18,223,342 followers).]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Jordan ratings affirmed at &#039;BB/B&#039;, outlook remains negative due to external risks                                ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=58688</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. A combination of external developments has weakened Jordan&#039;s external balances and its public finances, raising the country&#039;s dependency on foreign grants, according to  S&amp;P.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Abu Dhabi, Dubai are top Middle East cities to live in, according to Bayt.com survey]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=58624</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. &quot;Top Cities of the Middle East&quot; survey factored in economic factors, entrepreneurial factors, labour rights, environmental factors, everyday life, socio-cultural factors, and quality of life.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Minimal movement seen in Jordan property market]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=58514</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. Apartment rents and sales prices rise in selected areas due to limited supply and robust demand - overall market conditions are stable, according to Asteco report.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Standard &amp; Poor&#039;s takes rating actions on various Arab Bank Group entities; outlooks are negative ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=58419</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The rating actions follow S&amp;P&#039;s review of the wider implications for Jordan-based Arab Bank PLC and several related entities of the continuing social tensions, political uncertainties, and resulting economic challenges in some of the MENA countries where the group operates.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Qatar,  UAE, Bahrain, Oman and Saudi Arabia ranked in top 50 Global Innovation Index 2012]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=58415</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Switzerland ranks first among 141 economies on innovation levels; Qatar and the United Arab Emirates lead the Middle East in overall innovation performance.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and Jordan are the most attractive Cleantech markets in MENA, finds Ernst &amp; Young survey]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=58407</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. 79% of C-Suite executives confident that MENA Cleantech investments will grow over the next five years; 54% of top regional executives still bullish about the Desertec project, down from 62% last year.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Switzerland, Sweden and Singapore, are the most innovative countries in the world]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=58396</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Global Innovation Index (GII) 2012, a ranking of 141 countries co-produced by INSEAD and WIPO, measures the degree to which countries and economies integrate innovation into their political business and social spheres.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[MENA women seek financial independence, finds Bayt.com survey]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=58285</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Survey conducted by Bayt.com and YouGov, reveals that working women in the region are motivated professionally mostly by monetary prospects.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Jordan&#039;s SCOPI Academy holds symposium on Blue Ocean Strategy with Professor Ren&Atilde;&copy;e Mauborgne]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=58207</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. With wide participation from local and Arab business audience, Professor Mauborgne introduced the key concepts, tools, and frameworks behind Blue Ocean Strategy and explained how companies can apply these ideas to break away from the competition.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Kuwait&#039;s Shaikha Al Bahar leads Forbes Middle East list of most powerful Arab business women]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=57722</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Following in a close second is Lubna Suliman Olayan, the Saudi National who now serves as a board member of the Saudi Hollandi Bank. The third spot was given to Dina Shoman, executive vice president of branding and board member of Arab Bank.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[After Arab Spring, MENA region faces varied political and monetary flexibility risks, says S&amp;P report]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=57708</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, and Tunisia have negative outlooks, indicating at least a one-in-three chance that the sovereign ratings could be lowered in the next one to two years. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Frontier Markets of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait and Oman, show strength in 2011, says Russell Investments Research]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=57601</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The Middle East is the largest Russell frontier region by market capitalization, at 42.1% of the RFI;  In this analysis Russell revisits the index and report on its performance, constituent, size and sector characteristics.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Analysis: MENA needs better integration of ICT into national competitiveness plans]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=57354</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The 2012 Network Readiness Index ranks five GCC countries in the top 40 list globally. On the other hand, countries in the Levant and North Africa still lag behind and face important challenges to fully leverage ICT.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Amended landlord and tenant law keeps rents stable in Jordan]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=57341</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. Apartment rents largely unchanged in Q1 2012 while sales prices rise in selected areas due to limited supply and high demand says latest Asteco report.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[75% of online Arabic content is of Jordanian origin, reveals study ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=57309</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. Jordan has been able to play a key role in building and enriching the online Arabic content in spite of its limited resources and relatively small population.]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Higher interest in entrepreneurship and social development in MENA despite Arab Spring, reveals survey]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=57206</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Bayt.com partners with Stanford University and YouGov to explore the Arab Spring&#039;s effects on entrepreneurship in the MENA region.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[New FATCA regulations are out, institutions must act fast]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=56944</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. To support banks and other financial institutions in the region in managing their impact, a FATCA Seminar was hosted by Deloitte.]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Urbanization is increasing the risk of Heart Disease in children]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=56754</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The urban population in the UAE is 78%, in Jordan 79% and in Saudi Arabia 84%. Qatar has one of the highest percentage urban populations in the world at 96%.]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Geopolitical analysis: Al Qaeda opportunities in Syria]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=56697</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Al Qaeda&#039;s extreme transnational agenda always has had limited appeal to the Arab masses. Popular unrest in Arab countries and the empowerment of political Islamists via elections in Egypt and Tunisia have underscored the jihadists&#039; irrelevance. ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Arab Spring one year on: Hotel demand remains under pressure]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=56608</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. demand has yet to return to Egypt, Bahrain and the Levant region according to the 2011 year-end data from STR Global.]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Jordan wins US$250 million World Bank loan after regional unrest]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=56364</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The loan &quot;helps the country manage the global economic downturn and the short-term shocks caused by political events in the region.&quot; ]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[MENA and emerging markets represent the immediate future for renewable energy, says Ernst &amp; Young]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=56150</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Energy requirements, policy and job creation are the key drivers; Solar thermal energy has been a particularly popular investment with several large projects on the way in Abu Dhabi, Algeria, Jordan and Morocco.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Jordan apartment rents rise on property law amendment]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=56059</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. Rents rise as amendments allow landlords to increase prices to current market values, says Asteco&#039;s Jordan Q4 2011 report.

]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Middle East stocks plunge in 2011 on Arab Spring, eurozone woes]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55931</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Middle East markets, with the exception of Qatar, ended the year with deep losses after grappling with the Arab Spring and shaken local confidence. The losses ranged, from 3.06% in Saudi Arabia to 49.3% in Egypt. ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Gulf Arabs back unity after hinting at Iran threat]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55859</link>
<description><![CDATA[SAUDI ARABIA. Regional political upheavals revive dormant GCC unity plans; Development aid for non-GCC members Jordan, Morocco and Yemen.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[MarkaVIP closes US$5 million Series A funding round]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55674</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Lumia Capital, joined by Invus Financial Advisors, invests in MarkaVIP to support regional market acceleration and platform expansion for leading e-commerce private retail sales club in Middle East.]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[S&amp;P Indices and Arab Federation of Exchanges create S&amp;P AFE 40 Index ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55631</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The S&amp;P AFE 40 is comprised of the 40 largest stocks (measured by float-adjusted market capitalisation) listed on AFE member exchanges.]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Jordan-based Arab Bank downgraded to &#039;BB&#039; following sovereign downgrade]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55565</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The negative outlook on Arab Bank PLC mirrors that on the sovereign ratings because S&amp;P considers that the bank is subject to sovereign risk due to its incorporation in Jordan and its holding of large amounts of Jordanian sovereign debt.

]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Forbes Middle East unveils ranking of Top 63 online newspapers of the Arab world]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55542</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Egypt&#039;s Al Youm Al Sabe tops ranking for second year in a row.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Smartphone users in Saudi Arabia have a higher preference for Arabic language applications]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55472</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. The survey revealed that 47% of the respondents who use applications in Saudi Arabia prefer to use them in the Arabic language compared to 8.2% in each of Jordan and the UAE.  ]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Jordan long-term local-currency rating cut to &#039;BB&#039; ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55443</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Like many other Arab countries in 2011, Jordan is under public pressure to meet expectations for political and socioeconomic change.
]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Jordan&#039;s King Abdullah calls for Assad&#039;s resignation]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55285</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. King Abdullah said in an interview with the BBC that he would step down if he were in Assad&#039;s position and create a way for Syrians to start &quot;a new phase of political life.&quot;

]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Jordan Enterprise Development European Investment Bank and Abraaj Capital launch US$ 50 million Jordan Growth Capital Fund]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54965</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. Announcement made at the World Economic Forum,  Dead Sea; Riyada Enterprise Development to serve as manager of the Fund.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Intel to boost entrepreneurial capacity in the Middle East]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54935</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. Partnerships with Queen Rania Center for Entrepreneurship, INJAZ Al-Arab and Education for Employment to provide entrepreneurship training and mentoring to Middle Eastern youth.

]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Young Arab Entrepreneurs set to compete at annual INJAZ Al-Arab regional competition 2011]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54737</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Students from 12 Arab nations to vie for highly converted &#039;Best Company of the year Award&#039; ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[More awareness and greater transparency key to accelerating growth of digital advertising in MENA, says Yahoo! Maktoob]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54665</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The UAE is leading this Internet ad spend growth in the region. ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[&#039;Arab Spring&#039; nations aid pledges to be boosted to US$38 billion]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54371</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Western and Middle Eastern governments pledged to help Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco and Jordan transition to democracy and create jobs, mobilizing financing mostly through international lending organizations.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[MENA IPOs down 51.67% to US$374.77 million in second quarter 2011]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54181</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Total of six IPOs in the region - two in UAE and one each in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Tunisia and Morocco; First UAE real estate sector listing of Eshraq Properties since Deyaar Development IPO in May 2007.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Digital footfall set to grow in the Middle East]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53841</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Regional e-commerce industry gains momentum with new e-tail platform, as MarkaVIP expands across the Middle East. ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[GORD, Jordan Engineers Association sign MoU to apply QSAS concepts to Jordan&#039;s green building practices]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53645</link>
<description><![CDATA[QATAR. Partnership to promote green buildings, water &amp; energy rationing to balance economy &amp; environment &amp; maintain urban identity in the Arab world
]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Price stability continues in Jordan&#039;s property sector]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53630</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. Asteco&#039;s Jordan Q2 2011 report points to consistency across the Hashemite Kingdom&#039;s property market, with rental prices up 3%. 

]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[S&amp;P reviewing UAE, Qatar, Jordan for emerging market status ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53509</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. UAE, Qatar currently classified as frontier by S&amp;P; MSCI extended its review on UAE, Qatar to December; Emerging mkt status seen attracting fund flows to the region. 
]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Jordan presses on to build first nuclear power plant]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53409</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Jordan&#039;s economy has been heavily impacted by its need to import 96% of its energy needs. In 2010 energy imports cost Jordan 20% of its GDP.
]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Iraqi Airways sells off Kuwait invasion-era fleet]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53158</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Iraqi Airways offers old Boeing jetliners for sale as scrap as it continues to sell off remnants of a decades-old fleet moved to neighbouring countries.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[A different type of engagement: Microsoft Jordan on Cloud Computing]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53154</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. The &#039;ICT University&#039; is focused on Cloud Computing and the Government of Jordan&#039;s eGovernment initiative.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Closing the Middle East jobs gap]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53112</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. High youth unemployment contributes to widespread unrest in the Middle East. What are the root causes of persistently high unemployment and how to improve job prospects in a region shaken by political change?]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Corporate Governance and Responsibility Forum kicks off in Amman]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53015</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. Renowned Jordanian private sector entities support and sponsor the CGR Forum which takes place on June 12 2011.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[&#039;The Middle East is one of the most exciting markets,&#039; says Yahoo! CEO]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52978</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. During her visit to the region, Carol Bartz shared how the premier digital media company sees huge opportunity in the growth of the Web in the Middle East. 

]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Saudi Arabia lifts ban on Jordanian agricultural produce]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52949</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. Shipments were halted after allegations that Jordan used waste water for irrigation, Jordan&#039;s Ministry of Agriculture said.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Saudi Arabia grants US$400 million to support Jordanian economy]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52924</link>
<description><![CDATA[SAUDI ARABIA. Jordan relies on foreign investment and grants to support its budget and current-account deficits.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Value of PC software theft in Jordan worth US$28 million ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52855</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. Study finds computer users overwhelmingly value legal software, yet many lack awareness of which software is legal and which is not.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Jordan first regionally in Global Entrepreneurship Week ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52824</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. GEW ranked Jordan 16th globally and 1st regionally for hosting the GEW 2010, organized by Queen Rania Center for Entrepreneurship and Endeavor Jordan.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[GCC welcomes bids by Jordan, Morocco to join Gulf bloc]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52568</link>
<description><![CDATA[SAUDI ARABIA. The GCC heads of state also demanded that all sides in Yemen, which has limited observer status in the GCC, sign a transition plan brokered by the bloc.

]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Jordan property market steady despite unrest]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52327</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. Government measures to stave off negative sentiment, stabilise residential sales and rental rates

]]></description>
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</channel>
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