<rss version="0.91">
<channel>
<title>www.bi-me.com RSS feed for &#8211; Kuwait</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[MENA equity markets rebound 4.9% in February]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=45012</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL.The top performer was the Kuwaiti Stock Exchange which gained 5.0%. 
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<title><![CDATA[Egypt&#039;s US$2 billion Port Ghalib project to participate at Dubai International Boat Show]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44836</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Port Ghalib is the first official international tourist port of entry into Egypt accommodating up to a staggering 1000 yachts.

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<title><![CDATA[Gulf states should drop Dollar peg, says head of currency hedge fund]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44740</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The policy of pegging to the dollar makes Gulf countries vulnerable to US shocks, John Taylor, who oversees the world&#039;s largest currency hedge fund, said in a speech in Dubai today.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Drake &amp; Scull International Kuwait wins 2 contracts totalling over US$24.52 million]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44632</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. DSI acquired 75% of DSK in late December, 2009, in step with the company&#039;s declaration since its IPO to actively pursue acquisition negotiations in Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. 

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<title><![CDATA[Dow Chairman and CEO celebrates expansion of historic partnership in Kuwait  ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44610</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. The Dow Chemical Company recently commemorated its historic partnership with Petrochemical Industries Company of Kuwait at the inauguration of the Greater Equate facility.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Gulf Bank posts second yearly loss]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44586</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. The Gulf Bank, Kuwait&#039;s second-largest lender, on Monday posted a loss of US$97.5 million  in 2009.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Investment in Kurdistan region of Iraq tops US$12 billion]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44500</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. The primary source of investment in the Kurdistan region was the local housing sector, which saw an increase of US$4.7 billion. The banking sector followed at US$2.29 billion.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Credit Suisse upgrades Kuwait stocks]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44489</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAl. Kuwait&#039;s stocks were upgraded to &#039;neutral&#039; from &#039;underweight&#039;.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[S&amp;P places Bharti Airtel on CreditWatch negative]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44483</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. S&amp;P said it had placed its &#039;BBB-&#039; long-term corporate credit rating on India-based telecommunications service provider Bharti Airtel Ltd. on CreditWatch with negative implications following the company&#039;s proposed bid for Zain Africa.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Bahrain&#039;s Ahli United Bank to acquire stake in Libyan bank]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44369</link>
<description><![CDATA[BAHRAIN: Bahrain&#039;s Ahli United Bank (AUB) will acquire 40% of Libya&#039;s United Bank for Commerce &amp; Investment.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Middle East tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka up 50% ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44366</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The strongest growth was registered from the UAE (up by 164%), Saudi Arabia (up by 127%), Qatar (171%), Kuwait (up by 135%) and Jordan among others. 
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<title><![CDATA[India&#039;s Bharti confirms bid for Zain African assets]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44344</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Bharti said on Monday its agreement for exclusive negotiations with Zain lasts until March 25 for a potential deal that excludes the Kuwaiti firm&#039;s Morocco and Sudan operations.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Middle East hotel development company on-track for 2,600 by 2012]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44337</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. Eight of the region&#039;s gateway destinations will be servicing the mid-scale lodging sector with an international brand choice by 2012, according to Action Hotels.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Kuwait spending on ERP to increase by 25% in 2010]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44297</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. Company teams up with local partners Eastern Solutions and Arabesque Group to launch &#039;Sage Accpac ERP 5.6&#039; in the country.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[India&#039;s Bharti makes bid for Zain&#039;s African assets]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44267</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. India&#039;s largest mobile phone operator Bharti Airtel has offered US$10.7 billion to buy Kuwait&#039;s Zain telecom operations in 15 African nations.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Nabil Bin Salama appointed Chief Executive of Zain Group ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44256</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. The appointment is effective from Sunday, February 14, 2010. Zain said the new CEO will lead the Company&#039;s future direction and path in maximising shareholder value. 
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<title><![CDATA[Kuwait&#039;s KIPCO placed on creditWatch negative on upcoming review]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44231</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. Standard &amp; Poor&#039;s Ratings Services said that it had placed its &#039;BBB+&#039; long-term and &#039;A-2&#039; short-term corporate credit ratings on Kuwait-based operating holding company Kuwait Projects KSC on CreditWatch with negative implications.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Egypt sees potential to boost its global ITO and BPO markets]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44217</link>
<description><![CDATA[EGYPT. What sets Egypt as a favorite for investments in the sector include its sizable talent supply, structurally low cost of operations, quality and scalable infrastructure.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Qualitynet to offer Google Enterprise products in Kuwait]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44222</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. Qualitynet will offer Google search appliance as well as Google&#039;s web-based enterprise products such as Google Apps premier edition and E-mail security and archiving products in Kuwait.  ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Enhance UAE unveils new corporate identity ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44221</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. WJ Towell Group  unveils brand restructuring to strengthen regional identity,  explore new opportunities and deliver improved performance.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Kuwait Finance House partners with international diabetes conference]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44141</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. Business Development Manager at KFH said that the strategic partnership that KFH adopts with institutions and well known centers that support diabetics&#039; prevention activities comes from its firm belief that such organisations benefit people and the society.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Lenovo targets Kuwait&#039;s US$716 million IT market ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44120</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. Lenovo announced the launch of its latest range of &#039;Idea&#039; products in collaboration with its Kuwaiti partner Ali Alghanim and Sons General Trading. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Middle East fund managers remain positive despite events in Dubai]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44051</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. While the events in Dubai during November took many fund managers in the Middle East by surprise, most are still positive on the prospects for the region, says Standard &amp; Poor&#039;s Fund Services. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[BMW&#039;s Premium selection programme records 25% sales increase in 2009 ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44050</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Dubai recorded the highest volume of sales with 501 Premium Selection vehicles sold during 2009. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Zain telecom CEO&#039;s resignation raises uncertainty]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44027</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. Saad Al-Barrak has submitted his resignation to the chairman, and he will present the resignation to the board of directors to look into it, Zain said in a statement to the Kuwaiti bourse.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Kuwait&#039;s parliament approves US$100 billion spending plan]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=43992</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT.  Kuwait&#039;s parliament on Tuesday passed an economic development plan that authorises the government to spend KWD30 billion (US$104 billion) on mega projects over the next four years.

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<title><![CDATA[Less than 48% of GCC employees feel their senior leadership team is effective]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=43967</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. According to the latest research, an organisation&#039; senior leadership team has a significant impact on its employees&#039; overall opinions of the company and engagement levels.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Mahindra Satyam reiterates its commitment to Kuwait in 2010]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=43951</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. Mahindra Satyam hosted a customer focused roadshow in Kuwait City on Sunday, with aims to emphasise among clients and partners its commitment to the regional market.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Kuwait fund invested in BlackRock, eyes emerging markets in 2010]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=43919</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) invested about US$750 million in US asset manager BlackRock last year, and eyes investments in Asia and Latin America in 2010.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Dow Chemical CEO says relationship with Kuwait remains strong]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=43849</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Andrew Liveris says President Obama must talk exclusively about job creation in his State of the Union address. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Eastbridge Al Mal Holdings to invest in US real estate opportunities]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=43656</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. Eastbridge Al Mal&#039;s real estate activities will principally be focused on opportunistic investments in high quality, income producing commercial real estate assets in major US cities ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Kuwait to set up stock market regulator]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=43633</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. Kuwait&#039;s parliament gave initial approval to a bill that would mandate the formation of an independent regulator for the emirate&#039;s stock market.

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<title><![CDATA[Leo Burnett Kuwait wins the advertising account for the leading bank in Kuwait and ME]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=43518</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. The National Bank of Kuwait has appointed Leo Burnett Kuwait as its lead agency responsible for the brand&#039;s entire creative advertising in 2010.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Human Dimensions announces the launching of Thomas International Middle East]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=43493</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. &#039;Thomas International Middle East&#039;, which will be dedicated to providing consultation services utilising Thomas International Systems&#039; psychometric tests and job profiling assessments.
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Al-Mal investments bids for US$1.2 billion Philippines airport project]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=43485</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. Kuwait&#039;s Al-Mal Investment Co, said it has bid for a tender to develop the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in the Philippines, valued at about US$1.2 billion.

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Commercial Bank of Kuwait says board has resigned]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=43475</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. CBK said on Sunday that all its board members resigned last week but it did not give a reason for their departure.
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<title><![CDATA[Kuwait, Areva ink nuclear cooperation deal ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=43440</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT.  Kuwait may be interested in acquiring a stake in France&#039;s nuclear giant Areva, KUNA reported.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Kuwait sees expenditures of up to US$52 billion in next fiscal year]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=43442</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. Kuwait&#039;s expenditure, including development projects is forecasted up to US$52 billion in the 2010/11 budget starting April 1.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Oil price around US$82 is &#039;fantastic&#039; says Kuwait oil minister]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=43380</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The price of crude oil dropped under US$82 Tuesday on expectations of easing heating fuel demand as warmer temperatures reach parts of the United States and Europe recently hit by a cold snap.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Kuwait bourse closed after bomb threat]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=43337</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. The Kuwait Stock Exchange building was closed and evacuated on Monday after officials received a bomb threat from an anonymous caller.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[MENA equity markets fell 1.2% in December bringing 2009 gains down to 17.3%]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=43319</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Tunisia was the best performing regional market in 2009, gaining 48.4%, followed by Egypt with 35.1%. Bahrain ended the year as the worst performing market losing 19.2%, followed by Kuwait with 10.0%. 

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<title><![CDATA[Kuwait Turkish Participation Bank Limited joins the DIFC]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=43055</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. Kuwait Turkish Participation Bank Limited has received a licence from the Dubai Financial Services Authority to provide a full range of Islamic finance banking services out of the Dubai International Financial Centre. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Kuwait exchange halts trading in Agility on US settlement reports]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=43050</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. The Kuwait bourse has halted trading in Agility pending clarification of reports that the logistics firm is near to a settlement in its US fraud case, the bourse said in a statement on Monday.

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<title><![CDATA[Kuwait Parliament set to approve citizens debt relief plan]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=43029</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. Parliament in the oil-rich Gulf state of Kuwait gave its initial approval on Thursday to a bill that requires the government to buy some US$21.6 billion of loans taken out by citizens.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Dubai Financial Market welcomes the listing of Kuwait&#039;s HITS Telecom ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=43014</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. The company shares commenced trading on Wednesday, under the trading symbol &#039;HITSTELEC&#039;, which appears on DFM screens, trading systems and publications within the telecommunication sector.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Kuwaiti banking industry credit risk assessment revised on higher economic risk ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42968</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. Standard &amp; Poor&#039;s Ratings Services said today that it has revised its Banking Industry Country Risk Assessment of the State of Kuwait (AA-/Stable/A-1+) to group 5 from group 4. 
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Khaleeji Commercial Bank announces its sponsorship of the University of Bahrain Forum]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42971</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. The forum is expected to attract more than 1000 students from University of Bahrain and other universities in Bahrain and GCC.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Mubasher unveils new service for investors ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42939</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Mubasher has announced that it has recently completed the development of a new service that provides website users and investors in the Middle East with real-time financial information from Beirut through the Mubasher Pro real-time stock market information service. 
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Gulf states to keep public spending high in 2010 supported by oil prices]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42933</link>
<description><![CDATA[GCC. Spending is seen staying particularly high in Saudi Arabia, the world&#039;s top oil exporter, which has embarked on a US$400 billion five-year spree, and in Qatar with a multi-billion dollar expansion of its natural gas facilities]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Gulf launches monetary pact]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42845</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT.  A Gulf monetary union pact took effect on Tuesday, the Kuwaiti finance minister said in a move that brings the energy rich region closer towards launching its own single currency.

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<title><![CDATA[UAE has &#039;proved wrong those who doubted its unity,&#039; says foreign minister ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42828</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The UAE has &quot;always stood together,&quot; Foreign Minister Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan said, commenting on the financial support provided by Abu Dhabi to Dubai. 

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<title><![CDATA[Kuwait says had offered UAE help over Dubai debt]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42832</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. Kuwait, which has one of the world&#039;s largest wealth funds, had offered the UAE help in overcoming the Dubai debt crisis, Kuwait&#039;s foreign minister said.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Gulf summit to tackle economic crisis, monetarry union, regional conflicts]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42779</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. Gulf states open a two-day annual summit in Kuwait City today with the global recession&#039;s impact on their energy-rich economies and regional conflicts high on the agenda.

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Kuwait Finance House opens first branch in Kuwait for Tamayyuz service for women]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42769</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. KFH is the only bank that services women in separate branches, by offering them a unique bouquet of services and products.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[MENA equity markets fall by 4.2% in November ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42734</link>
<description><![CDATA[The November performance of Arab markets would have been worse if it had not been for the Eid holiday that forced Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain to be closed for the entire last week of the month. 

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[KFH wins Best Investment Bank award]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42688</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. KUWAIT. EmeaFinance magazine awarded Kuwait Finance House in Kuwait award for its efforts and successes in the investment fields in various fields and businesses. 

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Kuwait Finance entity establishes global alternative assets platform]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42624</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. Liquidity House has established a strategic partnership with ePlanet Ventures Group Holdings to establish a new global Sharia&#039;a compliant asset management company.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Gulf jobs and pay rises hit by downturn, but remain ahead of most markets ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42614</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The UAE and Kuwait have seen most job cuts and largest drops in pay rises. Real estate sector most affected, while audit professionals received the largest pay increases this year, according to GulfTalent.com research.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Kuwait sells Citigroup stake, books US$1.1 billion profit]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42569</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA), the emirate&#039;s sovereign wealth fund, said on Sunday it has sold its stake in US banking giant Citigroup for a massive profit. 

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Saudi, Middle East region to become main global petrochemical hub]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42557</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Saudi Arabia is expected to become the main global center of petrochemicals production and no less than 30 new petrochemical plants are scheduled for completion in 2010 - including mega-projects in Al Jubail and Yanbu.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Gulf shares steady as UAE closes for national day, Qatar jumps]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42506</link>
<description><![CDATA[GCC. Gulf stock markets steadied on Wednesday after heavy losses in the previous two days, with investors hesitant to trade pending further information on Dubai&#039;s plans to sort out its debt crisis.

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Zain to outsource mobile network operations in East Africa]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42403</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. As part of this process, Nokia Siemens Networks has been awarded a strategic five-year contract to optimize, modernize and manage Zain&#039;s over 3,000 multi-vendor mobile networks sites in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Media Phone Plus selects Dilithium ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42278</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. Dilithium has announced that Media Phone Plus has chosen the Dilithium solution to expand its 3G mobile value added service offering with the launch of a suite of multimedia services. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[The Volvo three-point seat belt, an icon for half a century]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42244</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Volvo Cars Middle East is collaborating with Massimo Dutti - the highly sophisticated fashion brand - in the UAE and Kuwait to celebrate the 50th anniversary in style and communicate the importance of wearing the seatbelt. 
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<title><![CDATA[Destination Maternity announces second store opening in Kuwait]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42198</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. This is the second store Destination Maternity Corporation has opened in Kuwait through its franchisee, Multi Trend, a member of the Al-Homaizi Group. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Qatar-Bahrain Causeway to be unveiled at Bridges Middle East Conference]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42185</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The scheme includes the infrastructure to support freight and high-speed rail passenger traffic.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[KFH-Bahrain in Landmark Sukuk issue]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42141</link>
<description><![CDATA[BAHRAIN. Kuwait Finance House - Bahrain acted as a Joint Lead Manager and a Bookrunner for the US$100 million Sukuk issue for the International Finance Corporation .]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Kuwait stocks hit 33-week low on Agility indictment]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42135</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. Shares in Kuwaiti logistics firm Agility tumbled on Tuesday after a US grand jury indictment, dragging Kuwait&#039;s bourse to its largest one-day drop for 19 weeks as transparency concerns spurred selling.

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<title><![CDATA[OPEC to keep production steady, says Kuwait Oil Minister]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42120</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. OPEC will leave its production unchanged at its meeting next month, the Minister said, adding that current oil price was &#039;comfortable&#039;.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Kuwait Airways selects GE&#039;s XL Go for remote visual inspection]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42101</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. The extremely portable XL Go has advanced image handling and data transfer capabilities, elevating the airline&#039;s productivity and efficiency. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Investment Dar reaches majority agreement on standstill]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42093</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. Investment Dar announces today that a majority of its banks and investors have now joined the Standstill Agreement previously entered into with the Coordinating Committee of its banks and investors. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[The National Bank of Kuwait selects GMT Planet for network-wide branch ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42077</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. More than US$43 billion in consolidated assets, the bank will deploy GMT Planet across its network of Kuwaiti branch locations. 
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Volkswagen Middle East hosts regional qualifier of 2009 Service Qualification World Championship ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42061</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Volkswagen Middle East invited its partners in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, KSA, Bahrain, Syria and Oman to participate in the regional round of its 2009 Volkswagen Service Qualification Championship.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Etihad Airways Junior Rugby Tournament is a spectacle in Abu Dhabi]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42051</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. This year, local rugby players from the UAE were joined by international teams from as far afield as Russia, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait.

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<title><![CDATA[Three Arab nations purchase Raytheon AMRAAM]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42050</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The US government executed separate letters of offer and acceptance with three of its key allies to purchase Raytheon company&#039;s AIM-120C-7 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Kuwait shares decline to seven-month low ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42048</link>
<description><![CDATA[GCC. Kuwait shares tumbled to their lowest level since April after Burgan Bank SAK became the country&#039;s latest company to report lower third-quarter earnings. 

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<title><![CDATA[A population boom is transforming the Gulf]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42038</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The profound demographic and social changes that have transformed the GCC are set to continue over the next decade, raising significant questions related to labour and immigration policies.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[GCC economies seen growing by 6.2% in 2010 on oil prices recovery ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42016</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The recovery in oil prices is set to accelerate Gulf Arab economic growth to as much as 6.2% in 2010 compared to a projected contraction of 0.9% in 2009, EFG Hermes said.

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<title><![CDATA[Investcorp to acquire stake in Gulf Cryo]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42014</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. Investcorp said its Gulf opportunity fund is to acquire a 20% stake in Gulf Cryo, the Middle East&#039;s leading industrial gases manufacturer.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Investment Dar restructuring progress update]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42011</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. The Investment Dar announces that the company and the coordinating committee of TID&#039;s banks and investors will present the terms of a proposed restructuring plan to TID&#039;s banks and investors at meetings in Kuwait and Dubai on 24-25 November respectively.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Kuwait Investment Authority to take advantage of current market conditions]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=41994</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. Sovereign fund Kuwait Investment Authority said on Saturday it will take advantage of mispricing in markets and said its returns would not be affected by long-term US dollar volatility]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Gulf stock offers likely to rebound, says Rothschild ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=41995</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Share sales in the Gulf are likely to rebound as family-owned companies seek to fund expansion.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Middle East stocks in mixed weekly performance, gainers led by Dubai and Egypt]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=41992</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Arab stocks recorded mixed performances this week despite gains in global markets, oil prices hovering around US$80 per barrel for most of the week and an overall better feeling about the strenght of the global recovery. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Kuwait&#039;s Gulf Bank ratings lowered to &#039;BBB-/A-3&#039; ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=41903</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Standard &amp; Poor&#039;s Ratings Services has lowered its long- and short-term counterparty credit ratings on Kuwait-based Gulf Bank to &#039;BBB-/A-3&#039; from &#039;BBB+/A-2&#039;. The outlook is negative.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Kuwait forecast to post budget surplus of up to US$22.3 billion]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=41901</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. A National Bank of Kuwait report estimates that the government will run a budget surplus of between US$16.4 billion and US$22.3 billion in the 2009/2010 fiscal year ending next March 31.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Etisalat to launch new IP/MPLS nodes in US, Europe and GCC ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=41889</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Etisalat will be extending its UAE local MPLS network upto US, UK &amp; to Egypt, KSA, and Kuwait on its own backbone, whereas the connectivity at the distant end will be provided by local partners.

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<title><![CDATA[KFH offers real estate services at Kuwait International Exhibition]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=41831</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. KFH announced that it will participate in Kuwait International Real Estate Exhibition that is organised by Top Expo Group in conjunction with Kuwait International Exhibition Company.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Successful participation in Kuwait International Book Fair]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=41815</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. The Foundation revealed that several International and Arab publishers have expressed major interest to pursue new business possibilities at the Dubai International Children&#039;s Book Fair 2010.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Chevron hosts Saudi and Kuwaiti senior petroleum officials]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=41747</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL.  The three-year project could potentially lead to full-field steamflooding of the reservoir, marking the first commercial application of a conventional steamflood in a carbonate reservoir anywhere in the world.  

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<title><![CDATA[AT&amp;T global network extended to Kuwait ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=41724</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. The node, deployed in Kuwait City, will provide AT&amp;T&#039;s global customers with improved connectivity in the Middle East and allow local Kuwaiti companies better access to global markets via AT&amp;T&#039;s worldwide network.
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<title><![CDATA[Kuwait International Bank improves financial crime prevention with Complinet]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=41691</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. The Complinet sanctions, enforcements and politically exposed persons data feed integrates and automatically downloads into the bank&#039;s AML system, inproving their ability to detect money laundering and fraud, and reduce risk.

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<title><![CDATA[Shariah-compliant equities lag as investors dive back into financials]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=41646</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Shariah-compliant stocks underperformed the broader market in the Gulf Cooperation Council, United States and Europe during the third quarter of 2009, according to the latest Shariah Scorecard published by Standard &amp; Poor&#039;s.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Mashreq expands Middle East operations to Kuwait]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=41613</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. Mashreq inaugurated its 94th Branch in the Middle East region with its first branch opening in Kuwait with a capital of KWD15 million

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<title><![CDATA[Middle East stocks fell this week on earnings, global woes ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=41574</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Arab stock markets lost ground this week reflecting investors&#039; worries over third quarter earnings of listed firms and the fragile global recovery, financial analysts said.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Kuwait rules woman MPs hijab headscarf is optional ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=41567</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. Kuwait&#039;s constitutional court on Wednesday rejected a petition brought by four voters to declare invalid the election of two women members of parliament because they refuse to wear the hijab headscarf.

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<title><![CDATA[Gulf Film Festival takes best of UAE filmmaking into four continents]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=41421</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. More than 43 films from the Gulf states, including 20 made in the UAE, will be screened to thousands of movie enthusiasts in Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa this year, thanks to the GFF.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Middle East shares in mixed weekly performance, Saudi Tadawul gains most]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=41348</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Arab stock markets put in a mixed performance this week reflecting investors&#039; worries over third quarter earnings, financial analysts said Friday. 

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<title><![CDATA[BancTec signs agreement with Emitac]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=41309</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Relationship expands BancTec&#039;s reach into the Middle Eastern markets while extending customer value chain has signed a distribution agreement with Dubai-based Emitac Enterprise Solutions to sell BancTec solutions.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Mahindra Satyam secures US$8.2 million in contracts across MENA ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=41283</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Mahindra Satyam, the new brand identity of Satyam Computer Services has secured sizeable contracts in the MENA totalling to US$8.2 million in the second quarter of FY &#039;09-&#039;10.

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<title><![CDATA[GCC business confidence rises to highest level in a year]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=41288</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Business people across the GCC grew in confidence about the outlook for their companies in the third quarter, according to the HSBC Gulf Business Confidence Index, compiled by YouGov. ]]></description>
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