<rss version="0.91">
<channel>
<title>www.bi-me.com RSS feed for &#8211; Levant</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[YouGov Siraj signs MOU with Jordanian research firm Analyseize]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=45015</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. YouGovSiraj, Analyseize has announced their signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to provide services to better serve the Arab World.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Middle East investors expect to increase allocations to hedge funds in 2010 ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=44909</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Capintro releases results of the second regional Hedge Fund Investor Survey 2010. The survey covers 66 investors from the six GCC countries, Lebanon and Jordan, showed several interesting findings.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Second Annual ASDA&#039;A Burson-Marsteller Arab Youth Survey challenges stereotypes about Arab youth]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=44796</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Contrary to the widespread perception of the Middle East as a region defined by conflict and a growing East/West cultural and political divide, the vast majority of Arab youth prioritise harmonious relations with the international community.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Middle East hoteliers prove to be the strongest, led by Beirut]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=44746</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Beirut reports the strongest increases in the region and the world for the second consecutive year, according to the latest Deloitte report.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Microsoft Jordan hosts business intelligence solutions workshop ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=44700</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. Microsoft Jordan hosted a training workshop for 150 of its customers and partners on the increasing importance of effective and integrated business intelligence solutions that will help drive better decision making across organisations and government institutions.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Dubai police says it has DNA identity of Hamas man&#039;s killer]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=44688</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Dubai police said on Friday they have DNA proof of the identity of at least one of the killers of senior Hamas militant Mahmoud Mabhouh in the emirate last month.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[The Jerusalem Fund dedicates Palestine Diabetes Institute in Al-Bireh]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=44686</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The Palestine Diabetes Institute is a Jerusalem Fund initiative that has been four years in the making with major participation from the NAAMA Foundation and Physicians for Peace.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Middle East hotel occupancy rate fell in January but Egypt, Amman, Beirut and Dubai buck the trend]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=44662</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Amman reported the largest market occupancy increase, rising 7.1% to 44.1%, followed by Beirut(+6.1% to 57.6%), and Dubai (+6.1% to 72.1%). Egypt reported an occupancy of 63% (+14.9%).
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Jordan&#039;s Royal Falcon Airlines now connected with Sabre]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=44550</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. Sabre Travel Network to provide Sabre connected travel agents real-time access to the airline&#039;s published fares and inventory through the efficiency of the Sabre GDS.]]></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=1&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[New paradigm needed to mitigate brain drain in the Middle East]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=44478</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The UAE is an interesting case study in human capital, in part because there are few places in the world where you will find a predominantly expatriate workforce.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[R+T Middle East 2010 seeks to capitalise in commercial and industrial development in Lebanon]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=44420</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. R+T Middle East 2010 will open the gateway for developers of industrial, commercial as well as residential developments to access a premium selection of world-class automatic garage, industrial doors, and roller shutters..]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Middle East gold market demand fell 28% in 2009 ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=44428</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. According to World Gold Council&#039;s Gold Demand Trends, the gold market in the Middle East struggled in 2009 as weak economic conditions and high gold prices pushed down demand to 250.6t.]]></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=1&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. 
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[65% of Maktoob Research respondents say they will celebrate Valentine&#039;s Day]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=44317</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Respondents from the GCC are willing to spend the most on their loved ones with an average of US$185 per person, while in North Africa the average is US$108.  

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Microsoft Jordan to focus on improving IT capabilities]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=44300</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. Microsoft will continue playing a major role in fueling Jordan&#039;s economic growth and competitiveness. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Mixed week for Middle East bourses on combination of global cues, oil and earnings]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=44283</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Arab stock markets closed the week mixed driven by a global market slump, ambiguity over world recovery, falling oil prices, weighing on some positive local earning results.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Audi Jordan scores number one in the Middle East in customer satisfaction survey ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=44244</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. The survey, which was conducted across the region, targeted Audi buyers and measured their overall after sales satisfaction.
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[BMI Bank outlook revised to negative on weakening asset quality and financial performance]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=44170</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Standard &amp; Poor&#039;s Ratings Services revised its outlook on BMI Bank to negative from stable. At the same time, it affirmed the &#039;BBB-&#039; long-term and &#039;A-3&#039; short-term counterparty credit ratings on the bank.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Industry experts to convene at the 6th Middle East Forex Trading Expo &amp; Conference]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=44133</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Two day conference and exhibition aims to foster education among professional, beginner and institutional traders across the Middle East and North Africa region

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Middle East shares close the week higher on   earnings]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=44076</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Analysts pointed out that regional bourses could come under pressure in the coming weeks from geopolitical factors and the growing tension over the Iranian nuclear file. 
]]></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=1&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[Lebanon&#039;s M1 Group buys stake in Bank Audi]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=44029</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. M1 Group, a Lebanese holding company, bought about 50% of EFG-Hermes Holding SAE&#039;s stake in Bank Audi SAL-Audi Saradar Group.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Cairo Amman Bank launches a new branch in Bani Kinana District]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43960</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. Amman Bank announced the launch of a new branch in the Bani Kinana District, which is situated on the main road adjacent the district&#039;s entrance. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Bridgestone Middle East and Africa FZE maintains its growth pace with new innovative products]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43973</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Bridgestone Middle East and Africa FZE has said that it has maintained a steady growth in 2009, despite tougher market conditions by continuously expanding its reach in the region.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Samarah Dead Sea Resort awards infrastructure contract]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43981</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. The contract valued at US$5.04 million is for road, irrigation, power &amp; telecom networking and related work in the resort development managed by Emaar International Jordan. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Jordan Dubai Islamic Bank launches operations ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43969</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. DIB announced today that its Jordanian subsidiary has officially launched its operations through it&#039;s first and main branch in Amman. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Toyota says Middle East recall still undecided]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43955</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Toyota said 2005-2010 model year Avalons and 2009-2010 Sequoia cars sold in the Middle East had been shipped from the US, where those models have been subject to a recall related to faulty accelerator pedals.

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Jordan 4th largest microfinance market in Arab world]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43928</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. The number of microfinance borrowers in Jordan increased by 39% annually from 51,000 to 144,000 between 2005 and 2008 according to a country report published late last year by Sanabel.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Microsoft Corp launches 3D emoticons for Windows Live Messenger users in the Arab World ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43913</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. The pack has been designed specifically for the 51 million users across the Middle East and North Africa region and features 10 3D animated emoticons which can be easily included in any Windows Live Messenger conversation.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Jordan Commercial Bank provides mobile pre-paid lines re-charge services via &#039;SMS&#039;]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43906</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. Electronic Banking Suite of services offered by Jordan Commercial Bank, through which subscribed customers can send an SMS requesting the desired pre-paid card value.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Lebanon properties facing up to global crisis]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43891</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Real estate prices had a sharp decline globally, while Lebanon enjoyed price increases in the same period. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Middle East stocks close week lower on global concerns]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43865</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Arab stock markets extended losses this week under the impact of falls in global markets and declining oil prices, financial analysts said.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Abraaj Capital, PIF launch US$50 million private equity fund for Palestine SMEs]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43841</link>
<description><![CDATA[PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES. The private equity fund will focus on investing in small- and medium-sized enterprises in Palestine across a range of sectors and stages of maturity. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[GE Healthcare equips Jordan Hospital]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43809</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. The agreement comes at a significant time as Jordan takes concerted initiatives to boost its healthcare sector with a special focus on promoting medical tourism. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Microsoft Jordan launches Windows 7 deployment workshops]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43772</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. The Microsoft Innovation Center in Jordan is the first MIC in the world to deliver the 16 deployment workshops that started on 17 January and will continue until 27 June  2010.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Lebanon&#039;s construction projects worth US$1.8 billion]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43761</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Lebanon&#039;s project-driven sectors are increasingly relying on skills investment through project management training to minimise project failure. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Kulacom launches largest state of the Art Datacenter in Jordan ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43687</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. Kulacom Jordan&#039;s fully managed state-of-the-art Datacenter has been designed to host the most basic to the most mission critical computer systems.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Skills investment is key to success of Saudi Arabia&#039;s US$692.077 million worth of projects in 2010]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43681</link>
<description><![CDATA[SAUDI ARABIA. Demand for workers equipped with solid project management skills has increased in Saudi Arabia following the government&#039;s announcement of a 16% increase project in 2010. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Middle East economic growth to rebound to 3.7% in 2010, says World Bank ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43642</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The regional economy will grow 3.7% this year and 4.4% in 2011 from an estimated 2.9% in 2009 after the global credit crisis sent oil prices tumbling, the World Bank said. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[UAE&#039;s Horizon Flight Academy flies into Bahrain ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43570</link>
<description><![CDATA[BAHRAIN. Horizon International Flight Academy is geared for takeoff into Bahrain for the inaugural Bahrain International Airshow set to take place at the Sakhir Airbase from 21- 23 January.

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Jordan&#039;s residential property market slow but steady ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43598</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. The residential property market in Jordan continues to show signs of settling with minimal movements in rental and sales values, according to real estate services firm Asteco.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Sharp International, Haider Murad Group organise conference]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43583</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. Sharp International and HMG announced that they will be donating Plasmacluster air sanitisers to 9 hospitals across the Kingdom that cater to asthma and respiratory diseases.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[HP opens fully-owned subsidiary in Jordan]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43555</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. HP today announced the opening of a fully-owned subsidiary in Jordan and the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Government of Jordan for future job creation. 
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Karma Shawa is voted &#039;Jordan&#039;s Favorite Artist&#039;]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43486</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. Shawa was among 25 local artists who took part in the competition that was launched by Kulacom at the Sunny Art Fair in December 2009, as part of its Local Company, Local Talent initiative.

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Turkey threatens diplomatic action over Israel&#039;s treatment of its ambassador]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43417</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The dispute comes after the deputy minister, Danny Ayalon, summoned the ambassador, Oguz Celikkolits, to rebuke him over a TV series. 

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Middle East Airlines brings 100% baggage reconciliation to Lebanon]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43335</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. The new system, provided by aviation IT specialist SITA, will reduce the level of mishandled baggage and will facilitate security at Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport.

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Wild Discovery becomes the first Lebanese network of travel agencies ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43320</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Carbon neutrality involves calculating an entity&#039;s GHG footprint identifying ways in which carbon emissions can be reduced and then offsetting the residual emissions through the purchase of carbon credits. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Microsoft Jordan appoints new country manager ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43261</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. Microsoft Jordan has announced the appointment of Rula Ammuri as the company&#039;s new Country Manager in Jordan. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Abu Dhabi&#039;s ATIC may buy stake in UMC]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43266</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Advanced Technology Investment Corp, which recently bought Singapore&#039;s Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing, has approached Taiwan&#039;s UMC for talks on a possible stake buy, according to a report.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Jaguar Land Rover global sales continue to grow ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43203</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. Jaguar Land Rover worldwide sales have continued to climb over the second half of the year with November witnessing a 30% increase in total sales compared to the same time last year.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Jordinvest successfully finalises the mission of issue manager and custodian]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43180</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. Jordinvest acted as an issue manager in 2004, in addition to acting as the issuer and custodian throughout this period for local and regional individual and corporate investors. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Adobe Middle East strengthens channel community in Jordan]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43174</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. Adobe Middle East has organised an event for its key channel partners in Jordan and provided product updates and insights including the local office&#039;s development programmes for the channel industry.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation and PICTI host five awareness campaigns]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43094</link>
<description><![CDATA[PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES. The workshops focused on the importance of business plans and finanacial planning, aimed also at educating entrepreuenrs about incubation services PICTI offers and what it takes to be incubated.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Majority of Jordanians have confidence in the King&#039;s decision to dissolve parliament]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43104</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. According to YouGov Siraj&#039;s latest poll, although 41% think Nader Dahabi&#039;s government performed moderately during its two years in office, 40% of the Jordanian public feels it did not perform well. 
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Etihad to increase services to Lebanon]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43085</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Etihad Airways will increase its Abu Dhabi-Beirut services from double daily to 18 flights per week from 1 January, 2010.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Dubai TV reporter still missing in Tehran]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43062</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. A Syrian reporter working for Dubai TV in Iran has reportedly gone missing during anti-government protests in Tehran.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[R&amp;M continues growth in key markets despite global economic downturn]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43047</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The Middle East Africa region as a whole is considered a key market for the company, with sales growth in 2008 an impressive 63.4%. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[North Africa boasts highest average terrestrial TV advertising rates in Arab World ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43023</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The Arab Advisors Group report gives an overview of the terrestrial TV advertising rates in the Arab World. Looking at the peak ad rates of each region, North Africa has the highest rate compared to the Levant and Gulf regions.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[70% of online users in the UAE feel virtual interaction is slowly replacing personal contact ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42943</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Almost three quarters of internet users in the Middle East and North Africa region believe that online activity has disrupted normal social activity to the extent that today&#039;s human relationships are now mostly &#039;virtual&#039;, according to a study by Bayt.com and YouGov Siraj. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[GAC Jordan launches new service]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42917</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. GAC Jordan has recently launched a new service in partnership with BabyCord Jordan to specially package umbilical cord blood that will be delivered for storage to medical institutions and hospitals in Europe, the USA and Canada.

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Jordan central bank cuts interest rates by 50 basis points ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42887</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. The discount rate was reduced to 4.75%, the repo rate to 4.5% and the overnight window rate to 2.5% as economic growth slowed.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Prince Alwaleed&#039;s Rotana in strategic alliance with Disney]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42823</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. This collaboration will provide a compelling proposition to Rotana&#039;s bouquet of offerings to viewers and the trade community across the Middle East region.

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Middle East, global carriers seen cutting losses in 2010]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42818</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Middle East carriers will reduce losses by 75% to US$300 million in 2010 from a projected  US$1.2 billion loss in 2009, according to IATA.

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[British Council launches international conference ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42778</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. This quality assurance international conference aims at connecting people in the region to address how best to ensure quality in skills education for the institution and for workforce development. 

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[204 Palestinian women said yes to strong and healthy bones]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42752</link>
<description><![CDATA[PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES. 204 Palestinian women in four districts around the West Bank turned up for the three-day educational camps organised by the Palestinian Osteoporosis Prevention Society. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Clean Energy Concepts signs MoU with Haider Murad &amp; Sons Investment Group]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42744</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. The MoU that was signed with Haider Murad Group sets the stage for a long-lasting relationship, especially in light of CEC&#039;s efforts to promote the use of renewable energy in Jordan.&#039;

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Ogilvyaction takes on Lebanese market ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42567</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. The training, which took place at Memac Ogilvy&#039;s offices in Lebanon was aimed at empowering members of the newly established OgilvyAction division with the latest industry tools and information.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[A Jordanian Engineer wins third prize in MENA 100 regional competition]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42546</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. The project&#039;s main idea is to commercialize scientific research in the Artificial Intelligence and IT Knowledge domains into software. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Beirut and Amman agencies to withdraw from network]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42529</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Saatchi &amp; Saatchi CEO has confirmed the dissolution of the network membership agreement between the two parties, effective 24 December 2009. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Global advertising Guru highlights the importance of the Lebanese market]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42536</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. The growing importance of the Lebanese advertising market was highlighted recently with the second visit to the local TBWA office in Beirut of Jean-Marie Dru, Chairman of global advertising network TBWA\ Worldwide.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[All-women team gets ready for Dubai Rally]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42446</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. 31st Dubai International Rally which will be flagged off by HH Sheikh Majed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum from Downtown Burj Dubai on 3 December.
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Mubasher showcases next-generation trading and e-financial tools at first Arab conference]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42441</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. IT Risk Management and Business Continuity in Arab Financial and Stock Markets, held recently in Beirut, Mubasher pointed out the need to enhance adoption of next-generation brokerage technology.
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Doha Bank awarded top accolades at the Banking Web Awards Competition 2009]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42380</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. The ceremony took place in conjunction with the United Arab Banks Annual Conference held on 19-20 November 2009 in Beirut.

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Abraaj acquires leading Jordanian VC firm Riyada]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42357</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. Abraaj Capital Group announces that it agreed to acquire all of Riyada Ventures the leading venture capital firm in the Middle East and North Africa region. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ibis enters two new markets: Jordan and Oman]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42310</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Accor Hospitality Middle East added two new ibis hotels to its growing Middle East portfolio with the opening of ibis Amman in Jordan and ibis Muscat in Oman. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Jordan completes economic, social strategic planning for key sectors]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42249</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. Consultants have just completed a project in which three social and economic scenarios were developed and used as a basis for strategic planning for eight sectors of the Jordanian economy.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Business leaders warn against demise of Internet Governance Forum]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42195</link>
<description><![CDATA[EGYPT. Business leaders have issued a stark warning that the demise of the UN-linked IGF could impede the ability of the Internet to drive economic growth and improve societal benefits.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Drake and Scull International acquires Passavant-Roediger]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42176</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The enterprise value of this acquisition is AED145 million (US$34 million).]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Ketab Technologies to take part in METS 09]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42166</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. Ketab Technologies to dedicate its participation in the Middle East Technology Exhibition, slated for 18-21 November at Grand Hyatt Amman.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Jordan&#039;s Middle East Insurance assigned &#039;BBB&#039; long-term ratings]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42157</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. Standard &amp; Poor&#039;s Ratings Services said today that it assigned its &#039;BBB&#039; long-term counterparty credit and insurer financial strength ratings to Jordan-based MEICO. Outlook stable]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Jordan lifts visa restrictions on individual Indian tourists]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42100</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. Interior Minister Nayef al-Qadi said the decision comes as move to promote tourism to Jordan and to support economic growth. ]]></description>
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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=1&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[Lebanon IT market forecasted to grow at 7% CAGR in 2009]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42023</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Lebanon is forecasted to witness around 7% compound annual growth rate in 2009, thereby underlining the market&#039;s considerable growth potential after hitting an estimated US$251 million last year. 
]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Jordanian destinations offered as part of Etihad Holidays world deals]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42012</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. Etihad Holidays has announced a new agreement and close cooperation with the Tourism Board in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Jordan to host Global Entrepreneurship Week]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42003</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. Jordan will participate in Global Entrepreneurship Week taking place 16-22 November  2009 with a slate of activities focusing on entrepreneurs at all stages of growth.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Human rights advocates Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt support SOS Children&#039;s Villages]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=41899</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. SOS Children&#039;s Villages, the world&#039;s largest charity for orphaned and abandoned children, welcomed Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt to its Village in Amman, Jordan.  ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Arab Countries &amp; Queen Rania Center for Entrepreneurship in training agreement ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=41836</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. The Licensing Executives Society - Arab Countries and QRCE have recently signed an agreement in the Jordanian capital city Amman, to hold training courses to raise awareness and train young school leaders.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[GETMO Arabia signs strategic agreement to Zain]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=41822</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. GETMO Arabia has signed a strategic partnership agreement with leading Middle East and African mobile telecommunications company Zain to deliver a unique 360 degree managed games portal for single and multiplayer games to Zain customers.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Lebanon to issue US$500 million Eurobond this month ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=41789</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. The Lebanese government has appointed Bank of Beirut SAL to lead the sale of US$500 million in Eurobonds.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Palestinian President Abbas says he will not seek re-election  ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=41777</link>
<description><![CDATA[PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES. Officials said the decision is linked to his frustration with the US position on Israeli settlements]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[League of Arab States and Microsoft announce launch of Arab Intellectual Property Centre]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=41770</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. The site aims to provide the Arab region with assistance in its efforts to promote the protection of intellectual property by providing a central database on intellectual property and internet crime issues within the region]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Majid al-Futtaim Group to invest US$4 billion on 10 new Middle East shopping malls]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=41721</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. MAF Shopping Malls plans to enter Syria by building two new centers in Damascus, as well as one in Beirut, Lebanon. The company will also announce a new project in Saudi Arabia.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[GAC Jordan reports 55% increase in Aqaba Port RoRo volumes]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=41688</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. GAC Jordan has issued an internal report revealing a 55% increase in RoRo cargo arriving in Aqaba during the first half of 2009 in comparison to last year. 

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<title><![CDATA[Jordanian wins Forex Trading challenge]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=41662</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. Varengold Bank announced the winner of its 2nd FX Trading challenge, a Jordanian, who will receive US$250,000 in seed capital to trade and bank-based sales support in order to acquire additional capital for his managed accounts. 
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Middle East IPO market in decline, says Ernst &amp; Young]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=41648</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The initial public offering market in the Middle East has declined according to the figures in the Ernst &amp; Young Middle East IPO Update for the third quarter of 2009. 

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<title><![CDATA[Air Charter International predicts increase in Asia Pacific aviation requirements]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=41639</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. According to the Boeing&#039;s VP - Marketing, Randy Tinseth, &#039;Twenty years from now more than 40% of the world&#039;s airline traffic will begin, end or take place within the Asia Pacific region&#039;.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Audi launches extended warranty for Middle East]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=41636</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Audi Middle East has announced the introduction of two extended warranty packages for the GCC and Levant under the name of Audi warranty plus. ]]></description>
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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=1&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[Memac Ogilvy launches operation in Syria]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=41530</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Memac Ogilvy droubi to offer full scope of marketing and advertising services in Damascus with plan to enter other regions in the near future.

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