Dubai back in race for Barneys
Jones Apparel Group has agreed to sell the retail chain to Istithmar for an increased bid of $942.3mn.

Kuwait cuts jet fuel price by 10%
Prices cut for all airlines operating at state's civil airport in a move to boost aviation industry.

Kurds to tempt Gulf tourists to Iraq
Kurdistan Regional Government bullish about future of tourism in relatively secure northern provinces.

UAE reveals competitiveness plan
Ministry of Economy announces details of its strategy to enhance capability across the country's economic sectors.

Dar raises Boubyan stake
Kuwait's Investment Dar has raised its stake in Boubyan Bank to almost 20%, bourse says.

Permanent licensing in Iraq afoot
There have been a series of false dawns with respect to the permanent licensing of mobile operators in Iraq, though it appears that at last concrete moves are being made in this direction.

Ahli shareholders reject Qatar takeover bid
International Bank of Qatar fails in bid to buy into Bahrain's biggest lender after differences with shareholders unresolved.

ME investors buy into Malaysian builder
$114mn deal marks shift of focus for investors as they look for direct stakes in Malaysian businesses.

Alwaleed's Rotana to merge with LBCSAT
Arab television network will remain independent but work closely with Lebanese broadcaster to offer integrated channels.

Hydra Properties buys into RAK Cement
Hydra has acquired a 20% stake in the cement producer as part of diversification strategy.

Yemeni forces kill Al Qaeda leader
Security forces kill four militants believed to have been involved in last month's tourist bomb attack.

Cargolux adds to freighter fleet
Cargolux Airlines International has received its 15th B747-400 freighter from Boeing.

Grand Alliance commits through to 2017
Shipping and logistics consortium agrees an extension to the cooperation agreement for another decade.

Open all hours
Air Arabia goes on-call 24-hours a day to provide better customer service for passengers at home and abroad.

Hotel e-booking revenue up 16.8%
Global survey shows electronic distribution recorded strong growth in first quarter of this year.

Peppermint to expand across region
Production company behind Dubai clubbing sensation set to open Peppermint lounges across the Middle East.

Week in Pictures