Syria bans Facebook
Social networking site no longer available in Syria

Swiss hand over Saudi records in BAE probe
Prosecutors agree to hand US investigators financial records linked to Saudi royals.

Dewa shelves $2.5bn sukuk
Dubai Electricity & Water Authority postpones Islamic bond sale on increased borrowing costs.

More bird flu at Saudi poultry farm
All birds at an Al-Kharj farm have been culled following discovery of the deadly H5N1 virus.

Iranian warp*** crashes in sea
Two crew members killed in the latest of a string of crashes involving old US-built aircraft.

With responsibility, comes opportunity
It's not often that catwalk and boardroom collide, but a spot poll of both will tell you that green is this year's colour.

Legal questions hinder Islamic project finance
Standard & Poor's says uncertainties must be addressed before investment-grade ratings can be awarded.

Rakia prices $325mn bond at guidance
Five-year sukuk one of just three benchmark size sales to be marketed publicly in Gulf since credit crunch.

Unicorn launches takaful firm
T'azur granted licence to offer Shariah compliant insurance by Central Bank of Bahrain.

Canada eyes growth in materials exports
BIG 5: Country's construction materials exports to GCC to top US $100m in 2007.

Dubai is 'setting the green trend'
BIG 5: New efficient air filters to help ease UAE's energy burden.

Saudi bans import of livestock from Sudan
Ministry of Agriculture moves to prevent spread of Rift Valley Fever in the run-up to Eid Al-Adha.

Car accidents cost Saudi $3.46bn every year
Losses include $1.07bn in human losses and $907mn vehicles damages, traffic department says.