Banks asked to write off bad debts
Kuwait asks lenders to cancel consumer loans as gov't moves to slash $4bn of citizens' debts.

Donors pledge $7.4bn to Palestine
Massive aid package offered to help stabilise economy and shore up peace process with Israel.

Qatar fixed-line bids due February
Five firms express interest in licence set to end Qtel's fixed-line monopoly, regulator says.

Jabal Omar to build $2.9bn Mecca project
Saudi firm to tap Islamic debt markets to help finance development in holy city.

Borse Dubai seeks $5.8bn to fund OMX bid
Operator to back bid for Nordic rival with one-year syndicated loan.

Hajj gets underway amid tight security
Authorities on standby as nearly two million Muslims set off from Mecca to Mina.

Saudi Barcelona shirts spark Spanish anger
The removal of the Saint George cross in shirts being sold in Saudi is causing anger in the Spanish media.

Nine dead in Pakistan suicide attack
Members of army football team killed two days after Musharraf claims violence over.

Food prices continue to escalate
Misery for consumers in 2008 as poor harvests and low stockpiles drive food prices skywards.

EADS protests over shelved India chopper deal
Aerospace giant lodges complaint to gov't over cancellation of $600mn contract for 197 helicopters.