Foreign investment in UAE tops $18bn
Sheikha Lubna unveils study showing FDI rose 10.8% in 2006 with Dubai the biggest recipient.

VAT at least a year away
Study on tax has entered second phase, but introduction is not imminent, Dubai Customs says.

Jordan scraps fuel and food subsidies
Gov't outlines 2008 budget, looks to curb deficit caused by rising international prices of oil and grain.

Pressure mounts on last female minister to quit
Kuwaiti MPs demand education minister answer questions over her conduct.

At least five dead as 12-storey building collapses
Tragedy in Egyptian city of Alexandria puts spotlight on poor construction standards.

Doha Bank insurance firm to get captial of $27mn
Qatari lender also in talks to set up investment banking joint venture, CEO says.

Abu Dhabi plans exclusive number plate auction
Next event to be held in January with numbers 11111, 40000 and 990 under the hammer.

Iran readies tenders to build 19 nuclear plants
Bidding to start in 'near future', MP says; move likely to further raise tensions with West.

UAE steps up fight against smuggling of fake drugs
Ministry of Health plans formation of national committee to tackle growing problem.

Inflation at around 6% in some Saudi cities
Riyadh and Ha'il among worst affected by spiralling inflation in kingdom.

Kuwait approves measures to tackle inflation
Gov't acts to lower 'price exaggerations' of food products, state news agency reports.

Etisalat mulling bid for Lebanese telco
UAE operator may take over one of two mobile phone firms gov't is planning to sell for as much as $7bn.