Emirates to sell off SriLankan stake
Dubai airline eyes $150mn sale as it ends management deal with state-controlled carrier.

Bahrain to ease cost of living pain
Gov't looking into ways to spare citizens the impact of global price increases on basic goods.

Kuwait banks tell MPs 'back off'
Lawmakers should not try to influence the state's monetary policy, says head of banking syndicate.

UAE, India ease expat money transfer
Sums of up to $2,500 can be sent to any part of India through postal network from February.

Thursday holiday marks new Islamic year
UAE celebrates Hijri New Year with national holiday for public and private sectors.

Nuclear power: a gift or a curse?
Like arms deals, nuclear energy doesn't come in commitment-free packages. Tamara Walid examines the Gulf's nuclear options.

Gulf bourses attractive despite 'few bargains'
Markets will attract foreign investment even after Q4 rally, Japan's Nomura says.

Noor unfazed by Abu Dhabi rival
Dubai Islamic lender welcomes launch of Abu Dhabi's Al Hilal Islamic Bank, chief executive Al Qemzi says.

Aramco on course to hit 2009 output target
State oil giant on track to meet 12mn bpd despite Khursaniyah oilfield delay.

Bush under threat from Al-Qaeda
US propagandist urges Islamist militants to target President during forthcoming Middle East tour.

Kuwait taking action to curb inflation
Currency basket against which Gulf Arab state tracks dinar will 'play a role', finance minister says.

Iran expels German diplomat in nuclear spat
Move follows expulsion of Iranian diplomat by Germany for seeking to obtain nuclear material.

Arab League chief heads for talks in Lebanon
Amr Mussa to discuss plan calling for election of candidate Michel Sleiman.

Musharraf admission over Bhutto killing sparks outrage
President tells US programme 60 Minutes opposition leader could have been shot.

Motorola wins $150mn Saudi deal
Operator awarded contract to expand Mobily GSM coverage in Northwest and Southwest regions.