Work begins on Nakheel's Al Burj
French firm tipped to win foundations contract for what could be world's tallest building, sources say.

Dubai to build world's longest arch bridge
Mega-bridge will measure 1,600m with arch 205m high and 667m long, RTA says.

Recession will not kill off US oil demand
Economic slowdown will have only small impact on demand from world's largest oil consumer, Merrill says.

Salik expansion under study - RTA
Dubai transport authority will not rule out introduction of further toll gates, chairman says.

Saudi probe put Al-Qaeda info at risk
BAE corruption inquiry would have meant end to UK-Saudi counterterrorism efforts, report reveals.

Bahrain's Arcapita buys Texas power plant
Islamic bank spends $695mn with affiliates on its biggest US acquisition to date.

Dubai Investments profit surges on sales
Shares close more than 7% up as record quarterly gains smash analyst's forecasts.

Record profit for First Gulf as stocks recover
Treasury and Investment business generates 30% of total revenue as Q4 income soars 57%.

Saudi Sipchem plans $533mn rights issue
Petrochemicals firm to boost paid-up capital by 67%, finance expansion with stocks sale to shareholders.

Gulf to complete nuclear studies in 18 months
GCC states to begin working with IAEA towards civil nuclear programme from March, official says.

Oil eases under $91 on profit-taking
US crude drops 20 cents to $90.79 a barrel, off highs of $91.94 hit earlier in session.

No need to raise output - Iran
Oil Minister Nozari says market sufficiently supplied with crude and no need for Opec to raise production.

Saudi in new bird flu cull
Fresh outbreak of H5N1 on Al-Kharj poultry farm leads to ministry cull of 158,000 chickens.

Sukuk costs to drop
Islamic bonds to get cheaper for issuers as demand spurs competition in market, ratings agency Standard & Poor's says.

Yemen pleads for journalist's freedom
President to ask Spain to release Al-Jazeera reporter jailed for Al-Qaeda collaboration.

Arsenal inflict repeat defeat on Newcastle
History repeats itself at Emirates Stadium as hosts beat Magpies for second time in four days.

Benitez closes in on Mascherano deal
Liverpool manager keen to complete $39mn move after Sissoko sale frees up funds.

Middle East leads global tourism boom
Saudi, Egypt lead 'success story of decade' as visitor numbers soar despite tensions in region.