Qatar inflation hovers below 14%
Rents and food prices surge in Q4 as inflation rises slightly to 13.74% compared with previous quarter.

UK 'powerless' over Saudi threats
Security not commerce was behind decision to drop BAE corruption probe, gov't insists to court.

Rights group slams Arab media charter
Attempt to control broadcasts an unacceptable move to rob viewers of freedom, committee argues.

Sheikh Mohammed to visit Iran, Syria
Prime minister becomes most senior UAE official to visit Tehran since 1979 Islamic revolution.

Plate '1' smashes world record at $14.5mn
Emirati businessman splashes out on the world's most expensive number plate.

UBS writedowns risk jeopardising Mideast cash injeciton
Swiss bank could face billions of dollars more in subprime losses, analysts warn.

UAE poised to set up single financial regulator
Move to leave central bank sole mandate of setting monetary policy, report says.

Istanbul bourse in joint index with Cairo, Athens
Agreement also reached on creating exchange traded funds to be listed on three bourses.

Iran approves $3bn fuel import budget
MPs agree spending plan for diesel and petrol imports to meet high consumer demand.

Opec output enough to meet demand
Cartel says output should help boost global stocks in sign it could leave supplies steady at next meeting.

Al-Jazeera hits out at restrictive broadcast charter
Satellite channel labels Arab League charter 'risk to freedom of expression'.

Saudi's Shura Council to hold talks on revaluation
Reviewing exchange rate of riyal versus US dollar a 'necessity', says council member.

Kuwait sees record 7.3% inflation spike
Annual inflation in October driven up by housing and food costs, gov't data shows.

Iran bullish about economy despite US sanctions
Tehran claims FDI hit $10.27bn last year, oil income helped reduce effect of sanctions.

Lebanon rocked by earthquake, 10 injured
Quake measuring 5.0 on Richter scale sending panicked residents out into streets in south.

NBA stars brighten Katrina nightmare site
All-Star baskeball team bring laughter to thousands at New Orleans 'house of horrors'.

Barnsley stun Liverpool
Humble side produce FA Cup sensation to beat Liverpool 2-1 in last minutes of game.