Dubai among world's top financial centres
Gulf growing in importance on global stage due to high oil prices and gov't investment, report says.

Over $240bn to be pumped into Saudi property market
Almost two million units to be built by 2020 to meet demand, study shows.

Dubai fund threatens to turn back on EU
Further regulation could see funds take investment elsewhere, Dubai World Chairman bin Sulayem warns.

UAE, Saudi smooth customs spat
Dispute which has caused huge losses to traders from both countries set to be resolved, officials say.

Iran brushes off sanctions threat
New measures would have no effect on country's defiance of UN, president tells state television.

SeaWorld should be scrapped
Dubai's tourism industry should set standards for the future, not repeat the mistakes of the past.

Firms to shun dollar for project financing
Gulf Arab companies looking toward other currencies such as euro or yen for loans, analysts say.

DIFX names directors after OMX deal
New board revealed following $4.9bn takeover of Nordic exchange operator.

Opec to stand firm over calls to raise output - poll
Group unlikely to heed consumer pleas despite record high prices, analysts say.

Prince Harry pulled out of Afghanistan
Royal returns to UK after deployment exposed by US website during UK media blackout.

Security Council readies draft sanctions
Resolution will be put to vote on Monday; West looks to win over those with reservations.

Iran offers Iraq $1bn loan
Offer contingent on projects being handled by Iranian firms, official says prior to visit by Ahmadinejad.

'Chemical Ali' execution approved
Saddam Hussein's cousin to be executed for ordering gas attacks on Kurds in 1980s, officials say.

UC Berkeley plans Saudi university deal
'Secret talks' with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology raise discrimination concerns.

Dubai $4.5bn bid for Colonial runs into trouble
Two major hurdles force extension to deadline for agreement to buy Spanish group.

Arabic labelling compulsory, warns Dubai
Food products flouting new legislation will be rejected from UAE ports from end of March.

Dementieva wins Dubai title
Russian produces major surprise on first visit to Gulf tournament to capture ninth title of her career.

Arsenal stay top as United cut their lead
Gunners leave it late as second-placed champions Man Utd. close to within a point.