Hollywood Studios launches Mideast initiative

Hollywood Studios International (HSI), based in Beverly Hills and Dubai, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Prince Faisal Al Saud to set up a film studio in the region.

American businesses see brisk expansion in Dubai

American businesses are growing at a brisk rate in Dubai as it is becoming easier for businesses to start up, according to a top official of the American Business Council (ABC).

RAK Holding to open 500 NearBuy stores

RAK Holding is set to enter the UAE's retail sector, with ambitious plans to open 500 NearBuy outlets by the first quarter of 2009, with a total development cost of around Dh150 million.

Young Arab Leaders board committed to nurture talent

The new executive board of the Young Arab Leaders (YAL) UAE Chapter has promised intensified action to identify, mentor, train and develop new leadership from among the talented young citizens of the UAE.

CEMS offers services to Dubai Chamber

Dubai Chamber and Coface Emirates Services (CEMS) on behalf of France-based Coface "Compagnie Francaise D'Assurance pour Le Commerce Exteriors" signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) whereby CEMS will offer international debt collection services to the Chamber's members and non-members while the Chamber will support the debt collection services in its entirety.

Emaar offers Dh100,000 for naming fountain

Emaar Properties is inviting the public to suggest a name for the fountain being developed in Burj Dubai Lake.

Breaking bad news at workplace

The duty of breaking bad news, in the workplace, may fall on any one of us at any time, often at short notice. However, it will usually be the responsibility of either HR or management, who should be professionally trained to deliver bad news in a sensitive, clear and direct manner.

Carrefour to revamp Champion chain

The Champion supermarket brand is set to disappear from the French retail landscape by the end of this decade after Carrefour finally confirmed it would rebrand the 1,000-strong chain, Carrefour Market.

'Our projects will have a lasting impact on people'

Samira Abdul Razzak became the youngest UAE national female chief executive last December when she was named the chief executive officer of Dubai Infinity Holding (DIH), a company launched by a group of private investors late last year.

Residents keen on capital's festival

Abu Dhabi residents hope for great times ahead with the summer festival, which began yesterday at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre (ADNEC) and will run till August 18.

UAE studying controversial water technology

The UAE is closely studying the controversial water reclamation technology which has put Singapore on the road to becoming self-sufficient in water, said Dr Rashid Ahmad Bin Fahd, Minister of Environment and Water.

UAE and Bahrain ink water agreements with Singapore

Setting the stage for global cooperation to conserve water, the UAE and Bahrain yesterday signed three environment and water agreements with Singapore at the start of the Middle East Business Forum, which is held in conjunction with the Singapore International Water Week.

Eight-week family fiesta begins today in capital

Some 150,000 visitors are expected during an eight-week family festival beginning today, tipped as the UAE capital's largest-ever, organisers said at a news conference yesterday.

UAE ranks among world's top 10 locations to work

The UAE is in the top ten preferred destinations for workers worldwide, according to the recent Relocating For Work survey released on Tuesday by Manpower Middle East, part of Manpower, a global employment services firm.

Alam and Macsteel set up Jebel Ali joint venture

Alam Steel Ltd and Macsteel SA announced a 50-50 joint venture to set up the Middle East's first service centre for processing high grade steel plates and sections for the petrochemical, mining and earthmoving, shipbuilding, construction, manufacturing and fabrication industries.

Abu Dhabi likely to earn Dh2b in customs duties

Abu Dhabi Customs expects to earn more than Dh2 billion in customs duties in 2008, a more than 30 per cent increase over the revenue collected last year, a spokesman for the customs department said on Tuesday.

UAE's millionaire population surges 15.3 per cent

The UAE's millionaire population surged 15.3 per cent from 68,000 in 2006 to 79,000 last year, making it one of the countries that has highest growth personal wealth.

Middle East invests in cost-effective water

Leaders decry growing energy wastage and call for UAE Minister of Environment and Water Dr Rashid Ahmad Bin Fahad and Bahrain's Minister of Works and Minister in Charge of Electricity and Water Fahmi Bin Ali Al Jowder said they have invested in and are looking at technologies to produce water at lower cost.

Middle East companies improve performance in fighting corruption

Enforcement of anti-corruption regulations has strengthened in the Middle East in the past five years, a new report shows.

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