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Another star of the Gulf’s credit-fuelled boom years, Gulf Finance House (GFH) has reached agreement with creditors to restructure its debt but has been further downgraded by ratings agencies.
Bahrain’s ongoing labour market reforms are attracting increasing attention from the media and policymakers in neighbouring Gulf Co-operation Council countries. In a region where expatriates account for over 50% of the labour force – more than 90% in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates – increasing national employment is seen as a policy priority.
The government has returned to the practice of ill treating detainees that defined its reputation until the end of the 1990s, according to a new report from Human Rights Watch (HRW).
The United States’ announcement of the deployment of missile defence systems in Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) states signals a tougher tone towards Iran rather than any major new military initiative in the region. Many elements of the system are already in the Gulf, including US Navy
Lawyers for businessman Khalid Bin Ahmed Al-Suwaidi have said that his case against Gulf Finance House chairman Essam Janahi will be heard by Bahrain’s Court of Cassation. The case has already been rejected by Bahrain’s Court of First Instance and Court of Appeal.
Bahrain is mounting a sustained self-promotion programme, highlighting such reforms as evidence that it is different from other Gulf states. One such venture was a direct encroachment onto Dubai's turf,
Despite high levels of domestic unemployment, the Bahrain government is continuing to recruit foreign Sunnis to a wide range of posts in the public services. Opposition sources even accuse the authorities of giving preference to Egyptian,
King Hamad’s administration is seeking to portray the island kingdom as committed to reform despite growing sectarianism and opposition complaints about transparency shortfalls
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Specialist Lloyd’s of London insurer Hardy Underwriting has entered into a joint venture with Arab Insurance Group (Arig) to develop reinsurance business in the Middle East and North Africa.
The mainstream Shia parliamentary opposition appears to have become sidetracked by marginal and sectarian issues, and is now caught between a tactically astute government and vigorous rivals
Banks risky but Qatar does well, says study, Batelco fined by regulator for sector monopoly, Al-Bazie appointed deputy finance minister, €1bn sukuk delayed, Warba Bank approval, BD50m investment in IWPP
Several Gulfis were among the latest batch of officers to pass out of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Bahraini graduates included
Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) navies are rapidly building up powerful fleets of muscular corvettes and multi-role offshore patrol vessels, making it likely that nations such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman will soon boast the most advanced surface combatants in the region.
A conservative member of the National Assembly, Jassim Al-Saidi, has accused Shia opposition party Al-Wefaq National Islamic Society of meddling in internal Yemeni affairs.
