Latest articles from Middle East

Cautious investors

May 2, 2005

The country has partially opened up share trading to foreigners but the response has not been overwhelming. Will McSheehy reports from Doha.

Open season

May 2, 2005

Changes to the law will soon allow conventional institutions to offer Islamic banking services, a move that the market is keenly anticipating. By Will McSheehy.

Enjoying its power

May 2, 2005

Qatar’s rich supply of natural gas and its investment-friendly policies attract plenty of competition from foreign and domestic players when it comes to project finance, as Will McSheehy reports from Doha.

Qatari model leads the pack

May 2, 2005

Qatar is deemed to be the most competitive Arab economy and a model for the region. The government is diversifying its income sources and the banks are vying for market share. By Will McSheehy in Doha.

Islamic banking arrives in the UK

May 2, 2005

The authorisation of the first fully Shariah-compliant bank in the West has created considerable interest. Michael Ainley looks at the FSA’s approach and what lies ahead.

Bahrain’s regional reach

April 4, 2005

Stephen Timewell reports on FT Business’s seminar on new opportunities in Bahrain as it develops its Islamic banking sector and regulatory powers.

Saudi banks are on a roll

April 4, 2005

Saudi Arabia’s banks are enjoying the spoils of buoyant markets, with record-breaking profits spurring ground-breaking deals. Stephen Timewell reports.

Project finance wells

April 4, 2005

This year will be remembered for Saudi Arabia’s embrace of project finance after watching from the sidelines, write Kevin Godier and Jon Marks.

Emergence of a global leader

April 4, 2005

Shrewd exploitation of its gas reserves has catapulted Qatar to the forefront of the global project finance industry, write Jon Marks and Eleanor Gillespie.

Index attracts feverish interest

April 4, 2005

Qatar’s law is being amended to liberalise foreigners’ ability to buy equity listed on the Doha Securities Market, boding well for the fast rising index. By Will McSheehy.