The Middle East's private equity market had a successful year in 2014, with several notable deals, a number of vehicles closing their fundraising and increased international interest in the market. James King investigates how likely it is that its popularity will extend into 2015.

Encouraging growth in the non-hydrocarbon, SME and retail sectors have all contributed to what has been a largely successful year for the United Arab Emirates' banking sector.

Hussain Al Qemzi, CEO of Noor Bank, discusses the long-term prospects for the Islamic banking sector, describing the valuable role it can play in promoting greater cross-border co-operation and operational harmonisation. 

Observers are already predicting that 2014 will be a record-breaking year for sukuk issuance. While the majority of deals are currently coming out of Malaysia, CIMB Islamic's CEO believes that developments in the pipeline will see the asset class grow its international presence.

A profile of the appointments who made an impact in banking and finance in the Middle East in 2013.

The Banker’s Finance Minister of the Year awards celebrate the officials who managed to restore economic stability and even growth to their countries following a turbulent few years.

Hussein Al Qemzi, group chief executive officer of Noor Investment Group and CEO of Noor Islamic Bank, believes that Islamic finance has the potential to evolve beyond its niche market and become the globally accepted norm in banking. But before it can do this, it must diversify its products and services, as well as achieve greater standardisation.