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Dubai-based Majid Al Futtaim Group (MAF) and Dalkia International have set up a joint venture energy and facilities management company, MAF Dalkia Middle East, to service the region.

Part of the reported withdrawal of some Dh735 billion in Arab funds from the U.S. is said to have been invested in UK property.

The $600 million Sohar International Urea and Chemical Industries (SIUCI) - promoted by Sheikh Suhail Salem Bahwan - has appointed Uhde GmbH as the preferred bidder for the construction of the 2,000 mtpd ammonia and 3,500 mtpd granular urea complex at Sohar after an extensive selection process.

In a year which began with an earthquake in its home base of Seattle and ended with the aftermath of September 11 and all its impact on air travel - the Boeing Co managed to achieve record revenues of $58.2 billion in 2001.

The chief commissioner of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is likely to be a high profile European regulator. An announcement to this effect is expected in a couple of weeks.

Emirates airline yesterday denied that it has selected Pratt and Whitney engines for the superjumbo A380s on order from Airbus, saying that it is still in negotiations with various engine manufacturers.

Regional business leaders have a great opportunity to turn discussions during the Emirates International Forum (EIF) into a major turning point in the region's economic progress, according to Dubai Crown Prince and UAE Defence Minister General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Qatar Airways has ordered six new Airbus A320s to be delivered from 2001 to 2003.

Dubai Ports Authority will use its own funds and borrowings from banks to finance the ambitious Dh4.2 billion expansion of Jebel Ali Port.

Online Islamic brokerage firm ihilal.com, which went live yesterday, aims to bring Islamic investments to the man in the street. "Most Islamic investments are made through face-to-face transactions, and until now have been limited to high networth individuals.

Investcorp's Tier-1 preference share issue of 200,000 at a nominal value of $1,000 per share (total issue of $200 million), closed on May 16 with a public oversubscription of 24 per cent. It will be listed on the Bahrain Stock Exchange.

The 13 future hotel developments in Dubai numbering almost 5,000 letting units (hotel rooms, suites and apartments) are profiled below by hotel advisers, TRI Hospitality Consulting. These hotels either are under construction or firmly committed.