MONEYworks

In the GCC, many family firms have thrived on monopolistic activities, and as they compete with each other in regional and international rich lists, they refuse to allow others to compete with them in their own territory. Are the respected positions that these family businesses enjoy in the world rich list more important than the wellbeing of the general population? Read more »

One of the latest additions to such urban legends as the Loch Ness monster, UFOs and environmentally friendly land reclamation is what is now known as Islamic Finance. It is a new scam that started in the second half of the twentieth century and has only really taken off in the last three decades. Does Islamic finance make any difference at all?  Read more »

The GCC needs to make up for lost time and implement a strategy with preset milestones and dates to reach an agreement on unifying its laws and regulations concerning foreign direct investment, banking and financial services and the legal system, amongst other issues. If the GCC countries agree on unifying their laws, there may be hope yet for the currency union sometime in the future. Read more »

GCC banks are over speculating when it comes to the real estate sector. Here are a few tips on how to choose the right bank. Read more »

Family is important, but when it comes to investments, investors must prioritise according to what they want their money to do. Do superior dividend returns and growth in stock value justify investing in a business with family connections? Read more »

Dana Gas was a victim of fate. Its timing couldn’t have been worse, the expectations couldn’t have been higher and the disappointment of investors in the eventual failure of the company to deliver gas two years after it was founded couldn’t have been more dramatic. Shareholders have had come to terms with the fact that the Iranian gas deal is at worst no longer attainable and at best very expensive and unpredictable. Read more »