World Bank

World Bank expert says increasing support to SMEs is a priority for MENA policy makers.

Experts predict 4 degrees rise by end of 21st century, revenues seen 20% lower.

World Bank report predicts 'remarkable comeback' but concerns remain over unemployment.

Bank's clean technology fund approves financing for green energy projects in region.

Top official says Arab states are lagging behind on bankruptcy, contract laws.

International Finance Corp announces plan to list $100m Islamic bond in Middle East.

If anything is certain at the moment, it is that nothing is certain. The voices that claim to see economic recovery are as loud as those that don’t, and for every positive sign, there are negative and ambiguous signs to match.

Former World Bank chief James Wolfensohn warns that the global economy is facing a long road to recovery.

Auguste Kouame, lead economist for the MENA at the World Bank discusses the effects of the economic crisis on the region.

Egypt's Beltone Private Equity to invest in local and Gulf firms offering growth potential despite downturn.

Senior World Bank official praises Gulf state for its efforts during slowdown.

Wondering where all those Arthur Andersen accountants went? It may have been India.

Israel's blockage of Hamas-run Gaza Strip creating cash shortage that could bring down banking system.

Amid political and economic turmoil, the city of Ramallah has established itself as a rare example of stability.

A World Bank report has put Bahrain on the top of the list of Middle Eastern countries that require the least amount of procedures to attain construction permits.

More funding is needed for family planning issues in developing countries, the World Bank has said, citing new data that reveals 51 million unplanned pregnancies occur because women lack access to contraceptives.

Cultivation of narcotic leaf 'Qat' threatens food security, depletes water supplies needed for crops.

There's little relief in sight from feedstock pressure for the world's petrochemical industry.

The cost of basic foodstuffs is soaring and the bad news for Gulf shoppers could be about to get worse.

Gulf governments need to ramp up investment in their water industries to avoid severe future shortages.

Gulf investors are eyeing opportunities in Zimbabwe, despite the country’s woes.

Bureaucracy makes Emirates most difficult of all GCC countries to do business in, says World Bank.

Literacy levels falling behind those of other developing regions due to quality of education, study finds.

Qatar is taking the lead in creating a knowledge-based economy. Mohammed Sergie asks if it will succeed.

Oman's Alliance Housing Bank says World Bank agrees to buy 9.9% at $37.45 million.

Can Hong Kong work as an investment platform into the world's most populous nation for Middle East investors?

Bank's commitment to region funded over 40 projects designed to enhance business and empower the poor.

Saudi Arabia has reported unprecedented levels of foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2006, the Saudi Arabian General Investments Authority (SAGIA) has revealed.

Assistance strategy to be signed in September, aims to boost Iran's economic prospects.