Ministry of Economy - UAE

Traders in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah fined and shops closed in anti-piracy clampdown.

UPDATE 2: Sheikh Mohammed also lauds relations between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

UAE's economic chief also urges Islamic nations to increase innovation - speech.

Ministry of Economy initiative aims to protect intellectual property right.

UAE officials say prison sentence - a first for the Middle East - should serve as warning to violators.

Retailers claim measures to increase competition in wholesale market have failed.

Consumer courts will protect consumers from commercial exploitation or fraud - official.

Minister of Economy praises efforts to slash cost of essential food prices.

Sheikha Lubna says UAE set to achieve 'significant economic gains' despite crisis.

Minister Sultan Al Mansouri says the worst of the global economic crisis for UAE is now over.

Official figures show 16% rise compared to 2007 level but decline expected in 2009.

Poll reveals majority believe scrapping of AED150,000 minimum is 'too little, too late'.

President Sheikh Khalifa issues decree to reduce the cost of setting up new business.

The country's non-oil sector grew by 3.9% in 2008, boosted by public and private investment, official figures.

Unemployment rate still one of the world's lowest at about 4% - Ministry figures.

UAE government too encourage local, foreign industrial investment - Sultan Al Mansouri.

First monthly figures show inflation fell to 1.9%, April, after 12.3% high, 2008.

UPDATE 1: Economic chief upbeat on future, says growth indicators will be seen in Q3/4.

Foreign trade minister says country has overcome the initial impact of global crisis.

UAE's economy ministry aims to encourage young Emiratis to work in SMEs; will focus on their training.

Minister of economy predicts 'some' growth in 2009, following IMF's 3.3% growth forecast.

Minsitry proposes court of arbitration to shield shoppers from rising prices.

Minister of Economy also says that the impact of global crisis has been 'relative and minimal'.

The consumer protection initiative will cover food staples such as chicken and rice.

By April food being sold across the country should be 50% cheaper - official.

With scandals involving regional real estate tycoons, the recent chaos in the US housing market and the global financial crisis, people are wondering how the Middle East is going to be affected; more specifically how the real estate and property market will be influenced and whether it can retain the confidence of potential investors.

Economy chief says industrial sector set to be main contributor to national GDP.

Minister for economy says there are no plans to act to boost ailing shares.

Public-private sector consortium spends $40mn on land, will invest $20mn more, says official.

Economy Minister says industry is falling behind on Emiratisation programme.

Official figures reveal ratio between nationals and expats is expected to widen next year.

UAE Ministry acts to shut down local connections to 10 Korean-based sites.

Deadline set to comply with regulations aimed at boosting governance, transparency.

Industy proposals from the UAE's Ministry of Economy represent a welcome push in the right direction.

Stores that exploit consumers during holy month will be severely punished, gov't warns.

Ministry of Economy reveals investment targets in Sudan, Egypt, India and Pakistan to boost food supplies.

Building inspectors uncover speculator's 2.5 tonne hoard of Indian basmati rice in villa, official says.

President announces investment plan in agricultural projects as part of drive to secure food supplies.

Arabian Business poll reveals widespread concern as cost of living continues to rocket in UAE.

Economy grew at 5.2%, down from 7.6%, growth slowest since 2002, figures show.

Food, commodity inflation to slow this year after price controls introduced - Ministry of Economy.

Investment strategy to see UAE invest in industry, services, agriculture, energy sectors.

UPDATE 2: Inflation driven by rental and housing costs, which jumped 17.5%, ministry says.

UAE prime minister says country will keep dollar peg so long as serves its interests.

UAE's Minister of Economy meets with Russian delegation, Dubal to boost aluminium industry.

A tonne of cement in the UAE has been fixed at a cost of US $92.5 (AED340) by the Ministry of Economy.

Firms agree with Ministry of Economy to reduce prices to help tackle record inflation in UAE.

The price cap on cement is expected to be officially raised this week to around US $81.7 (AED300) per tonne, according to a source at the Ministry of Economy in Abu Dhabi.

Disputes over food price hikes have sent shockwaves through the industry and triggered prompt action coupled with scepticism.

Major global exporters Vietnam and India plan to slash exports to combat domestic inflation.

Insurers may try to refuse payouts from 200-car pile-up due to get out clause in policies.

Reducing inflation 'a big challenge', says minister, in face of predictions of 12% inflation this year.

Union Cooperative Society chain to sell 16 basic foods at cut prices to nationals - ministry.

Expansion of manufacturing and construction sectors, as well as oil and gas, spur growth, ministry says.

Emirates plans to update consumer price index following review, source reveals.

Central bank governor says strong demand for oil and gas will support growth this year.

Basic food prices jump 36% with exporter demands to push rice up by more than 70%, newspaper says.

Ministry rejects Economic Freedom report as 'inaccurate', and 'inconsistent'.

The construction industry in the UAE took a beating last week due to heavy rain and US president George Bush's visit to the country.

HE Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi addresses first Arab Intellectual Property Forum in Abu Dhabi

Rocketing oil prices and a flurry of new mega-investments driving growth in the Emirates, IMF says.

UAE Ministry of Economy threatens maximum penalties for suppliers who exploit increase in gov't wages.

The two countries talk trade, economic relations and joint investment ventures during US treasury visit.

Gov't orders eight brands of Chinese toothpaste off store shelves for containing a toxic chemical.

The feasibility study for a 350km national railway network within the UAE has been completed and is now waiting approval from the government, according to a source from the Ministry of Planning and Economy in Abu Dhabi.

The Middle East needs to take the painful step of setting a cap for public sector-owned industries to rein in inflation.

UAE minister of economy says Emirates needs to increase bilateral ties through mutual investment.

Is the region's multi-billion dollar food industry a playground for biotech companies or is this just the future?

UAE capital set to see $159bn GDP in 2010 as it maintains steady growth rate of 13%, report says.

Weak dollar, strong rupee and soaring inflation mean Indian workers in Gulf are 30% worse off than last year.

The two countries are still keen to boost trade ties, despite failure to conclude a free trade agreement before TPA expiry.

Suppliers get nod for 20% rise but threaten to pull supply if further increase not given.

Cement traders have warned that the UAE government's attempt to stabilise rising cement prices by setting a price cap, could lead to the growth of a black market in the regional construction industry.

The Polish Business Days Exhibition will be held in Dubai later this year.

The country is to allow 100% foreign ownership of some companies, minister says.

The 165-page book is aimed at attracting more foreign investment into the country.

UAE real estate company, Deyaar, has announced that it has secured the approval of the UAE's Ministry of Economy to launch its Initial Public Offering (IPO).

The Ministry of Economy is applauded for its bid to curb mounting illegal software distribution in the UAE.

Cheap no-frills air travel is taking off in the GCC, says Gemma Greenwood.

UAE's Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi says that protectionism is damaging regional airline growth.