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Marketplace Middle East

CNN's Leone Lakhani meets one family keen to revive the old tradition but with a modern twist.

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Iraq violence unsettles oil productionupdated Fri Sep 27 2013 09:28:01

MME's John defterios sits down with Hussain Al-Shahristani, the Deputy Prime Minister for Energy.

Mozarella business thrives in the UAEupdated Fri Sep 27 2013 09:27:40

Cheese production is one of the oldest industries in the Gulf region but one Italian company found a gap in the market.

Violence hits Iraq oil productionupdated Thu Sep 26 2013 13:41:24

CNN's John Defterios talks to Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister for Energy, Hussain Al Shahristani.

UK investment in the Middle Eastupdated Fri Sep 20 2013 09:15:07

CNN's John Defterios looks at the trade ties between the United Kingdom and the Middle East.

Syrian conflict puts strain on oil importersupdated Fri Sep 13 2013 11:54:49

CNN's John Defterios explores how Syria's problems are affecting neighboring countries Jordan and Lebanon.

Tunisia's struggling economyupdated Fri Sep 13 2013 11:48:27

CNN's Errol Barnett speaks with Tunisia's president about how the country is dealing with its protests.

How do businesses tackle global crisis?updated Fri Sep 06 2013 06:52:26

Mustafa Abdel-Wadood of Abraaj Capital talks to John Defterios about how to make the right moves in a crisis.

Billion dollar tilesupdated Fri Sep 06 2013 06:51:31

Jomana Karadsheh takes a look inside the world's largest ceramics factory.

How can Iraq attract investors?updated Fri Aug 23 2013 09:06:38

John Defterios speaks with Sansar Capital's Sanjay Motwani about how the lack of security impacts Iraq's economy.

Inside a billion dollar gold refineryupdated Fri Aug 23 2013 08:54:16

CNN's Jomana Karadsheh goes behind the scenes at one of the world's largest gold refineries in the emirate of Sharjah.

UAE cashes in on its safe haven statusupdated Fri Aug 16 2013 10:09:22

Marketplace Middle East looks at how the country may be benefiting from the turmoil in the region.

Soap empire empowers womenupdated Fri Aug 16 2013 09:28:38

CNN's Elise Labott meets the founder behind a multi-million dollar empire that employs hundreds of local women in Israel.

Anyone for a Camelicious coffee?updated Tue Aug 13 2013 12:21:42

CNN's Jomana Karadsheh looks at one company's move to export camel milk products to Europe.

Camel milk craze hits Europe?updated Fri Aug 09 2013 10:47:35

Marketplace Middle East looks at how camel milk products could soon be available on supermarket shelves in Europe.

Struggling to survive in Syriaupdated Fri Aug 09 2013 10:02:31

CNN's John Defterios explores how the humanitarian crisis is affecting commerce and trade in the country.

How to feed 20,000 people in one sittingupdated Fri Aug 02 2013 14:23:07

For most people working in the United Arab Emirates, the holy month of Ramadan is a restful time. It is a month of fasting, reduced working hours, family time and quiet religious contemplation.

Dunkin' Donuts' sweet successupdated Fri Jul 26 2013 13:11:29

The Middle East is home to 650 stores for Dunkin Donuts and Baskin Robbins, making it the biggest market for this group.

Fixing Egypt's broken economyupdated Fri Jul 26 2013 13:10:41

CNN's Reza Sayah looks at the many challenges facing the country's interim government -- including demands for reforms.

Diversifying Middle East economiesupdated Fri Jul 19 2013 07:37:33

MME met with Mohammed Al-Mady, CEO of SABIC one of the largest petrochemical manufacturers in the world.

The business of Ramadanupdated Fri Jul 12 2013 10:12:23

John Defterios reports on how a leading supermarket chain in the Middle East prepares for the holy month of Ramadan.

Egypt's economic worriesupdated Fri Jul 12 2013 10:03:26

Marketplace Middle East looks at how Egypt's economy is coping after the ousting of former President Mohamed Morsy.

No 'military recession' in Middle Eastupdated Fri Jul 05 2013 10:18:22

Defense spending seems to have increased in the Middle East and Africa, while the industry struggles elsewhere.

Making state-of-the art drones in Israelupdated Fri Jul 05 2013 10:02:15

CNN's Elise Labott looks at how drones are manufactured in Israel, the world's top exporter of unarmed vehicles.

Touring Dubai's record-breaking airportupdated Fri Jul 05 2013 09:12:57

CNN's Leone Lakhani meets Paul Griffiths who oversees the world's second-busiest airport for international travel.

Will unrest hurt Turkey's economy?updated Fri Jun 28 2013 14:17:09

CNN's Arwa Damon explores how the movement against Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan affects business.

Qatar's leadership shakeupupdated Fri Jun 28 2013 14:15:10

CNN's Jomana Karadsheh reports on Qatar's power transition, a surprising move for the Arab powerhouse.

Tunisia two years onupdated Fri Jun 21 2013 07:58:43

MME takes a look at how the Tunisian economy is still suffering, especially in the tourism sector.

The future of Egyptian jewelryupdated Fri Jun 14 2013 07:46:23

Azza Fahmy is turning her talents to teaching, hoping to inspire the next generation of jewelery designers.

Williams team takes F1 tech to Dohaupdated Fri Jun 14 2013 07:44:31

CNN's Leone Lakhani visits F1 Racing team, Williams who are using their turbo-charged simulators to teach road safety.

Millions for museumsupdated Fri Jun 07 2013 09:14:56

CNN's John Defterios takes an in-depth look at the UAE's investment in cultural development.

Oman's first chocolatiersupdated Fri Jun 07 2013 09:04:09

Unlike many in Oman, Salma and Aisha Al Hajri are turning away from government jobs and heading into the private sector.

Jordan's silver-screen economyupdated Fri May 31 2013 09:01:32

John Defterios explores how Jordan has set up a film commission to further develop its film industry.

Jordan struggles with youth unemploymentupdated Fri May 31 2013 09:00:14

Jordanian Finance Minister Umayya Toukan talks about what the country is doing to tackle its job crisis.

The Arab World's lost generationupdated Mon May 27 2013 04:55:27

The Arab Spring toppled regimes in power for decades within only months of each other.

Middle East embraces U.S. brandsupdated Fri May 24 2013 12:53:44

Kim Kelaita explores the high demand for American products across the region.

Breaking records in Dubaiupdated Fri May 24 2013 12:51:51

Guinness World Records head Talal Omar has moved to the Middle East to accommodate the growing demand of record breakers.

Iraq's lucrative oil marketupdated Mon May 20 2013 05:07:49

CNN's John Defterios looks at the early movers into the oil business and what's next for the country's energy sector.

Fast food boom exceeds expectationsupdated Fri May 17 2013 10:31:59

The lack of big brands in Iraq is allowing local entrepreneurs to tap into the growing consumer market. Arwa Damon reports.

Persian carpets face hi-tech competitionupdated Fri May 10 2013 11:06:59

How can traditional Persian carpet makers compete with cheaper hi-tech machinery made carpets?

Why are investors turning to Africa?updated Fri May 10 2013 10:49:48

Why are investors leaving the Middle East for Africa? Sultan Bin Saeed al-Mansouri, the UAE Economy Minister talks to MME.

Energy bonanza in the Levant basinupdated Fri May 03 2013 08:21:32

With an estimated 122 trillion cubic feet of gas, the Levant basin could change the economic landscape of the region

Cairo's cooking crisisupdated Fri May 03 2013 08:13:20

MME takes a look at how a drastic cut in cooking gas subsidies is leading to heightened tensions on the streets of Cairo.

Property sales rise again in the UAEupdated Tue Apr 30 2013 08:23:40

How has the 2009 downturn changed the UAE's property construction and real estate market? Leone Lakhani reports.

The high life of Dubaiupdated Tue Apr 30 2013 08:19:17

Marketplace Middle East takes a tour of the Emirate's luxury property market.

Death and disruption: Why Egypt remains economic basket-caseupdated Mon Apr 22 2013 10:19:33

The legal battle being fought by former Egypt president Hosni Mubarak under charges including being complicit in the killing of protestors will sustain a climate of uncertainty for the country's president Mohamed Morsy.

Marketplace Middle East: September 5updated Wed Apr 17 2013 10:06:10

FACETIME: MUSTAFA ABDEL-WADOOD, ABRAAJ CAPITAL

Security concerns for Middle East tourism?updated Fri Apr 12 2013 06:53:03

The Middle East's tourism sector is expected to triple its growth rates over the next few years despite the Arab Spring.

Donna Karan on fashion and philanthropyupdated Fri Apr 05 2013 07:27:41

DKNY designer Donna Karan is going beyond fashion, and now promotes female entrepreneurship and education worldwide.

Abu Dhabi designer creates $17m abayaupdated Fri Apr 05 2013 07:18:45

Some of the biggest names in fashion are taking inspiration from the Middle East to create astounding new designs.

Egyptians fume over fuel shortageupdated Mon Apr 01 2013 10:49:03

Egyptians are losing patience with a fuel shortage and long lines at gas stations. CNN's Reza Sayah reports.

The right time to invest in Libya's oil?updated Fri Mar 29 2013 09:15:16

MME asks Libya's Central Bank Governor if the country's oil reserves, the largest in Africa, are now ripe for investment.

Diesel shortage fuels Egypt's woesupdated Fri Mar 29 2013 09:15:07

Adding to Egypt's already severe economic crisis is a shortage of diesel fuel for the country's trucks and minibuses.

This week on Marketplace Middle East: 28 Marchupdated Mon Mar 25 2013 08:55:36

IN FOCUS: PRESSURE AT THE FUEL PUMPS

The region's new Dubai?updated Fri Mar 22 2013 07:55:26

CNN's John Defterios explores how Iraq's historic city of Erbil is attracting big investment.

Iraq cashes in on oilupdated Fri Mar 22 2013 07:51:53

CNN's John Defterios looks at the state of Iraq's economy a decade after the U.S.-led invasion of the country.

Internet revolution in the Middle Eastupdated Fri Mar 15 2013 09:06:54

CNN's John Defterios speaks with iCann CEO Fadi Chehade about how internet usage is booming in the Middle East.

World's most expensive car unveiledupdated Fri Mar 15 2013 08:58:43

With a diamond encrusted gear stick and golden stitching, the Lykan Hypersport comes with a price tag of $3.4 million.

Would you buy a $3 million car?updated Thu Mar 14 2013 13:07:55

At $3.4 million and a production run of only 7, Kim Kelaita takes a look at a super rare UAE-made sports car.

UAE moves toward private health careupdated Fri Mar 08 2013 07:59:33

MME looks at how Abu Dhabi is attracting international health care brands to a growing private health system

Kerry's Middle East 'listening tour'updated Fri Mar 08 2013 06:11:22

New US secretary of state John Kerry describes his first trip to Europe and the Middle East as a "nine nation listening tour"

Privatizing hospitals in the Middle Eastupdated Thu Mar 07 2013 12:44:06

Major players in the private health care industry are setting up shop in the Middle East.

Is it the right time for Egypt elections?updated Fri Mar 01 2013 05:53:55

MME sits down with Egyptian opposition figure Amre Moussa to discuss the country's elections and struggling economy.

Can women rescue Arab Spring economies?updated Fri Mar 01 2013 05:52:19

In the UAE women entrepreneurs are leading encourage small enterprises to spur job creation.

Iraq's dumpster childrenupdated Fri Feb 22 2013 07:35:40

CNN's Arwa Damon speaks to children who spend their days scouring dumps looking for things to sell.

Lebanon PM on regional instabilityupdated Fri Feb 22 2013 07:13:40

Najib Mikati on how Syria's civil war is affecting Lebanon, especially its economy.

This week on Marketplace Middle East: 21 Februaryupdated Tue Feb 19 2013 12:55:09

IN FOCUS: IRAQ'S CHILDREN LIVING IN GARBAGE DUMPS

Qatar invests in France amid controversyupdated Fri Feb 15 2013 08:36:23

Qatar is continuing its global spending spree by investing in France -- which is raising concern among some.

Can Qatar revive Greek economy?updated Fri Feb 15 2013 08:33:44

Yves Leterme, Deputy Secretary-General of the OECD, on how Greece can attract foreign investment.

Will Jordan close border to refugees?updated Fri Feb 08 2013 08:18:00

Jordan's Minister of Planning on whether the country will continue hosting Syrian refugees.

Jordan struggles to deal with refugeesupdated Fri Feb 08 2013 08:16:36

Mohammed Jamjoom looks at the financial pressure facing Jordan's economy as it struggles to deal with Syrian refugees.

Tunisia's bubbling unrestupdated Fri Feb 01 2013 08:46:19

Two years after the overthrow of Tunisia's president, the country's economy is still suffering.

Dubai embraces World Expo bidupdated Fri Feb 01 2013 08:43:14

Reem Al Hashimy, the UAE's Minister of State, on Dubai's economy and hopes to host the World Expo in 2020.

A Marshall Plan for the Middle East?updated Fri Jan 25 2013 08:53:47

CNN's Leone Lakhani reports on how the Arab Stabilization Plan aims to rebuild the region after the Arab Spring.

Egypt PM: IMF deal imminentupdated Fri Jan 25 2013 08:50:05

CNN's John Defterios speaks with Egyptian Prime Minister Hesham Kandil about rebuilding the country's economy.

Does Arab World need a Marshall Plan?updated Thu Jan 24 2013 14:06:59

Could a version of the U.S. Marshall Plan stop rebuild post Arab Spring economies and stop the spread of extremism?

Iraq's oil ambitionsupdated Fri Jan 18 2013 09:02:05

CNN's John Defterios speaks with Tony Hayward, the former CEO of BP and CEO of independent energy company Genel Energy.

A game-changer for oil production?updated Fri Jan 18 2013 09:01:17

As new technology allows the U.S. to exploit untouched oil reserves, the country is becoming less dependant on imports.

This week on Marketplace Middle East: 17 Januaryupdated Tue Jan 15 2013 10:56:48

A NEW OIL REALITY

Dubai's dazzling fireworksupdated Fri Jan 11 2013 13:09:19

MME goes behind the scenes at one of Dubai's luxury resorts to get a taste of what it costs to put on a sparkling show.

Egypt's cabinet shuffleupdated Fri Jan 11 2013 11:59:11

Angus Blair, founder of Signet Institute, on how Egypt's political changes will impact the country's economy.

Egypt: Testing the limitsupdated Fri Jan 04 2013 09:38:59

Robert Malley from International Crisis Group on how Egypt's new government can serve all members of society.

Middle East's road to rebuild in 2013updated Fri Jan 04 2013 09:37:49

CNN's John Defterios looks at the new realities for 2013 and speaks with V. Shankar, CEO of Standard Chartered.

Rebuilding after revolutionupdated Fri Dec 28 2012 08:58:13

Ian Lee speaks with Egypt's minister of investment who says the country's economy is set to recover from the revolution.

2012: A year of change?updated Fri Dec 28 2012 08:56:46

CNN's John Defterios looks back at a year of rebuilding after revolution, sanctions and leadership transitions.

Tiffany & Co.: Middle East will deliverupdated Fri Dec 21 2012 11:00:30

Luxury jewelry giant Tiffany and Co. is hoping the Middle East could boost the company's bottom line.

Fishing woes in Gazaupdated Fri Dec 21 2012 10:58:55

The Israeli Navy controls how far out fishing boats from Gaza can venture, but could an ease of restrictions help?

This week on Marketplace Middle East: 3 Januaryupdated Thu Dec 20 2012 12:15:02

THE ROAD AHEAD

This week on Marketplace Middle East: 27 Decemberupdated Thu Dec 20 2012 12:14:25

MME END OF YEAR SPECIAL

This week on Marketplace Middle East: 20 Decemberupdated Thu Dec 20 2012 12:07:58

IN FOCUS: Gaza Fishing Woes

Leading hotel chain expandsupdated Fri Dec 14 2012 06:55:32

John Defterios speaks with Richard Solomons, CEO of Intercontinental Hotels Group, which is expanding in the Middle East.

Middle East targets tourism boostupdated Fri Dec 14 2012 06:53:27

How can the Middle East's tourism sector recover following the Arab Spring? CNN's Ayesha Durgahee reports.

Syrian investments face uncertaintyupdated Fri Dec 07 2012 08:50:12

CNN's John Defterios looks at how Syria's civil war has impacted the country's economy.

Syria's heritage under threatupdated Fri Dec 07 2012 08:49:38

CNN's Fred Pleitgen looks at how Aleppo's old town, a UNESCO world heritage site, could be under threat.

Dubai staging a comeback amid economic gloomupdated Thu Dec 06 2012 11:56:48

Four decades ago it was merely barren desert land. Four years ago it was at the height of an unparalleled economic boom that turned to bust amid the global financial crisis. Today the emirate of Dubai is staging a lively comeback, once again announcing the kind of ambitious plans that made it famous in the first place.

Preserving Port Said's heritageupdated Fri Nov 30 2012 09:08:14

The Egyptian revolution and the subsequent security vacuum have led to an encroachment on Port Said's properties.

Unrest affects Egypt's economyupdated Fri Nov 30 2012 08:59:54

CNN's Reza Sayah reports on concerns over the economic fallout of Egypt's social unrest.

Jordan's energy woesupdated Fri Nov 23 2012 05:36:35

MME takes a look at how economic hardship is turning into political dissent in Jordan.

Cairo's new closing timeupdated Fri Nov 23 2012 05:35:14

hopes to save electricity by reducing the hours shops and restaurants can remain open.

This week on Marketplace Middle Eastupdated Wed Nov 21 2012 13:21:16

IN FOCUS: JORDAN'S ENERGY WOES

BP oil exclusionupdated Fri Nov 16 2012 07:40:48

A diplomatic spat between the EU and Gulf states is starting to impact business in the region. Leone Lakhani reports.

Boosting trade tiesupdated Fri Nov 16 2012 07:31:06

Pascal Lamy, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, on how post-Arab spring economies can boost growth.

This week on Marketplace Middle Eastupdated Fri Nov 16 2012 06:22:50

FACETIME: Pascal Lamy, Director-General, World Trade Organization

This week on Marketplace Middle Eastupdated Mon Nov 12 2012 13:33:04

FACETIME: Dubai Airshow Special

Viacom looks for Middle East growthupdated Fri Nov 09 2012 06:05:38

Viacom, the parent company of MTV and Paramount is targeting the Middle East to boost its 700 million subscribers

China's Middle East trading tiesupdated Fri Nov 09 2012 06:04:48

MME looks at how China is transitioning its leadership and what this could mean for trade relations in the Middle East.

Egypt's economic woesupdated Fri Nov 02 2012 07:17:44

Hisham ElKhazindar, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Citadel Capital, says Egypt's economy still has a long way to go.

UAE tranforms into aviation hub?updated Fri Nov 02 2012 07:02:08

Abu Dhabi plans to invest $500 billion into tourism, culture and industry by 2030. Schams Elwazer reports.

Violence rocks Lebanon's economyupdated Fri Oct 26 2012 14:06:11

CNN's Mohammed Jamjoom looks at how a recent car bombing and sectarian clashes are affecting Lebanon's economy.

Drought dries up Morocco's economyupdated Fri Oct 26 2012 13:16:08

According to the IMF economic growth in Morocco will drop to nearly 3% this year due to a lack of rainfall.

This week on Marketplace Middle Eastupdated Wed Oct 24 2012 12:12:04

IN FOCUS: Agricultural Adversity

Filmmakers inspired by the Arab Springupdated Fri Oct 19 2012 06:19:38

Marketplace Middle East meets the filmmakers who are bringing their Arab Spring experiences to the big screen.

Are Egypt's economic troubles temporary?updated Fri Oct 19 2012 06:14:56

After revolutions and elections, Egypt is slowly re-building their economy, but is it growing fast enough?

This week on Marketplace Middle Eastupdated Tue Oct 16 2012 06:22:10

FACETIME: Osama Saleh, Egyptian minister of investment

This week on Marketplace Middle Eastupdated Tue Oct 09 2012 09:58:34

FACETIME: Luc Ourcel, CEO, Areva

General Electric CEO: U.S. tax policy hurting economyupdated Wed Oct 03 2012 21:18:21

High U.S. taxes and political indecision are hindering the country's economic recovery, the head of General Electric has told CNN.

This week on Marketplace Middle Eastupdated Thu Sep 27 2012 04:51:49

FACETIME: Mehmet Simsek, Turkish finance minister

This week on Marketplace Middle Eastupdated Fri Sep 14 2012 06:54:44

IN FOCUS: MEDICAL TOURISM

This week on Marketplace Middle Eastupdated Thu Sep 06 2012 06:46:57

IN FOCUS: Palestinian credit crunch

This week on Marketplace Middle East updated Thu Aug 30 2012 06:26:15

IN FOCUS: Iran's economy

This week on Marketplace Middle Eastupdated Fri Aug 24 2012 06:02:22

IN FOCUS: Gaza's struggling economy

Gaza tunnel economy hit by clampdownupdated Thu Aug 23 2012 10:43:31

The soft drinks factory in Gaza City is working at half-capacity. For the past seven years production has been intermittent, sometimes stopping altogether -- a hostage to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, power cuts and the vagaries of being reliant on smuggling tunnels.

This week on Marketplace Middle Eastupdated Wed Aug 15 2012 10:47:50

FACETIME: Iyad Malas, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim

Egypt president's tricky game of powerupdated Mon Aug 13 2012 11:32:17

The new President of Egypt is taking the concept of getting work done in the first 100 days in office very seriously.

This week on Marketplace Middle Eastupdated Fri Aug 10 2012 05:37:57

This week Marketplace Middle East focuses on the relationship between Israel and the "new" Egypt.

This week on Marketplace Middle Eastupdated Wed Aug 01 2012 12:41:30

THE MIDDLE EAST AND THE NEW SILK ROAD

This week on Marketplace Middle East updated Tue Jul 24 2012 08:31:58

IN FOCUS: Ramadan Ratings

This week on Marketplace Middle Eastupdated Tue Jul 17 2012 08:55:27

IN FOCUS: From importer to exporter

This week on Marketplace Middle Eastupdated Wed Jul 11 2012 12:06:56

FACETIME: Sukwoo Hong, South Korean minister of knowledge economy

This week on Marketplace Middle Eastupdated Thu Jul 05 2012 06:02:17

IN FOCUS: Burning rubber on the Bosphorus

This week on Marketplace Middle Eastupdated Thu Jun 28 2012 06:43:57

In Focus: Turkey Syria Tensions

This week on Marketplace Middle Eastupdated Thu Jun 21 2012 05:19:45

FACETIME: Russian Railways president Vladimir Yakunin

This week on Marketplace Middle Eastupdated Thu Jun 14 2012 08:56:28

IN FOCUS: Oil Price at OPEC This week Marketplace Middle East is in Vienna, where energy ministers gathered for the 161st OPEC Meeting. Several issues are being discussed, but MME takes a look at one of the most deliberated -- the price of oil.

This week on Marketplace Middle Eastupdated Wed Jun 06 2012 11:45:02

IN FOCUS: Syria On The Brink

This week on Marketplace Middle Eastupdated Tue May 29 2012 11:55:32

IN FOCUS: Beirut's Building Boom Beirut's Zaitunay Bay is one of the latest development projects in the Lebanese capital. The waterfront promenade is dotted with high-end shops and restaurants. So far the project has been a success but in Beirut, domestic and regional instability always looms. MME spoke to one of the developers about the fine line between business opportunity and high-risk investment. FACETIME: Frits Van Paasschen, CEO, President & Starwood, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide While North Africa's tourism industry faces many hurdles due to the Arab Spring, so far it's proving to be a bumper year for the U.A.E. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, the UAE will make $20 billion from holiday makers this year. Starwood Hotels and Resorts is just one company that is seeing the huge potential in the Middle East with plans to build 40 new hotels in the region by 2017. MME sat down with CEO Frits Van Paaschen and asked him about this rapid expansion. Marketplace Middle East airs weekly at the following times (all GMT):

This week on Marketplace Middle Eastupdated Thu May 24 2012 06:41:19

IN FOCUS: Egypt's Economic Concerns Egypt's revolution struck a hammer blow to the nation's economy. More than a year later, the outlook is starting to look more positive with holidaymakers returning to the country. But some in the tourism industry remain worried. They fear the growing influence of Islamists in the government may lead to strict rules like the ban of alcohol. MME takes a closer look at Egypt's wine-making industry. FACETIME: Adel Ali, Air Arabia CEO The UAE is home of the region's first low-cost airline -- Air Arabia. Operations began in 2003 and now other low-cost carriers have come onto the market. Air Arabia now has a fleet of 30 planes despite high fuel costs. MME sat down with the CEO, Adel Ali. Marketplace Middle East airs weekly at the following times (all GMT):

This week on Marketplace Middle Eastupdated Tue May 15 2012 12:53:26

IN FOCUS: Social media in the Middle East Facebook is launching its long-awaited Initial Public Offering this week. With nearly a billion users the social networking site is hoping investors will dig deep to buy a stake in the company that has become a global phenomenon. Recently, the role of social media has increased sharply in the Middle East and, as MME found out, is becoming a crucial part of doing business. FACETIME: Fadi Ghandour, CEO & founder, Aramex Aramex is a global logistics company with its roots in the Middle East. With a revenue of more than $700 million and a presence in more than 60 countries, the company is competing with the likes of Fedex, DHL and UPS. MME sat down with the CEO and Founder Fadi Ghandour to talk about the new areas of growth, his retirement and how social media has affected his business. Marketplace Middle East airs weekly at the following times (all GMT):

This week on Marketplace Middle Eastupdated Wed May 02 2012 09:08:54

FACETIME: Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour, Egyptian Minister of Tourism

This week on Marketplace Middle Eastupdated Thu Apr 26 2012 07:40:18

FACETIME: Moncef Marzouki, Tunisian president

This week on Marketplace Middle Eastupdated Thu Apr 19 2012 04:54:46

IN FOCUS: Abu Dhabi's aerospace ambitions

This week on Marketplace Middle Eastupdated Thu Apr 12 2012 09:54:08

IN FOCUS: Egypt's Shaky Economy All applications are in for Egypt's presidential elections next month. The candidates are vying to lead Egypt on a new path following last year's revolution and they have the economy high on their agenda. But as MME found out, they will have a long way to go before the economy is back up and running.

This week on Marketplace Middle Eastupdated Fri Apr 06 2012 06:45:59

FACETIME: Ahmed El Borai, former Egyptian Minister of Labor Providing employment for the rising number of young people in the region is a huge challenge for governments -- and was the key focus at the 39th Arab Labor Conference in Cairo.

This week on Marketplace Middle Eastupdated Fri Mar 30 2012 08:58:50

FACETIME: Hoshyar Zebari, Iraqi Foreign Minister After years of violence and sectarian tension, Iraq is trying to reshape its image as it hosts its first Arab Summit since 1990. MME sat down with Iraqi Foreign Minister, Hoshyar Zebari who is hoping the event will not only improve the country's standing as a major political player but could boost the economy as well.

This week on Marketplace Middle Eastupdated Thu Mar 22 2012 14:40:32

FACETIME: Saddek Omar Elkaber, Libyan Central Bank Governor

This week on Marketplace Middle Eastupdated Tue Mar 13 2012 11:36:19

FACETIME -- HE Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi. Minister of Foreign Trade, UAE South Korea's National Oil Corporation recently signed a multi-billion dollar deal with the UAE to explore three undeveloped oil fields. Trade between the UAE and South Korea is booming. This week MME caught up with the UAE's Minister of Foreign Trade, Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna Al-Qasimi and asked her about these flourishing trade ties.

This week on Marketplace Middle Eastupdated Fri Mar 09 2012 07:37:43

FACETIME: Ghassan Hasbani, CEO International Operations, Saudi Telecom

This week on Marketplace Middle Eastupdated Fri Mar 02 2012 07:02:06

FACETIME: Samer Khoury, President, Engineering & Construction, CCC

This week on Marketplace Middle Eastupdated Thu Feb 16 2012 08:24:42

FACETIME: Issa Tuwegiar , Libyan Minister of Planning Year 2011 was a tumultuous year for the Middle East region. Libya is on a whole new path after deposing its leader Moammar Gaddafi last year. The country is still suffering from the months of violence that brought its economy almost to a standstill. MME met with the Libyan Planning Minister, Issa Tuwegiar and asked him about the road ahead.

This week on Marketplace Middle Eastupdated Fri Feb 10 2012 10:57:24

FACETIME: Amre Moussa, Egyptian presidential candidate

This week on Marketplace Middle Eastupdated Wed Jan 25 2012 13:13:53

FACETIME: EXCLUSIVE Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal, Chairman, Kingdom Holding Company

This week on Marketplace Middle Eastupdated Fri Jan 20 2012 09:13:21

FACETIME: EXCLUSIVE Ali Al-Naimi, Saudi Arabia Oil Minister

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