Higher crude prices and output will likely boost the combined nominal GDP of Gulf oil producers to a record high of more than US$1.1 trillion in 2011 while their economies could fully recover within two years, a semi official study has said.

Cemena Holding Company, a Middle East and North Africa (Mena)-based cement holding company, yesterday said it has signed an agreement with Sinoma CBMI Construction Company Ltd., a subsidiary of Sinoma Group, to commence construction of a cement plant in Syria.

Drake & Scull International (DSI) has announced its partnership with Zamil Group Holding Company in Saudi Arabia.

Qatar is intending to set up a new electricity plant with a capacity of up to 5,000 megawatts by 2016 in order to meet rising energy demands according to a senior official from Qatar Electricity and Water Company (QEWC).

ABB has signed an agreement with Kuwait's central power and water utility, to provide maintenance services related to the Doha East power station and the Shuwaikh desalination plant.