Dubai International and the new Dubai World Central Al Maktoum International handled 2.3mn tons of cargo in 2011 which was an  increase on the previous year.

Saudi Arabian Airlines has placed an order for eight Boeing 777-300ERs valued at US$2.4 billion.

Etihad Rail’s plan to borrow US$1.3 billion to finance part of the construction of a nationwide railway network was approved by the UAE cabinet.

Iraq is seeking bidders to compete for a US$450mn monorail project in the southern holy city of Kerbala.

Emirates has announced a 75 per cent additional capacity increase between Dubai and Baghdad from the beginning of February, boosting its services to seven flights per week in a move to support Iraqi business segments.