Arab ministers announce plans to increase productivity by 1% per year, ease mobility of workforce in Arab states.

Survey finds majority of Arabs see 'living in a democratic country' as their first priority.

Women in Gulf states ahead of Saudi counterparts in terms of political participation, freedom.

Attiya calls for firm action against those responsible in assassination of Hamas man in Dubai.

Sheikh Khaled says authorities will take appropriate action allegations of torturing detainees confirmed.

US-based rights group says there is credible evidence security forces have subjected detainees to torture.

Tehran: installing missiles 'new US trick' to empty pockets of rich Persian Gulf countries.

Gulf Cooperation Council states 'sandwiched' between Iran, US as prospects for war increase.

Most of Gulf bourses started to decline on Dubai debt woes after reaching their highest point of 2009 in October.

Gulf Arab leaders stride towards launching their own single currency without UAE, Oman.

Analysts say dollar peg likely to stay in Gulf states despite negative implications on economy.

Central bank governor says administrative plan for monetary union should focus on bloc’s institutional requirements.

Foreign direct investment expected to further decline in 2009 due to global economic slowdown.

Gulf economies expected to see better budgets in 2009 despite international economic slowdown.

Official Bahrain delegation travels to Israel to recover group of pro-Palestinian nationals held by Jewish state.

All Gulf Arab states apart from Oman have so far reported 33 swine flu cases as figure is set to rise.

Gulf kingdom says seven swine flu cases returning from Washington are in quarantine in Manama hospital.

FMs from Oman, UAE attend meeting but refuse to sign on to pact to create joint monetary council.

United Arab Emirates, Oman would not join signing of accord on monetary union by GCC members.

Health ministry reports Bahrain student who returned from New York is first confirmed case of swine flu.