Access: Middle East

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• Expansion of For-Profit Education Company Sparks Debate

  

  A Dubai-based for-profit education company GEMS Education is planning a major global expansion as it seeks to secure a larger share of what it believes is a $3 trillion global market, but those expansion plans have also raised questions about the role of for-profit companies.

• World Cup Pie: Why Some Want a Bigger Slice

  

  Qatar's billion-dollar spending spree in preparation for the 2022 World Cup is bringing fresh business to companies of most shapes and sizes. But the chief executive of Doha Bank is calling on the government to take a more active role to ensure "equal opportunity".

• As Currency Sinks, Egypt Eyes IMF Deal

  

  Egypt's crisis-stricken economy may get a fresh infusion of confidence with a senior International Monetary Fund (IMF) official due in Cairo on Monday to resume discussions about a much-needed $4.8 billion loan.

• The US Has a Trust Problem in the Persian Gulf

  

  Governments in the Gulf region of the Middle East worry the uptick in U.S. production could fuel broader regional disengagement.

• Access Middle East: Part One - Philippe Ghanem 

  

  In just two years, ADS Securities has become a major player in the region, trading in forex and commodities for a global clientele. In an exclusive interview with CNBC, Philippe Ghanem, Vice-Chairman and managing director of ADS Securities, talks long-term strategy, and why Abu Dhabi makes sense.

• Access Middle East: Part Two-Philippe Ghanem 

  

  ADS Securities is branching out, moving into bonds and other forms of investments. Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Philippe Ghanem tells CNBC more about the clients and where he sees the global economy in 2013.

• Access Middle East: Part Three- Philippe Ghanem. 

  

  With its focus on building-up trading volumes, ADS Securities has put a major emphasis on finding the right technology. CNBC takes you inside the company's nerve center with Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Philippe Ghanem.

• Investors Cashing in on Middle East Forex Trade

  

  With the rising tide of stricter regulation in traditional financial centers, more investors from around the world are now using the Middle East to trade in foreign currencies and commodities. A number of players are also jumping on the opportunities brought on by regional investors seeking higher returns amid a lackluster performance in equity and fixed-income markets.

• Access Middle East Part One - James Hogan 

  

  At a time when many carriers have been forced to tighten their belts, Etihad Airways has been expanding aggressively. James Hogan, President and CEO of the Abu Dhabi flag carrier tells CNBC what's driving the expansion.

• Access Middle East Part Two - James Hogan  

  

  Etihad Airways has been on an acquisition spree, buying up minority stakes in other airlines. The firm¿s President and CEO, James Hogan, details the company's strategy.

• Access Middle East Part Three- James Hogan 

  

  In an exclusive CNBC interview, James Hogan, President and CEO of Etihad Airways, responds to criticism of the partnership agreement with football club Manchester City, and points out his top travel tips.

• In Gulf Carrier Power Grab, Etihad Is Set on Growth

  

  At a time when Gulf carriers have effectively redrawn the balance of power in the aviation industry, Etihad Airways is showing no signs of slowing down its global expansion. And part of that strategy remains focused on buying minority equity stakes in other airlines, the company’s President and CEO, James Hogan, told CNBC’s “Access: Middle East.”

• Access Middle East: Part Three- New Media  

  

  Tapping into the region's digital generation is both a challenge and an opportunity for media content providers. Robert Kyncl, head of global content for YouTube, Fahad Khan, founder of One Public, and Saad Mohseni of the MOBY Group provide some additional perspective.

• Access Middle East: Part Two- New Media  

  

  As CNBC looks at the risks and opportunities facing the media industry in the Arab World, Princess Rym Ali of Jordan, founder of the Jordan Media Institute (JMI), shares her views on the rise of social media.

• Access Middle East: Part One- New Media  

  

  The revolution in digital technology is posing a major challenge to traditional forms of media. CNBC looks at the regional implications with Alec Ross, senior advisor for Innovation at the US State Department, Parag Khanna, director at the New America Foundation and media scholars Zahera Harb and Matt Duffy.

• Social Media Giants Leap Into Arab World

  

  Popular social media platforms including the likes of Twitter and Facebook were pushed further into the limelight with the onset of the Arab Spring. The increased adoption of powerful communication tools holds prospects for businesses to grow, while keeping the pressure on regional governments to liberalize, analysts have told CNBC.

• Access Middle East: Part One- Riad Kamal 

  

  From the iconic Burj Khalifa to the largest women's university in the world, Arabtec Construction projects dominate Gulf city skylines. In an exclusive interview with CNBC, Riad Kamal, chairman of Arabtec Construction, explains why Dubai had to suffer 2009, and what the growing influence of Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund Aabar means for the company.

• Access Middle East: Part Two- Riad Kamal 

  

  Arabtec Construction has been involved in many of the Dubai's most iconic projects. The company's chairman, Riad Kamal, reveals how the world's tallest building came to be and shows CNBC some of the latest works in progress.

• Access Middle East: Part Three-Riad Kamal  

  

  In an exclusive interview, Riad Kamal chairman of Arabtec Construction tells CNBC that the company's revenues derived mostly from Gulf projects in 2011 and while Arabtec Construction is looking to grow by at least 15 percent per year, for now, that expansion is going to focus more on the region rather than beyond.

• Despite Dubai Recovery, Some Firms Look Beyond Burj

  

  Dubai’s recovery is happening, at least that’s what stakeholders and data points are showing. And yet, for some an overreliance on Dubai before the crisis means that if one lesson has been learned, it’s that more geographical diversity is key.