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Local, global trends boost Gulf banks as foreign rivals retrench

ABU DHABI/DUBAI (Reuters) - When British banker Michael Tomalin took the top job at National Bank of Abu Dhabi in 1999, the lender had about $9 billion in assets - tiny by global standards - and its operations were largely confined to the oil-rich emirate of Abu Dhabi.Full story

Saudi prince eyes world's big cities for mile-high tower

DUBAI (Reuters) - Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal says he is looking at the world's largest cities, including Shanghai, Moscow, London and New York, as possible locations to build a mile-high skyscraper that would be the world's tallest building by far. Full story

Iran votes for president, Khamenei slams U.S.

DUBAI (Reuters) - Millions of Iranians voted to choose a new president on Friday, urged by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to turn out in force to discredit suggestions by arch foe the United States that the election would be a sham. Full story

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Iran gets 'verbal invitation' to Syria conference: report

Insight: Ahead of vote, 'kidnapped' Iran reformists imprisoned at home

Iranian hardliner drops out of election, narrows field for allies

Analysis: Iran election hopefuls have no quick fix for economy

Property firms form venture for huge Dubai project

Worker rights issues pose a challenge to Gulf building boom

Family: Mother killed in Syria kept many secrets

Bangkok ranked world's top travel spot

Iran's Khamenei says has no favorite to succeed Ahmadinejad

First coronavirus sufferer in France dies in hospital

Video

  Dubai hot spot is Chill Out ice bar

Tourists beat the heat in Dubai's Chill Out ice bar where customers are given jackets, boots and hats as they sit among ice sculptures sipping drinks. NBCNews.com's Dara Brown reports.

  Justin Bieber tackled at concert in Dubai

The teen singing sensation was tackled and knocked to the ground by security after a man rushed the stage during a concert in Dubai.

  Earthquake rocks southeast region of Iran

The biggest earthquake to have hit the country in 50 years was felt as far away as India and Dubai, and there are conflicting reports about the number of deaths. NBC’s Ali Arouzi reports.

  Largest natural flower garden opens in Dubai

Dubai's desert landscape is now home to the world's largest natural flower garden featuring more than 45 million flowers. TODAY.com's Dara Brown reports.

  All aboard: Dubai train turns into a catwalk

Models negotiated their way across a moving train that was used to host a fashion show in Dubai. TODAY.com's Dara Brown reports.

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File photo of the skyline with the Burj Khalifa as ships dock at Port Rashid, in Dubai

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