DUBAI, 29 January 2008 — Etisalat announced yesterday the preliminary financial results of 2007 for the period ending on Dec. 31. Net profits reached AED 7.297b, 25 percent growth over 2006 which recorded AED 5.860b. Etisalat also recorded AED 21.340 billion of net revenues for 2007, 31 percent growth over 2006 in which net revenues reached AED 16.290 billion. Total assets also increased from AED 45.9 billion in 2006 to AED 52.4b, with 14 percent growth. Earning per share has seen an increase from AED 1.17 in 2006 to AED 1.46 in 2007. Mohammed Hassan Omran, Etisalat’s chairman, said, “Etisalat’s performance for 2007 has been outstanding, with growth recorded in all major areas. Mobile connections have increased by 15 percent to reach 6.4 million lines. Fixed lines also increased by 3 percent and stood at 1.32 million lines. Internet connections now stand at 878,000 lines.”

DIFX Welcomes MAC as New Member

DUBAI, 29 January 2008 — The Dubai International Financial Exchange (DIFX) yesterday welcomed MAC Capital Ltd. (MAC) as its newest member firm able to trade shares and other securities. MAC’s entry opens a new gateway for regional and international investors to reach the region’s rapidly growing international stock exchange. MAC is the flagship of the MAC Group, a global amalgamation of financial institutions. The MAC Group has already developed a reputation as a specialist in mid-tier cross border transactions, as a leader in UAE equity research and as a prominent equity broker on all UAE markets. Robert W. McMillen, chairman and chief executive officer of the MAC Group, said, “We are thrilled to be invited to become a part of the success of the DIFX and our new membership enables us to provide our clients with a full suite of financial services.

Colored Stones Trade Fair in Dubai

DUBAI, 29 January 2008 — The region’s first-ever dedicated colored stones trade fair will be held in Dubai from Oct. 13 to 15, 2008, the Dubai Multi Commodities Center (DMCC), a Dubai government initiative, announced yesterday. ICA International Gem Fair Dubai 2008, which will be held under the patronage of DMCC, is being organized by the International Colored Gemstone Association and supported by the Middle East GemBureau. Over 150 exhibitors from the region, Thailand, India, China, Hong Kong, Brazil, Australia, US, Germany and Japan are expected at to participate.

Investors Gets Chance to Acquire Property

DUBAI, 29 January 2008 — UAE investors are being given the chance to acquire shared ownership of a unique home described as “the exclusive and exceptional property in the golfing world.” Owners of The Residence, 9 The Links, St. Andrews, Scotland, will travel to Dubai this week to meet investors interested in buying fractional ownership of the freehold for the five-bedroom town house, beside the world’s most famous golf course. Sitting just a few steps from the hallowed turf of the Old Course at St. Andrews, the property has been hailed as “The Royal Box of Golf” because of its magnificent views over the 18th green and first fairway.

Nokia to Acquire Trolltech

OSLO, 29 January 2008 — Nokia and Trolltech ASA yesterday entered into an agreement under which Nokia will make a public voluntary tender offer to acquire Trolltech, a company headquartered in Oslo, and publicly listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. Trolltech is a recognized software provider with world-class software development platforms and frameworks. In addition to the key software assets, its team will play a key role in accelerating the implementation of Nokia’s software strategy. Nokia will offer NOK 16 per share in cash. The board of directors of Trolltech has unanimously recommended that its shareholders accept Nokia’s offer.