Dearth Of Dividends
Gulf shareholders have traditionally not been shy about pressuring companies into paying generous dividends, but the economic downturn has forced many to limit their expectations.

Broad Footprint
EFG-Hermes has been one of the few financial sector stars during the global crisis but the Egypt-based finance house has ambitions that go much further.

Curbing Cash
Close on the heels of United Arab Bank and National Bank of Umm Al Quwain, having revised downwards their cash dividend pay-outs, Sharjah Islamic Bank is also preparing to prune its cash divided proposed by its board.

Brokers Under Threat
Stock broker say their business has stagnated and blame liquidity shortages and investors' fears, which could lead to many UAE brokerage firms closing for business.