Welcome to your weekly round-up of ZAWYA’s top stories of the week:

Long-term investment: UAE's plan to allow 100 percent foreign company ownership, 10-year visas to boost competitiveness - experts
UAE plans to adopt a new entry visa system that will allow international investors full ownership of companies.

State budget deficit raises risks for Saudi economy
Non-oil revenues grow but expenses jump due to growth in subsidies, debt payments and benefits.

Orascom Construction posts improved margins despite lower revenue
CEO Osama Bishai says company's US operations carry lower risks following substantial completion of fertiliser and methanol plant projects.

Middle East poised to tap private capital for infrastructure projects
Private capital will be to required ease funding pressures arising from fiscal consolidation, according to PwC study.

Arabtec to build new phases of Emaar project in Egypt
UAE-based contractor to build 128 new villas within Emaar Misr's Uptown Cairo project.

Strong and stable: Moody's delivers its verdict on the UAE's financial performance
The UAE’s stable credit profile is reflective of the financial support it receives from the emirate of Abu Dhabi and its large hydrocarbon reserves.

Home improvement: Saudisation rate climbs in insurance sector
Earlier this year, the kingdom added 12 new categories of jobs that are only open to Saudi nationals.

Weekly chart: According to Thomson Reuters data, global mergers and acquisitions have already reached $2 trillion this year.

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Further reading: Check out our special coverage topics this week:
GCC GEARS UP FOR VAT: Guide to the issues involved in the GCC's plan to implement value-added tax in 2018.
TRACKING BLUE-CHIP COMPANIES: Complete coverage of business behemoths and 'blue-eyed' scrips as they whip up storms and make front-page headlines.

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