DUBAI / Reuters Stock markets in the Gulf pulled back on Tuesday as investors turned their attention to an expected US interest rate hike on Wednesday and the upcoming Saudi Arabian state budget for 2017. In Riyadh, the index declined for a second straight session, falling 0.8 percent. Trading volume shrank by roughly half from Monday’s very large amount. …

  Bloomberg Global stocks advanced while the dollar was little changed amid optimism that the Federal Reserve’s expected rate increase signals confidence that the economy is strengthening. Italian equities and bonds surged on bank recapitalization plans. The S&P 500 Index rebounded after halting its longest rally since 2014 on Monday. European stocks reached an 11-month high as Italy’s largest lender …

  DUBAI / WAM The UAE Cabinet launched an expanded World GovTechioneers Race, a three-category annual award designed to acknowledge government technology pioneers who provide global solutions to common global challenges. The award was launched to motivate government entities to promote creative and smart government initiatives and partnerships that would aim to provide innovative, smart solutions to help resolve common …