The Middle East's leading weekly business magazine - The Gulf - has marked the first anniversary of its publication by outlining progressive plans to bolster its coverage of the region.

The acclaimed title can now celebrate 12 months of breaking stories, big name interviews and thoughtful - and often prescient - analysis.

It is gearing up to offer even more to its growing number of readers and online visitors worldwide.

The magazine now boasts dedicated coverage of the latest project and tenders listings, and will shortly launch a website containing up-to-date breaking business and current affairs from this fast-paced region.

The weekly has had no shortage of memorable stories to cover in its first 12 months, as the global financial downturn delivered a reality check to a region that had been enjoying an unparalleled economic boom.

Obama economic adviser Martin Feldstein, Etihad Airways chief executive James Hogan and Saudi Arabia's Prince Turki are just some of the big names featured within its pages in recent issues.

The magazine can boast a growing subscriber base in the major financial capitals of the world, including London, Hong Kong and New York, and is widely available to business class passengers on a growing number of national airlines across the region.

Speaking on the occasion of the title's first anniversary Ronnie Middleton, managing director of the magazine's publisher Al Hilal, said the title had a number of ambitious goals for the year ahead.

'One year on, we are delighted that The Gulf has firmly established itself as a trusted part of the region's media scene.

'Despite the challenging economic climate, we have achieved excellent results in terms of advertising, subscriptions and guaranteed circulation, all of which have justified our decision to launch a weekly business news and analytical publication for anyone with a serious interest in the GCC economies.

'In addition to a rapidly growing subscription base, the magazine has been included in the in-flight libraries of a number of airlines including Emirates, Etihad, Gulf Air and Oman Air, reaching an eclectic mix of business professionals both resident in, and travelling to, the region. The magazine will also shortly be available to Qatar Airway's premium class passengers.

'We are confident that over the next year, The Gulf will become essential reading for greater numbers of those businessmen and women who need to maintain a competitive advantage in one of the world's most vibrant economic regions.'-TradeArabia News Service