Al Arabiya business programs offer practical advice on financial matters ranging from personal budgets to investment strategies

"Portfolio" presented by Dina Salem and regular guest, Tarek Al Haffar First Vice President/Investments Global Private Client Merrill Lynch, signals the first ever partnership between Merrill Lynch International and a news channel.

The show highlights current trends in investment and investment tools such as bonds, stocks, hedge funds and private equity and examines the composition of investment portfolios.

Broadcast every Sunday at 17:00 GMT, "Portfolio" is a 30-minute business program that targets well-established investors as well as potential ones. It provides viewers with basic knowledge on asset management while assisting them in making better asset allocation choices with respect to their financial status and risk tolerance level.

The program comprises a series of 12 episodes with the first episode airing on March 13, 2005. A senior high-profile strategist is also hosted in each episode via satellite to discuss 2005 outlook and orientations.

On "Moustasharak al Mali", hosts Osman Ayfarah and Rania Abi Nader welcome a financial advisor every Tuesday at 17:00 GMT to give first-hand knowledge on money matters. First aired on April 16, 2005, the 30-minute light business program offers an introduction to sound financial planning including aspects such as charting personal budgets, planning for marriage, controlling debt and preparing for retirement.