Iraq has asked international oil companies (IOCs) to shut down their offices in Dubai, through which the use to run their oil operations in Iraq as a way to rein in their budgets. Oil companies helping Iraq develop its massive fields have to clear their spending with Baghdad each year, including staffing costs. They are then repaid with income from Iraq's exports of crude produced from existing fields. Oil majors such as Royal Dutch Shell, BP, Total, and Lukoil, who all operate Iraqi oilfields, have their regional offices in Dubai. (Reuters)