Economy and trade

India’s Modi eyes closer ties with Jordan, Oman during visits

Modi’s two-day visit to Jordan made investments and economic cooperation a central piece of the talks with Amman.

Jordan

Egypt secures Qatari investment boost, launches first SCZONE industrial deal

Bilateral trade between the two countries rose to $143 million during the first 10 months of 2025.

Egypt

Exclusive

Inside Netanyahu’s pressure campaign to block Turkey, Saudi Arabia from acquiring F-35s

On Dec. 1, Netanyahu met in his Jerusalem office with Frank St. John, chief operating officer of Lockheed Martin, lead contractor for the F-35's production.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

UAE, Russia host first joint business forum despite Ukraine war sanctions

Trade between the two countries is projected to exceed $10 billion in 2025.

United Arab Emirates

Analysis

Russian leak signals Su-35s for Iran moving to production: What to know

Recently leaked documents suggest 16 fighters are already on Russian assembly lines, with deliveries slated through 2027. For Tehran, it would be the first meaningful fighter upgrade in decades.

By Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

What role is Jordan playing in Syria's reconstruction?

As Syria’s southern neighbor, Jordan is already positioning itself as a logistics hub and diplomatic broker for Syria’s reconstruction.

Syria

Iran currency dips to new low of 1.2M per dollar as sanctions bite: What to know

Since US President Donald Trump took office in January, the rial has plummeted.

Iran

Meloni to attend GCC summit in Bahrain as Italy deepens Gulf ties

The summit is expected to focus on economic integration in the Gulf, but regional issues will likely loom just as large, including post-war Gaza and the conflict in Sudan.

Bahrain

Analysis

US-Gulf critical minerals ties grow in bid to weaken China’s grip on industry

Saudi Arabia and the UAE are emerging as indispensable partners to the United States in its efforts to “friend-shore” a strategic sector and supply chains dominated by China.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

UAE showcases global AI ambitions with $1B Africa pledge at G20

The Gulf country is the world's top investor in Africa, with Emirati companies committing $100 billion to projects on the continent between 2019 and 2023, according to data from the Financial Times.

United Arab Emirates

US-Gulf critical minerals ties deepen as Saudis strike rare earths deal

The Nevada-based producer said the new joint venture will develop a refinery capable of processing raw materials from Saudi Arabia and abroad to supply manufacturing and defense industries in both countries.

Saudi Arabia

Analysis

Deals and data: Saudi Crown Prince brings growing AI ambitions on US visit

At the White House, the kingdom's de facto ruler is set to discuss strategic priorities ranging from defense ties to Syria’s reconstruction and beyond — but the visit will also underscore how the US-Saudi partnership is being rewritten for the age of artificial intelligence.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech