Economy and trade

Iran protests enter second week as Ghalibaf warns of 'foreign' actors

Senior Iranian officials have begun pointing to foreign actors to explain the ongoing nationwide protests.

Iran

Analysis

Mideast nuclear energy goals tested as Turkey, Saudi Arabia eye breakthroughs

Though the region’s nuclear energy boom was supposed to be in full swing by 2025, key projects have all fallen behind schedule or fizzled entirely — but new momentum could be emerging.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Saudi Arabia awards record number of mining licenses in Vision 2030 push

Riyadh estimates the country’s mineral resources to be worth $2.51 trillion.

Saudi Arabia

Analysis

Middle East adapts to Trump’s tech agenda as Gulf AI gamble grows in 2025

This year saw a wave of dealmaking across data centers, chips, critical minerals and AI collaboration as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE eagerly aligned with President Trump’s tech agenda amid sharp swings in US foreign policy.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Turkey eyes offshore energy pact with Syria in 2026 amid East Med isolation

Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar has offered up details on a deal with Syria that could unsettle regional rivals in the gas-rich Eastern Mediterranean.

Turkey

Analysis

From Sputnik to satellites: How China is pulling Egypt and Gulf into its space orbit

Beijing is emerging as a key partner for Middle Eastern and North African states seeking to develop satellites, navigation services and space industries of their own.

By Dale Aluf

In Amsterdam, reporting on China in the Middle East

Analysis

2025: Why Gulf defense megadeals finally met reality

From fighter jet debates to drones and megadeals, Gulf defense planners are shifting from political signaling to tangible results.

By Francesco Schiavi

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

Feature

Cheap oil, tighter finances, wars constrained Mid East economies in 2025

Low oil prices, tighter financial conditions and elevated geopolitical risk hampered growth across much of the Middle East and North Africa this year.

By Jack Dutton

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

Analysis

Egypt’s $35B Israel gas deal buys time, tests fragile energy partnership

The agreement is a critical stopgap as Cairo grapples with domestic power demands, but the last two years have tested Egypt-Israel energy cooperation in unprecedented ways.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Analysis

Iran currency plunges to historic low amid factional blame game

As Iran's judiciary publicly rebukes the central bank over the rial's collapse, the currency crisis is no longer economic and is fast becoming a test of political accountability and regime stability.

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Yemeni ministries declare support for STC campaign as Gulf tensions flare

Yemen's Saudi-backed government criticized the statements in support of the Southern Transitional Council, which is supported by the UAE, as Gulf states deliberate on how to move forward.

Saudi Arabia

Analysis

Gulf finance hubs race to expand as hedge funds flock to Dubai, Abu Dhabi

The Gulf’s top financial hubs have posted another strong year in 2025, with the UAE spearheading a regional push to attract hedge funds, asset managers, crypto and fintech firms as regional neighbors target growth of their own.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech