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
Maersk resumes Red Sea passage after two-year halt amid easing Houthi threat A ceasefire reached between Israel and Hamas in October has prompted some shipping companies to consider resuming services, but security concerns persist. Yemen
Analysis How Netanyahu ceded to Trump, agreed to Egypt's $35B gas deal The Israeli prime minister's frustration with Trump administration strong-arming continues, with pressure to sign Egypt gas deal and now a reported push for Sisi meeting. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Israel's Netanyahu approves $35B natural gas megadeal with Egypt Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Israel will sell Egypt natural gas worth $35 billion, in the biggest-ever deal of its kind for the country. Israel
Analysis Iran’s FM Araghchi in Moscow as biting sanctions drive closer Russia ties By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Exclusive Inside Netanyahu’s pressure campaign to block Turkey, Saudi Arabia from acquiring F-35s By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Israel dreads coronavirus outbreak in Gaza So far, the closure has protected the Gaza Strip from the coronavirus, but Israeli specialists estimate that a COVID-19 outbreak there is just a matter of time. Palestine
Coronavirus damages Iraqi economy with fall in tourism, oil prices COVID-19 has harmed both the private and public sectors of the Iraqi economy. Iraq
UAE offers regional road map to deal with Iran Policies on coronavirus, nuclear issues may help recast regional security discussions, complement US policies. Saudi Arabia
Iran’s coronavirus has no politics and can’t be contained UAE, Gulf take proactive steps to get ahead of outbreak, but region is already paying a heavy price. Saudi Arabia
What impact will Lebanon’s looming debt crisis have on its society and economy? Lebanon’s government is still negotiating the issue of Eurobonds maturing next week, with analysts saying that whatever the steps, Lebanon will face an even more agonizing economic downturn. Lebanon
Mountain couriers brave bullets along Iran-Iraq border As the economic crisis deepens in Iran, more people are risking their lives to earn money by transporting goods through the mountains of the Kurdistan region on the Iraq-Iran border. Iraq
Coronavirus puts more pressure on Iran’s already strained economy Amid ongoing economic strain due to sanctions, mismanagement and corruption, the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus presents additional challenges. Iran
Socks for tourists, jobs for refugees in Jordan Two young entrepreneurs in Jordan get women in refugee camps to knit socks for tourists. Jordan
Art, culture victims of Lebanon's economic crisis Lebanon’s cultural organizations, which have long been regional models, struggle to keep their heads above water as economic and political crises deepen. Lebanon
Why is the steel industry in Egypt declining? Egypt's steel industry has generally been lowering prices as a result of an oversupply in inventories and lower raw material prices just as a new steel factory comes online. Egypt
Edelman strikes $6 million deal with Saudis to promote G-20 business summit Saudi petrochemicals company SABIC has hired the Chicago-based PR giant to support this year’s Business 20 gathering in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia
Syrian crossings reopen, freeing up flow of people, goods The closed crossings that have separated Turkish-affiliated forces in Syria from those of the Kurds have reopened, allowing for trade and travel in those areas for the first time in months. Syria
