Saudi Arabia postpones 'Davos in the Desert' until 2027 amid Houthi attacks The Future Investment Initiative, which typically attracts the CEOs of some of the biggest companies in business, finance, and technology to Riyadh, will now be held next year. Saudi Arabia
Analysis How Hormuz crisis is reshaping economic ties between Iraq and Syria Iraq and Syria are expanding trade and energy cooperation, but security risks, economic challenges and longstanding mistrust raise questions about whether their growing partnership can endure. By Shelly Kittleson In Baghdad, reporting on Iraqi politics
Syria to rejoin Arab group at IMF, leaving Russian-led constituency Syria will rejoin the Arab constituency at the International Monetary Fund beginning Nov. 1 and has applied for membership in the EBRD. Syria
Explainer From Six Kings Slam to FIFAe finals, Saudi Arabia's events derailed by war Some of Saudi Arabia’s flagship events — across sectors including culture, entertainment and sports — have been canceled or postponed following deadly Houthi attacks over the weekend. Saudi Arabia
Qatari royal expands Africa push with $12B in Botswana after $39B in DRC, Zambia A Qatari delegation began a tour of 10 African countries on Aug. 13 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, to explore investment opportunities. Qatar
Sudan restricts gold trade as currency falls: What to know The UAE, historically the largest importer of Sudanese gold, could be affected by the move, and Khartoum is seeking to reduce exports of the commodity to the Gulf state over a dispute related to the civil war. Sudan
Egypt's Sisi, Saudi crown prince discuss Red Sea, Gaza, trade in Neom Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi headed to Saudi Arabia as the two countries continue to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance cooperation on regional and international issues. Egypt
UAE breaks ground on 50 MW solar plant in CAR, expanding Africa footprint Abu Dhabi’s financial footprint has expanded across Africa, making the UAE the continent’s fourth-largest source of foreign capital. United Arab Emirates
Egypt, Japan sign 12 investment deals as Cairo floats industrial zone plan Egypt has been wooing foreign investment as it recovers from its worst financial downturn in over six decades. Egypt
UAE police arrest three suspects in attempted $25M diamond heist Three men were arrested after attempting to smuggle a 21.25-carat pink diamond from Dubai, now a major global diamond hub. United Arab Emirates
Egypt to open four new free trade zones by end 2026: What to know The zones will be in 10th of Ramadan City, New October City, New Borg El Arab City, and New El Alamein City. Egypt
Syria, Saudi Arabia sign mutual investments deal: What to know The deal came during a Saudi-Syrian meeting in Riyadh that was held in continuation of the Syrian-Saudi Investment Forum held in Damascus last month that saw the signing of 47 deals worth $6.4 billion. Syria
Analysis As Trump plays Russia oil sanctions gambit, will Middle East profit or pay? A potential US crackdown on Russian oil buyers could disrupt global trade flows — and the Middle East stands to both benefit and lose. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
UAE looks to boost Russia trade to $23B despite Trump tariff threats The two countries signed a trade agreement focusing on several key sectors, including fintech, health care, logistics, transportation and services. United Arab Emirates
Iran’s president to visit Armenia, China: What to know Tehran is looking to strengthen ties with regional and Asian powers as Western sanctions continue to squeeze its economy. Iran
UAE president heads to Russia to meet Putin as ties grow: What to know UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan is heading to Moscow on Thursday for an official visit, his second in less than a year as Russian-Emirati relations continue to develop rapidly. United Arab Emirates
