Qatar PM arrives in Venezuela on first trip since Maduro’s ouster: What to know Qatar is moving to shore up ties with Venezuela as the US seeks greater control over the South American country’s oil revenues. Qatar
Analysis Egyptians in for another expensive Ramadan despite recovering economy Egyptians tend to spend more during the Islamic holy month relative to the rest of the year, but high inflation and low wages have reduced their purchasing power. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Exclusive Direct Turkey-Armenia land trade to begin amid US-led Caucasus peace push New transit arrangement via Georgia cuts re-export costs, marking accelerating normalization between Ankara and Yerevan amid broader US-led peace efforts. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Meet Fahad Al-Saif, PIF exec and Saudi Arabia's new investment minister Saif previously led investment strategy at the kingdom's sovereign wealth fund and has held senior roles at the Saudi Awwal Bank and HSBC Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Why Algeria's nixing of UAE air deal is more diplomatic than economic By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Israel's Elbit clinches $53M deal to sell mortar systems to Europe Between 2019 and 2023, Israeli weapons constituted 2.4% of the global market, massively reshaped by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and increased imports by European countries. Israel
Dubai crowned wealthiest city in Middle East, home to 72,500 millionaires The number of individuals in Dubai with liquid investment wealth — assets that can be readily converted to cash — of $1 million or more increased by 78% between 2013 and 2023 to 72,500, according to a report. United Arab Emirates
Turkey and Kuwait sign six deals as Erdogan hosts country's Emir The Kuwaiti emir traveled to Turkey for his first foreign visit to a non-Arab country since he took the oath of office in December. Turkey
KFC, Pizza Hut profit in Middle East cut by half amid Gaza war boycotts Americana Restaurants said the decline was due to the “ongoing geopolitical tensions” in the Middle East and the effect of the Ramadan period. Israel
As it seeks to rival China and Pakistan, India sets its sights on Oman trade deal The agreement could serve as a "strategic lever" for New Delhi to expand its influence in the Middle East. Oman
UAE’s non-oil revenues hit by April floods, but quick recovery expected The seasonally adjusted S&P Global UAE Purchasing Managers’ Index fell to 55.3 points in April, still indicating growth, but had been at 56.9 the previous month. United Arab Emirates
UAE, Ukraine conclude trade deal talks, Emirates to help post-war reconstruction Ukraine’s bilateral trade has sharply fallen since Russia invaded the country in February 2022. United Arab Emirates
Can $20B Iraq Development Road project rival India-Middle East corridor? A new trade route is in the works to connect the Gulf with Europe along the Development Road, starting in Iraq. Iraq
Chipotle opens restaurant in Kuwait, its first in Middle East The Mexican-style food chain’s entry into the Middle East comes as Western brands in the region deal with the effects of Gaza war-related boycotts. Kuwait
As Iran, Israel trade fire, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan try to forge stability As Prince Faisal bin Farhan made his way to Pakistan with a high-powered delegation to discuss energy and economic ties, tension in the Middle East overshadowed the discussions. Saudi Arabia
EU releases another $1.06B to Egypt to boost fragile economy The European Union's latest package of support for the North African country's economic recovery follows an $8 billion deal announced March 17. Egypt
Lufthansa extends Tehran flights ban as Iran-Israel tensions flare The Middle East remains on high alert after a suspected Israeli airstrike killed seven senior Iranian commanders in Damascus April 1. Iran
