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
UAE dropped from global watchdog’s illicit finance list in quick turnaround The Gulf country was added to the Financial Action Task Force's grey list in March 2022. United Arab Emirates
UAE, Kenya conclude trade deal talks as Abu Dhabi expands influence in Africa The United Arab Emirates has established economic partnership agreements with 10 countries as it seeks to diversify its oil-based economy. Legacy: Gulf
Morocco-Spain thaw continues with investment pledge, aerospace deal Spain and Morocco have historically been at odds over Western Sahara, migration and territorial disputes. Morocco
Analysis How Red Sea crisis is battering Egypt's manufacturing, textile industries The Suez Canal is a cornerstone of the Egytian economy, providing a vital source of foreign currency for the cash-strapped country. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Saudi tech giant expands investments into China, AI as part of $100B plans Alat plans to invest $100 billion by 2030 to coincide with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 plan to wean the kingdom’s economy off of its reliance on oil. Saudi Arabia
Egypt’s Sisi: Suez Canal revenue down as much as 50% over Red Sea attacks The decrease in revenue and traffic in the canal due to attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels is exacerbating Egypt’s foreign currency shortage and overall economic crisis. Egypt
Israel’s Ashdod port bounces back from Gaza war setback Israel's Ashdod port is grappling with increased competition, threats from Yemen's Houthis and other regional challenges. Israel
In south Lebanon, schools resume classes as displaced shelter inside Hezbollah steps in as municipalities struggle to respond to the growing number of displaced. Lebanon
Back to roots: India, the Arabian Gulf and the reemergence of West Asia Building personal connections with Gulf leaders has proven instrumental for Modi in fostering stronger ties between India and the region. Legacy: Gulf
Brazil’s Lula signs cooperation deals on Egypt visit, will head to Ethiopia next The Brazilian president met his Egyptian counterpart, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, attended an Arab League meeting and is seeking to expand the strong trade ties between the two countries. Egypt
What’s behind Egypt decision to raise minimum wage, government salaries by 50%? Egypt’s economy has suffered from high inflation for years, and now the spillover from the Gaza war is exacerbating the situation. Egypt
London Metal Exchange to build delivery centers in Saudi Arabia Investors and mining companies are bracing for a wave of exploration licenses awarded in Saudi Arabia after the kingdom nearly doubled its untapped mineral estimate to $2.5 trillion and announced new incentives for miners in January. Saudi Arabia
