Analysis US-Iran deal delivers $300 billion controversy, reconstruction questions Under the US-Iran agreement signed on June 17, Tehran stands to receive sweeping sanctions relief, renewed oil sales, access to frozen assets abroad and perhaps the most controversial incentive of all: a proposed $300 billion investment fund. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Interview Franco-Gulf investment holds firm despite Iran war, French official says French investors are reallocating capital toward strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence and technology rather than pulling out of the region altogether. Axel Baroux France’s trade and investment commissioner for the UAE and Middle East
Gulf investment to turn inward to rebuild postwar infrastructure: QNB Charles-Emmanuel de Beauregard, Qatar National Bank’s head of corporate and institutional banking, said that the Gulf countries will need to rebuild their logistics capabilities after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Qatar
Saudi Aramco's VC arm sees boom in emerging technologies, retail Anas Alqahtani, CEO of Wa'ed Ventures, expects strong growth in Saudi Arabia’s emerging technology and retail sectors over the coming years. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Gulf aluminum pursues global deals as Hormuz crisis accelerates shift By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Oman jumps 39 places on 2024 Economic Freedom Index, UAE ranks 22 Oman's economic reforms are paying dividends, according to the latest Heritage Foundation index on economic freedom. Legacy: Gulf
Qatari emir in France to discuss Gaza war, economic deals — and talk Mbappe Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has a wide-ranging agenda on his first state visit to Paris. Qatar
Qatar’s first VC fund of $1B expected to 'fuel startup ecosystem in region' The program has two objectives: to generate market-level commercial returns for Qataris and to develop a “vibrant VC and startup ecosystem” in line with the country's national development strategy. Qatar
Israel’s military exports to India booming, 'unaffected' by war in Gaza Israel has been one of the top military exporters to India over the past decade. Israel
Egypt, UAE sign $35 billion development deal amid foreign currency crunch The deal could help Egypt’s struggling economy and builds on previous Emirati investment in the North African country. Egypt
Turkey’s Fidan set to visit Venezuela and meet Maduro The Turkish foreign minister is set to make his inaugural visits to Venezuela and Mexico in his capacity as his country’s top diplomat. Turkey
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
