Analysis Russian leak signals Su-35s for Iran moving to production: What to know Recently leaked documents suggest 16 fighters are already on Russian assembly lines, with deliveries slated through 2027. For Tehran, it would be the first meaningful fighter upgrade in decades. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
What role is Jordan playing in Syria's reconstruction? As Syria’s southern neighbor, Jordan is already positioning itself as a logistics hub and diplomatic broker for Syria’s reconstruction. Syria
Iran currency dips to new low of 1.2M per dollar as sanctions bite: What to know Since US President Donald Trump took office in January, the rial has plummeted. Iran
Meloni to attend GCC summit in Bahrain as Italy deepens Gulf ties The summit is expected to focus on economic integration in the Gulf, but regional issues will likely loom just as large, including post-war Gaza and the conflict in Sudan. Bahrain
Analysis US-Gulf critical minerals ties grow in bid to weaken China’s grip on industry By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Deals and data: Saudi Crown Prince brings growing AI ambitions on US visit By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Who is exempt from UAE’s upcoming corporate tax? Government entities, investment funds and others will be exempt from the first-ever corporate tax that will soon take effect in the Emirates. Legacy: Gulf
UNRWA staff in Gaza strike as demands remain unmet UNRWA schools and clinics in the besieged enclave were closed as the agency failed to meet its staff’s demands. Palestine
Analysis In China, Macron eyes bigger role for France on Iran and Middle East On the sideline of French efforts to construct a healthy economic relationship with the Chinese giant, Paris also signals it is willing to cooperate with Beijing on talks regarding Iran's nuclear program. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Inflation hits 33.9% in Egypt as food prices surge Egypt’s Central Bank continues to raise interest rates amid surging inflation, but past rate hikes have failed to alleviate the situation. Egypt
Gulf's economic transformation will drive air traffic, IATA says Kamil Al-Awadhi, the association's Middle East chief, said countries in the region have spurred air traffic by hosting global business, political and sporting events. Legacy: Gulf
Egypt's rate hike viewed with skepticism as inflation persists Economists question the logic behind Egypt's new interest rate hike, especially after previous raises failed to bring the inflation rate down. Egypt
China's emergence as Saudi-Iran broker signals multipolar diplomacy in Middle East As China hosts on Thursday the Saudi and Iranian foreign ministers in Beijing, the Gulf states have an opportunity to capitalize on its growing role. Legacy: Gulf
UAE’s Mohamed bin Zayed calls Israel’s Netanyahu amid tensions The call follows continued rescheduling of Netanyahu’s trip to the UAE and the Gulf state’s criticism of new coalition. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi Arabia sees 'steep decline' in demand for large houses The kingdom's growing younger population is seeking to move out of their family homes earlier to seek jobs elsewhere in the country. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi continues regional reshuffle in hosting Egypt's Sisi, opening to Assad The meeting between President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman comes as Egypt faces a deepening economic crisis and the region witnesses major realignments. Legacy: Gulf
OPEC+ likely to maintain output in light of Kurdish oil dispute Analysts say the OPEC+ alliance is unlikely to cut production and there could be be a oil glut in the second half of 2023. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi's Aramco could list in Hong Kong as China relations warm Aramco's latest deals in the Chinese market are fueling speculation that the Saudi giant could be set to list one of its subsidiary companies on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKSE). Legacy: Gulf
