Macron secures Gulf diesel supplies as France grapples with fuel costs, unrest France now has commitments for 295,000 metric tons of diesel per month from the Gulf, accounting for just over 10% of the European country’s consumption. Bahrain
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
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
Grueling Ramadan for Lebanon's Muslims as prices, dollarization bite As all goods are priced in dollars this year, food prices have skyrocketed, making the holy month more burdensome for the Lebanese whose wages are limited while the value of the local currency continues to deteriorate. Lebanon
UAE, Qatar lead Middle East in 2023 global foreign investment ranking The United Arab Emirates sat in the top position among MENA markets and ranked 4th globally. Legacy: Gulf
Culture Tunis, Istanbul top Middle East city rankings for 'mindful travelers' Nine cities from the broader Middle East and North Africa region, including four in Turkey, made it into a ranking of the world's top cities for “mindful travelers." Turkey
Israel, UAE sign customs agreement as Emirati president hosts Naftali Bennett Economic cooperation between the the UAE and Israel remains strong and they have now activated their free trade deal, despite heightened Emirati criticism on the Palestinian issue. Legacy: Gulf
Egypt offers cash for families to control births The Egyptian government intends to pay 1,000 Egyptian pounds to married women with two children or less annually as part of efforts to curb population growth. Tunisia
Iraq marks somber Ramadan amid economic, political crises The holy month used to be a special time for Iraqis, filled with spiritual and social activities. But it has lost meaning due to the ongoing economic crisis and political conflict in the country. Iraq
Elon Musk denies report that Saudi Arabia, UAE intend to invest in SpaceX An arm of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and an Abu Dhabi-based company were reported to be looking to invest in Elon Musk’s SpaceX, according to The Information, which cited people familiar with investor discussions. Legacy: Gulf
This Ramadan, food prices change Egypt's longstanding Iftar customs Surging food prices force Egyptians to strictly stick to the basics ahead of Ramadan. Egypt
UAE, Oman call for bids on $3 billion transnational railway project The move aims to expand the role of the private sector in the state-owned project and promote regional integration, with the project connecting Oman’s Sohar Port with the UAE's National Rail Network. Legacy: Gulf
Kuwait’s Agility awarded $1.65 billion in dispute with Iraq's Korek The Kuwaiti logistics firm accused Korek, which is owned by Kurdish military commander Sirwan Barzani, of using corruption to expropriate its stake. Legacy: Gulf
Gulf asks India to increase flights as GCC, Indian officials meet in Saudi Emirates, Jazeera and Turkish Airlines want India to allow more flights, but Indian authorities told Reuters they have no plans to do so. Legacy: Gulf
