UAE’s cash request tests US ties as Iran war strains Gulf financial muscle Amid growing economic fallout from the regional war, Abu Dhabi’s bombshell request for a war-time financial lifeline from the United States is less about cash and more about clout — for now. United Arab Emirates
How are Iran-linked tankers still moving through Hormuz blockade? At least 19 Iran-linked tankers have passed through the US blockade on the strait to exit the Gulf while at least 15 have entered, according to the cargo-tracking group Vortexa. Iran
Analysis Gulf energy deals face Iran war stress test as global expansion meets oil shock ADNOC, Aramco and QatarEnergy have aggressively expanded their international portfolios in recent years, a strategy facing new constraints as the US-Israel-Iran war impacts Gulf production and exposes structural risks. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Syria’s Sharaa makes fourth visit to Saudi Arabia, first since Iran war: What to know The visit comes in light of the deepening economic relations between Syria and Saudi Arabia post-Assad. Syria
Analysis Ceasefire without relief: How Iranians are grappling with post-war repression By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Iran war deepens Gaza crisis as prices soar, aid falters By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Despite coronavirus, Suez Canal records high revenues Despite the negative repercussions of the outbreak of the coronavirus on global trade, the Suez Canal took in $5.61 billion in 2020, its third-highest total ever. Egypt
Egyptian-Turkish trade agreement comes under fire A member of the Egyptian parliament called for the need to reconsider the free trade agreement between Egypt and Turkey signed 15 years ago, claiming that it harms Egyptian interests and favors Turkish exporters. Egypt
Egypt concerned UAE-Israeli pipeline project will affect Suez Canal Egyptian officials have been expressing concern over the anticipated competition from the Eilat-Ashkelon pipeline project that would transport Emirati oil to Ashkelon in Israel and from there to European markets. United Arab Emirates
Egypt seeks completion of pan-African road through 10 countries to Cape Town Egypt plans to work with nine other countries to complete the construction of a highway linking the country’s north to Cape Town in South Africa by 2024, with hopes of expanding trade in the African continent. Egypt
How car bombs are making their way into northern Syria As local councils in northern Syria, which is under the control of Turkish-backed rebels, fail to make car dealers obtain licenses and register their offices, chaos prevails in the car market, as car bombs and explosions claim the lives of dozens of civilians. Syria
Post-COVID Mideast economies look to the Gulf and Egypt The region took a hard hit from the pandemic, and it’s far from over, but Egypt and Saudi Arabia are managing better than expected. Regional
Lebanon's PM Diab condemns Tripoli protest violence Protesters demanding an end to the lockdown set fire on Thursday night to several buildings in the impoverished city of Tripoli. Lebanon
Nigerians stuck in Saudi Arabia are flown home Foreigners working in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries have gotten stranded throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Saudi Arabia
Hi-tech rivalry between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh heats up Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman is sparing no effort to lure business from the IT and other sectors in Abu Dhabi to the kingdom. Originals
Iraq's reform budget heads to parliament Parliament is debating the 2021 budget, which is the first budget drafted based on the White Paper for economic reform. Iraq
Egypt’s back on gold production map after loosening mining regulations The gold industry in Egypt has recently witnessed a boom after the Egyptian government amended mining regulations to attract foreign investors, while President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi plans to build a jewelry-making city. Originals
How delays at Sudan’s largest port could actually boost trade with Egypt Analysts expect the four-month suspension in Port Sudan to accelerate the launch of the Transit Trade Agreement between Egypt and Sudan and eventually bring economic and political benefits to Egypt. Egypt
