UAE firm’s $1.7B legal threat spotlights Gulf split on Lebanon as Qatar invests Lebanon’s bid to lure Gulf investment into its crisis-stricken economy is facing turbulence as Dubai's Al Habtoor Group threatens legal action over more than $1.7 billion in losses, while Qatar is making an investment push. Lebanon
Syria leans on Jordan, regional gas deals to rebuild energy sector The deal was signed at the Syrian Ministry of Energy between Syrian Petroleum Company and Jordan’s National Electric Power Company, SANA reported. Syria
Qatari, Swiss firms to invest $2.7B in Libya's Misrata port: What to know Libya is seeking to increase its non-oil shipping capacity amid rising oil production and signs of both economic progress and turmoil. Qatar
Saudi Arabia and Qatar ink high-speed rail deal advancing Gulf integration Saudi Arabia is seeking to boost its railway infrastructure, and longstanding efforts to connect Gulf states by train are finally gaining momentum. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Iran’s mismanagement in focus as fires ravage 25-million-year-old forests By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Analysis Iran revives cross-border rail projects in bid to anchor Eurasian trade routes By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
Analysis Water for influence: Turkey moves to ease Iraq's water shortages ahead of elections By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
UN, Turkey and Ukraine discuss grain exports, nuclear safety Turkey and Ukraine sign a memorandum of understanding on reconstruction of Ukrainian infrastructure destroyed by war. Turkey
Iraq starts rebuilding Mosul airport Determined to complete the delayed Mosul airport reconstruction project, Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi is granting the project special exceptions to shield it from corruption and complex administrative procedures. Iraq
Mega projects do little to calm Iraq's housing crisis Despite several mega housing projects launched in Iraq, most notably the Al-Rafeel City project and Bismayah New City in Baghdad, Iraq still needs millions of houses to end the housing crisis. Iraq
Egypt, Saudi Arabia sign agreements on green hydrogen, infrastructure The deals came during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Egypt. Legacy: Gulf
Egyptian students develop luminescent concrete Four Egyptian students created an innovative glow-in-the-dark concrete that can be used to light up highways and roads, as the world faces a growing energy crisis. Egypt
Fatal road accidents in Egypt remain high despite infrastructure improvements While the government’s spending of billions of dollars to develop roads and the transportation infrastructure have reduced accidents in recent years, Egypt still ranks among the top nations in the world for traffic deaths. Egypt
Iraq moves forward with building pilgrim route to Saudi Arabia The Iraqi government is showing interest in completing the pilgrim route linking Iraq and Saudi Arabia, which will facilitate the arrival of religious visitor convoys between the two countries and will enhance trade and political relations. Iraq
Lack of electricity drives sustainability options in Lebanon With Lebanon’s deepening electricity crisis and fuel shortage, many homes and businesses have switched to solar panels to generate electricity due to widespread power cuts from the country’s unpredictable energy sector. Lebanon
Iran, Iraq agree to connect rail networks Both countries pledged to build the Basra-Shalamcheh railway years ago but have yet to do so. News Brief
Egypt builds industrial city in Tanzania Egypt and Tanzania close ties are strengthened further by the inauguration of an Egyptian industrial city adjacent to the Tanzanian capital. Egypt
Egypt, Qatar agreement with Israel, Hamas provides boost for Gaza economy The economic agreement allows $10 million worth of food, fuel and supplies, as well as a boost for salaries. Palestine
Six years later, Egypt begins transfer to new capital President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has directed the government to start the actual transfer to the government district in the New Administrative Capital in December, but observers believe such relocation faces some obstacles. Egypt
