Oil falls below $71 as US-Iran talks continue, Gulf exports rebound Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in an X post on Wednesday that Iran and the United States had made "positive progress." Iran
Newsletter: Business & Tech The race to restore Hormuz US and Iranian negotiators are seeking a lasting agreement on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz as Tehran pushes for long-term control over the strategic waterway. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Trump earns $810M from UAE-backed crypto firm: What to know According to the disclosure, Trump earned $810 million from crypto token sales and sales of interests in UAE-backed World Liberty Financial. United Arab Emirates
Kuwait's Zain eyes $1.5B mobile network in postwar Syria: What to know The Kuwaiti company is planning to invest more than $1.5 billion in Syria after securing a license to operate there, Bloomberg reported Tuesday. Syria
Interview Saudi labor localization will take ‘generation or two': Armada CEO Olivier Badard CEO of Armada Holding
Analysis Why the Hormuz oil shock never became an energy catastrophe By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Iran's oil shipments to China triple in 3 years despite sanctions Iran’s strengthening ties to China have prompted some senators to call for more sanctions. Iran
Analysis UAE rice ban after major exporter India spikes global supply fears The UAE was the world's 16th-largest importer of rice in 2021 and the majority of it came from India. By Salim A. Essaid
Analysis Expiration of Morocco-EU fisheries deal has implications beyond Western Sahara By Olivia Hooper
Tunisia gains economic breathing room with boost from Saudi Arabia, but budget problems linger A $500 million boost from Saudi Arabia is providing short-term relief to Tunisia’s government as it struggles to meet debt obligations and cover the state budget. Stephen Quillen
In a first, Saudi Arabia seals deal with Brazil’s largest miner VBM The Vale partnership will give Riyadh access to assets in Canada, Brazil and Indonesia. Saudi Arabia
UK investment minister: GCC trade deal would develop AI, fintech sectors In 2022, trade between the UK and GCC countries amounted to 33.1 billion pounds ($42.6 million). Legacy: Gulf
Erdogan taps ex-NY Fed official as Turkey's deputy Central Bank head In a major reshuffle, the Turkish president has dismissed all three deputy Central Bank governors as his government ramps up efforts to regain the confidence of Western investors. Turkey
Kuwait to begin drilling in disputed gas field with Iran Kuwait and Saudi Arabia’s dispute with Iran over the Durra gas field is coming amid improved ties between Iran and the Gulf. Legacy: Gulf
Turkey’s Central Bank raises year-end inflation forecast to 58% Turkey’s new Central Bank Governor Gaye Erkan reiterated the bank’s commitment to tighter monetary policy, but maintained that the shift would be gradual. Turkey
Iraqi dinar falls 17% against dollar amid US restrictions over Iran deals The current depreciation follows 14 Iraqi banks being barred from using the dollar amid a crackdown on smuggling to Iran. Iraq
Kylian Mbappe declines Saudi meeting to discuss record $333 million transfer A report from L'Equipe newspaper said that the French captain never considered a move to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
Middle East startups navigate funding crunch as global venture slump deepens A once hot venture market for Middle East startups is cooling amid an enduring global investment slump. Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech