Analysis Can a UAE-backed Syria-Iraq corridor become Gulf's next trade route? On June 26, Emirati and Syrian officials discussed plans for a logistics corridor connecting Syrian ports to Gulf markets via Iraq. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Syria launches gas project with Saudi firm in latest Gulf energy partnership The project is the latest in a series of Gulf-backed investments aimed at rebuilding Syria's energy sector after the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Syria
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
Large gas field discovery brings Egypt closer to energy hub goal A newly discovered gas field is making Egypt's energy exporter hub vision more of a reality. Egypt
Morocco, Tunisia to face bloated energy costs over 2023-2024 Francisco Serrano In Lisbon, reporting on North Africa business
Aramco, TotalEnergies invest $11 billion in new oil complex in Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia’s Aramco and French TotalEnergies will build a major new facility in Saudi Arabia’s Jubail. Legacy: Gulf
Turkey’s economic growth loses steam as elections near President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has persistently prioritized economic growth but might face the risk of stagnation ahead of Turkey's crucial elections next year. Turkey
Gulf central banks raise interest rates after Fed move Many Gulf nations have mirrored the US Federal Reserve’s decisions on interest rates all year. Israel and Egypt have also raised rates, but Turkey has been cutting — despite skyrocketing inflation. Legacy: Gulf
World Bank says debt increasing in Middle East countries Egypt, Iran and Turkey’s debt rose significantly last year. Legacy: Gulf
UAE's Ports Group expands footprint in Sudan The agreement allows the Abu Dhabi-based logistics giant to operate ports in Sudan and will contribute to the UAE’s growing influence on the African continent. Legacy: Gulf
Egypt’s trade with Nile Basin countries jumps amid Ethiopia dam crisis Cairo’s exports and imports with the region increased substantially in 2021, but they still represent a small portion of the total and growth remains uneven. Egypt
Drug shortage adds to Tunisia’s woes In light of the successive crises facing Tunisians, pharmacies across the country are suffering drug shortages, which the authorities are unable to resolve. North Africa
UAE-Ukraine trade deal would shore up Middle East food security The goal is to ultimately secure "all aspects of the international food production supply chain." Legacy: Gulf
Egypt’s non-oil private sector records two years of contraction The last time the Purchasing Managers Index, which offers insight into the private sector, recorded expansion in Egypt's economy was back in November 2020. Egypt