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
Water stress to remain major driver of social instability, barrier to economic growth in Maghreb Francisco Serrano In Lisbon, reporting on North Africa business
Saudi Arabia offers green bonds in push toward net zero While the move signals that the kingdom understands the global trends toward "green," its impact on climate action will require further steps. Legacy: Gulf
Can floating Egyptian pound kill foreign currency black market? Egypt's latest flotation of its currency may rein in its thriving foreign currency black market, but economists cannot see an end to this market in the near future. Egypt
Saudi Aramco continues to reap big profits The Saudi oil giant has been investing in futuristic technology as it benefits from high oil prices. Legacy: Gulf
Informal ties grow between Israel, Saudi Arabia With the current rift between Washington and Riyadh, every baby step in informal relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia counts. Israel
Israeli cryptocurrency market attempts to catch up with global pace An Israeli crypto firm becomes the first in the country to get a capital markets license. Israel
Middle East countries must do more to recover, say IMF event panelists While oil producing countries are projected to benefit from a windfall due to high energy prices, for others the coming years "will be more challenging than ever." Legacy: Gulf
UAE warns against underinvestment in oil, gas at Abu Dhabi conference The Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference also features more focus on decarbonization and hydrogen. Legacy: Gulf
Lebanon’s Vinifest returns as local wineries face uncertain future The Middle East’s biggest wine industry showcase returns for its 13th edition with its first full physical event in three years, amid Lebanon's harsh economic conditions. Lebanon
IMF loan unlikely to save Tunisia's economy Funds from the global lender of last resort may be too little, too late. North Africa
Saudi Arabia to hold green forums in conjunction with COP27 Saudi Arabia will hold in November the second editions of the Middle East Green Initiative and Saudi Green Initiative summits in Sharm el-Sheikh, on the sidelines of the COP27, in what reflects the growing interest of regional countries to address the effects of climate change. Egypt