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
Iraq's commitment to OPEC oil reduction won't affect exports Iraq's oil reduction per the recent OPEC+ agreement will not affect the country's revenues, according to Iraq's oil minister. Iraq
Oil prices up after OPEC+ cut Saudi Arabia has been pushing for production cuts due to fluctuations in global oil prices. Legacy: Gulf
Iraq, Jordan launch electrical grid connection project Iraq and Jordan launched a project for an electrical grid connection between the two countries in order to improve Iraq's electricity situation and boost economic ties between the two countries. Iraq
COP27 presents Egypt financing opportunities for sustainable development Egypt is considering dozens of national green and sustainable development projects as part of the government’s plan to adapt to climate change and switch to green sustainable development, as it prepares to host the UN Climate Change Conference. Egypt
Egyptian pound hits nominal record low ahead of IMF deal The global economic storm has put a lot of pressure on the local currency, which nevertheless remains strong against other currencies. Egypt
Inflation in Maghreb will continue to undercut real wages and feed social discontent Francisco Serrano In Lisbon, reporting on North Africa business
Israel, Cyprus to resolve disagreement over maritime gas field Most of the disagreement points between Israel and Cyprus over the joint Aphrodite-Yishai natural gas reservoir have been resolved, and an agreement is apparently imminent. Israel
Is Saudi Arabia changing approach to cryptocurrencies? Although Saudi Arabia seems to be warming to cryptocurrencies, it is unlikely to displace the UAE as the region’s crypto hub anytime soon. Legacy: Gulf
Syria and Iran lower tariffs per free trade agreement Syria and Iran signed a free trade deal more than 10 years ago but are still working out the details. The two countries are not major trade partners despite being political and military allies. Iran
Abu Dhabi port operator signs oil transport deal with Iraqi firm AD Ports Group is seeking to expand its international business, recently making agreements in Egypt and Uzbekistan to this end. Iraq
Turkish inflation passes 83% as Erdogan eyes further rate cuts Despite a galloping inflation topping 83%, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has doubled down on his controversial monetary policy, urging the central bank to cut its policy rate to single digits by the year-end. Turkey
From homes to guesthouses: some Lebanese find ways to survive economic meltdown Despite Lebanon's worst financial crisis since its civil war, guesthouse investment is growing as rural tourism soars, generating much-needed revenue for its cash-strapped citizens and empowering local communities and talents. Lebanon