Uptick in Chinese tankers transiting Hormuz amid Trump-Xi summit President Donald Trump met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday, a meeting closely watched in Iran. United Arab Emirates
Newsletter: Business & Tech Oil supply fears deepen as Hormuz traffic stays thin Trump meets Xi in Beijing as Gulf shipping disruptions, oil supply fears and Syria’s reconstruction efforts reshape the regional economy. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Syria restores Raqqa oil field in former ISIS stronghold: What to know Before Syria's civil war erupted in 2011, national oil production stood at between 400,000 and 500,00 barrels per day before falling to under 100,000 bpd during the conflict. Syria
Aramco profits jump 26% as Hormuz disruption chokes supply Aramco CEO Amin Nasser said the market has already lost around 1 billion barrels of oil supply since the US-Israel-Iran war erupted on Feb. 28. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Giant retail companies to shake up Israeli market In an effort to lower prices, the Israeli government is encouraging companies such as Carrefour and AliExpress into the domestic market. Israel
Israeli automotive startups dream of becoming next Mobileye Vying for the same success of Mobileye, which was bought by Intel five years ago for $15 billion, Israeli startups are doubling their efforts to appeal to foreign investors. Israel
Israel considers issuing work permits to Gazan women Israel announced it was considering issuing work permits for women in the Gaza Strip, a move Palestinian official and popular bodies questioned the objectives behind, while many women consider it a step toward financial independence. Palestine
Egypt creates plan to reduce electricity consumption The government's plan to reduce wasted electricity is meant to boost natural gas exports to Europe but is receiving some pushback from domestic users. Egypt
Saudi Arabia strengthens ties with Uzbekistan via wind power, investment deals Uzbekistan’s relations are also improving with the United Arab Emirates and Israel. Legacy: Gulf
Turkey cuts interest rates as Erdogan continues to defy economic wisdom President Recep Tayyip Erdogan continues to lower interest rates to stimulate economic growth as inflation runs rampant in Turkey. Turkey
Oil prices fall to another low Saudi Arabia has benefited from high oil prices this year, though prices appear to be falling somewhat on the back of production increases. Legacy: Gulf
Syria, Iraq form joint business council Relations between Syria and Iraq were poor in the 20th century but have gradually improved in the security and economic spheres in recent years. Syria
Jordan’s tourism revenue triples The increase follows Syrians being able to travel easily to Jordan again. Jordan
Israeli delegation pays rare visit to Indonesia While Jakarta is reluctant to advance diplomatic ties with Jerusalem, there is room to expand trade and economic relations. Israel
Saudi Public Investment Fund acquires shares in Amazon, Google, Uber The sovereign wealth fund led by the crown prince has shown a strong interest in technology such as video games. Saudi Arabia
Emirates launches codeshare deal with Aegean as UAE-Greece ties continue to strengthen The United Arab Emirates and Greece have signed a variety of political, defense and economic agreements in recent years. United Arab Emirates