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
Dubai supplier to replace coal with natural gas in bid to reduce carbon emissions The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company signed an agreement to provide Dubai with natural gas, which will be used to generate electricity. Natural gas is a relatively clean fuel but does lead to carbon emissions. United Arab Emirates
Israel-Gulf trade flourishes in two years of Abraham Accords Bahrain and the UAE expect that the scope of bilateral trade with Israel will continue to grow significantly in coming years. Israel
With warming of diplomatic ties, Israel, Turkey expect bilateral trade boom Now that diplomatic relations have improved, Israel hopes to increase and expand its exportations to Turkey in fields such as water treatment, smart agriculture and energy. Israel
Egypt to adopt Russian Mir payment system to encourage tourism, trade exchange Russian tourists and companies will be allowed to pay through the Russian Mir system in Egypt ahead of the winter season, which Cairo is hoping will boost its tourism sector. Egypt
Saudi GDP quarterly growth rate reaches 10-year high Saudi Arabia is investing in several sectors in its bid to diversify the economy, but oil remains a major driver of growth. Saudi Arabia
Despite ‘crypto winter,’ digital currency use remains high in Turkey Crypto is down, but not out for dedicated traders, particularly in high inflation markets like Turkey, where digital tokens continue to draw users looking to earn, save and transfer hard currencies. Turkey
Energy, dams boost Egypt’s clout in Africa Egypt has emerged as a regional energy power in recent years and is using its electricity and gas surpluses and experience in building dams to boost its foothold in Africa. Egypt
Oil prices fall following Saudi-backed OPEC+ production cut The decrease in production could be a message from Saudi Arabia to the US over the Iran nuclear deal. Legacy: Gulf
Turkey’s inflation tops 80% as poverty deepens Even though Turkey’s economy continued to expand in the second quarter, the share of payments to employees dropped to the lowest level since Erdogan’s party came to power two decades ago. Turkey
Co-working draws Lebanese amid economic, power crises Several businesses in Lebanon have started utilizing co-working spaces, allowing them to cope with crises by sharing ideas and skills as well as offices. Lebanon
More hurdles could delay opening of Egypt’s new administrative capital The resignations of two executives of the company managing the new administrative capital project in Cairo have raised questions about the project and its feasibility in light of the deteriorating economic situation in the country. Egypt
Is dollarization best option for Lebanon’s collapsing economy? In light of the continued collapse of the Lebanese currency, some are suggesting that the dollarization of the economy may be the best option to revive the country’s financial system. Lebanon