Syrian airline Fly Cham launches flights to UAE’s Sharjah as ties warm

The United Arab Emirates is relatively bearish on Syria’s Islamist government, though ties are advancing both politically and economically.

By Adam Lucente

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Iran's currency plunges below 1M against dollar as E3 triggers snapback sanctions

Iran's struggles with inflation and the depreciation of the rial could be compounded by Europe reimposing sanctions over the nuclear issue.

Iran

ACWA Power, TAQA among Saudi firms backing Syria's energy comeback

Some 14 years of civil war have wiped at least $800 billion from the country’s gross domestic product, according to UN figures.

Syria

Egypt secures $220M from domestic, Gulf, Chinese investors for solar project

Foreign investment from three countries comes at a pivotal time in Egypt’s recovery from its worst financial crisis in over six decades.

Egypt

Newsletter: Business & Tech

From oil to investment: Saudi in China

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih arrived in China on Sunday, heading a senior delegation of government officials and leading business figures during a multiday visit. 

By Jack Dutton

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

Germany inks $408M arms deal with Israel despite pledge to curb exports over Gaza

Though the new deal involves imports rather than exports, it has raised questions about the broader consistency of Germany’s defense policy, as Berlin has sought to distance itself from Israel’s actions during the Gaza war.

Israel

Abu Dhabi’s Lunate buys stake in UK hedge fund, launches $2B investment arm

With $1.7 trillion in sovereign wealth, Abu Dhabi has long sought to establish itself as a global financial hub.

United Arab Emirates

UAE president makes first-ever visit to Angola as part of Africa push

The UAE president’s visit to Angola, his first, marks a major step in the already strong relations between the two nations.

United Arab Emirates

Analysis

Middle East demand for US debt soars to $400B in turbulent year

The first half of 2025 saw regional investors boost holdings of US Treasuries to record levels, led by the UAE, Israel and Kuwait, as markets digested turbulence from President Trump's trade agenda.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Analysis

Turkey to end costly $60B currency-protection scheme — for now

Ankara could soon close the book on a monetary intervention launched to defend the lira in 2021, the latest pivot back to more conventional economic policies following the country's 2023 presidential election.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

From Kuwait to Turkey, why are countries cracking down on Roblox?

The fast-growing gaming platform has been banned in countries including China, Iran, Oman, Qatar, and Turkey.

Kuwait

Qatari royal expands Africa push with $12B in Botswana after $39B in DRC, Zambia

A Qatari delegation began a tour of 10 African countries on Aug. 13 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, to explore investment opportunities.

Qatar