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
Middle East poised for breakthrough in European energy markets Gerald Kepes In Washington, DC, reporting on regional energy trends
Flydubai suspends flights to Sri Lanka as Emirates, Etihad keep flying Sri Lanka is experiencing mass unrest over its deteriorating economic situation. Legacy: Gulf
Unprecedented inflation hammers Iran Iranians have grown accustomed to high inflation and rising prices, yet recent macroeconomic trends are unprecedented. Iran
Lebanese cook over wood as high gas prices persist Desperation is one of the few commodities Lebanon does not lack as the financial burden of securing necessities such as cooking gas grows heavier. Lebanon
Passenger traffic increases in Beirut airport The Lebanese government is banking on Lebanese abroad to visit the country and spend money amid the continued economic crisis. Lebanon
Egypt’s monthly inflation falls for first time in 2022 The Central Bank of Egypt declined to raise interest rates again last month. Annual inflation is still up from last year. Egypt
Israel likely to see accelerated capital influx, especially from new regional alliances Daniel Frankenstein
Emirati port operator, Uzbek oil company to open trade hub, cooperate on freight Other Middle Eastern states are also seeking better economic relations with Central Asia. Legacy: Gulf
Oil services companies stop work in Iraqi Kurdistan after court ruling Iraq’s supreme court recently ruled that the autonomous part of northern Iraq cannot conduct oil deals independent of the federal government, resulting in significant tension. Iraq
UAE signs free trade agreement with Indonesia after deals with India, Israel The UAE has a similar deal in the works with a South American country next. Legacy: Gulf
Price hikes worsen food insecurity in Palestine Thousands of Palestinian families are facing the threat of food insecurity, as a result of the significant rise in the prices of basic commodities, while officials fail to address the issue. Palestine
Syrians adapt to tumultuous Turkish environment In the decade-old Turkish diaspora, thousands of Syrians have started businesses that fill niches in Turkey and open up new export markets — but economic and political challenges are rising. Turkey