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
Syrian farmers get much-needed support to confront wheat crisis Several organizations in northern Syria have launched programs to support farmers amid new concerns over flour and wheat supplies in the war-torn country. Syria
Turkey’s growing current account gap exacerbates lira weakness A widening current account deficit, coupled with $181 billion in short-term external debt liabilities and plunging foreign investments, portend further currency woes for Turkey. Turkey
Maritime dispute with Lebanon threatens Israeli natural gas drilling Israel hopes that a solution can be found to the maritime border dispute with Lebanon so Energean can start drilling in the Karish field in the third quarter of 2022. Israel
Egypt to invest in gold, mineral mining Egypt is working to increase the exploration of gold and minerals in the Eastern Desert with the aim of attracting investments in the mining sector. Egypt
Syrian opposition bans wheat exports in response to food crisis The Syrian opposition’s interim government is trying to prevent the smuggling of strategic crops, namely wheat, from its areas of control, amid a global food crisis resulting from the Ukraine war. Syria
Egypt looks to India for wheat to make up losses from Ukraine war A potential deal between Egypt and India to import 500,000 tons of Indian wheat in exchange for Egyptian fertilizers is in the works amid ongoing global wheat shortages. Egypt
Abu Dhabi to cooperate with Chinese province on industry China's Shandong province has signed an MOU with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development. Legacy: Gulf
Calls rise to reactivate Morocco’s only refinery as oil prices soar Activists and opposition parties are calling for Morocco’s SAMIR oil plant to be brought back online after a seven-year hiatus to alleviate fossil fuel import pressure and enhance energy sovereignty. Morocco
Egypt expands water desalination projects as Nile dam talks hit new snag The Egyptian government is seeking to expand seawater desalination projects in the upcoming period, especially in coastal and border cities, by establishing 14 new plants. Egypt
Saudi Arabia, Cyprus set up joint business council Cyprus has important relationships with several Middle Eastern states, including Egypt. Legacy: Gulf
Egypt's gas imports from Israel hit all-time high Gas flows hit a new record in the first quarter of the year and peaked in March, when Cairo purchased above contractual volumes. Egypt
Egypt asks World Bank for $500 million to buy wheat Egypt is asking the World Bank for $500 million to cover its wheat needs in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Egypt