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
Pro-government voices call for cancellation of Egyptian megaprojects The Egyptian government is said to be seeking to halt huge construction works across the nation, citing the economic crisis and the repercussions of the Russian-Ukrainian war. Egypt
Qatar seeks to export natural gas to Germany by 2024 Germany wants Qatari gas as an alternative to Russia’s due to the invasion of Ukraine. Legacy: Gulf
Israel high-tech sector looks to Ukraine, Arab world to address labor shortage With a manpower shortage that keeps growing, Israeli high-tech companies are going to great lengths to recruit a quality workforce. Israel
UAE-Turkey reconciliation continues with trade agreement The move follows a currency swap agreement between the two countries and the Turkish president's visit to the UAE. Turkey
Fourth Turkish drilling ship arrives from South Korea Turkey's fourth drilling ship is set to bring the country's drilling fleet to another level. Turkey
UAE-Germany trade up more than 10% in 2021 Entities in the Emirates and Germany have signed several recent energy cooperation agreements. Legacy: Gulf
Egypt raises bank rates again The Central Bank cited rising inflation and price increases due to the war in Ukraine for the move. Egypt
Israeli cannabis industry grows with seeds export to US The seeds from the Israeli crop science firm BetterSeeds are the first in the country to be exported internationally. Israel
Iraqi court annuls food security bill There are rising concerns over food security in Iraq due to the war on Ukraine and the drought, but the agriculture and trade ministries say there is no need to be concerned over the country’s strategic food reserve stocks. Iraq
Turkey’s middle class priced out of home ownership Buying a home has become an elusive dream even for middle-class professionals in Turkey as the country’s economic woes erupt into a perfect storm over the housing market. Turkey
Egyptian startups reimagine mental health services in Arab-speaking world In an attempt to fill some of the most urgent gaps in mental health issues across the region, online platforms have developed tech-enabled alternatives to offer services that are safe, stigma-free and help raise awareness — although concerns about accessibility persist. Egypt