Analysis Ports and infrastructure: UAE embraces new economic order in Syria UAE-Syrian ties have moved faster than expected, with Abu Dhabi embracing President Ahmad al-Sharaa and relations shifting from normalization to investment opportunities. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
UAE unveils $5B India investment push during Modi visit: What to know India and the UAE signed deals related to energy supplies and maritime security, further strengthening ties amid the war in the region. United Arab Emirates
Interview UK fintech brings foreign currency accounts to Syrians at home The launch comes as Syria’s new government attempts to stabilize the country’s shattered economy following the January 2025 rise to power of President Ahmed al-Sharaa after the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad.
Uptick in Chinese tankers transiting Hormuz amid Trump-Xi summit President Donald Trump met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday, a meeting closely watched in Iran. United Arab Emirates
Newsletter: Business & Tech Oil supply fears deepen as Hormuz traffic stays thin By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Aramco profits jump 26% as Hormuz disruption chokes supply By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Can Turkey benefit from Europe’s quest to reduce Russian gas? Europe’s efforts to phase down gas imports from Russia might place Turkey at the center of routes for alternative supplies from Azerbaijan and Israel. Turkey
Fourth offshore drilling ship for Turkey en route from South Korea The advanced vessel will join Turkey’s three others in conducting energy exploration in the Mediterranean and Black seas. Turkey
Egypt to have eight months of wheat reserves, says minister The Russian invasion of Ukraine is threatening wheat supplies across the Middle East. By AL-MONITOR Staff
Saudi, Emirati oil prices reach record highs The Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to historically high oil prices. By AL-MONITOR Staff
How Ukraine crisis undermines Turkey's economic program Ankara’s economic program has hit a deadlock under the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, marked by a stream of fuel hikes, canceled tourism bookings and textile orders, and shortage fears in the food sector. Turkey
Turks rush to buy sunflower oil as Ukraine war menaces food prices Despite official assurances over supplies of basic items, a holdup of imports from Russia and Ukraine has already sparked panic buying of sunflower oil. Turkey
UAE partners with US investing firm BlackRock The New York-based BlackRock signed a memorandum of understanding with UAE's global investment platform Investopia. United Arab Emirates
Turkey balks at coal phaseout amid growing energy woes Turkey’s pledge to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2053 has come into question after a major climate meeting ended without a coal phaseout plan. Turkey
Children's education at risk in Lebanon due to economic crisis More than 700,000 kids are at risk of never returning to a classroom due to rising poverty, while thousands have dropped out of school to engage in child labor or get married. Lebanon
Oil prices, Saudi Aramco shares soar as Ukraine fighting continues Saudi Arabia, Russia and other major oil producers have so far declined to increase production despite pleas from the United States. Saudi Arabia
Turkey’s inflation hits 54.4% as Ukraine crisis threatens fresh blows Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is producing fresh headwinds for Turkey’s economy, including further inflationary pressure and looming blows to the country’s tourism sector, a vital source of hard currency revenues. Turkey
Analysis Israel, Egypt tighten energy ties The natural gas pipeline agreement signed in Cairo mid-February has geostrategic importance that extends far beyond financial benefits to Israel. By Danny Zaken In Ma'ale HaHamisha, reporting on Israel