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

Sudan restricts gold trade as currency falls: What to know

The UAE, historically the largest importer of Sudanese gold, could be affected by the move, and Khartoum is seeking to reduce exports of the commodity to the Gulf state over a dispute related to the civil war.

Sudan

Turkey's electricity use reaches all-time high in hottest July on record

A report found that Turkish electricity needs are skyrocketing as the climate warms.

Turkey

Saudi Arabia licenses charter operator VistaJet as first foreign airline for domestic flights

The Dubai-based private airline group looks to capitalize on the kingdom's growing super-rich luxury travel market.

Saudi Arabia

12 international, local firms bid to operate Iraq's Mosul airport destroyed by ISIS

Iraq seeks to develop its air sector now that security conditions have improved in the country, hoping to play a bigger role in regional transit corridors.

Iraq

UAE breaks ground on 50 MW solar plant in CAR, expanding Africa footprint

Abu Dhabi’s financial footprint has expanded across Africa, making the UAE the continent’s fourth-largest source of foreign capital.

United Arab Emirates