What to know about Iran's 'Persian Gulf Strait Authority' to control Hormuz traffic The establishment of an entity seeking to control maritime transportation in the Strait of Hormuz is the latest sign that Iran wants to formalize authority in the strategic waterway. Iran
Egypt ramps up energy investments amid war-driven price pressures Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said Wednesday that Egypt has secured commitments exceeding $19 billion from international oil companies over the next three years. Egypt
Newsletter: Business & Tech Brent dips on Hormuz, Iran deal optimism Energy markets swing on Iran deal hopes as Hormuz disruption drives global costs higher. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Few ships pass Hormuz despite US efforts to break Iran's hold Only four commercial vessels had transited the strait in the 24 hours before Tuesday morning, according to ship-tracking data. Iran
Analysis MENA wheat importers face food security risks as Hormuz crisis festers By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Egypt, Japan sign 12 investment deals as Cairo floats industrial zone plan Egypt has been wooing foreign investment as it recovers from its worst financial downturn in over six decades. Egypt
Serbia, Slovenia still buying Israeli arms despite embargo: What to know The Elbit Systems deal with Serbia is one of the largest in the company’s history, second only to a $1.7 billion agreement to modernize the Hellenic Air Force’s training program in Greece. Israel
Egypt to open four new free trade zones by end 2026: What to know The zones will be in 10th of Ramadan City, New October City, New Borg El Arab City, and New El Alamein City. Egypt
Syria, Saudi Arabia sign mutual investments deal: What to know The deal came during a Saudi-Syrian meeting in Riyadh that was held in continuation of the Syrian-Saudi Investment Forum held in Damascus last month that saw the signing of 47 deals worth $6.4 billion. Syria
Analysis Egypt’s stocks boom 20% as global investors bet on economic turnaround Powered by banking, tobacco and building companies, the North African country's EGX30 index has soared to new records in August. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Diverging Gulf bets: PIF exits US tech stocks as Mubadala reshuffles portfolio During a quarter in which US stocks began surging toward record highs, two of the Gulf's most influential investors took different approaches to the market. United Arab Emirates
China expands auto investment in Egypt with $1B Suez tire plant Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said the project aligned with his country’s strategy to localize the automotive industry and manufacturing supply chains. Egypt
Saudi Ferrari among $9.4M in cars seized during London 'supercar season' Dozens of supercars were seized by London police last week during a popular time for the world's wealthy vehicle owners to tour the city. Saudi Arabia
Norway's wealth fund vows to stay invested in Israel after selling shares in 11 firms In a press conference on Tuesday, the fund said it had sold the stake in Bet Shemesh Engines Ltd, a group that provides services to the Israeli military, including the maintenance of fighter jets. Israel
Analysis As Trump plays Russia oil sanctions gambit, will Middle East profit or pay? A potential US crackdown on Russian oil buyers could disrupt global trade flows — and the Middle East stands to both benefit and lose. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Landmark $18.7B Santos-ADNOC takeover delayed: What to know Santos said in a statement that the due diligence period, initially set for six weeks, has been extended until Aug. 22. United Arab Emirates
$35B gas deal underscores Egypt’s energy reliance on Israel despite Gaza tensions Israel and Egypt have finalized a $35 billion gas deal that will double Israeli gas exports by 2029, highlighting Cairo’s growing energy dependence on its neighbor, even as political tensions rise over Gaza. Egypt