Interview

Qatar’s digital future offers opportunities in AI, energy, says head of US-Qatar Business Council

Talent, not just capital, is key to sustainable growth, says Sheikha Mayes Al Thani.

Sheikha Mayes Al Thani

Managing Director, US-Qatar Business Council

Libya, Turkey deepen economic ties with new trade committee, $5B target

Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat said on a visit to Tripoli that the two countries want to increase their annual trade volume from $3.7 billion to over $4 billion this year and to $5 billion in 2026.

By Jack Dutton

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

China JV wins $1.13 billion contract to relocate Saudi university facilities

The KSU deal marks the latest in a series of large contracts awarded by the Diriyah Company, which is overseeing the city project.

Saudi Arabia

Venezuela’s VP meets emir in Qatar, looks to expand energy ties: What to know

Qatar has demonstrated interest in Venezuela’s recovering oil industry as well as mediation between the US and the South American country.

Qatar

France, Germany, UK to reapply Iran sanctions if US talks fall through: Barrot

US and Iranian diplomats have in recent weeks held three rounds of Oman-mediated talks aimed at reaching a new deal on Iran's nuclear program.

By Jack Dutton

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

China’s Sinopec, Saudi Aramco to establish $4B energy venture: What to know

The joint venture will engage in port operations, crude oil transportation and other activities at the refinery and petrochemical complex in the Gulei Port Economic Development Zone in Zhangzhou, in China's Fujian province.

Saudi Arabia

Qatar, Saudi Arabia to pay off Syria’s $15M World Bank debt: What to know

Both Gulf states have played a key role in the diplomatic outreach of Syria's new government.

Syria

Analysis

Can Egypt’s economic comeback absorb Trump’s global trade shocks? 

Buoyed by foreign investment and cautious reforms, Egypt’s fragile recovery faces a new test from Trump’s tariff-fueled trade turbulence.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Russia agrees to supply Iran with 55 bcm of gas, fund nuclear plant: What to know

Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad is in Moscow this week, meeting with Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev on Friday.

Iran

UK lifts sanctions on Syrian ministries, intelligence agencies

It marks the second raft of sanctions on Syria lifted by the United Kingdom since the toppling of long-time dictator Bashar Al-Assad in December and the formation of a new government.

Syria

Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar face uneven 2025 growth as trade tensions rise: IMF

While Gulf economies face only the Trump administration’s baseline 10% tariffs, the levies have already impacted oil prices and revenue, especially for rentier states like Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia

IMF appoints first Syria mission head in 14 years: What to know

Syria's new government faces the task of revitalizing an economy that has been devastated by 14 years of war and ravaged by international sanctions.

Syria