Analysis

As Carrefour retreats in Mideast, can new Gulf superstore brand advance?

Amid rising competition and consumer boycotts of Western companies, UAE-based Majid Al Futtaim has begun pulling French retailer Carrefour from Middle East markets and rebranding outlets under a new name: HyperMax.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Middle East debt issuance near $200B record amid September borrowing surge

A borrowing boom driven by Saudi Arabia and Turkey arrives amid a broader wave of issuances in 2025, underlining the Middle East’s status as one of the busiest and most resilient players in international debt markets.

Saudi Arabia

India weighs options as US ends waiver for Iran’s Chabahar Port: What to know

India has been working to develop the strategically important Gulf port for close to a decade, but the move has been complicated by US sanctions on Iran.

Iran

Trump’s tariffs push India closer to UAE as non-oil trade soars 34%

UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi says that the two countries are on track to reach $100 billion in non-oil trade by the end of the decade.

United Arab Emirates

IEA report: Mideast electricity generation to rise 50% by 2035 as renewables expand

The International Energy Agency said that oil and gas remain the main sources of energy in the Middle East and North Africa, but noted the region’s rising investment in alternatives and renewable energy potential.

By Adam Lucente

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

As EU tries to wean off Russian gas, pipeline imports via Turkey rise

The European Union is importing more Russian gas via Turkey despite efforts to end imports from Russia.

Turkey

Russia’s energy minister in Iran to discuss stalled natural gas deal: What to know

Russia and Iran are strengthening their energy ties amid their growing international isolation.

Iran

Saudi Arabia's PIF buys $2B majority stake in entertainment giant MBC

The deal highlights the PIF’s continued expansion into the regional media and entertainment sector in accordance with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 agenda.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi sports push targets NFL with flag football series featuring Tom Brady

The Public Investment Fund is not yet investing in the National Football League amid restrictions on state entities, but is eyeing flag football as the sport grows in the region.

Saudi Arabia

ADNOC’s XRG abandons $18.7B takeover bid for Australia’s Santos

The consortium led by XRG made an $18.7 billion nonbinding indicative proposal in June to acquire Santos in an all-cash deal worth 8.89 Australian dollars ($5.76) per share.

By Jack Dutton

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

Ben & Jerry's co-founder quits over Gaza battle with owner Unilever

Jerry Greenfield has resigned after 47 years with the company he founded, saying he could no longer “in good conscience” remain an employee of Ben & Jerry’s and that the company had been “silenced” by Unilever.

Palestine

Egypt's Suez Canal Economic Zone posts record $237M revenues

Suez Canal transit revenues declined 54% between July 2024 and March 2025, caused by reduced shipping traffic in the Red Sea amid attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on commercial vessels.

Egypt