Maersk resumes Red Sea passage after two-year halt amid easing Houthi threat A ceasefire reached between Israel and Hamas in October has prompted some shipping companies to consider resuming services, but security concerns persist. Yemen
Egypt lands $572M UAE-backed solar deal, expanding Gulf's clean-energy footprint Gulf companies have been increasing their investments in North African renewable energy. Egypt
Newsletter: Business & Tech World Cup spending boosts Morocco stocks This week, Morocco’s stock market surged on 2030 World Cup hype, Egypt secured its first Qatari industrial investment in sustainable aviation fuel, Yemen’s oil-rich south saw renewed conflict, and AI-driven robots are helping the UAE meet construction demands. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Morocco’s markets rise as World Cup spending fuels largest IPO in decades Shares in SGTM jumped by 10% on Dec. 16 after the construction firm raised roughly $550 million from its IPO, underscoring demand in a market that has featured few new listings in recent years. Morocco
Analysis Yemen’s oil heartland fuels new conflict as STC seeks new political power By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Russia and China big participants at Dubai Airshow At this year's event, the UAE is balancing friendly relations with the United States as well as with China and Russia, including via the BRICS alliance. Legacy: Gulf
Tunisia-EU economic links to prevail over political tensions Francisco Serrano In Lisbon, reporting on North Africa business
In first, Bahrain asset manager targets up to $550 million in China yuan fund Gulf buyers have announced 13 acquisitions of public and private Chinese companies so far in 2023, compared to just one in the same period of last year, according to data compiled by LSEG. Bahrain
Turkey reports account surplus amid fiscal policy changes Turkish bonds may also become more attractive, according to a top bank, as Turkey’s new economic leaders raise interest rates and end unpopular policies. Turkey
Emirates, Flydubai top orders at Dubai Air Show as China's J-10 makes debut Middle Eastern carriers were out in full force on the opening day of the five-day air show at Al Maktoum Airport at Dubai World Central. United Arab Emirates
Chevron resumes gas supplies from Israel’s Tamar field after Gaza war halt The US energy giant was ordered to shut down the field for security reasons after the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war. Israel
Can the East Med gas hub remain with Israel at its center? Karen Young In Washington, DC, reporting on regional energy
EU wants COP28 host UAE to contribute to climate fund: report The Bloomberg report comes ahead of the annual UN climate change conference that will kick off in Dubai later this month. The UAE is working to address climate change while also remaining committed to oil and gas. Legacy: Gulf
EU says UAE will restrict certain re-exports to Russia amid Ukraine war The United Arab Emirates has agreed to restrict the re-exportation to Russia of "dual-use" items used for its war in Ukraine, and Turkey is reportedly considering a similar measure. United Arab Emirates
Can food security help forge Iran-GCC ties? Shifting attitudes to food security have the potential to turn the agricultural and food sectors into the main platform for greater trade and investment between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Iran. Bijan Khajehpour In Vienna, reporting on Iranian politics
Emirates Group posts record $2.7B half-year profit as Gulf travel recovers Gulf airlines have largely recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic, though the war in Gaza could threaten tourism in the region. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi Arabia to sign more than $500M in deals with African countries Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih said the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund, will make some “game changing” investments in Africa. Saudi Arabia