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
What the Gulf states new unified visa means for Saudi, UAE, other citizens The new Schengen-like visa — allowing seamless travel between members Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates — will be introduced during 2024-25. Legacy: Gulf
Iraq and Turkmenistan make progress toward deal to transport gas via Iran Iraq, currently dependent on Iran for gas and electricity, is seeking to develop its own gas supply as well as import gas from Turkmenistan. Iraq
Analysis Inside ADNOC's and Carbon Clean's plan to capture CO2 on mass scale The British company's new project with the UAE energy major is hoping to address those skeptical about the cost, efficacy and viability of carbon dioxide capture as a climate solution. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
UK sanctions UAE network accused of helping Russia make gold profits The new sanctions announced by the UK Foreign Ministry target 29 individuals and companies operating in and supporting Russia’s gold, oil and strategic sectors. United Arab Emirates
Israel-Hamas war pivotal moment for Abraham Accords Although there are some who believe the Accords could be a casualty of the war, unwinding them isn’t so simple. Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Saudi Arabia’s PIF in talks to inject $250M into Chinese car maker The kingdom is looking to develop its electric vehicle market as its economy diversifies away from oil. Saudi Arabia
Turkey returns to dollar bond market as Erdogan shifts approach The Turkish government has made several fiscal policy changes since the president's reelection in May in an effort to win back investors and address economic problems. Turkey
Oil prices rise after Saudi Arabia, Russia extend output cuts The Kingdom has maintained its oil output cut of 1 million barrels per day since July in an attempt to stabilize the market and prop up prices amid weakened demand. Saudi Arabia
US sanctions UAE, Turkey, China firms for allegedly aiding Russia in Ukraine The move targets the development of Russia’s defense and technology sectors and aims to weaken it in its war against Ukraine. United Arab Emirates
Turkey’s inflation slightly eases in October, remains above 60% Following three months of increases, Turkey’s year-on-year inflation slightly eased last month. Turkey
Turkey raises year-end inflation forecast to 65%, amid economic headwinds The projection has been raised from 58% in July due to weakening global economic activity and oil volatility. Turkey
Israel's economic rebound hinges on a limited conflict A long war with Hamas followed by a re-occupation of Gaza would send Israel into recession and have long-term effects on foreign investment, the government’s fiscal position, and consumer and business confidence. David Rosenberg In Tel Aviv, reporting on business and tech