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
Saudi Aramco, South Korea's Hyundai sign $2.4B contract to develop gas field The contract was signed during South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s visit to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
Bank of Israel leaves interest rates unchanged, citing Hamas war Israel's central bank is concerned with the prospect of an extended war in the Gaza Strip and the depreciation of the shekel. Israel
Analysis Could Israel-Hamas war lead to another winter energy crisis for Europe? LNG spot prices have shot up since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out, but European inventories are at all-time highs. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Oil prices on rise amid Israel-Hamas war, Iran embargo call Oil prices have risen to an extent following the start of the Israel-Hamas war, but further gains may be dependent on how the conflict plays out. Israel
Morocco-UK Xlinks undersea power cable to generate 'real value': Octopus Energy Octopus Energy CEO Greg Jackson said that it would help Morocco fight climate change. Morocco
COP28 could allow oil industry to form coalition to cut emissions: TotalEnergies TotalEnergies CEO and chairman Patrick Pouyanne said that national oil companies as well as public and private ones must join the group. United Arab Emirates
Morocco earthquake reconstruction to test government’s speed of execution The speed and depth of Morocco's $11.7 billion reconstruction following the massive earthquake last month will have a huge impact on the economy and budget over the coming years. Francisco Serrano In Lisbon, reporting on North Africa business
Israeli gas continues to flow despite Gaza conflict, but risks remain A prolonged war might mean less exported gas to Egypt, and in turn less supply for Europe. Israel
Renewable energy industry not ready to shoulder global demand, Aramco says The boss of the world's largest oil company doubled down on investing more in oil and gas, despite Greta Thunberg and other climate activists protesting outside the conference he was speaking at in London. Saudi Arabia
Agriculture, business interests will continue to weigh on Iran’s water sector Bijan Khajehpour In Vienna, reporting on Iranian politics
Qatar pulls out of Manchester United acquisition race The Qatari royal and banker had bid 5 billion pounds ($6 billion) for the British soccer club but further talks last week have broken down, the BBC reported Sunday. Qatar
Oil, gold climb amid Israeli-Hamas war, tighter Russian sanctions One analyst predicts gold could reach $4,000 per ounce by year-end amid uncertainty caused by the Middle East conflict. Israel