China slams Trump over economic war on Iran: What to know China’s once significant oil imports from Iran have been impacted by the war in the region and increasing US sanctions. Iran
Trump’s Iran ‘economic D-Day’ threat sends oil prices above $94 In a Truth Social post, the president threatened that any country that provides a financial lifeline to Iran will face "tremendous economic consequences." Iran
Newsletter: Business & Tech UAE-Iran trade freeze raises economic stakes The UAE is a critical trade partner for Iran and has been its largest source of imports for five consecutive years. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Explainer Iraq seeks special Hormuz access from Iran in scramble to keep oil flowing As Iran's parliament speaker holds talks in Baghdad, Iraq has asked Tehran for special consideration for its oil exports. Iraq
Saudi private equity investment peaked at $4B in 2023 amid rising buyouts The kingdom's deep-pocketed sovereign wealth fund was involved in the top three private equity transactions between 2019 and 2023. Saudi Arabia
Oman launches $5 billion 'Future Fund' in sign of economic progress Oman’s economy is improving by some metrics as the Gulf state seeks to diversify. Oman
Switzerland reports violation by Lebanon’s Audi bank in Riad Salameh probe The action by FINMA concerns connections around disgraced former Lebanese Central Bank governor Riad Salameh. Lebanon
Saudi tourism blitz accelerates as Riyadh hopes investors buy the hype Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Middle East sees 23% drop in VC funding: Qatar, Bahrain, UAE hardest hit Qatar saw VC investments tumble by 57% to 43 million QR ($11.81 million), eclipsed only by Bahrain with an 82% drop. Qatar
What's behind Saudi Arabia's decision to host first-ever 'Dragon Ball' theme park The announcement of the park based on the popular Japanese anime show follows the kingdom’s developments in video games and mixed martial arts. Saudi Arabia
UAE eyes Zambia mine as minerals race heats up against Saudi Arabia, China Wealthy Gulf countries are racing against China, Europe and the United States for minerals critical to powering the global green transition. United Arab Emirates
GCC, Turkey launch talks on free trade agreement According to the Turkish trade minister, the new free trade agreement will create one of the world’s largest free trade areas. Turkey
In surprise move, Turkey’s Central Bank hikes interest rates to 50% The move comes after the bank announced last month that it was pausing the hikes. Turkey
With $40B fund, Saudi Arabia looks to become world leader in AI The fund would make the Gulf state the world’s largest investor in AI and help the kingdom realize its Vision 2030 agenda to diversify the economy away from oil. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia offers $182M package, other incentives for mining investors The kingdom is prioritizing the lucrative sector as part of its ambitious Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy away from a reliance on oil. Saudi Arabia
Gaza war tests East Med gas integration and national energy security Gerald Kepes In Washington, DC, reporting on regional energy trends