Newsletter: Business & Tech The race to restore Hormuz US and Iranian negotiators are seeking a lasting agreement on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz as Tehran pushes for long-term control over the strategic waterway. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Trump earns $810M from UAE-backed crypto firm: What to know According to the disclosure, Trump earned $810 million from crypto token sales and sales of interests in UAE-backed World Liberty Financial. United Arab Emirates
Kuwait's Zain eyes $1.5B mobile network in postwar Syria: What to know The Kuwaiti company is planning to invest more than $1.5 billion in Syria after securing a license to operate there, Bloomberg reported Tuesday. Syria
Here's what to know about Iraq's corruption as Zaidi launches crackdown Watchdogs and financial institutions regard Iraq as a significantly corrupt country as the new prime minister works to recover public funds. Iraq
Interview Saudi labor localization will take ‘generation or two': Armada CEO Olivier Badard CEO of Armada Holding
Analysis Why the Hormuz oil shock never became an energy catastrophe By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Explainer Gulf states push incentives for investors, expats after war dents image United Arab Emirates
20% rise in Middle East late-stage venture capital funding despite global decline Startups in the Middle East and North Africa have so far in 2023 reported a 20% year-on-year growth, new data shows, while global funding activity of this type has seen a 49% decline from 2022. Legacy: Gulf
UAE’s Masdar signs sustainable aviation fuel deal with Boeing Several Gulf entities are investing in the bio-based alternative jet fuel, though its development faces several challenges and is not ready for mass use. Legacy: Gulf
Abu Dhabi’s ADQ in talks with Turkey to build railway for trade corridor Amid increasing cooperation between the two countries, an alternative trade corridor is planned linking Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Turkey
Middle East economic growth to fall sharply in 2023, World Bank says The Middle East and North Africa’s gross domestic product is expected to plummet to 1.9% in 2023 from 6% in 2022. Legacy: Gulf
Italy's FM in Saudi Arabia to talk energy partnerships, investments as ties grow The far-right government of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has worked to strengthen ties with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia
Israeli shekel falls to 7-year low of 3.87 against the dollar The shekel’s fall is the latest sign of economic uncertainty amid Israel’s political turmoil. Israel
Saudi Arabia, Russia to extend voluntary oil cuts to tighten supply The announcement from the two most powerful members of the OPEC+ group came hours before ministers from the cartel of oil-producing nations were set to meet virtually on Wednesday. Saudi Arabia
Egypt's economy hit with downgrades as Sisi seeks third term Egypt continues to reel from high inflation, a weak exchange rate and more. Rare protests occurred in the country following President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s reelection bid announcement. Egypt
Eni, Qatar Energy, TotalEnergies bid for Lebanon offshore gas exploration fields The three energy companies, which are already operating in another block in Lebanese waters in the Eastern Mediterranean, submitted their tenders for offshore exploration in blocks 8 and 10. Lebanon
UK, Turkey in talks about third railway project The project follows the UK government underwriting financing in July to support the construction of a 286-kilometer high-speed electric railway in southern Turkey. Turkey
Turkey’s annual inflation exceeds 61% in September Month-on-month consumer prices slightly eased to 4.75% in September, down from 9.09% in August. Turkey
Israel's defense exports on the rise, drone customers up 40% since 2020 Israel’s defense exports have been boosted in part by the normalization of relations with several Arab states. Israel