Syrian Airlines expands Europe comeback with Vienna, Copenhagen flights Syrian Airlines currently flies to 14 destinations across eight countries, with four additional routes planned. Syria
China warns US not to interfere with Iran trade: What to know China's Foreign Ministry said Beijing was firmly opposed to what it called “illegal unilateral sanctions” and would take “all necessary measures” to safeguard its rights. Iran
Large UAE delegation set to arrive in Lebanon in major investment push A large Emirati delegation of around 70 business leaders and government officials is heading to Beirut, in the latest sign of thaw between the United Arab Emirates and Lebanon. Lebanon
France, Saudi Arabia announce more than $10B in deals on MBS visit Among the deals included a 6 billion euro ($7 billion) pledge from the Public Investment Fund in three manga-themed amusement parks on the outskirts of Paris. Saudi Arabia
Analysis UAE-Iran trade relationship becomes key test of Trump’s wartime strategy By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Lebanon’s acting central bank chief pleads for reform as crisis continues Wassim Mansouri has been urgently calling on the Lebanese government to enact reforms since becoming acting governor of Banque du Liban following the end of the embattled Riad Salameh’s term. Lebanon
Saudi Arabia mulls Chinese bid to build nuclear plant The news will irk Washington, which wants Riyadh to not be able to develop nuclear weapons. Saudi Arabia
Iraq to receive gas from Turkmenistan Iraq is largely dependent on Iran for gas, despite having its own sizable reserves. The relationship has been complicated by US sanctions on Iran, and Iraq is also seeking international help to utilize its gas reserves. Iraq
Fossil fuel subsidies in Middle East nearly doubled since 2020, says IMF The fund said that fossil fuel companies globally benefited from $13 million in subsidies per minute last year. Legacy: Gulf
Turkey’s Central Bank shifts gears, hikes interest rates to 25% The 750 basis point rise was higher than analysts' expectations, prompting lira to rebound from a record low. Turkey
Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE to join BRICS The Shanghai-headquartered New Development Bank, or so-called “BRICS bank”, had already admitted the UAE and Egypt as shareholders. Iran
Israel to export more gas to Egypt as cooperation grows Israeli-Egyptian cooperation on gas matters has increased significantly in recent years, despite Egyptian criticism of Israeli policy towards the Palestinians. Egypt
Turkey’s lira sinks further as currency protection scheme changes Banks are upset with a Central Bank plan to move depositors’ savings out of accounts designed to protect the lira’s value. Turkey
Saudi Arabia's SRMG invests in music streamer Anghami, Spotify’s Middle East rival Beirut-founded Anghami is the most popular music streaming platform in the MENA region, with 120 million registered users, up from 75 million in 2021. Saudi Arabia
Lebanon rolls out waste management project For years, Lebanon's trash has been burned in open dumps, with dangerous environmental and health effects. Lebanon
Energy exploration begins in Lebanon’s offshore field Gas exploration plans in Lebanon’s Mediterranean waters have progressed since the country reached a maritime border deal with Israel last year. Lebanon
Dubai airport surpasses pre-pandemic passenger traffic in first half of 2023 Dubai International Airport welcomed 41.6 million passengers in the first half of the year, which was “just over 100% compared to traffic recorded during the first six months of 2019,” stated the airport authority in a press release. Legacy: Gulf