Syria exports first oil in 14 years after sanctions lifted: What to know

The shipment marks a major step forward for Syria, which has been embroiled in a civil war for 14 years and under Western sanctions for more than four decades.

Syria

Egypt, Turkey ink investment deals with China on SCO Summit sidelines

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan were in China for the two-day summit.

Egypt

Analysis

Arid Gulf states pursue global water deals, leveraging desalination expertise

After becoming leaders in domestic water desalination, Gulf states are spotting opportunities to generate lucrative returns by exporting their know-how in a world facing growing water pressures.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Analysis

Gulf rail boom rumbles on as 2030 deadline for regional network nears

From 100 million metro riders in Riyadh to a new Oman-UAE railway, Gulf states are pouring money into train transport — but plans for a regional rail network are still taking shape.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Amid Trump tariffs, UAE, Singapore to form trade group of small nations

The new group, the Future of Investment and Trade Partnership (FIT-P), is expected to include around 10 countries, with the UAE, Singapore, and New Zealand being founding members.

United Arab Emirates

Syrian airline Fly Cham launches flights to UAE’s Sharjah as ties warm

The United Arab Emirates is relatively bearish on Syria’s Islamist government, though ties are advancing both politically and economically.

By Adam Lucente

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Iran's currency plunges below 1M against dollar as E3 triggers snapback sanctions

Iran's struggles with inflation and the depreciation of the rial could be compounded by Europe reimposing sanctions over the nuclear issue.

Iran

ACWA Power, TAQA among Saudi firms backing Syria's energy comeback

Some 14 years of civil war have wiped at least $800 billion from the country’s gross domestic product, according to UN figures.

Syria

Egypt secures $220M from domestic, Gulf, Chinese investors for solar project

Foreign investment from three countries comes at a pivotal time in Egypt’s recovery from its worst financial crisis in over six decades.

Egypt

Newsletter: Business & Tech

From oil to investment: Saudi in China

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih arrived in China on Sunday, heading a senior delegation of government officials and leading business figures during a multiday visit. 

By Jack Dutton

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

Germany inks $408M arms deal with Israel despite pledge to curb exports over Gaza

Though the new deal involves imports rather than exports, it has raised questions about the broader consistency of Germany’s defense policy, as Berlin has sought to distance itself from Israel’s actions during the Gaza war.

Israel

Abu Dhabi’s Lunate buys stake in UK hedge fund, launches $2B investment arm

With $1.7 trillion in sovereign wealth, Abu Dhabi has long sought to establish itself as a global financial hub.

United Arab Emirates