French cement giant Lafarge on trial for ‘funding terrorism’ in Syria: What to know

The French company is accused of funneling millions of dollars via its subsidiary Lafarge Cement Syria to jihadi groups and intermediaries to keep its cement plant operating in northern Syria.

Syria

Malaysia's AirAsia bets Bahrain can fuel Mideast growth, challenging Gulf hubs

The Malaysian carrier signed a preliminary pact with Bahrain to explore establishing the kingdom as its Middle East hub, with plans for dozens of daily flights by 2030.

Bahrain

Analysis

UK chases elusive GCC trade deal that could boost exports, economic links

A new charm offensive at Saudi Arabia's flagship investment conference has fueled optimism that a UK-GCC trade pact, under negotiation since 2022, could soon be completed.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Oil prices fall for 3rd straight month as Saudi-led OPEC+ weighs more cuts

The falling oil prices are being driven further down by China’s slowdown and are affecting Saudi Arabia’s diversification plans.

Saudi Arabia

Uber announces $200M technology center in Turkey: What to know

The new site in Istanbul will join Uber’s other global tech centers located outside the United States in Brazil, India and the Netherlands.

Turkey

UAE’s DP World to invest $5B in India's infrastructure: What to know

The Dubai-headquartered logistics firm has already invested $3 billion into the South Asian nation over three decades.

United Arab Emirates

Billion-dollar AI, clean energy deals headline Saudi 'Davos in the Desert'

Humain, an AI firm backed by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, the PIF, signed a $3 billion deal with AirTrunk, a company backed by US asset manager Blackstone, to build a data center campus in the kingdom.

Saudi Arabia

Newsletter: Business & Tech

Syria’s Sharaa touts rebuilding vision in Riyadh

Syria’s president was one of the headliners at this week's Future Investment Initiative summit, underscoring his country's investment potential as he seeks to woo foreign capital to help with postwar reconstruction.

By Jack Dutton

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

In Saudi Arabia, Sharaa hails 'historic opportunity' for Syria investment

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa touted investment opportunities in his country as he addressed business leaders and officials at the 9th Future Investment Initiative Conference in Riyadh.

Syria

Delta to launch first direct US-Saudi flight as business ties deepen

Beginning in October 2026, Delta will fly from its Atlanta hub to the Saudi capital three times a week on an Airbus A350-900 — a route that will span more than 7,000 miles.

Saudi Arabia

Postwar Syria receives first direct shipment from China: What to know

The commercial vessel Queen Vivian arrived at Tartous Port from China, bringing some 16,000 tons of steel and various equipment, Sana reported Monday.

Syria

Analysis

EU-Egypt summit unlocks over $4B for Cairo as investments beckon

The landmark summit came 19 months after the EU and Egypt signed a 7.4 billion euro ($8.6 billion) strategic and comprehensive partnership aimed at stabilizing the North African nation’s economy and curbing irregular migration to Europe.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech