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
Oil falls 1.8% as traders await 'toughest' sanctions on Iran Traders are awaiting details about new US measures sure to further disrupt Iranian oil flows. Iran
Analysis UAE-Iran trade relationship becomes key test of Trump’s wartime strategy The Gulf state suspended trade with Iran after new attacks in August. Experts point to risks for both sides as the Trump administration seeks to squeeze Tehran economically. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
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
Newsletter: Business & Tech UAE-Iran trade freeze raises economic stakes By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Blackstone, Abu Dhabi's Lunate set up $5B GCC logistics investment platform The new platform will capitalize on the growing logistics sector in the Gulf. United Arab Emirates
Kuwait seeks renewable energy boost as 14 GW power expansion plan takes shape Kuwait, historically lagging in the Gulf’s energy transition, is moving ahead with plans to expand renewable energy amid efforts to banish power crunches. Kuwait
Analysis Egypt’s renewable power jumps 34% as country tackles energy crunch After slow growth scaling up clean energy, Egypt’s renewables push may be gaining traction in 2025 as new projects come online in a welcome development for a country that has grappled with a power crunch since 2023. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
PayPal, UAE's DP World sign MoU to speed digital payments Under the agreement, international transactions are expected to be executed in minutes rather than take up to a week. United Arab Emirates
UAE wealth fund ADIA scoops into $18B Haagen-Dazs owner Froneri The UAE sovereign wealth fund has become a co-investor in Froneri in a deal valuing the global ice cream firm at about $18 billion. United Arab Emirates
Saudi, Chinese companies to develop giant aluminum industrial hub in Riyadh The new industrial base is set to cover 1.5 million square meters and will be developed in two phases, with the first expected to be completed in 30 months and create more than 1,800 jobs. Saudi Arabia
UAE deepens Asia ties as Malaysia, Australia trade deals kick in Asia accounts for around 60% of the world’s gross domestic product and pursuing trade deals there helps the UAE hedge against dependence on both the US and China. United Arab Emirates
What’s next for Saudi Arabia’s budget balancing act as deficit doubles? The Gulf state now expects a deficit of $65.3 billion in 2025 — more than double the initial forecast — as the kingdom continues heavy spending amid weak oil prices. Saudi Arabia
Ryanair scraps Tel Aviv return amid airport dispute, regional instability The Irish low-cost carrier said Tuesday it would not restart winter flights to Israel, scrapping some 22 routes to and from Tel Aviv and around 1 million seats. Israel
After China, Saudi industry minister visits Vietnam in eastward economic push Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef met with a number of Vietnamese officials on Monday as the oil-rich Gulf kingdom looks east to diversify its economic alliances. Saudi Arabia
Iran rial hits record low 1.13M to dollar as UN snapback sanctions resume: What to know The sanctions, which were trigged by the three European signatories to the nuclear deal, will not hinder Iranian oil exports to China, an official said. Iran
Gaming giant Electronic Arts taken private in $55B Saudi-backed buyout The transaction represents a significant deal involving entities close to the Saudi Arabian and US governments. Saudi Arabia