IEA delivers grim gas supply forecast as oil notches 15% weekly rise A wave of new LNG supplies will be delayed for at least two years due to war-related damage to Qatari energy infrastructure, according the International Energy Agency's latest market update. Qatar
Why did the Met Opera lose its Saudi funding deal? The deal, announced as a nonbinding memorandum of understanding last September, would have seen the PIF inject up to $200 million into the opera institution over the next eight years. Saudi Arabia
Which airlines are cutting flights amid Hormuz fuel disruption? European and Asian airlines have been most impacted by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which is throttling jet fuel supplies. Iran
How are Iran-linked tankers still moving through Hormuz blockade? At least 19 Iran-linked tankers have passed through the US blockade on the strait to exit the Gulf while at least 15 have entered, according to the cargo-tracking group Vortexa. Iran
Analysis Gulf energy deals face Iran war stress test as global expansion meets oil shock By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Trump crypto partner Tron allegedly used by Hamas, Hezbollah: What we know Financial experts and Israeli authorities say Tron, a partner organization of Donald Trump's World Liberty Financial, is used by the Iran-backed militant groups to transfer crypto assets. Lebanon
Syria's interim PM warns foreign currency shortage could hinder refugee return Nearly 14 years of civil war, international sanctions and the exodus of 4.82 million Syrians have crippled the economy, resulting in a sharp decline of the Syrian pound. Syria
UAE to host world's largest production plant for certain bioplastics The world's largest bioplastic plant will soon become an industry player in Abu Dhabi's free trade zones. United Arab Emirates
Trump Organization to build luxury housing in Saudi capital: What we know The two companies this week will also launch the Trump Tower in Jeddah, the third project between Dar Global and the Trump Organization. Saudi Arabia
Analysis German firm's $14.5M fine not a deterrent for violating Iran sanctions The US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control levied the penalty against Aiotec GmbH, an industrial equipment–sourcing company. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Analysis Growing arms race tests Morocco’s military tech edge, Israel ties Morocco has been steadily building up its military in recent years and in November reports surfaced that the North African country was in talks to acquire Turkish drones. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Bpifrance, Saudi PIF sign $10B financing agreement The five-year agreement will increase collaboration between PIF and Bpifrance Assurance Export, focusing on projects to support Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s plan to diversify the economy away from reliance on oil. Saudi Arabia
Airbus becomes latest multinational to open regional HQ in Saudi Arabia The European plane maker aims to develop local talent and technological expertise in the fast-growing Gulf market. Saudi Arabia
Turkey ends probe into Meta over Threads data sharing Turkey's Competition Board has ended its investigation on Meta after the company agreed to new data-sharing terms for Threads. Turkey
Norway's sovereign fund divests from Israel's Bezeq over West Bank links Norway’s sovereign wealth fund said it has sold all of its shares in Israel’s largest telecoms firm Bezeq, as it provides services to the Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. Israel
Dubai property market prices to rise further next year, Knight Frank says Dubai’s real estate market, which has been booming for the last five years, is predicted to soar even higher. United Arab Emirates
France's Macron eyes defense deals, Lebanon support on Saudi state visit French President Emmanuel Macron will meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for a one-on-one dinner on Tuesday. Saudi Arabia