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
NVIDIA to deploy AI across Middle East amid increasing US-China tech tensions It was reported in August 2023 that Washington planned to curb exports of some AI microchips from NVIDIA, as well as from Advanced Micro Devices, beyond China to some unspecified Middle Eastern countries. Qatar
Analysis Is Abu Dhabi Global Market poised to rival world’s leading financial hubs? The Abu Dhabi Global Market, an international free zone in the heart of the UAE capital, is attracting global companies and investors as it looks to become one of the world's leading financial hubs. By Vanessa Ghanem In Dubai, reporting on business, energy and politics
As Houthis sink second vessel, shipping industry calls for Red Sea protection A shipping salvage firm confirmed on Wednesday that the M/V Tutor, a Greek-owned, Liberian-flagged bulk carrier, had sunk after being hit by two Houthi cruise missiles on June 12. The attack killed one crew member from the Philippines. Yemen
Russia, Iran inaugurate Rasht-Caspian Railway: What we know The railway was launched at a ceremony attended by Iran's acting president, Mohammad Mokhber, Minister of Transport and Urban Development Mehrdad Bazrpash, and senior Russian and Azerbaijani officials. Iran
Analysis With China rivalry in mind, UAE's Sheikh Tahnoon hits tech reset in US visit Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the United Arab Emirates’ national security adviser and an influential brother of the country’s president, visited Washington this month. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Dubai, Tel Aviv most expensive for expats in MidEast as Tunis, Ankara rank least Tunis, Algiers and Ankara have a relatively low cost of living for international workers, according to a survey by the consulting firm Mercer. United Arab Emirates
RwandAir CEO says Qatar Airways could acquire 49% stake in July For the past five years, Qatar and Rwanda have been working on a deal that would see Qatar Airways take a 49% stake in RwandAir for an undisclosed fee. Qatar
Why is Saudi Arabia cutting funding, reducing costs on ambitious projects? Saudi Arabia is reevaluating its financial priorities under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ambitious Vision 2030 plan to diversify the nation away from a reliance on oil. Saudi Arabia
From Israel to Iran, Modi 3.0 eyes deepening of India's Middle East ties India refuses to be restricted by its former Cold War commitments; as with any other power or wannabe power, only self-interest matters, and the oil monarchies of the Gulf top India's list of friends in the region. Iran
Houthi attacks caused 90% drop in Red Sea shipping, Pentagon finds The Pentagon’s Defense Intelligence Agency found that the attacks impacted at least 65 countries and forced at least 29 major energy and shipping companies to change their routes. Yemen
Saudi Arabia holds investment summit in Brazil, plans to invest $15B Brazil’s energy minister said Saudi Arabia plans to invest $15 billion in the South American country, bolstering already strong economic relations based largely on mining, meat and oil. Saudi Arabia
Barclays plays down Israel military links as protesters target branches More than 15 branches of the bank across England and Scotland were found with windows smashed and red paint daubed over the buildings as part of a protest calling on the bank to divest from arms companies that sell to Israel as well as from fossil fuel businesses. Palestine