Pistachios reach highest prices in eight years amid Iran war Pistachio prices rose to around $4.57 a pound in March, their highest since 2018, according to data company Expana. Iran
UAE’s cash request tests US ties as Iran war strains Gulf financial muscle Amid growing economic fallout from the regional war, Abu Dhabi’s bombshell request for a war-time financial lifeline from the United States is less about cash and more about clout — for now. United Arab Emirates
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
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
Egypt’s Sisi: Suez Canal revenue down as much as 50% over Red Sea attacks The decrease in revenue and traffic in the canal due to attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels is exacerbating Egypt’s foreign currency shortage and overall economic crisis. Egypt
South Korea seeks Gulf business boom with new advantages over rivals China, Japan Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Israel’s Ashdod port bounces back from Gaza war setback Israel's Ashdod port is grappling with increased competition, threats from Yemen's Houthis and other regional challenges. Israel
Turkey to play 'important role' in sukuk market despite paused UAE deal Turkey has been looking to shore up financing to help it rebuild its economy after devastating twin earthquakes in 2023 killed more than 53,000 people and cost the country north of $50 billion. Turkey
Analysis Oman’s privatization plan poised to pump out more IPOs Muscat has planned an IPO listing spree and divestment drive for 2024 with the goal of moving from frontier to emerging market status. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Dubai mega-resort axes casino plans amid UAE gambling ambiguity MGM Resorts International said its $2.5 billion mega-project in Dubai will not have a casino, though the United Arab Emirates could allow gambling in the not-so-distant future. Legacy: Gulf
Analysis Germany to import Algerian gas, eyes long-term renewables partnership Berlin needs to convince Algiers that green hydrogen production for export is technically feasible and economically viable. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
How critical is UAE-India trade corridor in countering China & Red Sea tensions? The agreement comes amid continuing Houthi attacks in the sea route that are disrupting global trade, and further indicates strengthening UAE-India relations. Legacy: Gulf
Recovery for ailing Israeli tech sector looks distant David Rosenberg In Tel Aviv, reporting on business and tech
ADNOC, BP form natural gas joint venture in Egypt The British energy major said Wednesday it would contribute its interests in three development concessions and exploration agreements in Egypt to the joint venture. Egypt
Saudi energy minister reveals why Aramco cut oil target by 1m bpd In January, the world's biggest corporate crude producer said it would halt its oil expansion plan and set a minimum sustained production capacity of 12 million bpd, 1 million bpd below its target announced in 2020 to be reached in 2027. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Aramco pivots investment plans as deals beckon in key Asian growth markets Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech