Large UAE delegation set to arrive in Lebanon in major investment push A large Emirati delegation of around 70 business leaders and government officials is heading to Beirut, in the latest sign of thaw between the United Arab Emirates and Lebanon. Lebanon
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
Newsletter: Business & Tech UAE-Iran trade freeze raises economic stakes By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Oman jumps 39 places on 2024 Economic Freedom Index, UAE ranks 22 Oman's economic reforms are paying dividends, according to the latest Heritage Foundation index on economic freedom. Legacy: Gulf
Yellen urges Israel to ease West Bank’s economic woes Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen called for Israel to reduce barriers to commerce in the West Bank and reinstate work permits for Palestinians that were revoked after Oct. 7. Israel
Saudi Aramco’s oil production pivot signals Riyadh’s embrace of fungible fiscal policy Karen Young In Washington, DC, reporting on regional energy
Qatar’s first VC fund of $1B expected to 'fuel startup ecosystem in region' The program has two objectives: to generate market-level commercial returns for Qataris and to develop a “vibrant VC and startup ecosystem” in line with the country's national development strategy. Qatar
Qatar places major bet on gas as Saudi Aramco scores new find in Jafurah Asian liquefied natural gas prices have fallen to a nearly three-year low as warmer winter temperatures have dampened demand. Qatar
Will the value of the Iranian Rial collapse? Bijan Khajehpour In Vienna, reporting on Iranian politics
Israel’s military exports to India booming, 'unaffected' by war in Gaza Israel has been one of the top military exporters to India over the past decade. Israel
Egypt, UAE sign $35 billion development deal amid foreign currency crunch The deal could help Egypt’s struggling economy and builds on previous Emirati investment in the North African country. Egypt
Iraq reopens major Baiji oil refinery after 10 years of closure The North Oil Refinery was taken by the Islamic State in 2014 and took years to rehabilitate. Iraq
UAE dropped from global watchdog’s illicit finance list in quick turnaround The Gulf country was added to the Financial Action Task Force's grey list in March 2022. United Arab Emirates
UAE, Kenya conclude trade deal talks as Abu Dhabi expands influence in Africa The United Arab Emirates has established economic partnership agreements with 10 countries as it seeks to diversify its oil-based economy. Legacy: Gulf
Morocco-Spain thaw continues with investment pledge, aerospace deal Spain and Morocco have historically been at odds over Western Sahara, migration and territorial disputes. Morocco