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
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
Analysis Iran's use of 2 UK banks to evade sanctions tests West's financial systems The Financial Times reported earlier this week that Lloyds Bank and Santander UK provided accounts to companies with links to Iran’s intelligence services. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
US sanctions UAE entities for allegedly violating Russian oil price cap The US Treasury Department also moved to crack down on entities buying diamonds from Russia, a key revenue stream for Moscow amid its war against Ukraine. United Arab Emirates
US firm mulls stake in Starbucks Middle East franchise as local competition heats up Apollo Asset Management's reported interest comes after the coffee chain said boycotts related to the Gaza war had hurt its regional business. Saudi Arabia
What’s behind Egypt decision to raise minimum wage, government salaries by 50%? Egypt’s economy has suffered from high inflation for years, and now the spillover from the Gaza war is exacerbating the situation. Egypt
London Metal Exchange to build delivery centers in Saudi Arabia Investors and mining companies are bracing for a wave of exploration licenses awarded in Saudi Arabia after the kingdom nearly doubled its untapped mineral estimate to $2.5 trillion and announced new incentives for miners in January. Saudi Arabia
Gulf-India relations boosted by UAE deals, Saudi Aramco talks India has made deals with the UAE and Qatar recently, and trade between India and the GCC is rising. Legacy: Gulf
Algeria to miss its 2024 food import reduction target amid worsening drought conditions Francisco Serrano In Lisbon, reporting on North Africa business
Saudi inks $3.2B missile defense deal with South Korea as Iran attends expo The World Defense Show has yielded deals between Saudi Arabia and South Korea and may lead to the strengthening of the kingdom’s ties with Iran, the United States and others. Legacy: Gulf