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
Starbucks feels Gaza boycott heat, cuts sales forecast as BDS targets Chevron The two companies are being targeted by campaigners over perceived support for sides in the Israel-Hamas war. Israel
Gaza war brings sharp rise in Israeli defense procurements David Rosenberg In Tel Aviv, reporting on business and tech
Why has Saudi Arabia ordered Aramco to halt its plan to raise oil production? The move may be simply a cost-cutting strategy, or it could be driven by a new, less optimistic outlook from the world's largest crude producer on future oil demand. Saudi Arabia
Who are the Iranians sanctioned by US, UK for murder plots against dissidents? One of the plots culminated in the 2019 assassination of Iranian government critic Mas’ud Vardanjani in Istanbul, according to a statement by the US Treasury Monday. Iran
Analysis Egypt's tourism boom offers respite from foreign currency woes, Gaza war Egyptian tourism revenues and the number of holidaymakers visiting reached record highs in 2023 but will unlikely be enough to cure Cairo’s financial problems. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Boeing crisis opens door for Airbus to win new Middle East deals Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis UAE-backed fund's planned Telegraph takeover raises press freedom fears Members of parliament and former state security figures have raised concerns about what it would mean for an entity with close ties to a foreign government to own one of the United Kingdom’s most influential newspapers. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Egypt to give Cairo's historic downtown major facelift The project is part of a wider plan to develop Cairo’s downtown area to boost tourism and the economy. Egypt
Turkey’s Central Bank raises interest rates to 45% A pause in hikes will follow, ahead of upcoming local elections in March, when Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is looking to regain control of key cities. Turkey
What does Sisi-Putin latest nuclear plant deal mean for Egypt, Russia? Egypt is hoping nuclear energy will help meet its substantial power needs as Russia eyes a greater nuclear foothold in the region. Egypt
What does Saudi's first-ever alcohol store say about new Gulf culture? Alcohol-free 'mocktails' are also becoming increasingly popular across the region. Saudi Arabia