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
Bahrain's Investcorp buys 50% of Corsair's $4.8B infrastructure business The new entity, Investcorp Corsair, will continue to grow with a particular focus on transportation, logistics and related subsectors, a statement from the two companies said. Bahrain
First commercial brewery to open in United Arab Emirates Previously, the only way a vendor or business could sell beer in the UAE would be if it was manufactured overseas. United Arab Emirates
Analysis What does Jon Rahm’s move to Saudi-funded LIV Golf mean for PGA Tour merger? The star golfer’s move could spur the PGA Tour to move faster in the merger talks with its Saudi-backed rival ahead of the Dec. 31 deadline. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
With 32% trade boost, Turkey eyes Saudi investments amid domestic downturn Trade between the two countries reached $5.86 billion in 2022, a 32.6% increase over the previous year. Turkey
Saudi PIF ups investment in China’s Alibaba-backed tech fund eWTP Arabia Capital invests in energy and technology start-ups across the Middle East, North Africa and Asia. Saudi Arabia
After US, India, UAE, World Economic Forum expects Brazil to enter green coalition India, the UAE and the United States are part of the First Movers Coalition, a green alliance that Rob van Riet, senior adviser at the WEF's Center for Nature and Climate, told Al-Monitor he hoped Brazil will be the next to join. United Arab Emirates
Kuwait, Qatar, UAE telecoms merge assets into $2.2B tower company Three Gulf companies will create a new entity, which has not yet been publicly named, combining around 30,000 tower assets in Algeria, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and Tunisia. Legacy: Gulf
Explainer: Did investors profit from Hamas attack on Israel? The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange said there was no irregular trading after US researchers noted an increase in short volume and interest of some Israeli securities in the days leading up to Hamas’ deadly incursion. Israel
What is behind Turkey’s inflation spike to 61.9% in November? November's consumer prices also rose by 3.28%, data released by the Turkish Statistical Institute showed on Monday. Turkey
Why COP28 will likely end in compromise on phasing down some fossil fuels Karim Elgendy In Woking, reporting on regional politics
How are climate change, water scarcity weighing on Iraq’s agriculture? The Norwegian Refugee Council said farmers are being hurt economically by climate change, and suggested better irrigation techniques and water monitoring technology to improve the sector. Iraq
IMF chief urges governments to increase carbon prices, reduce fossil fuel subsidies Kristalina Georgieva was addressing an audience of business leaders and philanthropists at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai. United Arab Emirates