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
Brazil to join OPEC+ as Saudi-led bloc agrees to oil cuts Saudi Arabia, which leads the alliance of oil producers, has been instituting voluntary production cuts in an effort to keep prices up. Legacy: Gulf
UAE-China ink multibillion-dollar deals as ties grow The United Arab Emirates and China are major trade partners and have strengthened cooperation in both finance and energy in recent months. Legacy: Gulf
What does Saudi Arabia hosting of Expo 2030 mean for its economy? Winning the rights to host the world fair follows news that the kingdom will likely host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, among several other major events. Legacy: Gulf
Interview IEA calls COP28 'big opportunity' to slash methane emissions In an interview with Al-Monitor, the International Energy Agency's chief energy economist, Tim Gould, said the climate summit should focus on methane as well as climate finance for the developing world. Tim Gould Chief Energy Economist of the International Energy Agency
Unemployment will be true test of Morocco's government policies Francisco Serrano In Lisbon, reporting on North Africa business
Italy and Saudi Arabia in talks for major deals as ties grow under Meloni The government of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, which came into power in October 2022, has been working to deepen ties with energy- and cash-rich states in the Middle East and North Africa. Saudi Arabia
As Israel’s economy slows, investors ask how long will Hamas war go on Despite fears, previous periods of violence in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank showed the Israeli economy emerging stronger on the other side. Israel
Israel-Hamas war looms over Saudi Arabia’s big bets on sports, entertainment and tourism Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Middle East state oil firms ‘should set the tone’ for lowering emissions at COP28, IEA says Chief energy economist Tim Gould said it was “a legitimate expectation that these companies should be doing more” to support the clean transition. United Arab Emirates
Oil & gas industry must not hide behind carbon capture 'illusion,' says IEA Some of the major carbon emitters have ambitious plans to capture greenhouse gases, but those alone won't be enough to help the planet avert a climate crisis, the agency warned. United Arab Emirates
Analysis What does US envoy Hochstein’s trip to Israel mean for Gaza’s offshore gas? Gaza’s offshore gas field could provide revenue to the Palestinians, but the estimated amount of gas in the area is relatively small. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
What’s behind crash of Middle East diesel exports to Europe? The Middle East is now considered a key source of diesel and other types of fuel for Europe after the European Union sanctioned Russia for its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Legacy: Gulf