Analysis Gulf energy deals face Iran war stress test as global expansion meets oil shock ADNOC, Aramco and QatarEnergy have aggressively expanded their international portfolios in recent years, a strategy facing new constraints as the US-Israel-Iran war impacts Gulf production and exposes structural risks. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Syria’s Sharaa makes fourth visit to Saudi Arabia, first since Iran war: What to know The visit comes in light of the deepening economic relations between Syria and Saudi Arabia post-Assad. Syria
Eurozone's inflation jumps 2.6%, jet fuel shortages loom amid Iran war Inflation has been soaring globally amid an energy supply crunch caused by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran
As US blockades Hormuz, China urges restraint, rejects call to ditch Iran oil Beijing and Ankara called for calm as the US began its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as regional diplomacy over the fragile ceasefire intensifies. Iran
Analysis Ceasefire without relief: How Iranians are grappling with post-war repression By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Iran war deepens Gaza crisis as prices soar, aid falters By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Trump’s tariffs push India closer to UAE as non-oil trade soars 34% UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi says that the two countries are on track to reach $100 billion in non-oil trade by the end of the decade. United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia's PIF buys $2B majority stake in entertainment giant MBC The deal highlights the PIF’s continued expansion into the regional media and entertainment sector in accordance with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 agenda. Saudi Arabia
UAE’s MBZ meets Azerbaijan's Aliyev as Abu Dhabi expands South Caucasus footprint In July, Azerbaijan and the UAE signed an economic partnership agreement and Abu Dhabi hosted peace talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia. United Arab Emirates
Google Pay, China’s Alipay+ launch in Saudi Arabia amid cashless push Both payment platforms will use mada, the kingdom’s national payment system. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Analysis KFC’s Turkey relaunch tests Western brands’ resilience in Gaza boycott era From KFC to Carrefour, the Middle East's consumer brand landscape is undergoing significant shifts as the two-year anniversary of boycotts linked to the Gaza war approaches. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Will Egypt’s cooling inflation, economic growth satisfy IMF ahead of $8B loan review? The IMF is set to send a mission to Cairo this fall to review Egypt’s $8 billion loan program. Egypt
Hong Kong inks agreements with Gulf partners at BRI Summit Some 36 business agreements covering finance, technology, logistics, professional services and education were set to be signed at the event. Saudi Arabia
Saudi firm to pump $700M into economic zone developer in Africa The kingdom's Vision Invest will invest in pan-African developer Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms, which will use the funds to expand across the continent and develop green industrial ecosystems. Saudi Arabia
EU Commission chief seeks sanctions, partial trade freeze on Israel: What to know The proposal comes in response to Israel’s actions in Gaza, but divisions among the EU’s 27 member states make it uncertain whether the measures will be adopted. Israel
China calls on BRICS to boost multilateral trade as Iran, UAE eye closer ties The UAE’s and Egypt’s trade with BRICS members is on the rise, while Iran’s efforts to increase economic ties are complicated by sanctions. China
Cyprus courts UAE amid Greek pressure on subsea cable: What to know The project has been beset with delays due to longstanding disagreements between NATO members Greece and Turkey over territory in the Eastern Mediterranean. United Arab Emirates
India, Israel ink new investment deal: What to know The deal comes just a week after the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin, China, where India signed a declaration condemning Israeli actions in Gaza and Iran. Israel