UAE-Syria move ahead on $20 billion real estate mega-developments Major housing and tourism projects in Damascus and Latakia are set to advance following a new agreement with UAE real estate tycoon Mohamed Alabbar. Syria
Lebanon seeks Turkey’s help to join Syria-Saudi rail link: What to know Beirut is seeking Ankara’s support to link its ports to a railway project aiming to link Turkey to the Gulf, through Syria and Jordan. Turkey
What does Amazon war damage mean for Gulf cloud expansion? Amazon’s cloud computing unit said the damage was sustained to its facilities in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, casting doubt over multibillion-dollar investments in the region. Bahrain
US expands Iran campaign with strikes on oil tankers Airstrikes on Iranian oil tankers mark a subtle tactical pivot after months of periodic bombardment targeting IRGC military infrastructure failed to shut down the IRGC’s attacks in Hormuz. Iran
Analysis Jordan’s water security caught between $5B megaproject, frayed Israel ties Amman's efforts to tackle acute water challenges have delivered breakthroughs in 2025, while progress toward the end of the Gaza war could see revived interest in Israel-Jordan water ties. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Egypt steps up alarm on Ethiopia megadam as Sudan battles floods: What to know Sudan’s government earlier this week warned of high risk of floods across six of the country’s 18 states. Sudan
Iran's nuclear chief in Moscow, eyes nuclear power plant deal with Russia Mohammad Eslami’s visit comes just a week after Russia’s energy minister was in Tehran, and a month after the CEO of Rosatom confirmed ongoing negotiations with Iran to build new nuclear plants in the country. Iran
India weighs options as US ends waiver for Iran’s Chabahar Port: What to know India has been working to develop the strategically important Gulf port for close to a decade, but the move has been complicated by US sanctions on Iran. Iran
Analysis UAE bets big on Pakistan: Abu Dhabi’s infrastructure drive for Asia influence Abu Dhabi is making multi-pronged investments in a broad push into Pakistan’s transport and trade sectors. By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
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
Middle East internet slows after Red Sea cables cut: What to know Yemen's internationally recognized government accused the Houthi rebels of planning to attack underwater cables in the Red Sea in February 2024. Kuwait
Sudan, Egypt FMs urge Ethiopia to change course ahead of megadam launch Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced in July that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam has been completed and will be formally inaugurated in September. Sudan
Syria partners with Nokia to rebuild digital infrastructure after years of war The new Syrian government wants to expand internet access in the country after damage during the civil war and years of underinvestment due to sanctions. Syria
China, UAE are transforming African economies, but on whose terms? China and the UAE are racing to get ahead in Africa’s economic future, each using a different playbook. United Arab Emirates
12 international, local firms bid to operate Iraq's Mosul airport destroyed by ISIS Iraq seeks to develop its air sector now that security conditions have improved in the country, hoping to play a bigger role in regional transit corridors. Iraq
UAE breaks ground on 50 MW solar plant in CAR, expanding Africa footprint Abu Dhabi’s financial footprint has expanded across Africa, making the UAE the continent’s fourth-largest source of foreign capital. United Arab Emirates
