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
What we know about Fordow, Iran's secretive nuclear site Israel struggles to hit A recent report indicated that Israel might need US help to hit Fordow, a heavily fortified facility located up to 300 feet underground. Iran
Exodus, shortages and strikes: Tehran reels under weight of Israel-Iran war Israeli strikes on Tehran have continued, prompting evacuation warnings, creating fuel and internet disruptions, and adding to the growing number of residents who are fleeing the capital. Iran
Syria courts Gulf investment with high-level Qatar visit amid $7B energy deal Led by the country’s top diplomat, Syria’s ministers of energy, finance and tourism held a series of meetings in Qatar on Tuesday. Syria
Lebanon's Aoun heads to UAE seeking economic support, reconstruction aid The Lebanese president's visit to the UAE visit marks a bid to rebuild ties and garner financial support for the country's postwar reconstruction efforts. Lebanon
UAE, Pakistan expand cooperation during crown prince's first visit: What we know Pakistan is looking to the UAE for economic help, with recent agreements focused on mining, ports and railways. United Arab Emirates
Interview Coworking offers lifeline to Gaza's tech entrepreneurs as war disrupts jobs The founder of Intersect Innovation Hub calls its coworking project “Palestinian tech resilience at its best.” Rateb Rabi Founder of Intersect Innovation Hub
Turkish ammunition plant explosion kills 11, injures 7 Turkish officials ruled out the possibility of sabotage in the explosion. Turkey
India-Europe corridor, trade top Russian delegation talks in Iran: What we know The visit occurs at a pivotal moment for the evolving partnership and the challenges it faces under international sanctions and scrutiny, coupled with regional dynamics that have seen both sides in graver need of one another. Iran
Analysis Saudi Arabia to pursue two-track approach for Trump presidency Riyadh is likely to compartmentalize business dealings with incoming President Donald Trump separately from its foreign policy engagements, where there is likely to be disagreement. By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
China's Xi Jingping in Morocco as Beijing eyes bigger role in Africa's infrastructure boom Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Morocco on Thursday as China wades deeper into Morocco's transportation and EV industries. Morocco
Even with MBS absent, Saudi Arabia and UAE poised to make deals at G20 Gulf states will look for agreements and trade deals with partners from South America and elsewhere ahead of US President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration in January. United States
Saudi Arabia's NEOM attracts $16B in private financing over 2 years Saudi Arabia's flagship sustainability project has attracted substantial private investments and is looking for more. Saudi Arabia
