What Netanyahu win or loss could mean for Israel’s economy Economic concerns have taken a back seat to security as voters weigh Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s future — but rising deficits, cost of living and politically charged issues will be a challenge for whoever eventually prevails. Israel
Qatar locks in US LNG through 2054 as it looks beyond Hormuz The Gulf state agreed to buy up to 4 million tons of US liquefied natural gas annually through 2054. Qatar
China-Saudi consortium wins $306M World Cup stadium deal: What to know The project is a vote of confidence to Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030 agenda to diversify the economy away from oil, despite an uptick in attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on the kingdom in recent weeks. Saudi Arabia
Newsletter: Business & Tech Saudi economic ambitions under strain Saudi Arabia postponed its flagship investment conference, known as “Davos in the Desert,” on Monday as Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels continued attacks on the kingdom. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Gulf oil exports surpass prewar levels despite escalating tanker attacks By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Mubadala opens office in Beijing as UAE-China ties grow The United Arab Emirates' Mubadala Investment Company began operations in the Chinese capital this week. Legacy: Gulf
Qatari investors in talks with Daily Mail owner to buy rival newspaper group The influential Telegraph Media Group, which will come up for auction in a few weeks, has strong links to the ruling Conservative government. Qatar
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 will benefit Islamic finance sector, says Moody’s The kingdom has the largest Islamic banking market in the world, and roughly 83% of its total assets are Sharia-compliant. Saudi Arabia
World Bank official says Turkey's economic U-turn 'step in right direction’ The comments from the institution’s Turkey director follow the Turkish government finally raising interest rates to battle inflation. But the Turkish economy is still struggling. Turkey
Shipping company in Greece fined $2.4B for breaching Iran sanctions In an agreement with the US, the illegal oil export was kept secret for almost five months amid fears of retaliation from Tehran. Iran
Israel's foreign investments drop 60% in first quarter of 2023 A report published by Israel's Finance Ministry suggests that foreign investments are decreasing, as are the number of Israeli startups sold to foreign companies. Israel
Spain investigates Saudi Arabia’s 9.9% acquisition of Telefonica Saudi Arabia’s STC Group announced a 9.9% purchase in the $2.1 billion telecom company, but the Spanish government must approve the plan. Saudi Arabia
UN mulls green Islamic bonds to fund climate change refugee projects The United Nations is reportedly interested in issuing Islamic bonds to help those displaced by climate change. Legacy: Gulf
Western diplomats visit UAE to discuss Russia ties, Ukraine sanctions Western officials landed in the UAE on Monday, reportedly in a bid to keep computer chips, electronic parts and dual-use products away from Russia. United Arab Emirates
Oil prices surge as Saudi Arabia, Russia extend 1.3 million barrel cut through December The production cuts by Saudi Arabia, Russia and the OPEC+ alliance have succeeded in keeping oil prices up but have also had some negative effects on the Saudi economy. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi-China cooperation strengthens with stock exchange deal China is growing closer to Saudi Arabia politically and economically as business deals pile up. Legacy: Gulf
Islamic finance will be 'crucial part' of climate transition: UK official The UK is seen as a Western hub for the industry due to its high presence of Islamic banks and more than 70 sukuk bonds being listed on the London Stock Exchange. Legacy: Gulf