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Economy & Business

France's President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman shake hands

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.

Leon Neal/Getty Images

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.

Khor Fakkan Container Terminal

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.

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian holds a press conference on Aug. 19, 2026.

China slams Trump over economic war on Iran: What to know

China’s once significant oil imports from Iran have been impacted by the war in the region and increasing US sanctions.

Latest News

Trump’s Iran ‘economic D-Day’ threat sends oil prices above $94

Iranians drive past an anti-US billboard at Enghelab Square in central Tehran, Aug. 3, 2026.

Explainer

Iraq seeks special Hormuz access from Iran in scramble to keep oil flowing

AHMAD AL-RUBAYE / AFP via Getty Images

Turkey looks to expand Syria energy footprint into oil, gas

President Ahmad al-Sharaa meets Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar at the People’s Palace in Damascus, Syria, on Aug. 19, 2026.

Samuel Wendel

Senior Market Research Analyst

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Adam Lucente

News and Business Correspondent

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Jack Dutton

Chief Business Correspondent

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

Sabena Siddiqui

In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran

Vanessa Ghanem

In Dubai, reporting on business, energy and politics

Francisco Serrano

In Lisbon, reporting on North Africa business

The Evergreen leaves the Suez Canal for the Mediterranean after the signing of the settlement contract, Ismailia, Egypt, July 7, 2021.

Egyptian official says Suez Canal 'not for sale' amid fears of foreign investment

The chairman of Egypt's Suez Canal Authority has responded after a parliamentary session discussing a private fund linked to the waterway sparked widespread criticism.

KHALED DESOUKI/AFP via Getty Images

Egypt raises interest rates to end 2022

Inflation continues to increase in Egypt and the Central Bank is uncertain about 2023.

Chris McGrath/Getty Images

Turkey raises minimum wage, keeps interest rates unchanged

Inflation is running rampant in Turkey, but the president continues to stubbornly reject higher interest rates.

This picture shows Dubai's Financial Center in Sheikh Zayed road on October 2, 2019 in Dubai. - With the highest tower in the world, grand commercial centres and artificial islands, Dubai projects an image of prosperity, even as the city-state races to court investors to bolster a flagging economy. Despite boasting the most diverse economy in the Gulf region, the emirate's vital property, tourism and trade sectors have weakened in recent years. (Photo by KARIM SAHIB / AFP) (Photo by KARIM SAHIB/AFP via Gett

Riyadh unlikely to unseat Dubai as regional financial hub

Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi bank launches new sustainability program

Several Middle Eastern banks and funds are pursuing finance focused on green technology and the environment.

A picture taken on Nov. 3, 2019, shows a sign of Saudi Aramco's initial public offering.

Saudi Arabia sends blue ammonia to South Korea

Saudi-South Korean energy and economic cooperation is increasing. Other Gulf states are also exploring blue ammonia, and the energy source has both benefits and downsides.

Delegations from Egypt, Israel, Cyprus, Italy, the Palestinian Authority, Jordan, France, the United States and Greece attend the East Mediterranean Gas Forum, Cairo, Egypt, Jan. 16, 2020.

Report: Israel may start exporting gas to Cyprus via new pipeline

The comments from Cyprus’ energy minister come as Israel is eyeing more gas exports to Europe.

Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (L) greets Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) during a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People on December 23, 2014 in Beijing, China. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is undertaking his first visit to China in hopes to secure investment deals. (Photo by Greg Baker - Pool/Getty Images)

China emerges as lead funder for Egypt's new administrative city

This month, President Xi reaffirmed China’s commitment to the project in a meeting with Egypt's president on the sidelines of a Saudi summit. But that commitment may be tested in the coming months as Egypt’s loans come due.

A picture taken on August 20, 2022 shows petrol station along the ring-road encircling Egypt's capital Cairo. (Photo by KHALED DESOUKI/AFP via Getty Images)

Large gas field discovery brings Egypt closer to energy hub goal

A newly discovered gas field is making Egypt's energy exporter hub vision more of a reality.

Central Bank of Egypt Governor Hassan Abdalla speaks at the 2022 Annual Meetings Plenary during the 2022 IMF/World Bank annual meeting October 14, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brendan Smialowski / AFP) (Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)

New IMF loan is no quick fix for Egypt’s financial challenges

Marc Español

Morocco's sole oil refinery in Mohammedia, near Casablanca, on June 22, 2019. - Three years after it was liquidated for racking up billions of euros worth of debt, Morocco's sole oil refinery and one-time economic flagship is struggling to attract a buyer and survive. A self-declared "national front" -- comprising employees, economists and union leaders -- is leading the charge to salvage refining company SAMIR, while a trade court desperately seeks a new owner. (Photo by - / AFP) (Photo credit should read

Morocco, Tunisia to face bloated energy costs over 2023-2024

Francisco Serrano

Francisco Serrano

In Lisbon, reporting on North Africa business

Aramco

Aramco, TotalEnergies invest $11 billion in new oil complex in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s Aramco and French TotalEnergies will build a major new facility in Saudi Arabia’s Jubail.