Syria announces direct flights to Amsterdam as Europe links expand The head of Syria’s General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport announced that after years of suspension, Syrian Airlines would restart direct services between Damascus and Amsterdam. Syria
Explainer Qatar blast underscores challenges in race to restart Gulf energy flows The deadly explosion marks an early test of Gulf efforts to revive oil and gas production following a historic energy supply shock caused by the US-Israel-Iran war. Qatar
Interview US-Egypt fund makes case for economic statecraft in hard power era As Washington focuses on war and deterrence, the Egyptian-American Enterprise Fund argues private-sector investment can advance US strategic interests. Cornelius Queen Senior Vice President of the Egyptian-American Enterprise Fund
Oil falls more than 3% after Iran, US signal progress in talks International benchmark Brent crude fell to $78.68 as of 7:06 a.m. EDT. Iran
Analysis US-Iran deal delivers $300 billion controversy, reconstruction questions By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Interview Franco-Gulf investment holds firm despite Iran war, French official says Axel Baroux France’s trade and investment commissioner for the UAE and Middle East
As EU tries to wean off Russian gas, pipeline imports via Turkey rise The European Union is importing more Russian gas via Turkey despite efforts to end imports from Russia. Turkey
Russia’s energy minister in Iran to discuss stalled natural gas deal: What to know Russia and Iran are strengthening their energy ties amid their growing international isolation. Iran
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
Saudi sports push targets NFL with flag football series featuring Tom Brady The Public Investment Fund is not yet investing in the National Football League amid restrictions on state entities, but is eyeing flag football as the sport grows in the region. Saudi Arabia
ADNOC’s XRG abandons $18.7B takeover bid for Australia’s Santos The consortium led by XRG made an $18.7 billion nonbinding indicative proposal in June to acquire Santos in an all-cash deal worth 8.89 Australian dollars ($5.76) per share. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Ben & Jerry's co-founder quits over Gaza battle with owner Unilever Jerry Greenfield has resigned after 47 years with the company he founded, saying he could no longer “in good conscience” remain an employee of Ben & Jerry’s and that the company had been “silenced” by Unilever. Palestine
Egypt's Suez Canal Economic Zone posts record $237M revenues Suez Canal transit revenues declined 54% between July 2024 and March 2025, caused by reduced shipping traffic in the Red Sea amid attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on commercial vessels. Egypt
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
Turkish markets, lira gain as Ankara delays ruling on opposition head's ouster An Ankara court adjourned a case to October 24 to ouster the opposition CHP party's chairman, as part of a long-running political crackdown by the ruling AKP party. Turkey
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
Saudi Arabia launches 24-hour women’s sports channel: What to know The launch coincides with the start of the Saudi Women’s Premier League season, which will see the soccer competition broadcast nationally and globally for the first time. Saudi Arabia
Saudi crown prince vows to ground soaring property prices: What to know Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman vowed to implement policies aimed at reducing real estate costs and providing a wider range of housing options. Saudi Arabia