Analysis

North Africa’s rail race spurred by World Cup, trade and bullet trains

Algeria, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia are betting on high-speed rail, long-distance routes and expanded networks to improve their economic outlook and project power.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Morocco’s agricultural, fishing sectors plunge in 2024 amid drought, climate strain

Agriculture is a pillar of the Moroccan economy, and in 2023, it amounted to more than 11% of the country’s gross domestic product.

Morocco

Egypt launches 5G network as North Africa's digital push accelerates

North African states are moving to introduce high-speed internet and data-intensive applications to business and government sectors in the face of increasing demand.

Egypt

Iran oil exports to China fall sharply amid US sanctions, weakened demand

China is by far Iran’s largest customer for oil, snapping up around 90% of the Islamic Republic’s shipments.

Iran

UAE's Alterra targets Italian solar as part of $250B green finance drive

The Emirati private investment fund aims to mobilize $250 billion through partnerships in global climate finance annually.

United Arab Emirates

Mideast airlines to deliver industry’s highest profit margins in 2025

The region's airlines are forecast to hit a profit margin of 8.7% in 2025, slightly lower than last year's figure of 8.9% but the highest in the industry.

Saudi Arabia

Japan unfreezes assets of 4 Syrian banks while most sanctions remain

Tokyo has been moving more cautiously than its Western allies in liftin sanctions on Syria and still has many in place.

Syria

Qatari-led consortium signs $7B deal with Syria for 5,000 MW of electricity

Syria’s electricity grid needs extensive expansion after 14 years of civil war.

Syria

China expands visa-free policy to Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait

During a landmark summit in Malaysia, China announced an exemption for nationals from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait from the need for entry visas.

China

Saudi Arabia's flyadeal joins growing list of airlines flying to Syria

Several regional airlines have resumed or plan to resume flights to Syria.

Saudi Arabia

Gulf states court China, ASEAN at landmark Malaysia summit: What to know

The Gulf Cooperation Council’s summit with the Southeast Asia bloc was expanded to include China, bringing the emir of Qatar and Saudi Arabia’s top diplomat to Malaysia.

Qatar

Analysis

US sanctions relief key to Syria’s recovery but hinges on global coordination

The levies include secondary sanctions targeting individuals or companies who engage with Damascus, so private sector companies will only move after a US green light.

By Jack Dutton

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