Pistachios reach highest prices in eight years amid Iran war Pistachio prices rose to around $4.57 a pound in March, their highest since 2018, according to data company Expana. Iran
UAE’s cash request tests US ties as Iran war strains Gulf financial muscle Amid growing economic fallout from the regional war, Abu Dhabi’s bombshell request for a war-time financial lifeline from the United States is less about cash and more about clout — for now. United Arab Emirates
IEA delivers grim gas supply forecast as oil notches 15% weekly rise A wave of new LNG supplies will be delayed for at least two years due to war-related damage to Qatari energy infrastructure, according the International Energy Agency's latest market update. Qatar
Why did the Met Opera lose its Saudi funding deal? The deal, announced as a nonbinding memorandum of understanding last September, would have seen the PIF inject up to $200 million into the opera institution over the next eight years. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Gulf energy deals face Iran war stress test as global expansion meets oil shock By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and 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