Analysis

Sharaa in Washington: Can US charm offensive boost Syria’s reconstruction?

The trip signals strong support for the new Syrian government, as President Sharaa seeks the breakthroughs needed to end economic isolation and speed up reconstruction, while US sanctions continue to paralyze investment.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Newsletter: City Pulse Riyadh

Explore Al Baha through Zahra Alghamdi’s earthy installations

From Dhahran’s homes to Al-Masmak’s emblem, ancient Chinese music, AlUla’s history, and intimate family portraits in Riyadh.

By Rebecca Anne Proctor

In Dubai, reporting on culture

Egypt courts investors, signs new gas deals at Abu Dhabi ADIPEC summit

Minister Karim Badawi met with executives from companies including Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund Mubadala, UAE state energy holding company TAQA, US conglomerate Halliburton and British Petroleum.

Egypt

Analysis

UK chases elusive GCC trade deal that could boost exports, economic links

A new charm offensive at Saudi Arabia's flagship investment conference has fueled optimism that a UK-GCC trade pact, under negotiation since 2022, could soon be completed.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Oil prices fall for 3rd straight month as Saudi-led OPEC+ weighs more cuts

The falling oil prices are being driven further down by China’s slowdown and are affecting Saudi Arabia’s diversification plans.

Saudi Arabia

Billion-dollar AI, clean energy deals headline Saudi 'Davos in the Desert'

Humain, an AI firm backed by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, the PIF, signed a $3 billion deal with AirTrunk, a company backed by US asset manager Blackstone, to build a data center campus in the kingdom.

Saudi Arabia

Newsletter: China-Middle East

China getting ahead in the Gulf

China’s Vice President Han Zheng is visiting Saudi Arabia and Kuwait this week before traveling to Qatar to attend the Second World Summit for Social Development Nov. 3-5.

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Newsletter: City Pulse Riyadh

Saudi art makes historic Paris Photo debut

Also this week: Michelin dining in AlUla, Gulf art pioneers and Diriyah’s PaperBack fair.

By Rebecca Anne Proctor

In Dubai, reporting on culture

Newsletter: Business & Tech

Syria’s Sharaa touts rebuilding vision in Riyadh

Syria’s president was one of the headliners at this week's Future Investment Initiative summit, underscoring his country's investment potential as he seeks to woo foreign capital to help with postwar reconstruction.

By Jack Dutton

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

In Saudi Arabia, Sharaa hails 'historic opportunity' for Syria investment

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa touted investment opportunities in his country as he addressed business leaders and officials at the 9th Future Investment Initiative Conference in Riyadh.

Syria

Newsletter: Gulf

Saudi FII becomes stage for global diplomacy

Riyadh’s high-profile investment forum set the stage for global diplomacy this week, as Gulf states deepened ties from Tehran to Bogotá and expanded their reach across Africa and Asia.

By Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

Humain’s $3B deal sets tone as Riyadh’s FII summit spotlights AI, private credit

At the 2025 edition of Saudi Arabia's flagship investment conference known as “Davos in the Desert," AI is stealing the spotlight from megaprojects.

Saudi Arabia