Syria launches gas project with Saudi firm in latest Gulf energy partnership The project is the latest in a series of Gulf-backed investments aimed at rebuilding Syria's energy sector after the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Syria
Newsletter: City Pulse Dubai Abu Dhabi breaks ground on Dar Al Funoon performing arts venue Also this week: Lebanese seafood, Palestinian portraiture and cross-disciplinary art By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
Oil falls below $71 as US-Iran talks continue, Gulf exports rebound Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in an X post on Wednesday that Iran and the United States had made "positive progress." Iran
Newsletter: Gulf Oman's Hormuz moment As US and Iranian negotiators continue technical discussions in Doha on implementing last month’s memorandum of understanding, Oman is emerging as Tehran’s principal Gulf counterpart on the future governance of the Strait of Hormuz By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Newsletter: FutureVerse No ceasefire in cyberspace By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Trump says Iran, US to meet in Doha Tuesday By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Analysis Why the UAE wants Indian missiles and a deeper strategic partnership By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Russia's BRICS summit: Gulf states seek influence as Iran, UAE debut as members Saudi Arabia’s crown prince will not be in attendance but has sent his foreign minister. Expansion of the group and adoption of a new currency are on the three-day agenda. United Arab Emirates
Russia-linked LNG tankers transferred to new UAE firm amid sanctions pressure The three vessels — Velikiy Novgorod, Pskov and La Perouse — were transferred in September to a new Dubai-based company called Matias Ship Management, according to shipping data website Equasis. United Arab Emirates
Gulf governments silent as Iran, proxies mourn Hamas' Yahya Sinwar Regional governments have not commented on Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar’s killing by Israeli forces in Gaza, but Iran and its proxy groups mourned his death, vowing that the resistance against Israel will continue. Palestine
Analysis What UAE's Edge expansion into space means for country's military industry Abu Dhabi has recently seen a significant boost in its domestic defense and aerospace capabilities, thanks to its nation-based conglomerate, EDGE. This month, the group launched its new space company, FADA, marking a milestone in enhancing the Emirati’s status in the strategic space sector. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
WFP to send aid ship to feed displaced in Lebanon The UN food agency is raising the alarm over food insecurity and a harsh winter in the Levant as the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon continue. Israel
UAE’s AD Ports Group inks major deal with China Political and economic cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and China is growing, with robust trade ties and a visit by the Chinese premier to the Gulf state. United Arab Emirates
Gulf sovereign investors unshaken by Middle East wars but opt for global markets Gulf Cooperation Council investors accounted for 40% of deals made by sovereign investors globally in 2023 and 2024. United Arab Emirates
Investors undeterred as Dubai’s real estate bubble risks increase in 2024 As players line up to capitalize on Dubai real estate, the city’s record-breaking boom stands out in annual UBS ranking of hot global property markets. United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi’s sovereign funds ranked wealthiest in world with $1.7 trillion The assets of Gulf sovereign funds have risen considerably in recent years, in large part due to the UAE and Saudi Arabia. United Arab Emirates
Middle East startups see 34% uptick in global investors Data firm MAGNiTT reported Tuesday that the Middle East far outperformed other markets and regions, including Africa and Southeast Asia, which saw steeper drops. Saudi Arabia
Las Vegas gambling operator Wynn Resorts to open first UAE casino The UAE is looking to lure gaming tourists with the development of a large casino in the northern emirate of Ras al-Khaimah. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Israel-UAE trade to hit $3.3B in 2024 as wars in Lebanon, Gaza continue Despite a growing Arab public backlash against economic ties with Israel, and politically strained ties between the UAE and Israel since the Gaza war, bilateral trade has continued across the technology, tourism and agriculture sectors. By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics