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
UAE, Saudi leaders expected at Italy's G7 summit as Meloni boosts Gulf ties Italy is seeking Saudi investments and closer gas ties with the UAE, all while it focuses on migration and energy-related interests in North Africa. Saudi Arabia
UAE, Saudi, Iran, Egypt, Turkey FMs attend Russia's BRICS meeting The BRICS foreign ministers meeting focused on diplomatic developments related to the Gaza war and efforts to ditch the US dollar in international trade, among other matters. Egypt
OPEC chief defends oil cut phase-out plans despite bearish market The markets reacted bearishly OPEC+'s Sunday output decision, worrying it could lead to oversupply later in 2024 despite slow demand growth. United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia joins China, UAE in digital currency project The kingdom is joining the Switzerland-based Bank for International Settlements' central bank digital currency platform. Saudi Arabia
In rare clash with Iran, China reaffirms solidarity with UAE over disputed islands Iran seized control of Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunbs several decades ago, though the United Arab Emirates has long claimed sovereignty over the islands, a claim backed by Gulf states and Russia. Iran
Analysis Can Gulf investors outstrip China in Africa as UAE expands reach? As the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other GCC states boost investments in Africa,Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative could face serious challenges. By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
Middle East economic outlook caught between low growth, high debt convergence Karen Young In Washington, DC, reporting on regional energy
UAE main destination for smuggled African gold, report claims Swissaid estimates that 405 metric tons of gold, mostly mined by small-scale or artisanal miners, were smuggled out of Africa in 2022 and ended up in the UAE. United Arab Emirates
South Korea, UAE ink trade deal lifting tariffs on over 90% of imports The agreement was signed by ministers at a summit in the capital Seoul during the UAE president's first state visit. United Arab Emirates
UAE president arrives in South Korea to talk defense, energy, business ties The visit, the first by the Emirati president, aims to enhance the already strong ties between the two countries. United Arab Emirates
Malaysia courts Gulf investment and economic ties, but Saudi relations remain question mark Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Gaza war complicates IMEC plans even as Gulf-India ties warm The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor's progress is facing some difficulties related to geopolitical complexities, funding and conflicts in the Red Sea and Gaza. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change