Turkey’s Erdogan heads to Saudi Arabia for talks with MBS, Pakistan’s Sharif The visit comes as the three countries ramp up coordination to weather the regional fallout from the Iran war. Turkey
Explainer Iran-Oman deal spurs Hormuz hopes as Red Sea threats evolve Iran has signaled that an agreement was reached with Oman establishing a Hormuz shipping route even as Houthi attacks in the Red Sea expand. Iran
Newsletter: Gulf Gulf states map out a post-Hormuz export strategy Saudi Arabia and Kuwait unveiled fresh plans to bypass the Strait of Hormuz this week, the latest step in a broader Gulf effort to build a more resilient export network following five months of war. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Oil falls 5% after Trump calls off Iran strikes, says Hormuz deal agreed Oil prices fell after President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he had suspended planned strikes on Iran following a request from Tehran and other Middle Eastern countries. Iran
Analysis Amid realignment with Egypt, Turkey steps up support for Sudan’s Burhan By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Analysis How strike on Damietta port exposes Egypt's energy infrastructure risks By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Hamas says Israel must withdraw first after Trump announces Gaza deal By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Oil prices rise after Saudi Arabia, Russia extend output cuts The Kingdom has maintained its oil output cut of 1 million barrels per day since July in an attempt to stabilize the market and prop up prices amid weakened demand. Saudi Arabia
Saudi defense chief concludes US trip, seeks security assurances as Gaza rages Prince Khalid bin Salman’s preplanned trip included meetings with top US officials. Saudi Arabia is concerned that the war between Israel and Hamas could hurt its interests. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi Aramco, QatarEnergy, UAE’s Emirates among Fortune Arabia top 10 The list of 500 companies from 22 Arab countries posted around $1.6 trillion in revenues in 2022, yielding a net profit of $343 billion. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia's oil cuts weigh heavy on economy, GDP tanks by 4.5% The kingdom's economy shrunk by the most since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 due to energy measures. Saudi Arabia
Tourism tipping point: Middle East travel boom delivering economic boost as Israel-Hamas war threatens recovery The outbreak of fighting between Israel and Hamas in October 2023 has undercut a fledgling tourism rebound in the Holy Land after years of struggle.
Saudi Arabia set to host 2034 World Cup after Australia withdraws The kingdom is heavily investing in soccer, golf, MMA and other sports across the world. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi Arabia explores women’s buying power with 30% entering work force To expand its own economy, Saudi Arabia is joining a global structural shift toward multiple-wage households as women move into more and more careers that used to be off-limits. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Aramco, South Korea's Hyundai sign $2.4B contract to develop gas field The contract was signed during South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s visit to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
Saudi crown prince announces esports ‘world cup’ The move follows significant Saudi investment in both video games and traditional sports. Legacy: Gulf
Renewable energy industry not ready to shoulder global demand, Aramco says The boss of the world's largest oil company doubled down on investing more in oil and gas, despite Greta Thunberg and other climate activists protesting outside the conference he was speaking at in London. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia set to begin Middle East’s first hydrogen train trials Saudi Arabian Railways, in partnership with French manufacturer Alstom, will begin to operate the world’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train in Riyadh later this month. Saudi Arabia
Israel-Saudi normalization falls casualty of Hamas attack The US-brokered talks were making progress; that’s probably why Iran gave Hamas the green light. Israel