Interview Franco-Gulf investment holds firm despite Iran war, French official says French investors are reallocating capital toward strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence and technology rather than pulling out of the region altogether. Axel Baroux France’s trade and investment commissioner for the UAE and Middle East
Newsletter: Gulf Gulf defense giants head to Europe As Gulf states recalibrate after months of conflict with Iran, defense priorities are shifting from emergency procurement to long-term industrial partnerships. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Saudi Aramco's VC arm sees boom in emerging technologies, retail Anas Alqahtani, CEO of Wa'ed Ventures, expects strong growth in Saudi Arabia’s emerging technology and retail sectors over the coming years. Saudi Arabia
Newsletter: City Pulse Riyadh Saudi contemporary art lands at Art Basel Also this week: Charcoal grills, contemporary art and pilgrimage trails. By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran says no final decision yet on deal By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Saudi firm Alfanar to build green hydrogen plant in Egypt Saudi Arabia is helping Egypt boost its renewable energy capabilities. Egypt
Saudi-India economic ties grow closer with mining agreement Saudi Arabia is seeking to boost its mining sector, and India is a natural partner in this endeavor. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi Arabia to invest $1 billion in Pakistan, following UAE and Qatar Pakistan is seeking help from the Gulf amid its foreign currency reserves crisis. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Central Bank approves fintech companies Lean Technologies, Mod5r Saudi Arabia recently launched a fintech strategy with the goal of becoming a regional hub for financial technology. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia strengthens ties with Uzbekistan via wind power, investment deals Uzbekistan’s relations are also improving with the United Arab Emirates and Israel. Legacy: Gulf
Golf commentator who criticized Saudi-backed LIV Golf sued for defamation The Golf Channel’s Brandel Chamblee has been one of the most virulent critics of LIV Golf and is now being sued by Patrick Reed, who plays for the breakaway tour. Saudi Arabia
Saudi authorities find amphetamine pills in cleaning supplies Smugglers continue to use creative methods to bring drugs into the kingdom, which struggles with amphetamine addiction. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi Public Investment Fund acquires shares in Amazon, Google, Uber The sovereign wealth fund led by the crown prince has shown a strong interest in technology such as video games. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia secures funding for electricity interconnection with Egypt Egypt just approved a plan to ration electricity, though the government said there is not a shortage of power. Egypt
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund acquires stakes in Egyptian state-owned firms The acquisitions help make good on Saudi Arabia’s pledge to invest billions in Egypt. Saudi Arabia
Gulf states changing labor, visa and residency policies to attract foreign wealth, talent Robert Mogielnicki
Saudi Arabia-China relations strengthen with Aramco-Sinopec deal The ties between China and Saudi Arabia are largely based on trade and energy cooperation. Saudi Arabia