Dubai airport tops global ranking again with 95.2 million passengers DXB has been the world’s busiest airport since 2014 and eyes nearly 100 million passengers in 2026. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Why Algeria's nixing of UAE air deal is more diplomatic than economic Algeria has begun canceling its air services agreement with the UAE amid heightened tensions over the Gulf country’s foreign policy in the region. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Mideast’s AI startups capture record $858M in funding during 2025, doubling share The growth represents a sizable jump from recent years, when local AI companies captured just a sliver of dealmaking, and Magnitt now predicts funding for MENA’s AI startups will easily surpass $1 billion in 2026. United Arab Emirates
MBZ hosts Sisi as Saudi Arabia and UAE jockey for regional influence Economic ties between Egypt and the UAE are strengthening thanks to large Emirati investments in the North African country. Egypt
Newsletter: City Pulse Dubai Ahaad Alamoudi’s ‘Sunkissed’ opens in Sharjah By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
On eve of talks, UAE's Gargash throws weight behind Iran-US deal Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, spoke at a panel discussion at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, where he discussed the latest developments in Gaza, Iran, Sudan and Yemen. United Arab Emirates
How US-India trade deal could impact Mideast energy, trade routes The United States and India struck a trade agreement on Monday that eases months of tension between the two countries and could influence Gulf oil flows and economic integration. Saudi Arabia
UAE’s MBZ reportedly cancels Japan visit amid US-Iran standoff: What to know While tensions remain high between the US and Iran, both sides are reportedly moving toward renewed nuclear talks. United Arab Emirates
Gulf markets recover after gold rout, buoyed by Iran de-escalation hopes Saudi Arabia’s benchmark stock index, TASI, rose 1.4%, a day after falling the most in nearly 10 months amid a broad sell-off in the commodities market. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Caught in the Gulf crossfire: Pakistan navigates Saudi-UAE rivalry Pakistan has to walk a fine line to ensure that it maintains vital economic relations with the United Arab Emirates while sustaining long-standing defense cooperation with Saudi Arabia. By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
US-Iran tensions fan oil disruption fears as Gulf states confront retaliation risks From blocking the Strait of Hormuz and seizing commercial shipping to striking energy infrastructure, Tehran’s retaliation playbook could rattle the region as Gulf states fear red lines have been crossed. Iran
Abu Dhabi merges ADQ into new wealth fund L'IMAD: What to know Under the new structure, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, will oversee a broader swath of the emirate’s investment holdings. United Arab Emirates
Newsletter: City Pulse Dubai “Urdu Worlds”: Dubai hosts UAE’s first contemporary art exhibition on the Urdu language Also this week: A bookish new eatery opens in Alserkal, Sikka Art & Design Festival takes over Dubai’s heritage districts and and new exhibitions spotlight emerging voices By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
UAE President meets Putin in Russia to discuss nuclear energy, trade, Iran The visit of Emirati President Sheikh Mohammed comes a day after the Kremlin hosted President Ahmed al-Sharaa to discuss the future of Russian military bases in Syria. Russia
UAE Central Bank approves first US dollar-backed stablecoin: What to know The approval marks a milestone in the UAE’s development of digital currency infrastructure and positions USDU as the Gulf country’s first USD-denominated currency for digital assets. United Arab Emirates
Gold hits $5,300 as UAE market adjusts to record prices Dubai is one of the world's major gold hubs, and higher bullion prices impact jewelry-buying habits. United Arab Emirates
Newsletter: Gulf Iran-US row puts Gulf at risk Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar have intensified quiet diplomacy to discourage US military action, pairing it with stepped-up security coordination. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance