Feature

Cheap oil, tighter finances, wars constrained Mid East economies in 2025

Low oil prices, tighter financial conditions and elevated geopolitical risk hampered growth across much of the Middle East and North Africa this year.

By Jack Dutton

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

Newsletter: FutureVerse

UAE’s MGX joins TikTok’s US overhaul

UAE’s MGX eyes a 15% stake in TikTok US as Gulf investors, Trump’s Gaza tech plan, Syria sanctions, and major Middle East tech deals shape the year-end landscape.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Newsletter: Business & Tech

A year of rapid growth reshapes Gulf finance

Maersk’s limited return to the Red Sea, rising competition between Gulf financial hubs and new solar and tech deals across the region dominated this week’s business and technology news.

By Jack Dutton

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

Analysis

Gulf finance hubs race to expand as hedge funds flock to Dubai, Abu Dhabi

The Gulf’s top financial hubs have posted another strong year in 2025, with the UAE spearheading a regional push to attract hedge funds, asset managers, crypto and fintech firms as regional neighbors target growth of their own.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

UAE AI investor MGX moves closer to strategic stake in TikTok US

The state-linked Emirati investment firm is set to acquire a 15% stake in the social media platform's new US business as part of a plan that would avert a nationwide ban starting in 2026.

United Arab Emirates

Newsletter: City Pulse Dubai

Art at the edge: Kalba show explores borders & belonging

Also this week: Lion in the Sun debuts in Dubai, ‘Poetry of Birds’ opens at L’ECOLE and festive cheer lights up Expo City

By Rebecca Anne Proctor

In Dubai, reporting on culture

Newsletter: China-Middle East

China, UAE and the balancing act

The UAE navigates growing ties with China while maintaining its strategic partnership with the US.

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Egypt lands $572M UAE-backed solar deal, expanding Gulf's clean-energy footprint

Gulf companies have been increasing their investments in North African renewable energy.

Egypt

Newsletter: Gulf

China, India step up Gulf diplomacy

Gulf states are navigating simultaneous high-level Chinese and Indian diplomacy this week, deepening economic engagement with both powers while preserving strategic flexibility.

By Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

Newsletter: FutureVerse

AI robots take on UAE construction

The Middle East is rapidly adopting AI, from construction robots in the UAE to major tech investments and startup growth, while navigating shifting economic and geopolitical dynamics.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Interview

Robots can solve UAE construction labor shortage, says Buildroid AI

The US startup announced that it will launch the UAE’s first block-laying robot to speed up real estate and infrastructure projects in the Gulf country.

Culture

Egypt’s koshary, Gulf’s bisht gain UNESCO recognition

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has added more than 10 cultural practices from across the Middle East and North Africa region this year.

Egypt