Saudi Arabia, UK announce over $445M in investments: What to know

The agreements aim to boost bilateral trade and will also support Saudi Vision 2030 reforms to diversify the economy away from reliance on oil by the end of the decade.

Saudi Arabia

UAE president meets Saudi crown prince ahead of UN Palestine conference

The UAE and Saudi Arabia have strengthened cooperation since the Gaza war began in 2023, though their rivalry over regional influence and economic leadership remains.

United Arab Emirates

Etihad half-year profit hits record $306M on strong travel demand

The Abu Dhabi airline reported a profit after tax of 1.1 billion Emirati dirhams ($306 million), up 32% from the first half of 2024.

United Arab Emirates

UAE says Israel’s West Bank annexation push a ‘red line': What to know

There are growing indications that the Israeli government is seeking to annex the Palestinian territory, but the UAE is becoming increasingly critical of the plan.

Israel

Analysis

Arid Gulf states pursue global water deals, leveraging desalination expertise

After becoming leaders in domestic water desalination, Gulf states are spotting opportunities to generate lucrative returns by exporting their know-how in a world facing growing water pressures.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Analysis

Gulf rail boom rumbles on as 2030 deadline for regional network nears

From 100 million metro riders in Riyadh to a new Oman-UAE railway, Gulf states are pouring money into train transport — but plans for a regional rail network are still taking shape.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Amid Trump tariffs, UAE, Singapore to form trade group of small nations

The new group, the Future of Investment and Trade Partnership (FIT-P), is expected to include around 10 countries, with the UAE, Singapore, and New Zealand being founding members.

United Arab Emirates

Newsletter: City Pulse Dubai

From Tunis to Dubai: Bechir Boussandel’s poignant glass works

Emirati cuisine, contemporary art and global runways.

By Rebecca Anne Proctor

In Dubai, reporting on culture

Somalia, UAE hold talks as tensions simmer over Puntland, Somaliland

The visit occurred on the same day that Somalia's president met with Sudan’s intelligence chief.

United Arab Emirates

Egypt secures $220M from domestic, Gulf, Chinese investors for solar project

Foreign investment from three countries comes at a pivotal time in Egypt’s recovery from its worst financial crisis in over six decades.

Egypt

Abu Dhabi’s Lunate buys stake in UK hedge fund, launches $2B investment arm

With $1.7 trillion in sovereign wealth, Abu Dhabi has long sought to establish itself as a global financial hub.

United Arab Emirates

Saudi Arabia escalates Arabic AI race with new state-backed chatbot

The app is available only in Saudi Arabia, but the company plans to expand across the region and eventually globally.

Saudi Arabia