Algeria, China deepen cultural ties with opening of Confucius Institute Algeria this week inaugurated the institute, marking a major milestone in cultural and academic cooperation with China. Algeria
Saudi Arabia courts Chinese firms in mining investment drive Mining and Industry Minister Bandar Alkhorayef met with executives from more than 20 mining firms in Beijing on Thursday. Saudi Arabia
Analysis As Israelis sour on China, Netanyahu provokes Beijing — but to what end? With China already opposing Israeli actions in Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused China and Qatar of orchestrating anti-Israel campaigns on social media. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Egypt's Suez Canal Economic Zone posts record $237M revenues Suez Canal transit revenues declined 54% between July 2024 and March 2025, caused by reduced shipping traffic in the Red Sea amid attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on commercial vessels. Egypt
Google Pay, China’s Alipay+ launch in Saudi Arabia amid cashless push By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
CIA director visited Saudi Arabia, aired 'frustration' over Iran, Syria thaw The CIA director met the country's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and reportedly expressed displeasure with Washington being "blindsided" over agreements brokered by China and Russia. Legacy: Gulf
Analysis Is China playing long game against dollar in Middle East? Chinese spokesperson says "the internationalization of the [yuan] is a natural process, and the goal is not to replace the dollar or other international currencies." By Week in Review , Andrew Parasiliti
Iran media hails thaw with Saudi Arabia as top diplomats meet in China Saudi and Iranian foreign ministers met in Beijing on Thursday as China's role expands in the Middle East. Iran
Iran, Saudi Arabia FMs meet in China, agree to expand ties Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and Saudi Arabia's Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud have agreed to reinstate diplomatic offices and resume flights between the two countries. Legacy: Gulf
China’s CICC plans UAE, Saudi expansion as Xi builds Middle East ties CICC has about five to six people in its Middle East offices serving the entire region with a mix of Chinese and regional staff. Legacy: Gulf
China's emergence as Saudi-Iran broker signals multipolar diplomacy in Middle East As China hosts on Thursday the Saudi and Iranian foreign ministers in Beijing, the Gulf states have an opportunity to capitalize on its growing role. Legacy: Gulf
China to host Saudi, Iranian foreign ministers as detente moves forward The Saudi and Iranian foreign ministers are meeting in Beijing on Thursday to advance the deal announced last month to restore ties between the two countries. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi's Aramco could list in Hong Kong as China relations warm Aramco's latest deals in the Chinese market are fueling speculation that the Saudi giant could be set to list one of its subsidiary companies on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKSE). Legacy: Gulf
US hopes Saudi-Iranian deal can dent arms flow to Yemen's Houthis A senior US government official says the Houthi rebel group in Yemen is likely feeling the pressure after its main backer, Iran, agreed to restore relations with Saudi Arabia. Legacy: Gulf
China settles first LNG trade in yuan with UAE deal China has held several discussions with countries in the Middle East and North Africa about conducting trade using its local currency. Legacy: Gulf
Saudis joining Shanghai Cooperation Organization as China bromance blossoms Russia, China and a number of former Soviet states in Central Asia created the SCO in 2001 to counter US hegemony in the region. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi crown prince calls China’s Xi following Iran, energy deals The call marked the first time the two leaders spoke since the Saudi-Iran rapprochement deal brokered by China. Legacy: Gulf
