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
IEA report: Mideast electricity generation to rise 50% by 2035 as renewables expand The International Energy Agency said that oil and gas remain the main sources of energy in the Middle East and North Africa, but noted the region’s rising investment in alternatives and renewable energy potential. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Sudan, Egypt FMs urge Ethiopia to change course ahead of megadam launch Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced in July that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam has been completed and will be formally inaugurated in September. Sudan
Egypt, Turkey ink investment deals with China on SCO Summit sidelines Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan were in China for the two-day summit. Egypt
A net-zero Saudi Arabia? Not so fast The kingdom is unlikely to achieve net zero emissions soon, but the ambition to do so, and the plan, is an impactful step in the right direction. Legacy: Gulf
Flurry of activity in Israel as Glasgow climate summit approaches Israeli President Isaac Herzog has established the Israeli Climate Forum ahead of the COP 26 summit in Glasgow. Israel
Egypt-Greece-Cyprus summit prioritizes energy cooperation Egypt is also working to repair its relations with Greece and Cyprus’ rival, Turkey. Egypt
Israeli minister blames Netanyahu for jeopardizing ties with Jordan For Energy Minister Karin Elharar, the accusations leveled by former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Israel allegedly giving Jordan water for nothing in return, are simply fake news. Israel
Infrastructure aid won't help Turkish city maintain welcome for half-million Syrians A new waste management facility in Gaziantep aims to help the city cope with the challenges of half a million Syrian refugees, but it is unlikely to fix the growing local resentment toward them. Turkey
At OECD, Israel joins global battle against climate change Environmental Protection Minister Tamar Zandberg and Energy Minister Karin Elharar are both in Paris for the OECD ministerial summit, pledging Israel’s commitment to battle global climate change. Israel
After summer of severe floods and fires, Turkey to ratify Paris Agreement In his address at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the Paris Climate Agreement would be submitted to Turkey’s parliament for approval next month. Turkey
UAE sets new climate standard for Gulf with goal of net-zero carbon dioxide emissions The UAE could become the first Gulf state to set a net-zero goal, raising questions over emissions of fossil fuels produced to power the global economy. Legacy: Gulf
Israel suspends fuel-transport deal with UAE The environmental decision to halt the fuel-transport deal with the Emirates created the first real diplomatic crisis between the countries since the signing of the Abraham Accords. Israel
Sunshine-rich Gulf slow to adapt solar, clean energy The share of renewables in Gulf states’ electricity generation is marginal, and the region still utilizes fossil-fuel driven power grids, but the potential for clean energy is substantial. Legacy: Gulf
Iraq invests in clean energy Iraq is investing in clean energy to produce electricity, especially solar energy, which is almost available throughout the year in various regions of the country. Iraq
Intel: Iraq’s power crisis prompts resignation of electricity minister Scorching summer heat, coordinated attacks on power transmission towers and Tehran cutting its power supply to Baghdad have contributed to severe power shortages across the country. Iraq
