Analysis As Trump plays Russia oil sanctions gambit, will Middle East profit or pay? A potential US crackdown on Russian oil buyers could disrupt global trade flows — and the Middle East stands to both benefit and lose. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
UAE looks to boost Russia trade to $23B despite Trump tariff threats The two countries signed a trade agreement focusing on several key sectors, including fintech, health care, logistics, transportation and services. United Arab Emirates
Iran’s president to visit Armenia, China: What to know Tehran is looking to strengthen ties with regional and Asian powers as Western sanctions continue to squeeze its economy. Iran
UAE president heads to Russia to meet Putin as ties grow: What to know UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan is heading to Moscow on Thursday for an official visit, his second in less than a year as Russian-Emirati relations continue to develop rapidly. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Netflix teams up with MBC’s Shahid in Saudi Arabia: An end to streaming wars? By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
France, Morocco ink over $10B in deals during Macron visit King Mohammed VI welcomed Macron to Morocco as part of a three-day visit by the French president in which around 20 deals were agreed upon. Morocco
Saudi Arabia's NEOM attracts $16B in private financing over 2 years Saudi Arabia's flagship sustainability project has attracted substantial private investments and is looking for more. Saudi Arabia
Analysis In Morocco, France's Macron dangles Western Sahara concessions to mend ties After years of diplomatic disputes, French President Emmanuel Macron is adamant on repairing ties with Morocco. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Saudi Arabia ramps up renewable tenders to 44 GW, doubles down on oil and gas Saudi Arabia's renewable energy capacity under development will reach 44GW by end of 2024. However, its energy minister told an industry conference that the country will "monetize every molecule" of its oil and gas resources. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Aramco expects oil demand to average 104.5 million bpd in 2024 The CEO of the world's largest oil-exporting company sounded more bullish on oil demand compared with OPEC and the IEA. Saudi Arabia
Saudi's PIF downsizes foreign investment, turns to AI, domestic priorities Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund is looking to invest in tourism, real estate and sustainability as its Vision 2030 deadline draws closer. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia pushes for Africa debt relief as private investments set to reach $25B Saudi Arabia is pushing for debt relief for African nations burdened with more than $1 trillion in liabilities. Saudi Arabia
What to expect at Saudi Arabia's eighth Davos in the Desert This year's Future Investment Initiative focuses on tech, energy and investment as Saudi Arabia steps up efforts to diversify its economy away from hydrocarbons. Saudi Arabia
UAE, Egypt pursue Iran outreach at first joint BRICS summit in Russia The summit in the Russian city of Kazan was the first to feature Iran, Egypt and the UAE as full members. Iran
What to make of Saudi Arabia's $96B in foreign direct investment in 2023 Driving foreign investment into key sectors is part of Saudi Arabia's efforts to diversify away from an oil-dependent revenue model. Saudi Arabia
France again bans Israeli firms from defense fair, deepening diplomatic rift In another sign of deteriorating bilateral relations between Israel and France, Israeli companies will be prevented from featuring their products at the international maritime exposition Euronaval in Paris in November. Israel
Egypt's Sisi hosts Saudi crown prince as Cairo looks to attract investment Saudi's crown prince met with Egypt's president in Cairo on Tuesday, where the two oversaw the signing of an investment protection agreement and the creation of the Saudi-Egyptian Supreme Coordination Council. Saudi Arabia
