UAE deepens Asia ties as Malaysia, Australia trade deals kick in Asia accounts for around 60% of the world’s gross domestic product and pursuing trade deals there helps the UAE hedge against dependence on both the US and China. United Arab Emirates
What’s next for Saudi Arabia’s budget balancing act as deficit doubles? The Gulf state now expects a deficit of $65.3 billion in 2025 — more than double the initial forecast — as the kingdom continues heavy spending amid weak oil prices. Saudi Arabia
After China, Saudi industry minister visits Vietnam in eastward economic push Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef met with a number of Vietnamese officials on Monday as the oil-rich Gulf kingdom looks east to diversify its economic alliances. Saudi Arabia
Sudan, Russia sign trade deals as Khartoum seeks funds, Moscow eyes Red Sea port The meeting in Moscow produced two agreements and an economic and trade cooperation protocol. Sudan
Analysis OECD forecasts 3.7% growth for Saudi Arabia, citing US tariff shield By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Analysis As Carrefour retreats in Mideast, can new Gulf superstore brand advance? By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Qatar’s first VC fund of $1B expected to 'fuel startup ecosystem in region' The program has two objectives: to generate market-level commercial returns for Qataris and to develop a “vibrant VC and startup ecosystem” in line with the country's national development strategy. Qatar
Israel’s military exports to India booming, 'unaffected' by war in Gaza Israel has been one of the top military exporters to India over the past decade. Israel
Egypt, UAE sign $35 billion development deal amid foreign currency crunch The deal could help Egypt’s struggling economy and builds on previous Emirati investment in the North African country. Egypt
Turkey’s Fidan set to visit Venezuela and meet Maduro The Turkish foreign minister is set to make his inaugural visits to Venezuela and Mexico in his capacity as his country’s top diplomat. Turkey
UAE dropped from global watchdog’s illicit finance list in quick turnaround The Gulf country was added to the Financial Action Task Force's grey list in March 2022. United Arab Emirates
UAE, Kenya conclude trade deal talks as Abu Dhabi expands influence in Africa The United Arab Emirates has established economic partnership agreements with 10 countries as it seeks to diversify its oil-based economy. Legacy: Gulf
Morocco-Spain thaw continues with investment pledge, aerospace deal Spain and Morocco have historically been at odds over Western Sahara, migration and territorial disputes. Morocco
Analysis How Red Sea crisis is battering Egypt's manufacturing, textile industries The Suez Canal is a cornerstone of the Egytian economy, providing a vital source of foreign currency for the cash-strapped country. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Saudi tech giant expands investments into China, AI as part of $100B plans Alat plans to invest $100 billion by 2030 to coincide with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 plan to wean the kingdom’s economy off of its reliance on oil. Saudi Arabia
Egypt’s Sisi: Suez Canal revenue down as much as 50% over Red Sea attacks The decrease in revenue and traffic in the canal due to attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels is exacerbating Egypt’s foreign currency shortage and overall economic crisis. Egypt
Israel’s Ashdod port bounces back from Gaza war setback Israel's Ashdod port is grappling with increased competition, threats from Yemen's Houthis and other regional challenges. Israel
In south Lebanon, schools resume classes as displaced shelter inside Hezbollah steps in as municipalities struggle to respond to the growing number of displaced. Lebanon
