Economy and trade

Merz

Merz courts Gulf as Germany seeks energy alternatives to US, China

Berlin is seeking to capitalize on ties with Gulf energy giants as relations with the United States have cooled amid strains over transatlantic defense commitments, Washington’s pursuit of Greenland and tariffs.

A woman checks a window shop at a jewelry store in Dubai, on March 10, 2025.

Gulf markets recover after gold rout, buoyed by Iran de-escalation hopes

Saudi Arabia’s benchmark stock index, TASI, rose 1.4%, a day after falling the most in nearly 10 months amid a broad sell-off in the commodities market.

United Arab Emirates

PHILL MAGAKOE/AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

As envoys recalled, what's driving Israel-South Africa rupture?

South Africa has expelled the Israeli charge d'affaires, deepening the diplomatic crisis between the two countries.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Aerial view of Riyadh at night with illuminated modern skyscrapers and busy streets under a clear dark sky, Al Olaya street.

Analysis

Saudi Arabia downsizes megaprojects, chases cash amid AI push

After years of breakneck spending, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s flagship plan to diversify the oil-dependent economy — dubbed Vision 2030 — is facing a fresh round of delays and recalibration as softer oil prices squeeze public finances and force tougher choices.

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel , Jack Dutton

Latest News

Gold hits $5,300 as UAE market adjusts to record prices

A salesman arranges gold jewelry at Dubai Gold Souk, on Nov. 25, 2020, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

United Arab Emirates

Iran internet blackout estimated to cost $37M+ daily, crippling businesses and society

Men use their mobile phones while sitting at a coffee shop in Tehran, on Jan. 7, 2026.

UAE firm’s $1.7B legal threat spotlights Gulf split on Lebanon as Qatar invests

This aerial view taken from a Hellenic Air Force aircraft carrying medical aid supplies to Lebanon shows the skyline and port of Beirut during the landing approach towards Beirut International Airport on October 25, 2024. Israel expanded operations in Lebanon nearly a year after Hezbollah began exchanging fire in support of its ally, Hamas, following the Palestinian group's deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. (Photo by ORESTIS PANAGIOTOU / POOL / AFP) (Photo by ORESTIS PANAGIOTOU/POOL/AFP via Getty

Analysis

No strings attached: UAE, India deepen defense ties, balk at mutual guarantees

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi meet in New Delhi, Jan. 19, 2026.

Francesco Schiavi

By Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (L) is escorted by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was killed on July 8, 2022, during their meeting in Osaka, Japan, June 30, 2019.

Culture

Despite postponement of MBS' visit, Saudi-Japanese ties on upswing

The increase in high-level visits and overall mutual visits has been the most notable aspect of the development of Saudi-Japanese relations in recent years.

The Sudanese (L) and Saudi flag are seeing flying on the tarmac during a joint Sudan and Saudi Arabia air force drill at the Marwa air base, near Meroe some 350 kilometres north of Khartoum, on April 9, 2017.

Analysis

Can Gulf investors outstrip China in Africa as UAE expands reach?

As the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other GCC states boost investments in Africa,Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative could face serious challenges.

Sabena Siddiqui

By Sabena Siddiqui

In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran

United Arab Emirates' President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan (L), South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol (C), and his wife Kim Keon Hee (R) watch the Black Eagles, the aerobatic team of T-50 jets belonging to South Korea's air force, during a welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Office in Seoul on May 29, 2024. (Photo by JUNG YEON-JE / POOL / AFP) (Photo by JUNG YEON-JE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

South Korea, UAE ink trade deal lifting tariffs on over 90% of imports

The agreement was signed by ministers at a summit in the capital Seoul during the UAE president's first state visit.

United Arab Emirates

Axel Baroux

Interview

Saudi Expo 2030 to offer major opportunities for French businesses, says official

In November, the Saudi capital won the right to host the Expo 2030 world trade fair that is expected to attract around 40 million visitors and billions of dollars of inward investment.

Axel Baroux

Axel Baroux

French Trade and Invest Commissioner for the UAE and Middle East

India's prime minister, Narendra Modi, and his Saudi Arabia counterpart and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (L) shake hands during a session of the G20 Leaders' Summit at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Sept. 9, 2023.

Analysis

Gaza war complicates IMEC plans even as Gulf-India ties warm

The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor's progress is facing some difficulties related to geopolitical complexities, funding and conflicts in the Red Sea and Gaza.

Adam Lucente

By Adam Lucente

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Goldman Sachs first Wall Street bank to get green light for Saudi Arabia HQ

The US-headquartered investment bank received a license from the Saudi Ministry of Investment to set up its regional headquarters in the capital, Riyadh.

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 17: U. S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen speaks during a meeting with Japan's Minister of Finance Shun'ichi Suzuki and South Korea's Minister of Economy and Finance Sangmok Choi at the Treasury Department on April 17, 2024. Yellen cautioned on Tuesday that the U.S is poised to escalate sanctions against Iran in response to its recent assault on Israel. (Photo by Michael A. McCoy/Getty Images)

Yellen warns Israel against blocking Palestinian banks, battering West Bank

Israel has been threatening to cancel a vital waiver that expires July 1 between Israeli and Palestinian banks that allows Israeli banks to process shekel payments for vital services and PA salaries.

CAMILLE LAFFONT/AFP via Getty Images

UAE's ADNOC invests in Mozambique's natural gas in first African foray

The deal will give ADNOC a share of the liquified natural gas output from the concession, which has a combined capacity of over 25 million metric tons per pear, the company said in a statement.

United Arab Emirates

SHARM EL SHEIKH, EGYPT - FEBRUARY 24: King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia during talks with UK Prime Minister Theresa May while they attend the first Arab-European Summit on February 24, 2019 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Leaders from European and Arab nations are meeting for the two-day summit to discuss topics including security, trade and migration. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Saudi crown prince cancels Japan trip over King Salman's health concerns

The Saudi Press Agency reported Sunday that the crown prince’s 88-year-old father, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz, was suffering from lung inflammation and will be treated at the Al Salam Palace in Jeddah.

People look at a BYD Seal car by Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD Auto at the Bangkok International Motor Show in Nonthaburi, March 27, 2024.

Turkey-China in 'advanced' talks on EV manufacturing as Beijing footprint grows

Turkey and the Gulf states are aggressively pursuing electric vehicles with entities eyeing cooperation with China.

This picture shows a man monitoring the board at the Saudi Stock Exchange Market (Tadawul) bourse in Riyadh, on Dec. 12, 2019.

Gulf consolidates stature as sovereign wealth hub, lags on per capita holdings

A frenzy of recent initial public offerings has again highlighted Gulf states' statuses as global wealth hubs.

Sebastian Castelier

By Sebastian Castelier

In Dubai, reporting on regional business

Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich walks with soldiers during a visit to Kibbutz Kfar Aza near the border with the Gaza Strip on Nov. 14, 2023, in the aftermath of an attack by Palestinian militants on Oct. 7.

Israel's Smotrich will abolish free trade deal with Turkey, slap 100% tariff

As Israel becomes increasingly isolated internationally, the army stated that two Thai workers, presumed kidnapped by Hamas, were actually killed by the group on Oct. 7.