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
Egypt's Sisi, Saudi crown prince discuss Red Sea, Gaza, trade in Neom Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi headed to Saudi Arabia as the two countries continue to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance cooperation on regional and international issues. Egypt
UAE breaks ground on 50 MW solar plant in CAR, expanding Africa footprint Abu Dhabi’s financial footprint has expanded across Africa, making the UAE the continent’s fourth-largest source of foreign capital. United Arab Emirates
Egypt, Japan sign 12 investment deals as Cairo floats industrial zone plan Egypt has been wooing foreign investment as it recovers from its worst financial downturn in over six decades. Egypt
UAE police arrest three suspects in attempted $25M diamond heist Three men were arrested after attempting to smuggle a 21.25-carat pink diamond from Dubai, now a major global diamond hub. United Arab Emirates
Egypt to open four new free trade zones by end 2026: What to know The zones will be in 10th of Ramadan City, New October City, New Borg El Arab City, and New El Alamein City. Egypt
Syria, Saudi Arabia sign mutual investments deal: What to know The deal came during a Saudi-Syrian meeting in Riyadh that was held in continuation of the Syrian-Saudi Investment Forum held in Damascus last month that saw the signing of 47 deals worth $6.4 billion. Syria
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
UAE’s ADNOC inks 10-year gas deal with India: What to know The UAE is seeking to export more gas to India as domestic consumption is projected to rise in the South Asian country. United Arab Emirates
Iran mulls nixing zeros from currency as value plunges: What to know Iran has experienced massive inflation in recent years and is now contending with an energy crisis as well. Iran
