US stock markets soar to new records amid Hormuz deal hopes The S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite and Dow Jones Industrial Average are on track for their best five-day performance since April 2025. Iran
Explainer Iran-Oman Hormuz route talks near 'completion': What to know The new framework would give Iran a greater role in managing one of the world’s most strategically important maritime choke points. Oman
Lebanon’s Riad Salameh hospitalized as arrest roils Beirut: What to know Lebanon's former Central Bank governor, Riad Salameh, was taken from prison to a hospital over his deteriorating health. Lebanon
Saudi Arabia's economy shrinks by 4.8% amid Iran war: What to know The kingdom saw a 24.7% year-on-year decline in its oil sector for the April 1 to June 30 period due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Arabia
Explainer Saudi airlines outbuy Gulf rivals at Farnborough air show: What to know United Arab Emirates
Turkey, Israel tangle in fresh row over trade ban The fresh tensions between the two regional powers seem to be stemming from a Turkish directive sent to companies that were doing business with Israel to introduce a three-month adjustment period for implementation of the trade ban. Turkey
Israel's Elbit clinches $53M deal to sell mortar systems to Europe Between 2019 and 2023, Israeli weapons constituted 2.4% of the global market, massively reshaped by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and increased imports by European countries. Israel
Dubai crowned wealthiest city in Middle East, home to 72,500 millionaires The number of individuals in Dubai with liquid investment wealth — assets that can be readily converted to cash — of $1 million or more increased by 78% between 2013 and 2023 to 72,500, according to a report. United Arab Emirates
Turkey and Kuwait sign six deals as Erdogan hosts country's Emir The Kuwaiti emir traveled to Turkey for his first foreign visit to a non-Arab country since he took the oath of office in December. Turkey
KFC, Pizza Hut profit in Middle East cut by half amid Gaza war boycotts Americana Restaurants said the decline was due to the “ongoing geopolitical tensions” in the Middle East and the effect of the Ramadan period. Israel
As it seeks to rival China and Pakistan, India sets its sights on Oman trade deal The agreement could serve as a "strategic lever" for New Delhi to expand its influence in the Middle East. Oman
UAE’s non-oil revenues hit by April floods, but quick recovery expected The seasonally adjusted S&P Global UAE Purchasing Managers’ Index fell to 55.3 points in April, still indicating growth, but had been at 56.9 the previous month. United Arab Emirates
UAE, Ukraine conclude trade deal talks, Emirates to help post-war reconstruction Ukraine’s bilateral trade has sharply fallen since Russia invaded the country in February 2022. United Arab Emirates
Can $20B Iraq Development Road project rival India-Middle East corridor? A new trade route is in the works to connect the Gulf with Europe along the Development Road, starting in Iraq. Iraq
Chipotle opens restaurant in Kuwait, its first in Middle East The Mexican-style food chain’s entry into the Middle East comes as Western brands in the region deal with the effects of Gaza war-related boycotts. Kuwait
As Iran, Israel trade fire, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan try to forge stability As Prince Faisal bin Farhan made his way to Pakistan with a high-powered delegation to discuss energy and economic ties, tension in the Middle East overshadowed the discussions. Saudi Arabia
EU releases another $1.06B to Egypt to boost fragile economy The European Union's latest package of support for the North African country's economic recovery follows an $8 billion deal announced March 17. Egypt
