UAE, Russia host first joint business forum despite Ukraine war sanctions Trade between the two countries is projected to exceed $10 billion in 2025. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Russian leak signals Su-35s for Iran moving to production: What to know Recently leaked documents suggest 16 fighters are already on Russian assembly lines, with deliveries slated through 2027. For Tehran, it would be the first meaningful fighter upgrade in decades. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
What role is Jordan playing in Syria's reconstruction? As Syria’s southern neighbor, Jordan is already positioning itself as a logistics hub and diplomatic broker for Syria’s reconstruction. Syria
Iran currency dips to new low of 1.2M per dollar as sanctions bite: What to know Since US President Donald Trump took office in January, the rial has plummeted. Iran
Analysis US-Gulf critical minerals ties grow in bid to weaken China’s grip on industry By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Ukraine sanctions Israeli-Georgian billionaire accused of backing Russia Israeli press reported today that Israeli-Georgian businessman Mikhael Mirilashvili, considered close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was blacklisted by Ukraine several months ago. Israel
Iran’s foreign minister meets Japanese counterpart in rare Tokyo trip Hossein Amir-Abdollahian's visit to Japan comes amid mounting tensions in the region over Iran’s nuclear activities and attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf. Iran
Israel to include Gaza Americans in US visa waiver trial After agreeing to facilitate the passage of American-Palestinians in the West Bank, Israel has agreed to similar conditions for those residing in Gaza. Israel
Qatar loans Argentina $775 million to repay IMF Qatar continues its practice of assisting financially strapped countries by providing a loan to Argentina, which is also planning to use the yuan to purchase Chinese imports. Legacy: Gulf
UAE’s ADNOC buys stake in Azerbaijan gas field The move follows a wind and solar energy deal between an Emirati firm and Azerbaijan. Legacy: Gulf
Turkey’s new economy team wins over foreign investors Turkey’s economy czar and central bank chief have met with foreign investors amid a fresh push to draw foreign funds. Turkey
Lebanon: Republicans in Congress call for sanctions against political class The letters come amid Lebanon’s continued political paralysis, economic crisis and rising tensions with Israel. Some members of Congress are calling for sanctions on parliament speaker Nabih Berri, an ally of Hezbollah. Lebanon
Iran president Raisi invites UAE's MBZ to visit Tehran The invite was extended on the same day that Iran conducted a naval drill on Abu Musa Island, which is disputed with the UAE. United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia, UAE lead Forbes’ 2023 Arab family business ranking Although Saudi Arabia and the UAE dominated the list, with 33 and 29 of the top 100 spots respectively, Egypt’s Mansour Group sat in first place, with the UAE’s Al-Futtaim Group in second and Saudi Arabia’s only female-led company, Olayan Financing Company, at third. Saudi Arabia
Gulf investment in UK property expected to reach $3.2 B in 2024 Middle Eastern investors are capitalising on lower property valuations and those investors are likely to refinance when interest rates start falling, the Islamic bank said. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi Arabia borrowing rate hits new high, posing risk to foreign investments The Saudi Arabian Interbank Offered Rate climbed above an average of 6% in July, which was higher than the rate during the 2008 global financial crisis. Saudi Arabia
Turkey, Egypt seek to boost mutual trade by 50% in 5 years In the first visit of its kind in a decade, Egypt's trade and industry minister traveled to Turkey on Tuesday. Turkey
