Crypto crash collides with UAE’s big bet on digital assets After hitting record highs in 2025, Bitcoin’s sell-off is roiling global markets and making waves in the UAE. United Arab Emirates
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. Qatar
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
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. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Analysis Saudi Arabia downsizes megaprojects, chases cash amid AI push By Samuel Wendel , Jack Dutton
Al-Monitor/Premise Turkey poll: Erdogan, Kilicdaroglu statistically tied in election runoff The poll found the economy, refugees and justice stand out as the top three issues that the country faces, with 71% of respondents favoring an imminent return of refugees in the country. Turkey
Qatar Airways struggles to rebound in China with post-COVID labor shortages CEO Akbar Al Baker said that his airline was seeing a huge demand for travel post-pandemic but a “massive shortage” of capacity due to supply chain issues. Qatar
Qatar rolls out $275M market program in latest foreign investment push The Qatar Investment Authority is setting up a market-making initiative to draw in more foreign investor interest and build up its capital markets. Qatar
Double trouble: Lebanon’s Salameh gets second arrest warrant from Germany Riad Salameh is under increased scrutiny in Europe on suspicions of money laundering at a time Lebanon is grappling with a deteriorating financial and economic crisis. Lebanon
Turkey Elections: Currency fears grow ahead of presidential runoff Turkey’s foreign exchange crunch has become so grave that the authorities would even go for limiting cash withdrawals from credit cards to keep the Turkish lira from plunging. Turkey
How much trouble is Lebanon's Riad Salameh in after Interpol's red notice? Days earlier, the French judiciary issued an international arrest warrant for Riad Salameh after he failed to show up at a hearing in Paris over his alleged involvement in an embezzlement case. Lebanon
Germany, Italy hold talks with Saudi Arabia, Qatar to strengthen energy ties Italy is looking for capital from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund for a new fund Rome is setting up to help domestic companies in strategically important sectors. Saudi Arabia
Analysis How a prolonged war in Sudan could threaten global fizzy drink supply Sudan is the world's leading supplier of gum arabic, an essential ingredient in fizzy drinks that acts as an emulsifying and separating agent. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Iran, Russia ink $1.6 billion rail deal to rival Suez Canal Iran and Russia agreed to build a railway between two Iranian cities as they continue to develop their trade relations despite US sanctions. Iran
Coinbase 'welcomed' to Abu Dhabi's Hub71, hinting at new base in UAE Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong said at a Dubai-based tech event that the UAE could serve as a hub for parts of the Middle East, North Africa and Asia. United Arab Emirates
UAE official discusses cooperation with Iran’s roads minister The UAE and Iran continue to maintain cordial economic and political ties, despite US pressure. United Arab Emirates
Egypt’s economy braces for new hit from Sudan conflict Egypt fears that a prolonged conflict in Sudan, a major market for its exports, will add to its economic hardships. Egypt
