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
Saudi's Aramco could list in Hong Kong as China relations warm Aramco's latest deals in the Chinese market are fueling speculation that the Saudi giant could be set to list one of its subsidiary companies on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKSE). Legacy: Gulf
Grueling Ramadan for Lebanon's Muslims as prices, dollarization bite As all goods are priced in dollars this year, food prices have skyrocketed, making the holy month more burdensome for the Lebanese whose wages are limited while the value of the local currency continues to deteriorate. Lebanon
UAE, Qatar lead Middle East in 2023 global foreign investment ranking The United Arab Emirates sat in the top position among MENA markets and ranked 4th globally. Legacy: Gulf
Culture Tunis, Istanbul top Middle East city rankings for 'mindful travelers' Nine cities from the broader Middle East and North Africa region, including four in Turkey, made it into a ranking of the world's top cities for “mindful travelers." Turkey
Israel, UAE sign customs agreement as Emirati president hosts Naftali Bennett Economic cooperation between the the UAE and Israel remains strong and they have now activated their free trade deal, despite heightened Emirati criticism on the Palestinian issue. Legacy: Gulf
Egypt offers cash for families to control births The Egyptian government intends to pay 1,000 Egyptian pounds to married women with two children or less annually as part of efforts to curb population growth. Tunisia
Iraq marks somber Ramadan amid economic, political crises The holy month used to be a special time for Iraqis, filled with spiritual and social activities. But it has lost meaning due to the ongoing economic crisis and political conflict in the country. Iraq
Elon Musk denies report that Saudi Arabia, UAE intend to invest in SpaceX An arm of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and an Abu Dhabi-based company were reported to be looking to invest in Elon Musk’s SpaceX, according to The Information, which cited people familiar with investor discussions. Legacy: Gulf
This Ramadan, food prices change Egypt's longstanding Iftar customs Surging food prices force Egyptians to strictly stick to the basics ahead of Ramadan. Egypt
UAE, Oman call for bids on $3 billion transnational railway project The move aims to expand the role of the private sector in the state-owned project and promote regional integration, with the project connecting Oman’s Sohar Port with the UAE's National Rail Network. Legacy: Gulf
Kuwait’s Agility awarded $1.65 billion in dispute with Iraq's Korek The Kuwaiti logistics firm accused Korek, which is owned by Kurdish military commander Sirwan Barzani, of using corruption to expropriate its stake. Legacy: Gulf
Gulf asks India to increase flights as GCC, Indian officials meet in Saudi Emirates, Jazeera and Turkish Airlines want India to allow more flights, but Indian authorities told Reuters they have no plans to do so. Legacy: Gulf
