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
Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition could upend Israeli democracy Incoming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a dangerous deal with far-right and religious radical partners who are sure to undercut Israeli's democratic institutions. Israel
Gulf banks raise interest rates in response to the Fed, Kuwait stays put Saudi Arabia could be in store for a liquidity crunch, according to a leading credit rating agency. Kuwait has a history of not following the trend on interest rates. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi Arabia offers green bonds in push toward net zero While the move signals that the kingdom understands the global trends toward "green," its impact on climate action will require further steps. Legacy: Gulf
Can floating Egyptian pound kill foreign currency black market? Egypt's latest flotation of its currency may rein in its thriving foreign currency black market, but economists cannot see an end to this market in the near future. Egypt
Informal ties grow between Israel, Saudi Arabia With the current rift between Washington and Riyadh, every baby step in informal relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia counts. Israel
Middle East countries must do more to recover, say IMF event panelists While oil producing countries are projected to benefit from a windfall due to high energy prices, for others the coming years "will be more challenging than ever." Legacy: Gulf
Lebanon’s Vinifest returns as local wineries face uncertain future The Middle East’s biggest wine industry showcase returns for its 13th edition with its first full physical event in three years, amid Lebanon's harsh economic conditions. Lebanon
Residents in Israel warn against wave of server farm construction With Google and Amazon winning the tender for a Cloud region in Israel, more data centers will be coming, but some residents have concerns about the environment and quality of life. Israel
Arab Israelis boycott Zara over ties with Jewish ultranationalist The street-initiated boycott against Zara shops in Israel demonstrates the force of the young Israeli Arab generation, seeking to bring about a change through social media. Israel
Amazon Egypt launches page for Egyptian handicrafts Amazon Egypt launched a new page for thousands of Egyptian handicrafts and heritage products, with the aim of supporting and encouraging Egyptian products. Egypt
Israel, Turkey promote increasing bilateral trade On an official visit to Turkey, Minister of Economy and Industry Orna Barbivai met with her counterparts, advancing the re-convening of the joint economic conference. Israel
NFT art, industry boom in Israel Israel might have gotten a late start on NFT art, but it's catching up quickly with active artists and groups on all social networks. Israel