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
Israel hails Saudi agreement to open skies to all airlines Riyadh has decided to allow flights from Israel to cross Saudi airspace, significantly cutting flight times to the Far East. Israel
Will Tunisia, Algeria relations recover through land border reopening? Several issues, including gas and the dispute over the Western Sahara, continue to linger over the tense Algerian-Tunisian relations, despite the reopening of the land borders between the two countries. North Africa
India’s use of rupee for import, export payments could boost Iran trade Iran is seeking to boost trade with both Russia and India at present. Iran
Iranian pharmacy has new take on 'wall of kindness' The measure helps poor people obtain medicine amid rising inflation in Iran. Iran
Flydubai suspends flights to Sri Lanka as Emirates, Etihad keep flying Sri Lanka is experiencing mass unrest over its deteriorating economic situation. Legacy: Gulf
Unprecedented inflation hammers Iran Iranians have grown accustomed to high inflation and rising prices, yet recent macroeconomic trends are unprecedented. Iran
Lebanese cook over wood as high gas prices persist Desperation is one of the few commodities Lebanon does not lack as the financial burden of securing necessities such as cooking gas grows heavier. Lebanon
Emirati port operator, Uzbek oil company to open trade hub, cooperate on freight Other Middle Eastern states are also seeking better economic relations with Central Asia. Legacy: Gulf
Lapid’s greatest election challenge will be skyrocketing cost of living Prime Minister Yair Lapid has only four months to show Israelis he can do something about the continuously-increasing cost of living and high housing prices. Israel
Saudi fast food giant ready to challenge KFC in Egyptian market The introduction of Saudi fast food chain Albaik to Egypt is part of the $7.7 billion investment package announced during the recent visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Cairo. Saudi Arabia
Egypt’s growing fintech ecosystem transforms country’s finances A population of over 100 million, young, largely unbanked, with a high penetration of internet and mobile subscriptions paves the way for innovation in Egypt's fintech sector. Egypt
Abu Dhabi port operator acquires stake in Egyptian shipping firms Gulf countries are interested in buying Egyptian assets as the country’s economy falters. Egypt
