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
Egypt, Congo boost ties with electricity deal Egypt and the Democratic Republic of the Congo agreed to partner in the field of electricity as part of Egypt’s plan to boost its presence in the African continent amid the stalled talks on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam crisis. Egypt
Egypt looks for boost from gas deal with Israel, EU The EU, Egypt and Israel signed an agreement for the export of natural gas to Europe, which would reduce the latter’s dependence on Russian gas. Egypt
Israeli minister backs Moroccan claims to Western Sahara sovereignty On a first official visit to Morocco, Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked said Israel recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara, and stated Israel’s intention to enable Moroccans to work in Israel in the construction and nursing sectors. Israel
Saudi Arabia, Jordan strengthen ties with energy, mining deals Saudi Arabia is now a major investor in Jordan. Jordan
Egypt, Saudi Arabia sign agreements on green hydrogen, infrastructure The deals came during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Egypt. Legacy: Gulf
Iran, Kazakhstan boost trade relations with new railway network Kazakhstan is a strong ally of Iran, and has helped the Islamic Republic circumvent sanctions. Iran
Israel expects post-COVID tourism rebound this summer Israeli experts do not expect tourism to reach this summer the record level of 2019, but they certainly notice a trend of increase on both outbound and incoming tourism. Israel
Egypt uses augmented reality to promote medical tourism Egypt’s General Authority for Health Care announced the use of metaverse technology to promote its medical tourism project as the country’s tourism sector is trying to compensate for the losses incurred during the coronavirus pandemic, and most recently the Russian war on Ukraine. Egypt
Egypt puts up for sale land plots for expats wishing to build cemeteries The Ministry of Housing and Urban Communities in Egypt has put up for sale cemetery lands for Egyptians abroad in four new cities, priced in dollars, as part of the government’s efforts to counter a severe foreign currency shortage. Egypt
Netanyahu builds next electoral platform on new podcast With a new podcast and headquarters and renewed enthusiasm, opposition head Benjamin Netanyahu is already campaigning for the next election. Israel
Analysis Turkey ‘highly vulnerable’ to liquidity pinch, says leading credit agency Turkey, Tunisia and other countries in the Middle East could face liquidity challenges amid rising interest rates worldwide. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
UAE bans exports of India-sourced wheat, restricts others The Ministry of Economy said the decision was motivated by global supply chain disruptions as well as the recent trade agreement between the UAE and India. Legacy: Gulf
