Turkey, US push toward $100B trade goal as Bolat heads to Washington Bilateral trade between the United States and Turkey reached almost $43 billion in 2024, according to the US trade representative. Turkey
US-Gulf critical minerals ties deepen as Saudis strike rare earths deal The Nevada-based producer said the new joint venture will develop a refinery capable of processing raw materials from Saudi Arabia and abroad to supply manufacturing and defense industries in both countries. Saudi Arabia
Egypt, Russia advance construction at Dabaa nuclear plant: What to know The Dabaa nuclear plant could help Egypt address its energy woes while boosting cooperation with Russia. Egypt
Iran, Uzbekistan eye $5B in trade, mining investment: What to know Iranian Minister of Industry, Mining and Trade Seyed Mohammad Atabak made deals with his counterparts in Uzbekistan in Tashkent this week. Iran
US, UAE strike $1.8B critical mineral venture amid China tensions and Gulf rivalry United Arab Emirates
After China, Saudi industry minister visits Vietnam in eastward economic push Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef met with a number of Vietnamese officials on Monday as the oil-rich Gulf kingdom looks east to diversify its economic alliances. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia courts Chinese firms in mining investment drive Mining and Industry Minister Bandar Alkhorayef met with executives from more than 20 mining firms in Beijing on Thursday. Saudi Arabia
Saudi firm to pump $700M into economic zone developer in Africa The kingdom's Vision Invest will invest in pan-African developer Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms, which will use the funds to expand across the continent and develop green industrial ecosystems. Saudi Arabia
New US Navy chief vows major revamp after Mideast conflicts strain fleet Caudle’s swearing-in comes amid broader shakeups across the Navy as the Trump administration continues to dismiss top military brass. United States
Sudan restricts gold trade as currency falls: What to know The UAE, historically the largest importer of Sudanese gold, could be affected by the move, and Khartoum is seeking to reduce exports of the commodity to the Gulf state over a dispute related to the civil war. Sudan
Somaliland leader to visit Washington as US weighs recognition: What to know Somaliland, whose independence from Somalia remains unrecognized internationally, is reaching out to the Trump administration with strategic offers — including discussions about hosting displaced Gazans — to secure US recognition. United States
Somalia's FM visits Azerbaijan, talks energy cooperation: What we know Somalia and Azerbaijan agreed to strengthen cooperation in various fields during the Somali foreign minister’s visit to Baku. Somalia
Saudi mining licenses soar as kingdom hunts critical metals: What to know The Saudi government has cleared hurdles for the mining industry in its pursuit of critical materials. Saudi Arabia
Analysis UAE hedges against global economic volatility with EU trade agreement The UAE is doubling down on bilateral free trade agreements as it hedges against economic headwinds fueled by the United States' universal tariff policy. By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
UAE's ADNOC eyes US acquisitions amid Trump's energy boom Close political ties between the UAE and the Trump administration are likely to bode well for Abu Dhabi-based firms looking to tap the American shale boom. United Arab Emirates
UAE energy giant gets green light for $16B takeover of German firm Covestro ADNOC agreed in October to buy Covestro for 14.7 billion euros (then around $16.3 billion), including its debt, in its biggest-ever takeover. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Saudi Arabia to pursue two-track approach for Trump presidency Riyadh is likely to compartmentalize business dealings with incoming President Donald Trump separately from its foreign policy engagements, where there is likely to be disagreement. By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
