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
Analysis UAE hedges against global economic volatility with EU trade agreement By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
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
Analysis Iran coal mine tragedy highlights prevalent corruption, workers' plight Reactions from pundits, activists and ordinary Iranians focused in large part on how corruption and mismanagement has grown over the years, with companies and oversight bodies increasingly ignoring the safety of workers who were digging "for a loaf of bread." By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Why UAE's ADNOC is investing in Exxon's Texas hydrogen plant Abu Dhabi's state-run oil company is taking a stake in ExxonMobil's major new low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia plant, its second foray into the Texas energy industry. United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia's SABIC sees second quarter profit rise by 85% to $580M The company's results are encouraging news for the petrochemicals sector, which has been weathering a downturn since the COVID-19 pandemic. Saudi Arabia
China’s Baosteel ups investment in Saudi steel plate venture to $1B A subsidiary of the world’s largest steelmaker, China Baeowu Steel Group, will have a 50% stake in a major new Saudi-based venture. Saudi Arabia
UAE main destination for smuggled African gold, report claims Swissaid estimates that 405 metric tons of gold, mostly mined by small-scale or artisanal miners, were smuggled out of Africa in 2022 and ended up in the UAE. United Arab Emirates
UAE eyes Zambia mine as minerals race heats up against Saudi Arabia, China Wealthy Gulf countries are racing against China, Europe and the United States for minerals critical to powering the global green transition. United Arab Emirates
