UAE, Pakistan expand cooperation during crown prince's first visit: What we know Pakistan is looking to the UAE for economic help, with recent agreements focused on mining, ports and railways. United Arab Emirates
Interview Coworking offers lifeline to Gaza's tech entrepreneurs as war disrupts jobs The founder of Intersect Innovation Hub calls its coworking project “Palestinian tech resilience at its best.” Rateb Rabi Founder of Intersect Innovation Hub
Turkish ammunition plant explosion kills 11, injures 7 Turkish officials ruled out the possibility of sabotage in the explosion. Turkey
India-Europe corridor, trade top Russian delegation talks in Iran: What we know The visit occurs at a pivotal moment for the evolving partnership and the challenges it faces under international sanctions and scrutiny, coupled with regional dynamics that have seen both sides in graver need of one another. Iran
Analysis Saudi Arabia to pursue two-track approach for Trump presidency By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
Can the private sector salvage Egypt’s dilapidated railway system? While a train accident in Egypt’s Giza governorate has placed the railway system's efficiency in the spotlight, experts remain optimistic about the government’s modernization plan. Egypt
Decks and the City: Artist proposes gardens over car parks in Beirut This year's Beirut Design Week focuses on urban design, and the projects and showcases include street revival and creative new green spaces. Lebanon
Syria's not waiting for peace to rebuild, and Iran wants to help There's a lot of talk about reconstructing Syria, but at the moment, Iran seems to be the only country actively working toward that end. Syria
Weary Istanbulites flock to seaside Izmir Tired of traffic, extreme concretization and decelerated social interaction, white-collar, educated Turkish people are abandoning Istanbul for Turkey’s Aegean coastal province of Izmir. Turkey
Iran’s housing sector keeps building Iran’s housing sector is on track to escape its yearslong stagnancy, yet Iranian tenants are still squeezed by rising rents. Iran
Ethiopian dam talks jammed with no compromise in sight Another meeting between Sudan, Egypt and Ethiopia on the massive Nile dam ended in an impasse, leaving many questions about its construction unanswered. Egypt
Turkish firm brings light back to struggling Syrian city Turkey plans to help restore utilities and other services to Syrian towns, starting with a new power plant for the city of Azaz, which has been running on generators. Syria
Lebanon plans to overhaul its public transportation sector The World Bank has approved a $295 million financing package to reform public transportation in Beirut. Lebanon
Could container homes alleviate Israeli housing crisis? Israeli architects and students explore the concept of using shipping containers as homes and shopping spaces. Israel
Istanbul’s new airport: a looming black hole Istanbul’s giant new airport, scheduled to partially open in October ahead of key elections next year, has become a headache that threatens to carve a black hole in Turkey’s public finances. Turkey
Price hikes alone won't fix Egypt's ailing rail system A deadly train wreck this week spurred calls for improvements to Egypt's poorly maintained railway system and renewed discussion about a delayed increase in ticket prices. Egypt
Umm al-Fahm: Where the streets have no name Israeli authorities are refusing to approve street names selected by the city of Umm al-Fahm to acknowledge and honor Palestinian figures and history. Palestine