Analysis Algeria hails new $60B energy plan but price slump threatens reform push The OPEC member recently held its first oil and gas licensing round in a decade, attracting significant international interest and awarding five of six onshore blocks, signaling progress in its energy ambitions despite ongoing challenges. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Iran, Russia, Central Asia states ink Caspian Sea pact, plan naval drills The navies of Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan signed a comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement on Wednesday, aimed at strengthening security in the Caspian Sea basin as the four countries deepen their relations. Iran
World Bank ups Middle East 2025 economic outlook as oil, tourism rebound The lender expects gross domestic product growth in the region to average 2.8% this year, up from its April forecast of 2.6%. Iran
Supreme Court clears path for Turkey’s Halkbank trial over Iran sanctions The Turkish president personally raised the Halkbank case with US President Donald Trump at the White House, as Ankara pushes for a settlement to avoid a drawn-out legal battle. Turkey
Analysis Egypt’s renewable power jumps 34% as country tackles energy crunch By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Israel, Cyprus to resolve disagreement over maritime gas field Most of the disagreement points between Israel and Cyprus over the joint Aphrodite-Yishai natural gas reservoir have been resolved, and an agreement is apparently imminent. Israel
Abu Dhabi port operator signs oil transport deal with Iraqi firm AD Ports Group is seeking to expand its international business, recently making agreements in Egypt and Uzbekistan to this end. Iraq
Breaking | Last Updated: September 29, 2022, 6:42 pm US unveils new sanctions targeting Iran’s oil sales The Biden administration on Thursday blacklisted entities in China, Hong Kong, Iran, India and the United Arab Emirates over their alleged involvement in Iran’s petrochemical trade. Iran
UAE to help Germany reduce dependence on Russian gas Qatar is also reportedly close to supplying the European country with natural gas amid the Ukraine war. United Arab Emirates
Iraqi prime minister emphasizes Iraq's role in regional stability at UN The Iraqi prime minister highlighted Iraq's main issues and the country's regional and international significance at the UN General Assembly. Iraq
Natural gas profits finally put Israel's wealth fund into business After four disappointing years, Israel’s wealth fund, based on tax revenues from natural gas companies, has enough money to begin making investments. Israel
Israeli natural gas revenues boom With a projected increase in output, Israel will have the opportunity to boost exports to Europe. Israel
Dubai supplier to replace coal with natural gas in bid to reduce carbon emissions The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company signed an agreement to provide Dubai with natural gas, which will be used to generate electricity. Natural gas is a relatively clean fuel but does lead to carbon emissions. United Arab Emirates
Why Hezbollah won't torpedo Lebanon's maritime border talks with Israel Israeli sources believe that Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah realizes how important it is for economically failing Lebanon to reach an agreement with Jerusalem on its maritime border and the extraction of natural gas. Israel
Energy, dams boost Egypt’s clout in Africa Egypt has emerged as a regional energy power in recent years and is using its electricity and gas surpluses and experience in building dams to boost its foothold in Africa. Egypt
Oil prices fall following Saudi-backed OPEC+ production cut The decrease in production could be a message from Saudi Arabia to the US over the Iran nuclear deal. Legacy: Gulf
Oil spill darkens Egyptian tourist town Ahead of the Cop27, an oil spill in Egypt highlights the country’s inability to deal with environmental disasters. Egypt