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
On visit to Algeria, France’s Macron advances post-colonial reconciliation The presidents of France and Algeria signed Aug. 27 a pact for a new partnership between the two countries, announcing the setting up of a joint historian commission to explore the colonial period, alleged French crimes and the bloody eight-year independence war. Algeria
Israel to invest more in Egyptian renewable energy projects Israel plans to invest more in the field of power generation with renewable energy in Egypt, after two Israeli companies announced a major plan to carry out several projects to this effect. Egypt
UAE non-oil trade increases as Gulf state seeks reduced oil dependence The news follows trade agreements the Gulf state made with Israel and India. United Arab Emirates
Oil smuggling in Syria worsens pollution in Euphrates River The residents living near the Euphrates River in northeast Syria are suffering the consequences of water pollution mainly caused by oil spills resulting from smuggling operations between the areas held by the Kurdish forces and the Syrian government. Syria
Leaking tankers threaten health, livelihoods along Yemen's coast A series of recent pollution incidents in the port of Aden has brought newfound urgency to addressing the hazardous vessels. Legacy: Gulf
Oil prices fall to another low Saudi Arabia has benefited from high oil prices this year, though prices appear to be falling somewhat on the back of production increases. Legacy: Gulf
Security unrest sparks protests in southern Libya, threatens oil output The Libyan oil sector is once again threatened amid security and political turmoil, most recently with protests breaking out in the oil-rich southern region, which has been marginalized for years. North Africa
Saudi Arabia secures funding for electricity interconnection with Egypt Egypt just approved a plan to ration electricity, though the government said there is not a shortage of power. Egypt
Fourth Turkish drilling ship begins energy exploration in Mediterranean Past Turkish energy exploration activities took place in waters claimed by Greece and Cyprus, leading to significant tensions. Turkey
Saudi Arabia-China relations strengthen with Aramco-Sinopec deal The ties between China and Saudi Arabia are largely based on trade and energy cooperation. Saudi Arabia
Breaking | Last Updated: August 3, 2022, 11:48 am OPEC+ agrees to small oil production increase US President Joe Biden may have been hoping for a larger boost in production. Legacy: Gulf
Is Russia escalating Jewish Agency crisis because of Israel's stance on Ukraine? Some Israeli security and diplomatic experts believe that Russian President Vladimir Putin instigated the Jewish Agency crisis to pressure Israel against selling natural gas to Europe. Israel