Turkey launches first overseas drilling mission in Somalia: What to know A drilling ship has reached Somalia to start Turkey's first overseas drilling mission as regional rivalry heats up in the Horn of Africa. Turkey
Analysis How fast can Gulf energy production rebound after US-Iran ceasefire? The truce could pave the way for lost oil and LNG supplies to flow back to global markets, but restoring Gulf energy production to normal levels could take months, if not longer. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
EIA hikes 2026 oil price forecasts 22% as Hormuz fuels long-term market fallout In its latest update, the agency said international benchmark Brent crude is now expected to average $96 per barrel in 2026, up from $79 previously, with higher prices now expected to last through 2027. Iran
Iran threatens energy shock, ups Gulf strikes ahead of Trump deadline: What to know Majid Mousavi, head of the IRGC Aerospace Force, declared the start of a “new phase” of the war in response to US threats to target key Iranian civilian infrastructure. Iran
Analysis How the Iran war can help Syria manage Turkey and its regional rivals By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis Jordan economic rating shows upswing, but problems remain Jordanians in the private sector are praising their government's ambitious economic strategies, but still see systemic inefficiencies as a barrier to making them a reality. By Salim A. Essaid
Kuwait asks Asian refiners to take less oil as Al Zour refinery ramps up output Kuwait Petroleum Corporation informed some buyers that Kuwait Export Blend crude supply could be reduced under new annual contracts as soon as April, according to Reuters. Legacy: Gulf
Oil sinks below $75 a barrel, lowest price in more than a year The news follows the Saudi National Bank declining to inject more money into the struggling Credit Suisse, as well as Silicon Valley Bank’s failure. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi Arabia’s 2022 GDP breaks record, exceeds $1 trillion Saudi Arabia’s government report states that it achieved its highest gross domestic product growth rate in over a decade in 2022 at 8.7% and broke its total amount record of more than $1 trillion last year. Legacy: Gulf
UAE's Sultan Al Jaber, COP28 head, calls for 7% emissions cut, swifter energy transition The Emirates’ Industry and Advanced Technology Minister Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber talked about the importance of carbon capture and hydrogen at the CERAWeek conference. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi Arabia invests $51 billion in first wave of Shareek diversification The Shareek investment and diversification strategy is set to create more than 64,000 jobs by 2040. Saudi Arabia
Oman's Abraj signs energy deal with Saudi's Chevron, Kuwait's Gulf Oil Oman’s Abraj Energy Services will also sell a major stake on the Muscat Stock Exchange soon. Legacy: Gulf
Analysis Ukraine war at year 1: Has Gulf's neutrality on Russia invasion paid off? Gulf countries — mainly the United Arab Emirates, then Qatar — as well as Turkey have been major recipients of Russian real estate investment in addition to direct financial injections. By Salim A. Essaid
Explainer: Israel is now an oil exporter with Energean deal, how significant? Experts told Al-Monitor that the export is not a significant development despite the media buzz, though it may have good public relations value for Israel’s energy sector. Israel
Despite divide over settlements, Israel expands energy cooperation with Egypt Israel’s Energy Minister Israel Katz chose to travel to Egypt for his first visit abroad since taking office. Israel
COP-28 head Sultan Al Jaber: UAE ‘running toward’ energy transition As the climate summit president continues to face criticism for his role as head of the UAE's state oil producer, Sultan Al Jaber argued that his position will serve more as an asset than an obstacle to energy transition. Legacy: Gulf
Is Italy pursuing a 'rebalancing' in North Africa? Algeria is set to double liquified natural gas exports to Europe as Algeria finesses ties with Italy. North Africa
