France, Saudi Arabia announce more than $10B in deals on MBS visit Among the deals included a 6 billion euro ($7 billion) pledge from the Public Investment Fund in three manga-themed amusement parks on the outskirts of Paris. Saudi Arabia
China slams Trump over economic war on Iran: What to know China’s once significant oil imports from Iran have been impacted by the war in the region and increasing US sanctions. Iran
Explainer King Abdullah visits China as region hedges against US unpredictability With no end in sight to the war in Iran and an unchecked Israeli policy across the region, the kingdom is hedging against future uncertainty and a less predictable US policy. China
Trump’s Iran ‘economic D-Day’ threat sends oil prices above $94 In a Truth Social post, the president threatened that any country that provides a financial lifeline to Iran will face "tremendous economic consequences." Iran
Analysis Jordan shores up US lifelines as Iran targets Amman’s reliance on Washington By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Can France restore Morocco ties without shifting on Western Sahara? On a visit to Rabat, French Foreign minister Stephane Sejourne acknowledged for the first time the importance of the Western Sahara issue for Moroccan diplomacy, but did not commit to any movement by Paris on the issue. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Saudi PIF-owned company, tourism fund partner on new downtown for Riyadh Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is working with the kingdom’s Tourism Development Fund to create "the world’s largest downtown" in the capital. Saudi Arabia
Qatar to pump nearly $11B into French start-ups, funds until 2030 The new investments will target key areas, including the aerospace, energy, semiconductor, artificial intelligence, digital, health, hospitality and cultural sectors. Qatar
Oman jumps 39 places on 2024 Economic Freedom Index, UAE ranks 22 Oman's economic reforms are paying dividends, according to the latest Heritage Foundation index on economic freedom. Legacy: Gulf
Qatari emir in France to discuss Gaza war, economic deals — and talk Mbappe Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has a wide-ranging agenda on his first state visit to Paris. Qatar
Qatar’s first VC fund of $1B expected to 'fuel startup ecosystem in region' The program has two objectives: to generate market-level commercial returns for Qataris and to develop a “vibrant VC and startup ecosystem” in line with the country's national development strategy. Qatar
Israel’s military exports to India booming, 'unaffected' by war in Gaza Israel has been one of the top military exporters to India over the past decade. Israel
Egypt, UAE sign $35 billion development deal amid foreign currency crunch The deal could help Egypt’s struggling economy and builds on previous Emirati investment in the North African country. Egypt
Turkey’s Fidan set to visit Venezuela and meet Maduro The Turkish foreign minister is set to make his inaugural visits to Venezuela and Mexico in his capacity as his country’s top diplomat. Turkey
UAE dropped from global watchdog’s illicit finance list in quick turnaround The Gulf country was added to the Financial Action Task Force's grey list in March 2022. United Arab Emirates
UAE, Kenya conclude trade deal talks as Abu Dhabi expands influence in Africa The United Arab Emirates has established economic partnership agreements with 10 countries as it seeks to diversify its oil-based economy. Legacy: Gulf
Morocco-Spain thaw continues with investment pledge, aerospace deal Spain and Morocco have historically been at odds over Western Sahara, migration and territorial disputes. Morocco
