Canada, UAE sign trade pact as Ottawa seeks to diversify beyond US The agreement is set to broadly lift tariffs on key products as Canadian officials hope to boost bilateral trade to $7 billion within a decade. United Arab Emirates
Macron secures Gulf diesel supplies as France grapples with fuel costs, unrest France now has commitments for 295,000 metric tons of diesel per month from the Gulf, accounting for just over 10% of the European country’s consumption. Bahrain
Saudi Arabia postpones 'Davos in the Desert' until 2027 amid Houthi attacks The Future Investment Initiative, which typically attracts the CEOs of some of the biggest companies in business, finance, and technology to Riyadh, will now be held next year. Saudi Arabia
Analysis How Hormuz crisis is reshaping economic ties between Iraq and Syria Iraq and Syria are expanding trade and energy cooperation, but security risks, economic challenges and longstanding mistrust raise questions about whether their growing partnership can endure. By Shelly Kittleson In Baghdad, reporting on Iraqi politics
Saudi tech giant expands investments into China, AI as part of $100B plans Alat plans to invest $100 billion by 2030 to coincide with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 plan to wean the kingdom’s economy off of its reliance on oil. Saudi Arabia
Egypt’s Sisi: Suez Canal revenue down as much as 50% over Red Sea attacks The decrease in revenue and traffic in the canal due to attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels is exacerbating Egypt’s foreign currency shortage and overall economic crisis. Egypt
Israel’s Ashdod port bounces back from Gaza war setback Israel's Ashdod port is grappling with increased competition, threats from Yemen's Houthis and other regional challenges. Israel
In south Lebanon, schools resume classes as displaced shelter inside Hezbollah steps in as municipalities struggle to respond to the growing number of displaced. Lebanon
Back to roots: India, the Arabian Gulf and the reemergence of West Asia Building personal connections with Gulf leaders has proven instrumental for Modi in fostering stronger ties between India and the region. Legacy: Gulf
Brazil’s Lula signs cooperation deals on Egypt visit, will head to Ethiopia next The Brazilian president met his Egyptian counterpart, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, attended an Arab League meeting and is seeking to expand the strong trade ties between the two countries. Egypt
What’s behind Egypt decision to raise minimum wage, government salaries by 50%? Egypt’s economy has suffered from high inflation for years, and now the spillover from the Gaza war is exacerbating the situation. Egypt
London Metal Exchange to build delivery centers in Saudi Arabia Investors and mining companies are bracing for a wave of exploration licenses awarded in Saudi Arabia after the kingdom nearly doubled its untapped mineral estimate to $2.5 trillion and announced new incentives for miners in January. Saudi Arabia
Gulf-India relations boosted by UAE deals, Saudi Aramco talks India has made deals with the UAE and Qatar recently, and trade between India and the GCC is rising. Legacy: Gulf
Will Egypt succeed in upping its multimillion-dollar IMF bailout? North Africa's largest economy is working to increase its $3 billion IMF program to $10 billion as it faces its worst financial downturn in decades. Egypt
India's government ratifies UAE investment deal as trade booms The UAE and India have substantial and growing economic ties and Abu Dhabi is seeking to invest more in the South Asian country. Legacy: Gulf
Kuwait emir travels to Saudi Arabia for first foreign visit Relations with Saudi Arabia are a priority for Kuwait's new emir. Legacy: Gulf
