Egypt’s Sisi, Putin meet as Russia steps up Africa push: What to know Wednesday’s meeting comes on the sidelines of the third Russia-Africa Summit, a two-day gathering in Moscow bringing together African leaders and officials. Egypt
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 By Shelly Kittleson In Baghdad, reporting on Iraqi politics
UAE busts 4.5 million Captagon pills in food cans after smuggler arrest Amphetamine fenethylline, known by its brand name Captagon, has increasingly become the drug of choice among youth in Gulf Arab states. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Israel raises interest rates in eighth consecutive hike in 10 months Fighting rising inflation, Bank of Israel Gov. Amir Yaron took the unpopular decision of increasing the interest rates to 4.25%. By Danny Zaken In Ma'ale HaHamisha, reporting on Israel
Lebanon’s army suffers with currency collapse as desertions mount The drastic devaluation of wages threatens soldiers’ performance in the tumultuous period Lebanon is going through. Lebanon
New rail network on track to bring billions into UAE economy The railway will serve the UAE’s sustainability goals by reducing carbon emissions in the road transportation sector. Legacy: Gulf
UAE's IDEX weapons fair brings in Russia, China, and billion-dollar deals The United Arab Emirates’ defense expenditure amounted to $22.5 billion last year and is expected to reach $28.6 billion by 2027. Legacy: Gulf
Iran's currency dips to all-time low, basic prices skyrocket Recently launched government plans to restore stability to the troubled foreign exchange market proved no remedy, as ordinary Iranians continue to see their pockets shrink. Iran
Oman opens airspace to Israeli flights, following Saudi Arabia Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohen has thanked the Sultan of Oman and the Biden administration for an airspace agreement that will shorten Israeli flight times to Asia considerably. Israel
US, India, UAE, Israel convene I2U2 forum in Abu Dhabi The meeting builds on the food security initiative spearheaded by President Joe Biden in 2021 in preparation for global climate change. Legacy: Gulf
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
IMF director credits Gulf, India in boosting global economy The World Government Summit highlighted critical issues with the global economy and announced flying taxis in Dubai. Legacy: Gulf
From Israel to Egypt, how Adani Group's downfall could reverberate in Middle East The Indian tycoon's crumbling empire had made investments in Israel and Egypt, but relations between India and the region may chill if deals go bad. Israel
Egypt plans to sell stakes in 32 state-owned companies within year The announcement comes as the government is moving to reduce the state’s footprint in the economy, and includes two military-owned enterprises and three banks. Egypt
