PayPal bets $100M as Middle East’s Gulf fintech giants amplify competition

The move from the US payments giant comes amid a flurry of activity that has further cemented the Gulf’s fintech sector on the map for global investors — including Saudi Arabia's Tamara, which recently secured a $2.4 billion financing deal.

United Arab Emirates

Newsletter: Gulf

Saudi Arabia deepens China industrial partnership

Saudi Industry and Mineral Resources Minister Bandar Alkhorayef is leading a five-day mission to China this week, advancing cooperation on industrial manufacturing and critical minerals as Riyadh pursues its Vision 2030 goals.

By Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

Analysis

Planned diversification or US doubts? Why Saudi Arabia inked Pakistan security pact

Saudi Arabia’s new defense pact with Pakistan signals growing Gulf doubts about US security guarantees.

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Middle East debt issuance near $200B record amid September borrowing surge

A borrowing boom driven by Saudi Arabia and Turkey arrives amid a broader wave of issuances in 2025, underlining the Middle East’s status as one of the busiest and most resilient players in international debt markets.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's PIF buys $2B majority stake in entertainment giant MBC

The deal highlights the PIF’s continued expansion into the regional media and entertainment sector in accordance with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 agenda.

Saudi Arabia

Newsletter: City Pulse Riyadh

Existence and chaos explored in 50-meter painting

Fusion food, contemporary art, and fashion week headlines Riyadh’s cultural calendar.

By Rebecca Anne Proctor

In Dubai, reporting on culture

Saudi sports push targets NFL with flag football series featuring Tom Brady

The Public Investment Fund is not yet investing in the National Football League amid restrictions on state entities, but is eyeing flag football as the sport grows in the region.

Saudi Arabia

Iran’s Larijani meets MBS, Saudi defense chiefs in Riyadh: What to know

The trip is Ali Larijani’s third since he returned to head the Supreme National Security Council and follows Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian calling for greater unity in the region.

Iran

Culture

Saudi Arabia dreams of Hollywood as $150M epic 'Desert Warrior' debuts

Backed by government funding, the kingdom aims to become a global filmmaking hub with the $150 million epic 'Desert Warrior' and other high-profile productions.

Saudi Arabia

Analysis

KFC’s Turkey relaunch tests Western brands’ resilience in Gaza boycott era

From KFC to Carrefour, the Middle East's consumer brand landscape is undergoing significant shifts as the two-year anniversary of boycotts linked to the Gaza war approaches.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Saudi Arabia launches 24-hour women’s sports channel: What to know

The launch coincides with the start of the Saudi Women’s Premier League season, which will see the soccer competition broadcast nationally and globally for the first time.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi crown prince vows to ground soaring property prices: What to know

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman vowed to implement policies aimed at reducing real estate costs and providing a wider range of housing options.

Saudi Arabia