Analysis UAE’s OPEC exit rattles cartel as Gulf alliances shift OPEC's fourth-largest producer will leave the cartel on May 1, marking the most significant departure in the group’s history as the war changes Abu Dhabi's relationship priorities. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Why UAE's decision to leave OPEC is major shift for cartel The UAE accounts for 12% of OPEC's output, but tensions had been simmering over intragroup rivalries and the country wanting to export more oil. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Why Saudi Arabia, Egypt are wary of Turkey’s proposed 4-way defense pact with Pakistan The proposed framework faces major hurdles and fault lines, ranging from NATO constraints to Israeli opposition and weak military integration. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
In Lebanon, Saudi Arabia pursues quiet diplomacy as Trump pushes Israel normalization Saudi Arabia has been engaged in intense diplomacy in Lebanon in recent days, leading up to the extension of a ceasefire with Israel. Lebanon
Newsletter: City Pulse Riyadh Ithra brings MENA design to Milan By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
Analysis Gulf energy deals face Iran war stress test as global expansion meets oil shock By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Gulf investment in UK property expected to reach $3.2 B in 2024 Middle Eastern investors are capitalising on lower property valuations and those investors are likely to refinance when interest rates start falling, the Islamic bank said. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi Arabia borrowing rate hits new high, posing risk to foreign investments The Saudi Arabian Interbank Offered Rate climbed above an average of 6% in July, which was higher than the rate during the 2008 global financial crisis. Saudi Arabia
Israeli solar firm enters rare venture with Saudi business Such partnerships are seldom seen, as Israel and Saudi Arabia do not recognise each other formally and the two countries have never established diplomatic relations. Israel
Israel’s north-south rail project will link to Saudi Arabia, Netanyahu says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is optimistic about the possibility of connecting Israel to the Saudi and wider Gulf rail network. Israel
Analysis Iran should be catalyst for Israel-Saudi normalization Saudi-Israeli diplomatic relations could also give a financial and political boost to the moribund two-state solution. By Week in Review , Andrew Parasiliti
In a first, Saudi Arabia seals deal with Brazil’s largest miner VBM The Vale partnership will give Riyadh access to assets in Canada, Brazil and Indonesia. Saudi Arabia
Top White House officials meet MBS to talk Saudi-Israel normalization National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh as the White House seeks to further integrate Israel into the Middle East. Saudi Arabia
Kylian Mbappe declines Saudi meeting to discuss record $333 million transfer A report from L'Equipe newspaper said that the French captain never considered a move to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
China, UAE overtake US companies at Turkey’s IDEF 23 weapons fair During the 15th edition of the IDEF in 2021, the global fair saw more than a thousand companies from 53 countries attend and had more than 94 signing ceremonies take place. Turkey
IMF dims 2023 Middle East outlook as Saudi Arabia's growth slows The International Monetary Fund's projections for the Middle East and North Africa are down slightly in its latest report. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi oil exports hit new low, dropping by more than one-third In May of this year, Saudi Arabia’s value of oil exports hit a low of just over $19 billion, reported the kingdom’s General Authority for Statistics. This includes both crude and refined products. Saudi Arabia
EU commission sees Tunisia's migration deal as 'blueprint' for region On July 16, the bloc agreed to spend 100 million euros on Tunisia to combat human trafficking and illegal crossings of the Mediterranean Sea. Tunisia