Lebanon, UAE ink deals, deepen economic ties on Emirati Beirut visit An Emirati business delegation signed the agreements in Beirut and met with President Joseph Aoun, indicating the UAE's interest in deepening economic ties with Lebanon. Lebanon
Newsletter: Business & Tech Iran keeps Hormuz reopening on hold Traffic in the Strait of Hormuz remained low, with only five commodity vessels transiting the waterway on Tuesday, according to data from maritime tracking firm Kpler. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Large UAE delegation set to arrive in Lebanon in major investment push A large Emirati delegation of around 70 business leaders and government officials is heading to Beirut, in the latest sign of thaw between the United Arab Emirates and Lebanon. Lebanon
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Syria, Israel hold US-mediated talks Pakistan’s Munir arrives in Tehran; major UAE economic delegation to visit Beirut; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Analysis UAE-Iran trade relationship becomes key test of Trump’s wartime strategy By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran warns Gulf states against assisting US By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Russia's BRICS summit: Gulf states seek influence as Iran, UAE debut as members Saudi Arabia’s crown prince will not be in attendance but has sent his foreign minister. Expansion of the group and adoption of a new currency are on the three-day agenda. United Arab Emirates
Russia-linked LNG tankers transferred to new UAE firm amid sanctions pressure The three vessels — Velikiy Novgorod, Pskov and La Perouse — were transferred in September to a new Dubai-based company called Matias Ship Management, according to shipping data website Equasis. United Arab Emirates
Gulf governments silent as Iran, proxies mourn Hamas' Yahya Sinwar Regional governments have not commented on Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar’s killing by Israeli forces in Gaza, but Iran and its proxy groups mourned his death, vowing that the resistance against Israel will continue. Palestine
Analysis What UAE's Edge expansion into space means for country's military industry Abu Dhabi has recently seen a significant boost in its domestic defense and aerospace capabilities, thanks to its nation-based conglomerate, EDGE. This month, the group launched its new space company, FADA, marking a milestone in enhancing the Emirati’s status in the strategic space sector. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
WFP to send aid ship to feed displaced in Lebanon The UN food agency is raising the alarm over food insecurity and a harsh winter in the Levant as the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon continue. Israel
UAE’s AD Ports Group inks major deal with China Political and economic cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and China is growing, with robust trade ties and a visit by the Chinese premier to the Gulf state. United Arab Emirates
Gulf sovereign investors unshaken by Middle East wars but opt for global markets Gulf Cooperation Council investors accounted for 40% of deals made by sovereign investors globally in 2023 and 2024. United Arab Emirates
Investors undeterred as Dubai’s real estate bubble risks increase in 2024 As players line up to capitalize on Dubai real estate, the city’s record-breaking boom stands out in annual UBS ranking of hot global property markets. United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi’s sovereign funds ranked wealthiest in world with $1.7 trillion The assets of Gulf sovereign funds have risen considerably in recent years, in large part due to the UAE and Saudi Arabia. United Arab Emirates
Middle East startups see 34% uptick in global investors Data firm MAGNiTT reported Tuesday that the Middle East far outperformed other markets and regions, including Africa and Southeast Asia, which saw steeper drops. Saudi Arabia
Las Vegas gambling operator Wynn Resorts to open first UAE casino The UAE is looking to lure gaming tourists with the development of a large casino in the northern emirate of Ras al-Khaimah. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Israel-UAE trade to hit $3.3B in 2024 as wars in Lebanon, Gaza continue Despite a growing Arab public backlash against economic ties with Israel, and politically strained ties between the UAE and Israel since the Gaza war, bilateral trade has continued across the technology, tourism and agriculture sectors. By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics