Newsletter: Business & Tech

World Cup spending boosts Morocco stocks

This week, Morocco’s stock market surged on 2030 World Cup hype, Egypt secured its first Qatari industrial investment in sustainable aviation fuel, Yemen’s oil-rich south saw renewed conflict, and AI-driven robots are helping the UAE meet construction demands.

By Jack Dutton

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

Morocco’s markets rise as World Cup spending fuels largest IPO in decades

Shares in SGTM jumped by 10% on Dec. 16 after the construction firm raised roughly $550 million from its IPO, underscoring demand in a market that has featured few new listings in recent years.

Morocco

Culture

World Cup: Iran fumes over LGBTQ+ themes as Jordan qualifies for first time

Morocco is hoping to build on its historic run in 2022, with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and others in the region similarly vying to build on recent successes.

Iran

Spain, Morocco dismantle drone network flying hashish across border

Spanish authorities seized more than 150 kilograms of hashish and more than 320,000 euros ($371,820) in cash in searches across southern Spain.

Morocco

Analysis

Morocco's UN-backed Western Sahara plan offers investors some reassurance

Last week, the UN Security Council voted in favor of a resolution backing Rabat’s plan for Western Sahara, describing autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as the “most feasible solution” to the 50-year disagreement over the disputed territory.

By Jack Dutton

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

Culture

From Hollywood set to heritage hub: Morocco’s $75M bet on Ouarzazate

Once the Hollywood of the Sahara, Morocco’s desert city is betting on sustainable tourism to reclaim its place on the map.

Morocco

UN Security Council backs Moroccan plan for disputed Western Sahara

The resolution boycotted by Algeria says the Moroccan plan "could constitute a most feasible solution" to the conflict.

Morocco

Feature

Trump eyes Algeria-Morocco rift over Western Sahara in latest peace bid

With the world’s attention fixed on the Gaza ceasefire, the Trump administration has its sights set on another diplomatic deal: Western Sahara.

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Saudi investment minister visits Morocco, Senegal on Africa trade drive

Saudi Arabia has pledged more than $41 billion in investment in sub-Saharan Africa over the next decade.

Saudi Arabia

Culture

Marrakech's African Contemporary Art Museum reinvents itself two years after quake

Marking the two-year anniversary of the 2023 earthquake, Marrakech’s Museum of African Contemporary Art highlights the city’s recovery and its growing role as a hub for African art.

Morocco

Morocco arrests 400+ as youth protesters demand government steps down

The group leading the protests, known as GenZ 212, posted a list of demands on social media Friday, including the dismissal of the current government led by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch.

Morocco

Two killed by police as Morocco’s anti-government protests enter day 5

Two protesters were killed in Morocco on Wednesday as demonstrations continue.

Morocco