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 By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Feature Trump eyes Algeria-Morocco rift over Western Sahara in latest peace bid By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Israel’s Cabinet approves diplomatic relations with Morocco The agreement calls for "diplomatic, peaceful and friendly relations" between the two governments. Israel
Young Israeli singer wins over fans with Moroccan Arabic voice Israeli artist Ron Peretz embraces the Moroccan Arabic she learned at home in hip hop music that is conquering hearts in Israel and the Arab world. Israel
Egypt denies plans to join states opening Western Sahara consulates Cairo has denied Moroccan reports that Egypt plans to inaugurate a consulate in Western Sahara, which has been disputed for decades between Morocco and the Polisario Front backed by Algeria. Egypt
Moroccan officials arrive in Israel to reopen liaison office An administrative Moroccan delegation arrived in Israel to reopen the liaison office following normalization of ties between the two countries. Israel
Fourth elections in Israel: Netanyahu’s Moroccan card For Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, renewal of ties with Rabat means one thing: possible support of hundreds of thousands of Israelis of Moroccan origins. Israel
Kushner, Israeli delegation arrive in Morocco on first direct flight Israeli and Moroccan officials are expected to sign the first of several accords cementing relations between the two countries. Israel
Why Palestinians found Moroccan normalization easier to take Unlike Israel's normalization deals with the UAE, Bahrain and Sudan, the most recent one with Morocco caused little anger among Palestinians. Palestine
White House's Kushner to visit Israel, Morocco following normalization agreement Senior Trump administration adviser Jared Kushner will lead a US and Israeli delegation to Morocco next week. Israel
Oman praises Israel-Morocco relations Oman has yet to recognize Israel officially, despite speculation that the sultanate would do so. Oman
Western Sahara media, activists criticize US decision to recognize Moroccan sovereignty US President Donald Trump announced Thursday that the United States had accepted Morocco's claim to disputed Western Sahara and that Morocco and Israel were establishing full relations. North Africa
Normalization with Morocco warms Israeli hearts Unlike the normalization deals with Bahrain and with the United Arab Emirates, the imminent deal between Israel and Morocco will be built on centuries of common history and heritage. Israel
Trump announces Israel-Morocco normalization deal Under the deal, the United States will also recognize disputed Western Sahara as Moroccan territory. Israel
