Turkey defense firms break record with $10B in revenues: SIPRI Turkey set a new record with five companies in the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute's Top 100 for 2024, which included nine Middle Eastern countries for the first time amid conflict-driven arms demand. Turkey
Analysis US-Gulf critical minerals ties grow in bid to weaken China’s grip on industry Saudi Arabia and the UAE are emerging as indispensable partners to the United States in its efforts to “friend-shore” a strategic sector and supply chains dominated by China. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis South Korea’s $15B jet offer expands UAE's options as US moves to sell Saudis F-35s By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Newsletter: City Pulse Dubai Abu Dhabi opens Middle East’s largest natural history museum Also this week: Kraken Dubai, Sotheby’s major Collectors’ Week and fresh art openings By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
Feature Saudi Arabia leans on AI for real estate growth as gigaprojects slow By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Middle East internet slows after Red Sea cables cut: What to know Yemen's internationally recognized government accused the Houthi rebels of planning to attack underwater cables in the Red Sea in February 2024. Kuwait
Sudan accuses UAE of hiring Colombian mercenaries in UN complaint Sudan’s complaint claims 350 to 380 Colombian mercenaries were recruited by Emirati security firms to fight alongside the RSF. Sudan
Saudi Arabia, UAE firms sign $18.5B tourism megaproject for Egypt The new deal forms part of Egypt’s Vision 2030 agenda as the government aims to secure $42 billion in foreign direct investment this year. Egypt
Qataris hail Chinese robotaxis as Gulf embraces driverless cars Three Chinese companies have publicly announced plans to roll out the autonomous vehicles in the Gulf. Qatar
From Milan to Dubai: Giorgio Armani's sprawling Middle East legacy The Italian designer's eponymous brand has luxury real estate in the Gulf, as well as North Africa. United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia, UK announce over $445M in investments: What to know The agreements aim to boost bilateral trade and will also support Saudi Vision 2030 reforms to diversify the economy away from reliance on oil by the end of the decade. Saudi Arabia
UAE president meets Saudi crown prince ahead of UN Palestine conference The UAE and Saudi Arabia have strengthened cooperation since the Gaza war began in 2023, though their rivalry over regional influence and economic leadership remains. United Arab Emirates
Etihad half-year profit hits record $306M on strong travel demand The Abu Dhabi airline reported a profit after tax of 1.1 billion Emirati dirhams ($306 million), up 32% from the first half of 2024. United Arab Emirates
UAE says Israel’s West Bank annexation push a ‘red line': What to know There are growing indications that the Israeli government is seeking to annex the Palestinian territory, but the UAE is becoming increasingly critical of the plan. Israel
Analysis Arid Gulf states pursue global water deals, leveraging desalination expertise After becoming leaders in domestic water desalination, Gulf states are spotting opportunities to generate lucrative returns by exporting their know-how in a world facing growing water pressures. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Gulf rail boom rumbles on as 2030 deadline for regional network nears From 100 million metro riders in Riyadh to a new Oman-UAE railway, Gulf states are pouring money into train transport — but plans for a regional rail network are still taking shape. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Amid Trump tariffs, UAE, Singapore to form trade group of small nations The new group, the Future of Investment and Trade Partnership (FIT-P), is expected to include around 10 countries, with the UAE, Singapore, and New Zealand being founding members. United Arab Emirates