Iran names US tech, finance firms in new Middle East threat list Firms listed as potential targets included Oracle, Microsoft, Apple, Google, Meta, IBM, Palantir and Nvidia, while banking giant JPMorgan and UAE-based AI firm G42 were also listed. Iran
Analysis Oil-rich Gulf states could face power crunch as Iran war hits energy security While the conflict fuels a global oil price shock, the Gulf states must contend with growing threats to their own energy security, from power cuts to desalinated water loss. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Saudi Arabia launches new Bahrain maritime link as Hormuz routes strain The service connects King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam with Bahrain’s Khalifa Bin Salman Port. Saudi Arabia
Analysis How long can markets hold their bet on Gulf resilience as war drags on? A prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz and continued assaults on Gulf energy infrastructure are likely to lead to regionwide credit deterioration, experts say. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Meloni to attend GCC summit in Bahrain as Italy deepens Gulf ties The summit is expected to focus on economic integration in the Gulf, but regional issues will likely loom just as large, including post-war Gaza and the conflict in Sudan. Bahrain
US approves $1.4B in military sales to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain: What to know An estimated $1 billion in foreign military sales will go to Saudi Arabia, and $445 million will go to Bahrain. United States
Malaysia's AirAsia bets Bahrain can fuel Mideast growth, challenging Gulf hubs The Malaysian carrier signed a preliminary pact with Bahrain to explore establishing the kingdom as its Middle East hub, with plans for dozens of daily flights by 2030. Bahrain
Analysis UK chases elusive GCC trade deal that could boost exports, economic links A new charm offensive at Saudi Arabia's flagship investment conference has fueled optimism that a UK-GCC trade pact, under negotiation since 2022, could soon be completed. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Bahrain joins Gulf’s late movers in the solar race with 150 MW project If completed on schedule, the Bilaj Al Jazayer solar plant would more than double the kingdom’s total installed renewable capacity, which stood at just 69 MW in 2024. Bahrain
Analysis As Carrefour retreats in Mideast, can new Gulf superstore brand advance? Amid rising competition and consumer boycotts of Western companies, UAE-based Majid Al Futtaim has begun pulling French retailer Carrefour from Middle East markets and rebranding outlets under a new name: HyperMax. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Bahraini protesters clash with police over new Israeli ambassador: What to know Bahrain normalized ties with Israel in 2020 and has sought to balance friendly relations and maintaining calm among its pro-Palestinian population amid the Gaza war. Bahrain
Egypt secures $220M from domestic, Gulf, Chinese investors for solar project Foreign investment from three countries comes at a pivotal time in Egypt’s recovery from its worst financial crisis in over six decades. Egypt
US to sell $500 million HIMARS rocket system to Bahrain The short-range artillery system will not alter the basic balance of power in the Gulf region, Pentagon says. Bahrain
What Bahrain’s election to UN Security Council means for Mideast diplomacy The election of new members to the UN Security Council comes ahead of a vote on a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Bahrain
Bahrain to bid for UN Security Council seat: What to know If its candidacy is successful, it would allow the Arab world's smallest nation to have a significant say in critical decisions impacting the Middle East, particularly the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Bahrain
Analysis Wary of Houthis, Gulf states fear blowback of US escalation in Yemen The Houthis' identification with the Gaza conflict has also made it complicated for Gulf states to participate in operations against the group. By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics