Singapore's DBS Group, Banque Saudi Fransi ink Asia-Gulf trade deal

Trade between Southeast Asia and the GCC reached about $130.7 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow by another $50 billion by 2027, according to the Singaporean lender.

Saudi Arabia

Hong Kong exchange expands Gulf presence with new Dubai commodities arm

The emirate has positioned itself as a global commodities trading hub, with the UAE ranking second globally after the US in last year’s Commodity Trade Index.

United Arab Emirates

Newsletter: China-Middle East

China’s Gulf aviation ambitions

The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) is set to make its debut at the Dubai Airshow this November, signaling Beijing’s growing ambitions in the region's aviation market.

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Interview

Al-Futtaim targets 2026 UAE rollout for game-changer ultrafast EV charging

The technology, which has only been deployed in China, will enable up to 400 kilometers of car recharging in five minutes, roughly the same time as filling a petrol tank.

Lucas Bellieud

Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Managing Director

Newsletter: China-Middle East

China's Gaza calculus

As the Gaza conflict nears its two-year mark, China’s regional interests in the Middle East are coming under increasing strain. The war has exacerbated instability and disrupted trade routes for Beijing.

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Analysis

How Afghanistan's Bagram base became focal point of US-China-Iran rivalry

Trump’s push to regain control of Bagram underscores Washington’s broader strategy to monitor China, counter Iran and project power across Central Asia.

By Sabena Siddiqui

In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran

Culture

Algeria, China deepen cultural ties with opening of Confucius Institute

Algeria this week inaugurated the institute, marking a major milestone in cultural and academic cooperation with China.

Algeria

Saudi Arabia courts Chinese firms in mining investment drive

Mining and Industry Minister Bandar Alkhorayef met with executives from more than 20 mining firms in Beijing on Thursday.

Saudi Arabia

Newsletter: China-Middle East

Beijing's soft power

This week, Algeria inaugurated its first Confucius Institute. The region now boasts 27 of the facilities, a sign of China’s growing educational and cultural footprint.

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Newsletter: Gulf

Saudi Arabia deepens China industrial partnership

Saudi Industry and Mineral Resources Minister Bandar Alkhorayef is leading a five-day mission to China this week, advancing cooperation on industrial manufacturing and critical minerals as Riyadh pursues its Vision 2030 goals.

By Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

Analysis

As Israelis sour on China, Netanyahu provokes Beijing — but to what end?

With China already opposing Israeli actions in Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused China and Qatar of orchestrating anti-Israel campaigns on social media.

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Newsletter: China-Middle East

Why Morocco matters to Beijing

Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita will head to Beijing tomorrow, as China-Morocco relations grow. But any deep engagement with Morocco inevitably intersects with one of North Africa's most entrenched political disputes: Western Sahara.

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East