Saudi Aramco CEO warns of 'painful awakening' as energy costs rise Amin Nasser said that green energy would not replace oil as demand for crude continues to grow, especially from the Global South. Saudi Arabia
World Bank estimates $11B reconstruction bill for Lebanon after Israeli war The war in Lebanon came as the country was already struggling with its worst economic crisis in decades. Lebanon
Turkey's Baykar partners with Italy’s Leonardo on drones: What to know The joint venture could further boost Baykar’s drone fleet and comes amid improving Italy-Turkey trade ties. Turkey
UK removes 24 Syrian entities from sanctions list, including central bank The latest decision comes after the European Union lifted several sanctions across banking and energy on Syria on Feb. 24. Syria
France, Morocco ink over $10B in deals during Macron visit King Mohammed VI welcomed Macron to Morocco as part of a three-day visit by the French president in which around 20 deals were agreed upon. Morocco
Saudi Arabia's NEOM attracts $16B in private financing over 2 years Saudi Arabia's flagship sustainability project has attracted substantial private investments and is looking for more. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Algeria lines up energy deals with US, Saudi firms as clock ticks on gas export ambitions Algeria has launched a rare licensing round for oil and gas projects as it chases new interest in its upstream sector. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Saudi Arabia ramps up renewable tenders to 44 GW, doubles down on oil and gas Saudi Arabia's renewable energy capacity under development will reach 44GW by end of 2024. However, its energy minister told an industry conference that the country will "monetize every molecule" of its oil and gas resources. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Aramco expects oil demand to average 104.5 million bpd in 2024 The CEO of the world's largest oil-exporting company sounded more bullish on oil demand compared with OPEC and the IEA. Saudi Arabia
In first, Saudi Arabia to begin trading China-focused ETF: What we know The ETF, which will begin trading on the Saudi Stock Exchange, has raised more than $1.2 billion. China
Analysis Even with Greece venture, Egypt's energy hub ambitions remain far off Egypt's key gas field has seen a slump in output while Cairo continues to import more gas from other countries such as Cyprus and Israel. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Israel clinches $500M deal with Elbit Systems, Rafael for Iron Beam defense system Expected to be operational within a year, the 100-kilowatt class, high-energy Iron Beam system is designed to complement Israel's existing Iron Dome defense system. Israel
After decade halt, Eni, BP resume hydrocarbon exploration in Libya Onshore drilling had been suspended for a decade, since the beginning of the Libyan civil war between rival factions in the country’s east and west. Libya
Saudi Arabia pushes for Africa debt relief as private investments set to reach $25B Saudi Arabia is pushing for debt relief for African nations burdened with more than $1 trillion in liabilities. Saudi Arabia
India revokes UAE operator's authorization to handle cross-border transactions India's central bank announced the decision in a statement noting that the UAE's exchange body showed “non-compliance with regulatory requirements.” United Arab Emirates
What to make of Saudi Arabia's $96B in foreign direct investment in 2023 Driving foreign investment into key sectors is part of Saudi Arabia's efforts to diversify away from an oil-dependent revenue model. Saudi Arabia