Opinion Trade A Gulf perspective on Trump’s ‘palace in the sky’ Gift-giving is a deeply embedded part of government and business culture in the Gulf Congressmen should perhaps ask themselves: is this so unusual, at least by standards in the Arabian Gulf? Frank Kane, Editor-at-Large, AGBI
Opinion Logistics With sanctions lifted, Syria’s supply chain is cranking back into life Rebuilding its transport sector is critical for Syria to re-enter the world’s economic system The GCC was quick to recognise the opportunities John Manners-Bell, CEO, Transport Intelligence Insight
Opinion Trade Trump in the Gulf: There’s substance behind the hype Whatever you think of Trump, him saying nice things about you plays well with domestic audiences Was it all just for show? The investment agreements 'signed' during the trip are clearly ludicrous Andrew Cunningham, Middle East banking consultant
Opinion Energy Gulf welcomes Trump’s hands-off approach to energy policy When Opec considers its next move, Trump’s stance is unlikely to be an influencing factor Trillions were pledged in AI and energy, but Opec stayed out of the spotlight Amena Bakr, Head of ME energy, Kpler
Opinion Trade In the Gulf, the US outpaces China where it counts US companies are considered best in class and the Gulf wants to deal with global leaders Gulf states know there is more to gain from denser cooperation with US defence and tech companies Jonathan Fulton, Associate Professor, Zayed University
Opinion Artificial Intelligence The UAE has a mighty backer in AI, but the US gets something too This agreement signals US endorsement of UAE AI ambitions. That’s one mighty backer. The two countries have laid the foundations for a long-term AI partnership that will benefit them both Justin Harper, Business journalist and editor
Opinion Oil & Gas Missing from Trump’s Gulf tour: energy dominance American energy leaders must be wondering exactly what their donation dollars were spent on Could it be that Trump doesn’t actually care very much about the oil industry? Frank Kane, Editor-at-Large, AGBI
Opinion Finance How the UAE can build the world’s most modern pension system If the UAE can create a fair and efficient pensions system, it will offer a model for others Reforms offer portability, tech integration and equity for expatriates Guy Opperman, Former UK pensions minister
Opinion Trade Trump’s Gulf visit was grand – but the real test starts now At times Trump's trip was like an episode of 'Wheel of Fortune' – only with a lot more zeros Pledges and deals may change when reality hits Valentina Pasquali, Senior editor, AGBI
Opinion Artificial Intelligence Riyadh moves to rewire its global role with AI The kingdom intends to achieve its data kingpin vision by capitalising on cheap energy Saudi Arabia aims to translate its hydrocarbon wealth into computational power Andreas Krieg, Founder, MENA analytica
Opinion Trade Lesson from Trump in Riyadh: Sleep is for losers Despite the razzamatazz, most agreed there was some substance to the president’s address The Trump show had it all – razzamatazz, politics and a moment of affection for the crown prince Frank Kane, Editor-at-Large, AGBI
Opinion Economy Gulf investors may gain from UK pound recovery The British pound is an obvious beneficiary of the mega-trend towards non-dollar diversification Shifts in currency position the pound to benefit from US dollar index falls Matein Khalid, Investor
Opinion Tourism Mickey Mouse meets the Middle East in Abu Dhabi Disney Abu Dhabi creates opportunities and challenges for the UAE's other attractions The UAE's new Disney park will increase consumer spending across the emirate Robert Niles, Editor, Themeparkinsider.com
Opinion Tech The US should launch a Gulf biotechnology partnership The UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia bring something US biotech urgently needs: capital Biotech leaders stand to benefit from deeper integration with Gulf capital, infrastructure and markets Mohammed Soliman, Senior fellow, Middle East Institute
Opinion Trade Trump in his happy place: Purple carpets and big deals in Saudi Arabia Back home in Washington, the foreign policy bubble was open-mouthed at the size of the deals The challenge now is to maintain the momentum and atmosphere of the trip Simon Henderson, Director, Washington Institute for Near East Policy
Opinion Energy Nuclear power is a hot-button issue for Trump’s Gulf visit As Donald Trump starts his Gulf tour, nuclear is one area where the US has plenty to give Nuclear power has been very helpful in driving rapid decarbonisation of the UAE’s electricity sector Robin Mills, CEO, Qamar Energy
Opinion Trade Trump in Riyadh: power plays and photo ops Trump will want to pin down Saudi investment in the US and further align global energy policy It is hard to predict what the big headline will be, but it would be wise not to rule anything out Frank Kane, Editor-at-Large, AGBI
Opinion Development State first, market later for Algeria’s economic vision Algeria’s hydrocarbons drive development, so there must be balance in diversifying its economy A firm social contract shapes the path of national development Geoff Porter, President, North Africa Risk Consulting
Opinion Economy On the vain hunt for black swans in dynamic Dubai Wherever the black swan is currently nesting, I suspect it is close to crypto or real estate Are there any signs of fluttering dark feathers that could herald another crisis in the emirate? Frank Kane, Editor-at-Large, AGBI
Opinion Logistics Truce in Yemen offers reprieve but exposes shipping volatility While a ceasefire is in the interests of shippers and ports in the region, it is not all good news It remains unclear whether shipping lines will deem the situation stable enough to resume John Manners-Bell, CEO, Transport Intelligence Insight
Opinion Markets GCC investors need a multi-currency mindset to survive GCC investors must hedge the dollar depreciation risk in local shares and property Investors are scrambling to reduce exposure to erratic US policies Matein Khalid, Investor
Opinion Banking and Finance From ice baths to yacht parties, crypto bros descend on Dubai By hosting Token2049, Dubai is making a strong bid to be the world’s crypto capital The first Token2049 of the year drew a record 15,000 attendees to Madinat Jumeirah Justin Harper, Business journalist and editor
Opinion Renewable Energy GCC states bet big on renewables in Central Asia Gulf states' clean energy projects in Central Asia are a smart form of energy diplomacy Green energy deals are the foundations for closer trade relationships Zeina Moneer, Climate practitioner
Opinion Oil & Gas Opec+ throws the car into reverse, but keeps its grip on the wheel Opec's argument is that consumers will be glad of the opportunity to fill up the tanks at bargain prices It is a stretch to see how the current market can be regarded as anything but uncertain Frank Kane, Editor-at-Large, AGBI
Opinion Real Estate As protectionism rises, UAE real estate becomes a global shock absorber One asset class stands to gain the most in the midst of Trump's tariff turbulence: real estate Property in the Emirates emerges as a resilient safe haven amid tariffs Martin Linder, CEO, Global Partners Limited
Opinion Artificial Intelligence No matter where you are, it pays to be nice to AI However you choose to interact with ChatGPT, polite or direct, the service remains the same Polite and intimate, or businesslike and rude – which approach is best? I asked the expert Frank Kane, Editor-at-Large, AGBI
Opinion Economy Under pressure: Turkey’s inflation and cost-of-living crisis Turkey faces extraordinarily high stakes for economic stability and societal cohesion The deepening economic crisis presents significant challenges to stability and long-term prosperity Arda Tunca, Economist
