Analysis Biden Middle East Biden’s Saudi visit is a test of pragmatism over populism Ever since the White House announced in June that US President Joe Biden would be embarking on a trip to the Middle East – the first of his presidency – the possible motives behind it have been the subject of keen debate. Slated to take place from July 13-16 the trip has also been the […] July 8, 2022
Energy UAE firms sanctioned in Iranian oil shipment crackdown The United States has imposed sanctions on four United Arab Emirates-based companies accused of being part of an international network engaged in the illicit sale and shipment of petroleum, petroleum products, and petrochemical products from Iranian firms to China and elsewhere in East Asia. The US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control […] July 7, 2022
UK Morocco trade envoy resigns amid Johnson leadership crisis Boris Johnson, the British prime minister, is set to resign today following a swathe of party resignations. Among those to submit their resignation was Dr Andrew Murrison, trade envoy to Morocco, who submitted a strongly-worded letter yesterday saying that Johnson’s position had become “unrecoverable” over his handling of the row over disgraced deputy chief whip Chris […] July 6, 2022
Opinion Banking & Finance MENA’s crypto mining industry needs to catch up The challenges for digital asset mining in the region include the power costs needed in a hot climate June 30, 2022
Energy UAE ‘at forefront’ of global climate fight after new $50bn pledge The UAE is now at the forefront of the global fight against climate change after President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan pledged an extra $50 billion investment over the next decade. That’s the view of Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, the country’s Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, following the UAE President’s commitment announced […] June 18, 2022
Qatar pledges £10bn investment in key UK sectors The UK and Qatar have signed a new Strategic Investment Partnership which will see Qatar invest up to £10 billion over the next five years in key sectors of the UK economy including fintech, zero emissions vehicles, life sciences and cyber security. Boris Johnson, the UK prime minister, welcomed the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim […] May 25, 2022
Opinion Sheikh Khalifa Remembered A bright future beckons the UAE thanks to Sheikh Khalifa Peace, tolerance and the advancement of women leave a legacy few will match May 19, 2022
Analysis Iran nuclear deal Iran nuclear deal remains in the balance There is little doubt a solution would bring rapid economic gains for Tehran while some other Gulf countries would also benefit from an easing of trade restrictions, but political calculations could yet scupper a deal The diplomatic traffic through Tehran has continued at a steady pace in recent weeks, as intermediaries doggedly try to revive […] May 18, 2022
Sweden seeks to overcome Turkish objections to NATO bid Sweden is formally applying for NATO membership, prime minister Magdalena Andersson said on Monday. “The government has decided to inform NATO that Sweden wants to be accepted as a member of NATO,” Andersson told reporters, adding that the application could be handed in on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. It will be synchronised with Finland’s request […] May 16, 2022
A modernising leader who moved UAE closer to US Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan, who died today, was a pro-Western moderniser whose low-key approach helped steer the United Arab Emirates through a tense era in regional politics by aligning the Gulf oil producer with Washington and its allies, including Israel. Khalifa, who was born in 1948, had been ruler of the richest emirate, Abu […] May 13, 2022
Energy ‘Ghost armada’ tankers go dark to ship sanctioned Iranian oil The "ghost armada" tankers are busier than ever, and shipping bigger cargos. They mostly supply Asian markets, according to analysts May 12, 2022
Business of Sport Qatar looks to Iran for World Cup support Qatar’s emir is planning to use his visit to Tehran tomorrow to discuss ways Iran can help with the staging of the FIFA World Cup, including increasing flights between the two countries. “Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani will travel to Iran tomorrow to follow up on recent agreements and expand bilateral ties, notably cooperation […] May 11, 2022
Qatar’s emir to visit Iran and Europe to aid Iran nuclear pact Qatar’s emir will visit Iran, Germany, Britain and other European states starting this week on a trip expected to discuss efforts to revive Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal and energy security in Europe, a source briefed on the visit said on Sunday. Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, ruler of one of the world’s top natural […] May 9, 2022
Exclusive $136m landmark offers tantalising glimpse of tomorrow’s world The world-first Museum of the Future has a mandate to power the UAE's pioneering goals for the next 50 years, says Dubai Future Foundation chief Majed Jakka Al Mansoori May 9, 2022
Analysis Energy Saudi Arabia leads OPEC move to drop energy watchdog’s data A decision driven by Saudi Arabia that OPEC+ should stop using oil data from the West’s energy watchdog reflected concern about US influence on the figures, said sources, adding to strain on ties between Riyadh and Washington. The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies including Russia, a group referred to as OPEC+, has […] May 3, 2022