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Intelligence for the New World Economy
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Semafor World Economy

Matthew Martin

Matthew Martin

Saudi Arabia Bureau Chief

Email Matthew

Sign up for Semafor Gulf: Navigating the region’s capital, influence, and power.

Phoenix Group makes AI data center pivot into Europe

The Abu Dhabi-based Bitcoin miner told Semafor last year it was pivoting to small-scale AI infrastructure.
A Phoenix mining facility in Abu Dhabi.A Phoenix mining facility in Abu Dhabi. Courtesy of Phoenix Group.

Abu Dhabi backs $30B infrastructure partnership

The agreement is the latest sign of Abu Dhabi pushing ahead with investment activities despite the Iran war.
Abu Dhabi’s skyline.Hamad I Mohammed/Reuters

UAE delivers on US investment pledge

More than $100 billion in investment and trade deals between the US and the UAE have been announced since Trump’s visit to the Middle East a year ago.
US President Donald Trump and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Amr Alfiky/Reuters

Qatar sovereign wealth fund pledges $500M investment with General Atlantic

It’s the latest sign that the Gulf’s biggest funds are still actively seeking deals even as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz hits state revenues.
Doha’s skyline.Molly Darlington/Reuters

US war on Iran elevates China’s role in the Gulf

Gulf states won’t weaken ties with Washington, but Beijing’s role in investment, trade, and security arrangements are poised to grow.
China’s President Xi Jinping shakes hands with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in Beijing, Chinacnsphoto via Reuters

Riyadh’s uneasy calm masks a shaken confidence

Without a resolution to the war, security concerns and lower spending will hinder Riyadh’s goal to become a top global city.
Riyadh’s uneasy calm.Amr Alfiky/Reuters

Aramco profit jump proves wisdom of decades-old pipeline investment

The state oil producer lifted its dividend to the kingdom as higher crude prices offset lower export volumes.

Saudi Aramco spends big on AI to boost oil output

The supercomputer will offer seven times more compute capacity than Aramco currently has, enabling it to handle larger volumes of data for seismic imaging and reservoir simulations.

Saudi consumers go on spending spree as fighting wanes

Consumer spending in Saudi Arabia rose by 38% in the week to May 2, one of the biggest swings on record.

Leading hedge fund manager opens Abu Dhabi office

Fund managers are committing to the UAE’s financial centers despite the uncertainty caused by the Iran conflict.

Saudi quarterly deficit highest since 2018

Spending on new projects surged by more than 50% compared to a year earlier, with military and transport outlays also up significantly.

Abu Dhabi’s Orbitworks plans $1 billion spend on satellite expansion

Space firm signs deal with French government as it looks to build an AI-powered satellite cluster.

UAE’s Saudi schism deepens with move to quit OPEC

The UAE’s announcement that it will quit OPEC is a blow to the cartel, which has struggled in recent years to maintain unity.

Saudi sovereign wealth fund to partner again with Live Nation

The $925 billion fund is tapping US operators to manage a new network of stadiums and concert halls.

Higher oil prices bolster earnings in Saudi Arabia, Oman

But revenues have dropped in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE.

Dubai plans $9B new metro line as UAE seeks economic stimulus

The underground Gold Line is Dubai’s largest transport project to date and is scheduled to be completed by September 2032.

Gulf trade will be permanently reshaped

Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz has demonstrated the reality of a long-threatened nightmare scenario.

Saudi Arabia nearly doubles renewables capacity in 2025

While the pace of new projects is accelerating, the kingdom is still some way off its target of producing 50% of electricity from renewables by 2030.
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