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Intelligence for the New World Economy

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Intelligence for the New World Economy
Semafor World Economy

Semafor Gulf

Abu Dhabi’s deal machine maintains momentum

The deals fit in with Gulf governments’ efforts to maintain a business-as-usual approach — which many foreign firms have picked up on.
A promenade overlooking Abu Dhabi skyline. Abdelhadi Ramahi/Reuters

Gulf citizens now know their enemy

Iran’s attacks harden Gulf views of Tehran, with many concluding that the Islamic Republic must be contained or defeated.
Smoke billows after Iranian attack, following United States and Israel strikes on Iran.Amr Alfiky/Reuters

The Iran war warning Europe chose to ignore

In Warsaw in 2019, Arab states, Israel, and the US warned that diplomacy wouldn’t contain Tehran. Europe chose another path.
Damage to the Kuwait-flagged Al-Salmi crude oil tanker, following a reported strike.Kuwait Petroleum Corp./Reuters

War could cost MidEast nearly $200B in lost economic output

A prolonged conflict could lead to an exodus of foreign workers and a drop in investment, which could drive up unemployment and poverty.
People walk near screens displaying stock information at the Dubai Financial MarketAmr Alfiky/Reuters

Wall Street bosses stick by the Gulf despite war

Foreign firms know that Gulf leaders have long memories and will reward those who stand by them.
Wall Street.Carlo Allegri/File Photo

Gulf leaders scramble for Hormuz work-around

Saudi Arabia and the UAE invested years ago in pipelines that bypass the waterway, but Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar remained trapped by geography.
A map with energy pipelines from the Gulf through Syria.@USAMBTurkiye/X

Ratings agencies warn of impact of Iran war

Fitch said it could downgrade Qatar’s rating, citing the risk of further damage to the country’s gas facilities.

In private, Gulf leaders push for Iran escalation

But in public, Gulf leaders are callling for restraint.

Benefit Street Partners looks for Gulf private credit deals

Undeterred by the Iran war, Franklin Templeton’s credit arm looks to expand in the Gulf.

Dubai-run development in Texas abandoned amid political controversy

Texans were concerned about the possibility that a mosque would be built within the housing development.

Iran war upends aviation strategies

Gulf carriers have been forced to cancel tens of thousands of flights while rivals from Europe and Asia pick up some of the slack.

Indian workers largely remain in the Gulf during war

Overseas work is crucial to the Indian economy — a source of tens of billions of dollars in remittances annually.

General Atlantic says ‘biggest mistake’ would be pulling back on Gulf deals

US private equity investor will remain committed to Gulf even as war rages with Iran.

Saudi’s Miami confab showed its future is tied to the US

No one learned anything new at a glitzy event in Miami, but US-Saudi ties were reinforced.

Tehran targets Gulf aluminum facilities

Tehran stepped up its attacks on Gulf nations, hitting aluminum plants in Bahrain and the UAE this weekend.

Iran warns against a US invasion as Marines arrive in Middle East

Iran on Sunday warned against a US invasion after a Marine unit arrived in the Middle East, raising the specter of a fraught new phase of the war.

What a month of war has taught us in the Gulf

Operation Epic Fury has shown that Iran’s hatred towards its Arab neighbours far exceeds its hatred of Israel.

Trump extends deadline for Iran to open Hormuz

Donald Trump extended the pause on strikes against Iranian energy facilities.