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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

Saudi researchers turn date pits into artificial bones

The pits share enough in common with human bone — in terms of calcium, structure, and density — that they could be used in fracture repair.
A Saudi farmer in Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia. Ahmed Yosri/Reuters

Wall Street execs make show support for UAE

BlackRock’s Larry Fink and Thoma Bravo’s Orlando Bravo have both been seen in the UAE since the US-Iran ceasefire.
BlackRock’s Larry Fink with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. Courtesy of Emirates News Agency.

Emirati firms ALTÉRRA, Masdar upping Abu Dhabi’s renewables push

ALTÉRRA announced a partnership with KKR, while Masdar installed the first of 95 turbines at a $5.4 billion wind farm off the coast of Britain.
An offshore wind turbine. Courtesy of Masdar

Why Saudi is weathering the war shock better than most

A week in Riyadh offers evidence that oil buffers and pragmatic policymaking are containing the fallout.
A Saudi man walks past the logo of Vision 2030 after a news conference in Jeddah.Faisal Al Nasser/Reuters

Gulf trade will be permanently reshaped

Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz has demonstrated the reality of a long-threatened nightmare scenario.
A Pakistan Navy ship escorts a Pakistani merchant vessel.ISPR/Handout via Reuters

UAE arrests Iran-linked terror cell

There have been similar arrests across the Gulf since the US-Israel war with Iran began, but this is the largest of its kind to date.
A screenshot from the arrest video. Courtesy of Emirates News Agency-WAM.

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.

Closure of Strait of Hormuz distorts oil markets

Futures, driven by events and Trump tweets, are trending down, while physical barrels trade at huge premiums as refiners scramble for immediate supply.

Bahrain bets on AI to boost oil output

State oil company Bapco tapped SLB and US AI startup Geminus to increase production.

Abu Dhabi’s international airport opens stores to non-travelers

UAE residents can now register online, collect a digital QR code at the door, and spend up to four hours shopping at the airport.

Climate finance fund ALTÉRRA looks to meet long-term energy demand

Abu Dhabi’s climate finance fund has a robust pipeline of potential deals, its CEO Majid Al-Suwaidi said at Semafor World Economy.

Bahrain takes aim at disloyal citizens amid Iran war

Bahrain’s King ordered officials to act against those who “betrayed the nation” — an edict that could lead to citizenship being stripped from some locals.

Abu Dhabi considers China investment consolidation

The plan would involve merging the China assets of two of its sovereign wealth funds.

US-Iran ceasefire nears expiry date, extension in doubt

Over the weekend, Iran reportedly fired on at least two ships that were attempting to sail through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Gulf will not see Iran the same way again

The war has changed Gulf attitudes to Iran. Postwar relations will be based on less trust and more caution.

Hormuz uncertainty compounds global energy concerns

Fresh uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend compounded concerns over global energy supplies ahead of a busy travel season.

US seizes Iranian ship as strait is closed

The US struck and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship trying to evade a blockade in the Gulf of Oman, President Donald Trump said Sunday, as Tehran reversed its decision to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon takes hold

The announcement follows weeks of war, though it was unclear if Hezbollah would agree to the truce terms.