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Intelligence for the New World Economy

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Intelligence for the New World Economy
Semafor World Economy

Gulf

New threats could push US and Iran toward war

The US director of national intelligence warned that Iran was in the “advanced stages” of planning attacks against American officials abroad, prompting personnel evacuations and heightening the risk of a return to all-out war.
Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton
US Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton. Nathan Howard/Reuters

Women’s soccer goes from bans to stadiums in Saudi

While the paydays are still well short of those in the men’s league, clubs are luring foreign players with tax-free salaries and expat perks.
Ashleigh Megan Plumptre of Al Ittihad celebrates after scoring a goal.
Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Reuters

Gulf faces economic contraction nearly as acute as COVID shock

Oman is the outlier, having implemented economic reforms before the war and remaining relatively unscathed by the conflict.
IMF director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department Jihad Azour.
IMF director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department Jihad Azour. Athit Perawongmetha/Reuters

Saudi crown prince grapples with the limits of his power

War, rising debt, and retrenched ambitions are testing Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s vision to reshape his kingdom, and the region.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Paris, France, Aug. 24, 2026.
Lou Benoist/Pool via Reuters

War dents Gulf’s protein boom

Riyadh-based Nadec’s net profit plunged because of higher feed prices and shipping costs.
Screenshot from NADEC Instagram
nadecfoods/Instagram

Dubai introduces one frequent flyer mile for each minute in the city

Previous incentives included discounts at amusement parks, hotels, and restaurants. The maximum award is 7,200 points for a five-day visit.
Tourists in Dubai.
Christopher Pike/Reuters

Abu Dhabi lures Eli Lilly, Oura, and Whoop in healthcare push

Mubadala Bio signed a deal with US drugmaker Eli Lilly during the Future Health Summit this week to package and distribute GLP-1 drugs locally.

UAE nominates Lana Nusseibeh to become next UN secretary-general

Born in 1978, Nusseibeh is an Emirati citizen whose family traces their roots to one of the most prominent Muslim dynasties in Jerusalem.

Gulf attracts finance firms controlling $5.8 trillion since war

Top investors bet on the Gulf as a major source of future capital even as war upends the region’s security and oil flows.

Carriers reroute Riyadh flights to airport four hours’ drive away

The route is an alternative to the capital while its airport remains closed following a deadly Houthi attack almost two weeks ago.

Mecca draws Indonesian sovereign wealth fund investment

That agreement is the first time a foreign state has acquired property in one of the holiest sites in Islam.

Survey: Energy executives upbeat about Gulf opportunities despite war

In a poll of more than 1,800 people ahead of ADIPEC in Abu Dhabi, executives credit diversified energy supplies for absorbing the shock.

UK fighter jets to defend Saudi Arabia from Houthi strikes

The UK said Tuesday it will send fighter jets to protect Saudi Arabia’s cities and critical infrastructure from escalating aerial attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis.

Abu Dhabi in talks to sell government services app to US cities

The platform’s services span business registration, ID renewal, and, since last year, virtual weddings.

Qatar is ramping up liquefied natural gas exports as prices surge

At least 20 shipments have passed through the Strait of Hormuz to other destinations since early September, with one tanker now sailing toward Poland.

Airlines shun reopened Riyadh airport after last week’s attacks

Saudi authorities require airlines to get prior permission for every flight, according to a NOTAM issued over the weekend.

To prep for sale of Ronaldo’s Saudi team, PIF pays off $213 million debt

Saudi’s sovereign wealth fund is arranging sponsorship deals to cover the soccer team’s debt.

Saudi postpones FII in person after Wall Street lobbying

Executives expressed safety concerns to PIF head Yasir Al-Rumayyan ahead of Saudi’s flagship investment conference.