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Propellic Research Highlights Decline in Travel Bookings Amid Middle East Conflict

Propellic Research Highlights Decline in Travel Bookings Amid Middle East Conflict

Propellic Research Highlights Decline in Travel Bookings Amid Middle East Conflict
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UAE leaves OPEC and OPEC+ in huge blow to global oil producers' group

UAE leaves OPEC and OPEC+ in huge blow to global oil producers' group

DUBAI, April 28 (Reuters) - The United Arab Emirates said on Tuesday it quit OPEC and OPEC+, dealing a heavy blow to the oil exporting groups and their de facto leader, Saudi Arabia, at a time when the Iran war has caused a historic energy shock and unsettled the global economy.
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Middle East Data Centres Transition to Liquid Cooling Amid AI Demand

Middle East Data Centres Transition to Liquid Cooling Amid AI Demand

Middle East Data Centres Transition to Liquid Cooling Amid AI Demand
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U.S. Fuel Exports to South Africa Surge Amid Middle East Supply Disruptions

U.S. Fuel Exports to South Africa Surge Amid Middle East Supply Disruptions

South Africa has significantly increased its fuel imports from the United States, with at least four tankers carrying approximately 165,000 tons of refined fuel arriving in Durban this month. This shift comes as South Africa, traditionally reliant on Gulf suppliers like Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, faces disruptions in Middle East supply routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz. The Fuels Industry Association of South Africa has noted a marked increase in shipments from the U.S., reflecting a broader trend among import-dependent economies to diversify sourcing strategies due to tighter shipping corridors and elevated crude and freight prices. The change in sourcing patterns is a response to global refiners and traders adjusting to disrupted supply chains and increased transport costs.
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Israeli Investors Among Top Users of AI for Stock Market Planning

Israeli Investors Among Top Users of AI for Stock Market Planning

Israeli Investors Among Top Users of AI for Stock Market Planning
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U.S. Arms Sales to Middle East Challenge Israel's Military Edge

U.S. Arms Sales to Middle East Challenge Israel's Military Edge

The United States' commitment to maintaining Israel's Qualitative Military Edge (QME) is facing new challenges due to evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East. The U.S. has historically ensured Israel's military superiority through the Arms Export Control Act, which involves bilateral agreements and defense consultations. However, recent developments, such as potential arms sales to Saudi Arabia, including approximately 50 F-35 fighter jets, pose significant risks to Israel's military advantage. These sales could expose sensitive U.S. and Israeli-modified technologies to adversaries like Russia, China, and Iran, potentially enabling them to develop countermeasures. The situation is further complicated by shifting regional alliances and the potential normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel.
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Gulf Economies Face Crisis Amid U.S.-Israel Conflict, Poll Shows

Gulf Economies Face Crisis Amid U.S.-Israel Conflict, Poll Shows

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) economies are experiencing their worst crisis since the pandemic due to the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, according to a Reuters poll. The conflict has disrupted the energy market, causing a historic supply shock and leading to sharply higher oil prices. Economists have revised growth forecasts for 2026, with some countries expected to contract. The near-total closure of the Strait of Hormuz and damage to refineries have severely impacted the region's economies. Despite high oil prices, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain are expected to shrink, while the UAE's growth is stagnating. Saudi Arabia and Oman are faring slightly better but still face reduced growth forecasts.
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Middle East Tourism Surges in 2025, Led by Saudi Arabia's Economic Growth

Middle East Tourism Surges in 2025, Led by Saudi Arabia's Economic Growth

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has reported a significant expansion in the Middle East's travel and tourism sector in 2025, with a growth rate of 5.3%, surpassing the global average of 4.1%. Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of this growth, contributing $178 billion to the region's GDP from travel and tourism, which accounts for 46% of the total sector output. The Kingdom's travel and tourism GDP grew by 7.4%, nearly double the global sector growth rate. International visitor spending in Saudi Arabia increased by 8.2%, and business travel spending rose by over 55%, highlighting the country's growing status as a hub for business and leisure tourism. Other Middle Eastern countries, such as the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Oman, also experienced notable growth in their travel and tourism sectors.
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Gulf economies head for worst crisis since pandemic as war roils energy lifeline: Reuters poll

Gulf economies head for worst crisis since pandemic as war roils energy lifeline: Reuters poll

By Anant Chandak and Indradip Ghosh BENGALURU, April 27 (Reuters) - Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) economies are sliding into their worst economic crisis since the pandemic, with several expected to contract this year on spillovers from the U.S.-Israel war with Iran right on its doorstep.
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Saudi Arabia Accuses UAE of Undermining Security Amid Regional Power Struggle

Saudi Arabia Accuses UAE of Undermining Security Amid Regional Power Struggle

Saudi Arabia has publicly accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of actions that undermine its national security, marking a significant rift between the two Gulf states. This accusation comes amid growing tensions over the UAE's independent foreign policy, which has diverged from Saudi priorities in recent years. The UAE has been involved in regional conflicts, backing different sides than Saudi Arabia in Yemen and Sudan. Saudi Arabia is particularly concerned about the UAE's influence in Yemen, which shares a border with Saudi Arabia, and in Sudan, across the Red Sea. The UAE's involvement in these areas is seen as a threat to Saudi security, especially as the UAE has supported non-state actors, a move Riyadh previously criticized Iran for. The UAE, however, maintains that its foreign policy is focused on international cooperation and long-term prosperity.
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South Africa Increases Fuel Imports from U.S. Amid Middle East Supply Disruptions

South Africa Increases Fuel Imports from U.S. Amid Middle East Supply Disruptions

South Africa has significantly increased its fuel imports from the United States, with at least four tankers carrying approximately 165,000 tons of refined fuel arriving in Durban this month. This shift comes as South Africa, traditionally reliant on Gulf suppliers such as Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, faces disruptions in key maritime routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz. The Fuels Industry Association of South Africa has noted a notable increase in shipments from the U.S., reflecting a broader trend among import-dependent economies to secure alternative supply lines due to tighter shipping corridors and elevated crude and freight prices. The change in sourcing patterns is a response to disrupted Middle East supply chains and higher transport costs.
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Syria Seeks Strategic Role in Gulf and EU Relations Amid Regional Tensions

Syria Seeks Strategic Role in Gulf and EU Relations Amid Regional Tensions

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has embarked on a diplomatic tour in the Gulf and Europe to strengthen Syria's regional ties and position the country as a strategic corridor linking Central Asia, the Gulf, and Europe. During his visit, al-Sharaa met with leaders from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, discussing regional developments and bilateral cooperation. The Syrian leader also attended meetings in Cyprus with European officials, presenting a vision of regional connectivity. This diplomatic effort comes amid increased interest in land connections between the Middle East and Europe due to the ongoing Iran crisis. Syria aims to secure oil contracts and trade deals, leveraging its strategic location to attract investment and support post-conflict recovery.