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Middle East

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Middle East. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Saudi Arabia’s capital city, Riyadh. Rights groups say the death penalty undermines the country’s efforts to present a modern image to the world. Photo: Shutterstock

Saudi Arabia sets executions record in 2025, putting 356 people to death

The surge comes amid Riyadh’s ongoing ‘war on drugs’ and marked the first time more foreigners were executed than Saudis in a calendar year.

4 hours ago

6 killed in Iran as cost-of-living protests turn violent

3 hours agovideocam

Iran executions hit 35-year high with 1,500 killed in 2025: rights group

1 Jan 2026 - 11:07PM

How the ‘world’s supermarket’ rode out Trump’s tariffs – and grew even stronger

Yiwu, one of China’s biggest export hubs, was expected to take a hit from US tariffs. Instead, it has seen trade surge.

1 Jan 2026 - 10:39PMvideocam

Vendors work at the Yiwu International Trade Market, a vast emporium for wholesale goods often dubbed the “world’s supermarket”, in Yiwu, Zhejiang province. The city has recorded strong growth in exports this year despite the US-China trade war. Photo: AFP

Autonomous vehicles

How Chinese robotaxi giants are steering Middle East towards a driverless future

WeRide, Baidu and Pony.ai expand operations in the Middle East as UAE promotes clean energy and reduces dependence on oil and gas.

1 Jan 2026 - 11:00AM

Muslim businesses in China target Malaysia as global halal gateway

The growing presence of China’s Muslim entrepreneurs at a festival in Kuala Lumpur reflects their trust in Malaysia’s strong halal standards.

31 Dec 2025 - 4:49PM

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Students join protests in Iran as economic hardship fuels discontent

Iran’s leadership acknowledges protests stem from economic pressures as currency hits a record low.

31 Dec 2025 - 11:35PM

Shopkeepers and traders protest in the street against the economic conditions and Iran’s embattled currency, in Tehran on Monday. On Tuesday, protests erupted at 10 universities across the country. Photo: Fars News Agency via AFP

UAE to withdraw forces from Yemen after Saudi strike and ultimatum

Decision to withdraw follows a Saudi strike on a UAE-linked weapons shipment for Yemen separatists.

31 Dec 2025 - 12:19PM

Israel-Gaza war

Israel to ban several aid groups from Gaza in 2026 over vetting rules

Israel says suspensions are meant to prevent Hamas from exploiting aid, but humanitarian groups say it will harm civilians.

31 Dec 2025 - 2:47PM

Saudi Arabia bombs Yemen port over weapons shipment and warns UAE

Riyadh targets weaponry in Mukalla as tensions between Gulf allies strain over separatist advances in Yemen.

30 Dec 2025 - 9:11PM

Damaged military vehicles, reportedly sent by the United Arab Emirates to support Southern Transitional Council separatist forces, following an air strike carried out by the Saudi-led coalition in the port of Mukalla, southern Yemen. Photo: AFP

Made in China 2025

Chinese firms flock to Dubai free zones to navigate trade barriers, expand reach

JD.com, CNBM, carmakers and hundreds of other Chinese companies use the hub to reach consumers across Asia, Africa and Europe.

30 Dec 2025 - 8:00AM

The Jebel Ali Free Zone at the western end of Dubai. Photo: Handout

‘Hell to pay’: Trump warns Hamas and Iran after talks with Netanyahu

Trump presses for Hamas disarmament in Gaza, warns Iran of further US action if it reconstitutes nuclear programme.

30 Dec 2025 - 4:49PM

‘World stands at a crossroads’: UN chief issues grim New Year message

Antonio Guterres laments US$2.7 trillion global arms race and urges leaders to choose ‘people and planet over pain’ in 2026.

30 Dec 2025 - 11:21AM

Bondi Beach attack hero wanted to protect ‘innocent people’

Recovering from gunshot wounds, Syrian Ahmed al Ahmed says he ‘saved lots’ but mourns the 15 victims of the tragedy.

29 Dec 2025 - 6:52PMvideocam

Ahmed al-Ahmed, 43, is seen tackling one of the Bondi gunmen in this screengrab from a social media video. Photo: X

Banking & finance

OCBC, Bangkok Bank, First Abu Dhabi join US$14 billion offshore yuan scheme

Leading banks from Southeast Asia and the Middle East are taking part in the programme, underscoring the city’s push as an offshore yuan hub.

29 Dec 2025 - 6:30PM

The expanded yuan liquidity facility underscores Hong Kong’s push as a global offshore yuan hub. Photo: AFP

Israel-Gaza war

Trump and Netanyahu to discuss next phase of Gaza plan during US visit

Israel’s prime minister is making his fifth visit to see Trump in the United States this year.

29 Dec 2025 - 4:29PM

Sectarian tensions flare and turn deadly in Syria after mosque bombing

Clashes erupt between protesters from the Alawite religious minority and counterdemonstrators after a mosque attack in Homs.

29 Dec 2025 - 12:40PM

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Iran launches 3 satellites into space from Russia

Iran’s space programme and related entities have been targeted by US sanctions, but Iran insists the satellites are intended for ‘observation’.

29 Dec 2025 - 12:31PM

A rocket blasts off from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in eastern Russia on Sunday. Photo: Roscosmos via AFP

China-Middle East relations

Why Saudi Arabia might not fulfil its US spending pledge, and the China factor

Analysts say Riyadh’s investment target of nearly US$1 trillion may not be feasible – and it’s more about optics than a binding commitment.

28 Dec 2025 - 6:19PM

Israel-Gaza war

Israel seals off Palestinian village in West Bank after deadly attack

The army imposed a lockdown on Qabatiya after a local resident killed a 68-year-old man and an 18-year-old girl in northern Israel on Friday.

28 Dec 2025 - 5:55AM

Italy arrests 9 suspected of funding Hamas via charities

Among those arrested was the president of the Palestinian Association in Italy, who reportedly funnelled funds to Hamas’ military wing.

27 Dec 2025 - 9:21PM

Police officers inspect a charity for Palestinian civilians in Milan on Saturday. Photo: LaPresse/AP

Israel’s recognition of Somaliland enrages Somalia, African Union

Several other countries also condemned Israel’s decision and Trump stated his opposition to US recognition of the breakaway state.

27 Dec 2025 - 10:14AM

A man holds a flag of Somaliland in front of the Hargeisa War Memorial monument in Hargeisa. Somaliland’s president on Friday welcomed Israel’s announcement that it was recognising its statehood. Photo: AFP

War and conflict

Blast in Syria kills 8 at mosque targeting Alawite minority in Homs

Authorities investigate explosive devices planted during Friday prayers, heightening sectarian tensions and fears among minorities.

27 Dec 2025 - 12:45AMvideocam

Indian rice could become costlier for US amid Trump’s tariff threat

Experts warn of wider repercussions, including efforts by importers to divert shipments and renewed strain in US-India trade talks.

26 Dec 2025 - 8:06PM

Israel’s rising air defence sales become its ‘most potent’ foreign policy weapon

With more countries increasingly turning to Israel for their air defence systems, they cannot afford to isolate the Middle East power.

26 Dec 2025 - 2:34PM

Flags flutter in front of the Arrow 3 air defence system in Annaburg, Germany. Photo: Reuters

Electric & new energy vehicles

Chinese SUV maker Jetour pushes localised offerings to hasten go-global drive

Jetour is already present in more than 100 countries and regions after seven years in operation.

25 Dec 2025 - 3:00PM

Jetour International president Ke Chuandeng speaks at a fan gathering in Abu Dhabi on December 20,2025. Photo: Handout

Israel-Gaza war

Bethlehem celebrates first festive Christmas since Gaza war

After two years of cancelled festivities, the ‘City of the Nativity’ revives its iconic parades and tree lighting as a fragile truce holds in Gaza.

25 Dec 2025 - 10:59AM

India’s gem exports defy US tariffs as Asia, Middle East demand grows

Shipments rose 19.64 per cent year on year to US$2.51 billion in November, reflecting a successful diversification push, analysts say.

24 Dec 2025 - 4:00PMvideocam

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