Middle East news and archive

Hapag-Lloyd sees no current option for Hormuz passage

Germany's largest container shipping line, Hapag-Lloyd, currently sees no option to guide its commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, where they are currently stuck in the Persian Gulf. There is currently no possibility of passage and the company is awaiting an opportunity, said chief executive officer Rolf Habben Jansen. He did not...

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Crisis talks on Strait of Hormuz seek to increase pressure on Iran

During the crisis meeting on the largely blocked Strait of Hormuz, participating countries discussed possible further sanctions against Tehran. The British Foreign Office announced this following an online meeting convened by the UK with representatives from more than 40 countries. Foreign secretary Yvette Cooper spoke of a determination among...

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War in the Middle East: Dubai, a luxury capital on borrowed time

Dubai – Louis Vuitton, Dior, Louboutin... In Dubai's Mall of the Emirates, one luxury boutique follows another. A month into the regional war, their teams of unoccupied salespeople watch for customers or scroll through their phones out of boredom. Having just left Chanel, a rare customer who wishes to remain anonymous is adamant that people “...

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Global economic update: oil prices fall, stock markets reassured amid Middle East conflict

Paris, France – The latest global economic developments on Wednesday at approximately 8am GMT, as the war in the Middle East enters its 26th day. Oil prices fall Oil prices fell on Wednesday, with Brent dropping below 100 dollars, following Iran's announcement that it would unblock the Strait of Hormuz for ships deemed “non-hostile” and the...

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Expansion strategy: Primark announces new openings in France and the Middle East

Fashion retailer Primark detailed the next steps of its physical expansion strategy during a press conference on March 18, 2026. Three new stores will open in France in 2026. The company has been present in the country since 2013. It currently operates 30 stores and employs nearly 7,000 people. This regional expansion will continue in 2026 with...

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Strait of Hormuz blockage, an “unprecedented freeze” on global maritime trade

Paris (France) - The blockage of the Strait of Hormuz constitutes an “unprecedented freeze” on global maritime trade, affecting everything from cosmetics and food products to pharmaceuticals, cars and precious marbles. While it primarily impacts petroleum products, it also threatens many other industrial sectors. Importance of the Strait of...

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The Alkemistry launches first pop-up in the Middle East

London-based fine jewellery brand The Alkemistry has launched its first pop-up in the Middle East. The pop-up will be located within Galeries Lafayette in Doha, Qatar from this November and will showcase new designs from The Alkemistry’s most popular female designers alongside their very own unique and creative collections, as well as exclusive...

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Dolce & Gabbana debut hijab range

Italian design duo Dolce & Gabbana have unveiled their first hijab collection, created especially for the Muslim community. Muslim women cover their heads and arms as a dress code prescribed by Islam, however their fashion needs have been largely neglected by brands. Muslims make up 22 percent of the world’s population and 5 percent of the UK’s,...