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Latest Middle East news and updates from Switzerland. AI-curated articles covering Middle East topics.
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Swiss trading group DKSH is buying Dubai-based Newbridge Pharmaceuticals for $390 million, expanding its healthcare business into the Middle East and North Africa. Newbridge distributes specialist medicines in 14 markets, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
4 days ago · 1 source
Lindt
Lindt & Sprüngli has suspended plans for a flagship museum and retail store in Dubai, citing the regional impact of the war in Iran and concerns about weaker tourism and investment conditions in the Middle East.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Foreign policy
Switzerland has condemned renewed Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and warned that the escalation threatens civilians and could destabilise the strategically important Red Sea region.
SWI swissinfo.ch
oil
UBS economist Alessandro Bee warns that a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz could push oil prices as high as $200 a barrel and trigger a global recession, with consequences for Switzerland’s economy.
SWI swissinfo.ch
foreign policy
Switzerland has called for independent investigations into alleged torture, sexual violence and attacks on civilians across the Middle East, while UN investigators in Geneva have raised concerns about Syrians reportedly detained in Syria and transferred to Israel.
SWI swissinfo.ch · +1 more
Foreign Policy
The Swiss foreign ministry has co-signed a declaration expressing deep concern over the dramatic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, calling for unimpeded aid access and urging Israel to reconsider a new registration system for NGOs.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Zug
Amidst conflict in the Middle East, the Swiss canton of Zug is experiencing an influx of inquiries from wealthy individuals, family offices, and companies based in Dubai seeking a stable European base. Swiss entrepreneurs already in the region, however, report a negative impact on investments.
SWI swissinfo.ch · +1 more
International Relations
Nine Swiss citizens are set to participate in a new international flotilla aimed at protesting the Israeli blockade of Gaza. The mission, involving over 80 boats and 1,000 activists, will see its first convoy depart from Barcelona this weekend.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Finance
Swiss banks are observing a renewed interest from clients in the Gulf region, who are looking to transfer funds and relocate assets to Switzerland as a safe haven amidst growing conflict and instability in the Middle East.
The Local Switzerland · +2 more
Economy
Rising global oil prices, exacerbated by the Middle East conflict, are expected to increase Switzerland's annual energy import bill by nearly CHF 5 billion, leading to higher costs for fuel and home heating.
Le News · +1 more
Economy
The UBS CFA economic indicator has plunged into negative territory, dropping to -35.0 in March. This sharp decline signals a pessimistic forecast for the Swiss economy over the next six months, with analysts citing the Middle East crisis as a primary factor.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Travel
Due to the ongoing volatile situation, Swiss International Air Lines and other Lufthansa Group carriers are suspending flights to Tel Aviv and other destinations in the Gulf region, with some cancellations extending until October.
The Local Switzerland · +1 more
Economy
The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) has revised its 2026 GDP growth forecast for Switzerland down to 1%, from a previous estimate of 1.1%, attributing the change to rising energy prices stemming from the Middle East conflict.
SWI swissinfo.ch
International Relations
As the conflict in the Middle East impacts global logistics, Switzerland is navigating a complex diplomatic path. The government has refused US requests for overflights linked to the war, while also reassuring the public that the nation's energy supply remains secure.
The Local Switzerland · +3 more
Diplomacy
In response to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, the Swiss foreign ministry has temporarily closed its embassy in Tehran and evacuated all staff, though it will continue its protecting power mandate for the US.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Foreign Policy
Amidst escalating conflict in the Middle East, Switzerland is actively engaged in diplomatic talks, organizing repatriation flights for thousands of stranded nationals, and facing difficult questions about the application of its neutrality law. This article covers the multi-faceted Swiss response to the crisis.
The Local Switzerland · +12 more
Middle East
A comprehensive report on the escalating Middle East conflict's impact on Switzerland, including thousands of citizens stranded abroad, stock market volatility, and intense scrutiny of Switzerland's diplomatic role as a protecting power for the US in Iran.
The Local Switzerland · +6 more
International Relations
The escalating conflict in the Middle East has left over 4,000 Swiss travellers stranded, with flights suspended and repatriation ruled out for now. The crisis is also impacting the Swiss economy, with the stock market tumbling, and is testing Switzerland's diplomatic role as a protecting power for the US in Iran.
The Local Switzerland · +5 more
Foreign Policy
Switzerland will participate as an observer in the inaugural 'Board of Peace' meeting in Washington, a US-led initiative focused on the reconstruction of Gaza. The foreign ministry confirmed its attendance, reaffirming support for the US peace plan, while a decision on formal membership will be made later.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Media
Swisscom and Sunrise have removed Al Jazeera's Arabic-language channel from their television offerings following accusations of pro-Hamas propaganda. The move is pending verification of the claims, while the network's English channel remains available.
SWI swissinfo.ch
