Electricity & Investment: Lebanon’s Energy Minister Joe Saddi says he will boycott Cabinet sessions over EDL arrears and exemptions, arguing Lebanon’s core problem is only about one-third of needed generation capacity and calling for private-sector investment backed by financial and security guarantees; he also pushes a flexible tariff tied to fuel prices and targets “non-technical losses” around 30% as “theft.” Regional Trade & Connectivity: France’s IMEC envoy Gérard Mestrallet says Egypt, Lebanon and Oman are interested in joining the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor, with an IMEC ministerial meeting expected later this year to consider expanding membership. Finance & Reforms: Economy Minister Amer Bisat met an EBRD delegation to discuss support for public-sector modernization, private-sector lending, renewable energy, and SMEs. Food & Supply Risks: The World Bank cut its 2026 Middle East growth outlook, citing the Iran war’s pressure on energy supplies and logistics, with knock-on effects for tourism and broader economic activity. Security Tech Concern: A report claims “biological tracking” using genetically modified soil bacteria could be used to tag people via clothing and tires, raising new concerns for southern Lebanon. Sports & Lifestyle (Lebanon-linked): Lebanese basketball legend Fadi El Khatib’s Club 15 sports hub in Dubai opens this October, signaling continued regional investment in sports infrastructure.