Abu Dhabi’s Lunate buys stake in UK hedge fund, launches $2B investment arm With $1.7 trillion in sovereign wealth, Abu Dhabi has long sought to establish itself as a global financial hub. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Turkey to end costly $60B currency-protection scheme — for now Ankara could soon close the book on a monetary intervention launched to defend the lira in 2021, the latest pivot back to more conventional economic policies following the country's 2023 presidential election. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Saudi Arabia licenses charter operator VistaJet as first foreign airline for domestic flights The Dubai-based private airline group looks to capitalize on the kingdom's growing super-rich luxury travel market. Saudi Arabia
UAE breaks ground on 50 MW solar plant in CAR, expanding Africa footprint Abu Dhabi’s financial footprint has expanded across Africa, making the UAE the continent’s fourth-largest source of foreign capital. United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia to invest $6B in Syria in boost to Sharaa: What to know The kingdom has been at the forefront of diplomatic and economic efforts to support Syria's recovery. Syria
Saudi Arabia offers travel permits to Syrian businessmen, investors: What to know Syrian entrepreneurs can now directly apply for travel licenses at the Saudi Embassy in Damascus, while Saudi investors seeking to visit Syria can register via the Interior Ministry’s e-platform. Syria
Turkey secures $2.8B green financing for Azerbaijan railway: What to know The 223-kilometer railway will connect to the existing train route that joins Turkey’s northeastern city of Kars and the Georgian and Azerbaijani capitals of Tbilisi and Baku. Turkey
Egypt pitches new investment plan to US firms: What to know Egypt is hunting foreign investment as part of its Vision 2030 strategy for sustainable development. Egypt
Egypt banks on Beijing as premier visit seals yuan, payment deals The deals were announced during the visit by a senior Chinese delegation led by the country’s premier to Cairo this week. China
Egypt urges BRICS to deepen financial ties after Trump threatens tariffs Egyptian Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly said that due to the global decline in multilateralism and crises engulfing the world, members of the bloc of developing nations should bolster their financial and economic ties. Egypt
Interview How Red Sea attacks prepared Egypt’s economy for future shocks The CEO of Egypt's third-largest bank tells Al-Monitor why he is hopeful about the country's economic recovery. Hisham Ezz Al-Arab CEO, Commercial International Bank
Analysis Israel-Iran war fuels risks for Mideast economies, energy flows after US strikes The global economic fallout from the Israel-Iran clash has been limited but US strikes are adding to the risk. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Lebanon arrests fmr economy minister Amin Salam on embezzlement charges The arrest comes nearly a year after the former central bank chief was arrested on charges of embezzlement and money laundering, among other things. Lebanon
EU commission removes UAE, adds Lebanon and Algeria to money laundering list: What to know The changes to the list are still pending approval from EU member states and the European Parliament, likely within the next month. United Arab Emirates
Turkey: $30M credit card scam hits tourists in coastal resort, 20 arrested The alleged ringleader, a hotel owner identified as "H.O.," stole the money by sharing credit card details of tourists checking into the property. Turkey
As Turkey's inflation dips to 35%, will central bank pivot on interest rates? Inflation has slowed to the lowest level since 2021, sparking speculation that the central bank could resume easing monetary policy amid mounting pressure on Turkey's finance chief — but analysts caution against a rush. Turkey
