Abu Dhabi merges ADQ into new wealth fund L'IMAD: What to know Under the new structure, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, will oversee a broader swath of the emirate’s investment holdings. United Arab Emirates
UAE Central Bank approves first US dollar-backed stablecoin: What to know The approval marks a milestone in the UAE’s development of digital currency infrastructure and positions USDU as the Gulf country’s first USD-denominated currency for digital assets. United Arab Emirates
Iran internet blackout estimated to cost $37M+ daily, crippling businesses and society The ongoing digital disconnection is severely stalling commerce, draining millions of dollars daily and pushing many businesses toward collapse. Iran
Can Iran’s promised economic reforms quell unrest? The Iranian government has made several economic pledges to protesters, though some carry risk of increasing inflation further. Iran
Davos 2024: Inside Investcorp’s plan to build China-Gulf 'investment bridge' In an interview with Al-Monitor, co-CEO Hazem Ben-Gacem said there is a big push for infrastructure funding in the Asia-Pacific region, controlled buyouts in Japan and growth investments in India and China. Bahrain
EU sanctions Hamas' Yahya Sinwar and Somalia's al-Shabab top leader The European Union Council announced Tuesday it was taking restrictive financial measures against the Gaza-based group’s leader, Yahya Sinwar. Israel
Saudi PIF invested $31.6B in 2023, record in global sovereign wealth funds The PIF is estimated to have nearly $800 billion in assets and wants to become the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund by 2030. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Israeli FM rejects France’s call for cease-fire as 'gift for Hamas' While rejecting the call by French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said the two countries are working together to de-escalate tensions on the Lebanon border. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
How France is targeting Hamas financing Representatives of 20 countries gathered in Paris to formulate a plan against the financing of Hamas and expand sanctions against its members. Israel
Bahrain's Investcorp buys 50% of Corsair's $4.8B infrastructure business The new entity, Investcorp Corsair, will continue to grow with a particular focus on transportation, logistics and related subsectors, a statement from the two companies said. Bahrain
France, Germany, Italy push for EU sanctions against Hamas leaders In a letter to the European Union Foreign Affairs chief Josep Borrell, the foreign ministers of the three countries stress they would like to see more Hamas leaders sanctioned. Israel
Explainer: Did investors profit from Hamas attack on Israel? The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange said there was no irregular trading after US researchers noted an increase in short volume and interest of some Israeli securities in the days leading up to Hamas’ deadly incursion. Israel
After Yahya Sinwar sanctions, France looks to deepen EU's anti-Hamas push France announced Tuesday it was freezing the assets of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar for six months, a move it says is a prerequisite for enforcement of European Union sanctions on Hamas leaders. Palestine
As Israel’s economy slows, investors ask how long will Hamas war go on Despite fears, previous periods of violence in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank showed the Israeli economy emerging stronger on the other side. Israel
What $6.9B China-Saudi currency swap means for Beijing’s efforts to globalize yuan China’s increasing economic influence and the high price of the US dollar, which has increased amid increasing interest rates to tame inflation, have led some economies to switch to cheaper yuan-denominated transactions. Saudi Arabia
Turkey reports account surplus amid fiscal policy changes Turkish bonds may also become more attractive, according to a top bank, as Turkey’s new economic leaders raise interest rates and end unpopular policies. Turkey
