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
Analysis Gulf wealth funds weather US stock dip, target Amazon, Bitcoin in Q1 By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Turkey-UAE honeymoon on horizon after Erdogan's win, economic deals The UAE-Turkey $40 billion trade agreement ratified in May is an expression of the friendship between the two countries’ leaders, according to experts. By Salim A. Essaid
Analysis With Saudi Aramco's $50 billion deal, Turkey seeks less dependency on West The two major regional powers had grown distant over the years due to Erdogan’s ties to the Muslim Brotherhood and the 2018 killing at the consulate in Istanbul of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
UAE to cooperate with Hong Kong on fintech, crypto as China ties grow China’s relations with the UAE and other Gulf states are strengthening, particularly regarding economic and energy matters. Legacy: Gulf
Erdogan vs. Kilicdaroglu: What to expect in Turkey's first ever election runoff Though polls give a lead to the incumbent president, a victory by the main opposition leader in Sunday’s presidential runoff seems still possible depending on a combination of challenging factors. Turkey
Qatar forum warns of economic downturn, shift in cryptocurrency One Qatar Economic Forum participant says it will take at least a generation to reach a point where the world can depend on clean power. Qatar
Qatar rolls out $275M market program in latest foreign investment push The Qatar Investment Authority is setting up a market-making initiative to draw in more foreign investor interest and build up its capital markets. Qatar
Double trouble: Lebanon’s Salameh gets second arrest warrant from Germany Riad Salameh is under increased scrutiny in Europe on suspicions of money laundering at a time Lebanon is grappling with a deteriorating financial and economic crisis. Lebanon
Turkey Elections: Currency fears grow ahead of presidential runoff Turkey’s foreign exchange crunch has become so grave that the authorities would even go for limiting cash withdrawals from credit cards to keep the Turkish lira from plunging. Turkey
Israel raises interest rates to highest level since 2006 The Israeli economy was also affected by the government’s controversial judicial reform plans earlier in the year, though the situation may normalize following the reform’s pause. Israel
Germany, Italy hold talks with Saudi Arabia, Qatar to strengthen energy ties Italy is looking for capital from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund for a new fund Rome is setting up to help domestic companies in strategically important sectors. Saudi Arabia
Morocco’s economy to benefit as EU drops it from money laundering list The North African country was removed from the list of high-risk countries for money laundering and terrorism financing in a decision announced by the European Commission on Wednesday. Morocco
