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
UAE suspends Emirates Gold over money laundering allegations The London Bullion Market Association, which regulates the United Kingdom capital’s metals market, suspended Emirates Gold DMCC’s affiliate membership after conducting a review. United Arab Emirates
UAE becomes observer in Asian money laundering group The move follows the UAE being added to a financial watchdog’s list of countries with deficiencies in countering money laundering. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi Public Investment Fund reports $11 billion loss for 2022 Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund reports its assets have risen from $676 billion to about $778 billion in 2022 in a rare gesture of transparency for the Gulf. Saudi Arabia
Pakistan thanks 'brotherly' Saudis for $2 billion ahead of IMF bailout decision Pakistan received Saudi Arabia's $2 billion deposit a day before the International Monetary Fund is expected to approve a $3 billion bailout on Wednesday that the country desperately needs. Saudi Arabia
Turkey's finance, banking chiefs to visit Saudi Arabia in search of foreign funds The Saudi visit of Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek and Central Bank Governor Gaye Erkan is expected to be followed by the Turkish President's Gulf tour. Turkey
Dubai crypto authority suspends BitOasis The cryptocurrency platform BitOasis' license was suspended by Dubai's VARA due to noncompliance of licensing requirements. United Arab Emirates
Israel pauses interest rate hikes, first time in a year The Bank of Israel signaled it could raise rates in the future, as inflation remains above the target range. Israel
UAE breaks foreign direct investment record as Saudi Arabia sees 59% dip Israel and the United Arab Emirates led the Middle East and North Africa for the highest FDI inflow — the purchasing of assets in another country — and globally placed 15th and 16th, respectively, according to a UNCTAD report released Wednesday. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Israeli government postpones interest rates bill for checking accounts The postponement of the bill was decided after an unusually harsh letter by Bank of Israel Gov. Amir Yaron, warning such a move would harm the bank's independence. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Israel: seizure of millions of dollars in crypto linked to Iran IRGC, Hezbollah The news follows Hamas announcing it will not use Bitcoin anymore and more government scrutiny of cryptocurrency transactions, including by the United States. Israel
Libyan police detain 50 Chinese nationals in crypto farm bust Media from the Tripoli Attorney General Office’s Facebook page show a dingy-looking, windowless room full of hardware, wires and servers being raided by authorities. Libya
Dubai leaps to world’s 7th most expensive city for luxury living, overtaking Paris, Zurich The UAE finance hub made the top 10 list for the first time in Julius Baer’s global wealth index published Tuesday. United Arab Emirates
