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
US deputy treasury secretary in Turkey to warn against evading Russian sanctions In a visit to Ankara Wednesday, US Treasury Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo plans to remind Turkey that anyone evading US sanctions against Russia will be held accountable. Turkey
Iran, Russia to establish trade centers The two countries will focus on energy-related trading and establishing a north-south corridor to rival the Suez Canal. Iran
Israel raises interest rates, following Gulf, US Inflation is rising throughout the Middle East and many countries' central banks are raising interest rates in response. Legacy: Gulf
Gulf states blacklist terror financiers linked to Iran, Islamic State, Syrian regime Lead figures in the Assad regime’s Qatirji oil-smuggling network were among those sanctioned. Legacy: Gulf
Israel interest rates to continue upward trend Battling growing inflation, the Bank of Israel has significantly raised the country’s interest rates twice in recent weeks. Israel
How interest rate hikes affect Egypt’s economy The central bank may raise rates further by 100 to 200 basis points in 2022 to be in line with tightening global monetary policies. Yields on T-bills are set to rise. Egypt
Turkey’s middle class priced out of home ownership Buying a home has become an elusive dream even for middle-class professionals in Turkey as the country’s economic woes erupt into a perfect storm over the housing market. Turkey
Turkish lira continues to fall Turkey is in the midst of an economic crisis marked by high inflation. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
UAE meets $400 million target in first bond auction The Emirati government decided to sell bonds in dirhams to boost the local banking sector and diversify financially. United Arab Emirates
World Bank praises Palestinian easing of COVID rules, criticizes Israeli control The international financial body recommended several governance reforms for the Palestinian Authority to increase economic growth. Palestine
Egypt wants shipping agencies to deal in pounds amid dollar flight After Egypt’s currency devaluation in March, the Egyptian government hopes to ease the strain on its banking system by mandating that international shipping agencies accept Egyptian pounds instead of US dollars as payment. Egypt
