Who is Bill Pulte, Trump loyalist tapped as intelligence director? The US president announced he had picked the fed housing chair to lead the nation’s intelligence agencies, at least temporarily, after the resignation of Tulsi Gabbard. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Interview Saudi Arabia eyes state-backed stablecoin amid digital finance push Tokenization in Saudi Arabia has rapidly evolved from concept to early-stage execution since the early 2020s.
Analysis Ports and infrastructure: UAE embraces new economic order in Syria UAE-Syrian ties have moved faster than expected, with Abu Dhabi embracing President Ahmad al-Sharaa and relations shifting from normalization to investment opportunities. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Interview UK fintech brings foreign currency accounts to Syrians at home The launch comes as Syria’s new government attempts to stabilize the country’s shattered economy following the January 2025 rise to power of President Ahmed al-Sharaa after the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad.
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
Fundraising by Israeli startups expected to decline during 2022 A survey of Israeli startup companies shows a significant drop in fundraising. Israel
UAE investments boost Egyptian economy The United Arab Emirates is seeking profits by investing $2 billion in Egyptian state-held stakes in some companies. Egypt
Saudi Arabia sends $50 million to Jordan for budget as economy falters The Jordanian government is working to close tax loopholes and increase its revenue collection amid its economic struggle. Jordan
