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.
Qatar National Bank launches environmentally friendly finance project The Doha-based bank will loan cash to the British bank HSBC to be used for green transportation investments. By AL-MONITOR Staff
Saudi business group touts plan to improve economic ties with Russia Russia is working to improve relations with Saudi Arabia and wants the kingdom to buy its S-400 missile defense system. Russia
Turkey’s central bank continues window dressing with currency swaps Hit by a foreign reserves drain, Turkey’s central bank eyes fresh currency swap deals, including with the central banks of Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Libya. Turkey
Saudi Arabia to maintain current debt amount Saudi public debt has increased in recent years with the decline in global oil export revenues. By AL-MONITOR Staff
Egyptians carry on tradition of entrusting savings to gold Many Egyptians see gold as the safest investment option for their savings, especially in times of economic uncertainty. Egypt
Turkish lira tumbles ahead of key decision on rate cuts, wages As Turkey’s battered lira pushes to new lows against the dollar, all eyes turn to Thursday’s central bank meeting and critical talks on the minimum wage. Turkey
US sends envoy to engage Gulf, Israel on cybersecurity A deputy secretary of the US Treasury is heading to the Middle East to talk coordination on maintaining an edge in the digital domain. Israel
Palestinian banks accused of colluding with Israel Palestinian banks in the Gaza Strip froze the accounts of dozens of associations and civil society institutions, sparking a wave of anger among them and the citizens who benefit from the services they provide. Palestine
Turkish inflation nears 20% on rising food, energy costs While Turkey’s latest official inflation figures beat expectations, raising some concerns over data integrity, consumer prices are expected to keep rising amid growing global energy costs. Turkey
World Bank approves loan to Egypt, praises government for growth during pandemic The loan accompanies various reforms, including actions to increase economic participation of women. News Brief
Erdogan backpedals on threat to expel 10 Western ambassadors After threatening to expel 10 foreign envoys, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Monday appeared to de-escalate a diplomatic row sparked by the ongoing imprisonment of Turkish philanthropist Osman Kavala. Turkey
Despite reaching all-time high, Egypt’s external debt is within safe levels Inflows of foreign currency debt were spent on infrastructure, health care and overhaul of shantytowns across the country. However, Egyptian banks’ net foreign liability position stands out as a risk. Egypt
