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
What’s in store for Turkish economy after local polls? Once Turkey’s March 31 local elections are over, Ankara is expected to focus on restoring the confidence of foreign investors — an uphill task that will require bitter pills to redress economic balances. Turkey
Egypt’s Eastern Company listed 4.5% of shares on stock market The Eastern Company’s public offering, which resulted in Saudi investors buying 25% of the listing worth $23 million, raises questions about illicit profits within the government. Saudi Arabia
Profiteering, smuggling push Iran to consider ‘electronic’ food stamps Rampant profiteering and smuggling are forcing Iranian authorities to move toward a revamped system of direct subsidies for essential goods. Iran
Egypt’s first sovereign wealth fund to tap unused assets Egypt recently announced the establishment of a sovereign wealth fund aimed at managing the state’s unused assets to promote development and investment projects. Egypt
Will latest interest rate hike break Tunisia’s back? Following Tunisia's third interest rate hike in 12 months, economic and political experts sound the alarm on shrinking purchasing power while the nation's largest trade union calls for protests. Tunisia
Refusing funds will cost Palestinians, perhaps Israel Several sectors will be affected by the Palestinian Authority’s decision to reject on principle a reduced transfer of tax funds from Israel. Palestine
Iran’s central bank under pressure to print money, weaken rial To cover the budget deficit, Iran’s lawmakers are seeking to force the central bank to print money. If they are successful, they will likely end up making life more difficult for average Iranians. Iran
As sanctions loom, Syria looks to retrieve funds from abroad Damascus wants the country's banks to develop incentives to bring Syrian funds back, especially those deposited in Lebanese banks. Lebanon
Can bitcoins save Hamas from its financial crisis? The armed wing of Hamas in the Gaza Strip announced that it has started accepting donations in bitcoin in a new attempt to overcome its financial crises. Palestine
Increase in Egyptian pound's value surprises Cairo currency traders A recent strengthening of the Egyptian pound against the US dollar is likely to be followed by a weakening of the pound in the coming months, experts say. Egypt
Egypt planning Asian market bond launch to pay down debt Egypt is readying a road show to promote its international bonds in Asia, after three failed bond auctions in 2018 in European markets. Egypt
As PA tightens financial noose on Hamas, citizens will suffer Upcoming sanctions on money transfer firms in the Gaza Strip — designed by the Palestinian Authority to weaken Hamas — will ultimately harm cash-strapped families and individuals. Palestine
