Sharaa taps Visa as Syria reconnects to global finance: What to know Visa and Mastercard announced Wednesday that their networks can now be used to make international card payments in Syria. Syria
France, Saudi Arabia announce more than $10B in deals on MBS visit Among the deals included a 6 billion euro ($7 billion) pledge from the Public Investment Fund in three manga-themed amusement parks on the outskirts of Paris. Saudi Arabia
Jordan's King Abdullah heads to China in first visit since 2015: What to know Ahead of the visit, King Abdullah said that Jordan hopes to expand cooperation with China in green energy, tourism and aviation. Jordan
Explainer What would BRICS Bank membership mean for Iran's reeling economy? Iran’s Central Bank governor said the country will soon join the New Development Bank as he traveled to India this week for a meeting of the group’s finance leaders. Iran
Analysis Jordan shores up US lifelines as Iran targets Amman’s reliance on Washington By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis How Gulf banks are absorbing Iran war shocks By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Saudi Arabia, UAE firms sign $18.5B tourism megaproject for Egypt The new deal forms part of Egypt’s Vision 2030 agenda as the government aims to secure $42 billion in foreign direct investment this year. Egypt
Saudi Arabia, UK announce over $445M in investments: What to know The agreements aim to boost bilateral trade and will also support Saudi Vision 2030 reforms to diversify the economy away from reliance on oil by the end of the decade. Saudi Arabia
Turkey's trade deficit falls to lowest level in nearly four years: What to know Turkey’s trade deficit in August shrank to $4.17 billion, its lowest level in 46 months, Trade Minister Omer Bolat said. Turkey
Egypt secures $220M from domestic, Gulf, Chinese investors for solar project Foreign investment from three countries comes at a pivotal time in Egypt’s recovery from its worst financial crisis in over six decades. Egypt
Lebanese PM meets Egypt’s Sisi amid Hezbollah disarmament push: What to know Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi pledged support for Lebanon’s stability and reconstruction during talks in Cairo with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. Lebanon
Abu Dhabi’s Lunate buys stake in UK hedge fund, launches $2B investment arm With $1.7 trillion in sovereign wealth, Abu Dhabi has long sought to establish itself as a global financial hub. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Turkey to end costly $60B currency-protection scheme — for now Ankara could soon close the book on a monetary intervention launched to defend the lira in 2021, the latest pivot back to more conventional economic policies following the country's 2023 presidential election. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Saudi Arabia licenses charter operator VistaJet as first foreign airline for domestic flights The Dubai-based private airline group looks to capitalize on the kingdom's growing super-rich luxury travel market. Saudi Arabia
UAE breaks ground on 50 MW solar plant in CAR, expanding Africa footprint Abu Dhabi’s financial footprint has expanded across Africa, making the UAE the continent’s fourth-largest source of foreign capital. United Arab Emirates
Norway's wealth fund vows to stay invested in Israel after selling shares in 11 firms In a press conference on Tuesday, the fund said it had sold the stake in Bet Shemesh Engines Ltd, a group that provides services to the Israeli military, including the maintenance of fighter jets. Israel
Mideast private equity down 38%, but higher-value deals dominate Saudi Arabia was the region’s most active market with 13 transactions, followed by the UAE with 12. Saudi Arabia
Wealthy flock to UAE, fueling Dubai’s 32% company surge: What to know Gulf states are diversifying their economies away from reliance on oil, and the UAE is leading the charge, with the country on track to welcome nearly 10,000 high-net-worth individuals this year. United Arab Emirates
