Feature Cheap oil, tighter finances, wars constrained Mid East economies in 2025 Low oil prices, tighter financial conditions and elevated geopolitical risk hampered growth across much of the Middle East and North Africa this year. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Analysis Egypt’s $35B Israel gas deal buys time, tests fragile energy partnership The agreement is a critical stopgap as Cairo grapples with domestic power demands, but the last two years have tested Egypt-Israel energy cooperation in unprecedented ways. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Iran currency plunges to historic low amid factional blame game As Iran's judiciary publicly rebukes the central bank over the rial's collapse, the currency crisis is no longer economic and is fast becoming a test of political accountability and regime stability. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Yemeni ministries declare support for STC campaign as Gulf tensions flare Yemen's Saudi-backed government criticized the statements in support of the Southern Transitional Council, which is supported by the UAE, as Gulf states deliberate on how to move forward. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Gulf finance hubs race to expand as hedge funds flock to Dubai, Abu Dhabi By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis How Netanyahu ceded to Trump, agreed to Egypt's $35B gas deal By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Egypt's powerful military companies to go public President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has called for listing companies affiliated with Egypt's armed forces on the stock exchange, allowing citizens to buy the shares in an effort to increase transparency. Egypt
Million-dollar lobbying campaign against Kuwait suffers major setback A Kuwaiti court has sentenced a Russian businesswoman to 15 years of hard labor despite pressure from former US officials. Here's who's behind the campaign to release Marsha Lazareva. United Arab Emirates
Fourth Cabinet reshuffle raises questions about economic reforms in Jordan Jordan’s prime minister conducted a Cabinet reshuffle for the fourth time since ascending to power to advance economic reforms required by a loan deal with the International Monetary Fund. Jordan
Egypt eyes new IMF deal Egypt has entered into talks with the International Monetary Fund to discuss a new financing package for the country, whose current economic reform program expires this month. Egypt
Iran's commercial code reform invites turmoil The Iranian parliament's rush job on approving hundreds of articles of a bill designed to reform the commercial code will lead to unconsidered consequences. Iran
Egypt launches first shipment to Kenya as part of Gosour project As part of the Gosour project, Egypt launched its first shipping line from Ain Sokhna port to Kenya’s Mombasa port — a project highly praised by the private and public sectors. Egypt
After unprecedented shutdown, Lebanon’s banks reopen, mitigate nationwide panic Lebanese banks have been shut for two weeks straight, not only because of the unprecedented nationwide protests but also because of the accumulation of an unresolved economic crisis. Lebanon
Why Palestinian businessmen will visit Russia As part of efforts to achieve economic disengagement from Israel and find new markets, a Palestinian delegation will visit Russia in November with the goal of boosting bilateral trade. Palestine
Palestinians seek economic disengagement through West Bank port Palestinian traders demand the establishment of a land port in Palestinian territories without Israeli conditions. Palestine
As Lebanese PM lays out reform package, protesters demand more Although the Lebanese government has unveiled a set of reforms to calm popular protests, it appears unlikely the proposal will satisfy demonstrators' demands. Lebanon
Why Israel should expand work permits for Palestinians In order to end the situation where Palestinians pay thousands of shekels to obtain work permits in an illegal manner, Israel should expand the number of permits and offer job seekers some hope. Palestine
Turkey-China economic cooperation on rise Turkey has a special place in China’s Belt and Road initiative, as confirmed by the increase in Chinese direct investment in Turkey. Turkey
