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
Can Erdogan mend fences with US, Europe while saving face? Turkey is seeking to improve relations with the West to stave off further damage to its ailing economy, but wants to do so without appearing to concede any ground or make concessions. Syria
Iran plays Pakistan, China against India as Modi turns to Trump India’s apparent decision to go along with the Trump administration’s “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran could negatively impact its relationship with Tehran, including in regard to the Chabahar port project. United States
Are banks in Gaza jeopardizing economic sector? Banks are limiting their facilities in the Gaza Strip, which reflects badly on the already ailing economy. Palestine
How feasible is Khamenei’s economic doctrine for Iran? In one of his most comprehensive explanations of his economic doctrine, Iran’s supreme leader outlined his focus on self-sufficiency, import substitution, putting an end to oil dependence and prioritizing the agricultural sector. Iran
Central Bank: 2019 will be difficult for Tunisian banks Tunisia's financial and political quarters worry about an imminent liquidity crisis threatening the banking sector. Tunisia
Zarif seeks help from Pakistan Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif visits Islamabad with an eye toward receiving help in dealing with Iran's economic woes and its issues with Washington and Riyadh. Iran
Seeking trade incentives, Palestinian businessmen develop economic ties with Israel Palestinian businessmen flout political taboos by meeting with Israelis for business. Palestine
Egypt plans new maritime line to East Africa for increasing exports The Egyptian government will soon inaugurate a new maritime line from the port of Ain Sokhna to East African countries, with the aim of boosting trade and exports. Egypt
Group to boost Palestinian economy, cut link to Israel The Palestinian prime minister is heading a new group designed to inject vitality into the economy and strengthen partnerships among the public, private and civil sectors. Palestine
Egypt’s new free zone to serve development purposes As part of the Egyptian government development plan for Upper Egypt, a new free zone will be opened in Aswan to boost the economy, serve investors and create more jobs. Egypt
The PA moves forward in its disengagement from Israel The Palestinian government decided to appoint commercial attaches in the Palestinian embassies in a bid to promote national products abroad, which is seen as a step forward on the path of economic disengagement from Israel. Palestine
Contradictory moves to rescue Palestinian economy While the United States is pushing for an economic workshop to help Palestinians, the mood in Ramallah is defiant with ideas to build an alternative independent economy — a goal sought by the Shtayyeh government. Palestine
