US Senate approves repeal of Caesar Act sanctions on Syria: What to know The 2019 Caesar Act imposed sweeping sanctions on Syria to hold the government accountable for human rights abuses committed during the country’s civil war. Syria
Saudi investment minister visits Morocco, Senegal on Africa trade drive Saudi Arabia has pledged more than $41 billion in investment in sub-Saharan Africa over the next decade. Saudi Arabia
Iran, Russia, Central Asia states ink Caspian Sea pact, plan naval drills The navies of Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan signed a comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement on Wednesday, aimed at strengthening security in the Caspian Sea basin as the four countries deepen their relations. Iran
World Bank ups Middle East 2025 economic outlook as oil, tourism rebound The lender expects gross domestic product growth in the region to average 2.8% this year, up from its April forecast of 2.6%. Iran
Egypt’s car industry suffers under dollar crisis Car prices experienced a steep spike in Egypt over the past months as the dollar rose against the Egyptian pound and import restrictions were imposed amidst a decline in supply and a redirection of Egypt’s market shares to other countries. Egypt
Egypt, Congo boost ties with electricity deal Egypt and the Democratic Republic of the Congo agreed to partner in the field of electricity as part of Egypt’s plan to boost its presence in the African continent amid the stalled talks on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam crisis. Egypt
Egypt looks for boost from gas deal with Israel, EU The EU, Egypt and Israel signed an agreement for the export of natural gas to Europe, which would reduce the latter’s dependence on Russian gas. Egypt
Israeli minister backs Moroccan claims to Western Sahara sovereignty On a first official visit to Morocco, Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked said Israel recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara, and stated Israel’s intention to enable Moroccans to work in Israel in the construction and nursing sectors. Israel
Saudi Arabia, Jordan strengthen ties with energy, mining deals Saudi Arabia is now a major investor in Jordan. Jordan
Egypt, Saudi Arabia sign agreements on green hydrogen, infrastructure The deals came during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Egypt. Legacy: Gulf
Iran, Kazakhstan boost trade relations with new railway network Kazakhstan is a strong ally of Iran, and has helped the Islamic Republic circumvent sanctions. Iran
Israel expects post-COVID tourism rebound this summer Israeli experts do not expect tourism to reach this summer the record level of 2019, but they certainly notice a trend of increase on both outbound and incoming tourism. Israel
Egypt uses augmented reality to promote medical tourism Egypt’s General Authority for Health Care announced the use of metaverse technology to promote its medical tourism project as the country’s tourism sector is trying to compensate for the losses incurred during the coronavirus pandemic, and most recently the Russian war on Ukraine. Egypt
Egypt puts up for sale land plots for expats wishing to build cemeteries The Ministry of Housing and Urban Communities in Egypt has put up for sale cemetery lands for Egyptians abroad in four new cities, priced in dollars, as part of the government’s efforts to counter a severe foreign currency shortage. Egypt
Netanyahu builds next electoral platform on new podcast With a new podcast and headquarters and renewed enthusiasm, opposition head Benjamin Netanyahu is already campaigning for the next election. Israel
Analysis Turkey ‘highly vulnerable’ to liquidity pinch, says leading credit agency Turkey, Tunisia and other countries in the Middle East could face liquidity challenges amid rising interest rates worldwide. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
