Crypto crash collides with UAE’s big bet on digital assets After hitting record highs in 2025, Bitcoin’s sell-off is roiling global markets and making waves in the UAE. United Arab Emirates
Merz courts Gulf as Germany seeks energy alternatives to US, China Berlin is seeking to capitalize on ties with Gulf energy giants as relations with the United States have cooled amid strains over transatlantic defense commitments, Washington’s pursuit of Greenland and tariffs. Qatar
Gulf markets recover after gold rout, buoyed by Iran de-escalation hopes Saudi Arabia’s benchmark stock index, TASI, rose 1.4%, a day after falling the most in nearly 10 months amid a broad sell-off in the commodities market. United Arab Emirates
Analysis As envoys recalled, what's driving Israel-South Africa rupture? South Africa has expelled the Israeli charge d'affaires, deepening the diplomatic crisis between the two countries. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Analysis Saudi Arabia downsizes megaprojects, chases cash amid AI push By Samuel Wendel , Jack Dutton
Visiting Israel, Turkish foreign minister rehabilitates bilateral ties After two years of Turkish courtship, and with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu now on a historic visit to Israel, Jerusalem is willing to rehabilitate bilateral relations. Israel
The economics of social unrest in Iran While the protests themselves are unsurprising, given the economic crises plaguing the country, the fact that they were centered in the southwestern province of Khuzestan is significant. Iran
Egypt to sell state-owned firms amid economic crisis Ten of Egypt's largest state-owned companies will be listed this year on the stock exchange, while others will be sold in the coming years as the government tries to attract foreign investors to relieve economic hardships. Egypt
Iran vows harsh crackdown on economic protests Despite a massive security presence, many Iranian cities continue to witness rallies triggered by soaring prices, with protesters chanting slogans against the country's top leadership. Iran
Egypt looks to Gulf to revive tourism sector affected by Russian-Ukrainian war Egypt is seeking to increase Arab tourism from the Gulf at a time when this vital sector has struggled to overcome the recession it suffered with the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Egypt
Ukraine war drives more traffic to Egypt's Suez Canal, increasing revenues Although Egypt is being adversely affected by the war in Ukraine, the Suez Canal is benefiting greatly from Western countries sailing into the Gulf in search of oil. Egypt
Interview Israeli Minister Frej joins Palestinian aid summit in Brussels In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Israel’s Regional Cooperation Minister Esawi Frej said that while a strong Palestinian Authority is "of course a Palestinian interest ... it is also an Israeli and international interest." Esawi Frej Minister for Regional Cooperation of Israel
World Bank praises Palestinian easing of COVID rules, criticizes Israeli control The international financial body recommended several governance reforms for the Palestinian Authority to increase economic growth. Palestine
UAE, Greece sign $4.2 billion agreement The UAE and Greece have become close allies in recent years. United Arab Emirates
International pressure compounds Tunisian economic crisis There are international and local concerns over the political and economic situation in Tunisia, which is hoping for a deal with the IMF in return for implementing reforms that are rejected by the powerful UGTT labor union. Tunisia
Turkish inflation jumps from 20% to 70% in just six months Even if monthly price increases ease to an average of 5% in the coming months, Turkey would face an annual consumer inflation of over 100% in the fall and finish the year with a rate of some 90%. Turkey
Beersheba evolves into Israeli tech powerhouse With financial benefits, investment in infrastructure and a vibrant university, Israel's southern city of Beersheba is swiftly becoming a hub for both international and local high tech companies. Israel