Hong Kong exchange expands Gulf presence with new Dubai commodities arm The emirate has positioned itself as a global commodities trading hub, with the UAE ranking second globally after the US in last year’s Commodity Trade Index. United Arab Emirates
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
The Takeaway: Iran nuclear talks resume next week — What you need to know Turkish lira crisis hits Syria; Saudi, Syrian intel chiefs talk; Netflix drama evokes memories for Izmir’s Jews; Oman bets on logistics; Egypt, Tanzania deepen ties; Gaza’s women skateboarders — all in less than 1,500 words. By Andrew Parasiliti , Elizabeth Hagedorn , Joe Snell
Deteriorating Turkish lira hurts residents in Syria's Idlib The depreciation of the Turkish lira against the US dollar has resulted in worsening living conditions in Idlib and increased the people’s resentment against Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and the Salvation Government, which they hold primarily responsible for the economic crisis. Syria
Israel-UAE trade reaches $700 million Israel’s representative in Dubai said there is going to be a “surge” of business between Israel and the Emirates. News Brief
Food price hikes feared in Turkey after currency slump Turkish social media swirled with rumors Monday of possible bread price hikes following a record slide in the nation’s currency, and economist say the anxiety could add to inflationary pressures. Turkey
Saudi Arabia grants citizenship to prominent doctors, scholars The official Saudi Press Agency said the kingdom will grant citizenship to “experts and exceptional global talents." Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia welcomes multinationals to Riyadh Saudi Arabia's move to license 44 companies to open headquarters has put the kingdom in competition with the United Arab Emirates regional business hub. Legacy: Gulf
Israel’s Bennett hopes to outdo Netanyahu in relations with India Stepping into the shoes of Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett makes efforts at strengthening the bilateral economic ties and the security alliance Israel has forged with India. Israel
Backlash after Islamist group in Idlib taxes olive crops The HTS-affiliated Salvation Government imposed Islamic taxes on olive crops, thus worsening farmers’ plight amid the water scarcity and drought. Syria
US, Egypt conclude first 'strategic dialogue' under Biden In a joint statement, the two countries pledged to continue their dialogue on the US-Egypt strategic partnership, regional cooperation and human rights. Egypt
Israeli, Jordanian economy ministers sign West Bank export deal In their meeting Nov. 3, Economy Minister Orna Barbivai and Jordanian Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Yousef Alshamali agreed to expand the list of materials and products Jordan could export to the West Bank. Israel
Turkish inflation nears 20% on rising food, energy costs While Turkey’s latest official inflation figures beat expectations, raising some concerns over data integrity, consumer prices are expected to keep rising amid growing global energy costs. Turkey
Iran’s plan to get rid of the subsidized exchange rate Iran's subsidized exchange rate has failed to prevent the downfall of the rial — and a move to do away with it could actually help the economy. Iran
