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
World Bank approves loan to Egypt, praises government for growth during pandemic The loan accompanies various reforms, including actions to increase economic participation of women. News Brief
Mansour Abbas puts mark on Israeli development plan for Arab communities The coalition Ra’am party is proud of the approval by the government of a five-year plan for the economic development of Israeli Arab towns and villages. Israel
The Takeaway: Sudan’s fragile economic stability at risk after military takeover Saudi Arabia’s plan for “net-zero”; Turkey’s spy busts; Syria’s rebel factions; Egypt’s robot detention; fatwas on marital sex and bodybuilding; fishing for plastic in the Nile … all in about 1,500 words! Sudan
Protests break out in Syrian city controlled by jihadist faction Protests erupted in Idlib against the Syrian Salvation Government, affiliated with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, amid high inflation and deteriorating living conditions. Syria
Greek foreign minister visits Oman Nikos Dendias will also head to Libya this week and recently participated in a summit with allies Cyprus and Egypt. News Brief
Israel announces 3,000 new Gaza work permits The additional work permits for Gazans follows several Israeli measures aimed at easing border restrictions. Israel
EU looks to boost Syrian businesses in Turkey Many Syrian refugees are working in Turkey without work permits, and the European Union is trying to support their small businesses. Syria
Tunisia’s political crisis forewarns economic collapse Economists are sounding the alarm about a possible economic collapse in Tunisia, urging for reforms to revive the economy that had been suffering since 2011 amid political instability. Tunisia
US to give $67 million to Lebanon’s military as violence erupts in Beirut The Lebanese army deployed in the streets of the capital after at least six people were shot dead during violent protests. Lebanon
Ankara looks other way as money flows to tax havens A Turkish law passed in 2006 to tackle money transfers to tax havens remains inapplicable on the ground due to Ankara’s failure to name the countries it considers as tax havens. Turkey
Egypt seeks Brazil’s support in Nile dam dispute After Brazil was elected a nonpermanent member of the UN Security Council, Brazilian support for Egypt in the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam crisis gained momentum. Egypt
Iran offers big promises to help rebuild Lebanese economy Meeting one Lebanese official after another, Iran's top diplomat announced substantial pledges for Lebanon's energy crisis, as foreign players are jostling each other for influence in the Arab country. Iran
