Food security

Egypt inflation drops to 31.5%, but food prices still rising

Annual inflation fell slightly in April compared to the previous month as the central bank readies its next decision on interest rates.

Egypt

In boost to China, UAE and Kuwait become 'dialogue partners' in Shanghai Cooperation Organization

The Gulf states made up half of the new partners at the annual Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting in 2023.

United Arab Emirates

Biden issues new Sudan executive order authorizing sanctions

President Joe Biden paved the way for sanctions on members of Sudan’s warring factions but stopped short of imposing them.

Sudan

Analysis

Conflict in Sudan, GCC's food basket, rattles Gulf investments

In addition to its natural resources and agricultural output, Sudan's geographic location also makes it critical to Gulf security.

By Salim A. Essaid

Second Sudan cease-fire goes into effect with nearly 300 killed

The international community has been calling on the military and rival forces to stop the fighting as the death toll rises.

Sudan

Lebanon raises minimum wage from $27 to $92 a month

Hundreds of retired soldiers protested outside government headquarters as the Cabinet discussed an increase in public sector salaries.

Lebanon

Sudan death toll nears 100 as civilians flee, power struggle continues

Several countries have called for restraint after rival forces engaged in bloody clashes in Sudan.

The Horn of Africa

Analysis

Ball now in Tunisia's court regarding $1.9bn IMF bailout

Officials from the IMF, the World Bank and Italy have all commented on the proposed bailout package this week as a Tunisian delegation joins the spring meeting of the multilateral institutions in Washington.

By Jack Dutton

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

Inflation hits 33.9% in Egypt as food prices surge

Egypt’s Central Bank continues to raise interest rates amid surging inflation, but past rate hikes have failed to alleviate the situation.

Egypt

Egypt offers cash for families to control births

The Egyptian government intends to pay 1,000 Egyptian pounds to married women with two children or less annually as part of efforts to curb population growth.

Tunisia

This Ramadan, food prices change Egypt's longstanding Iftar customs

Surging food prices force Egyptians to strictly stick to the basics ahead of Ramadan.

Egypt

Analysis

Jordan economic rating shows upswing, but problems remain

Jordanians in the private sector are praising their government's ambitious economic strategies, but still see systemic inefficiencies as a barrier to making them a reality.  

By Salim A. Essaid