China warns US not to interfere with Iran trade: What to know China's Foreign Ministry said Beijing was firmly opposed to what it called “illegal unilateral sanctions” and would take “all necessary measures” to safeguard its rights. Iran
Large UAE delegation set to arrive in Lebanon in major investment push A large Emirati delegation of around 70 business leaders and government officials is heading to Beirut, in the latest sign of thaw between the United Arab Emirates and Lebanon. Lebanon
France, Saudi Arabia announce more than $10B in deals on MBS visit Among the deals included a 6 billion euro ($7 billion) pledge from the Public Investment Fund in three manga-themed amusement parks on the outskirts of Paris. Saudi Arabia
China slams Trump over economic war on Iran: What to know China’s once significant oil imports from Iran have been impacted by the war in the region and increasing US sanctions. Iran
Detained Jordanian teachers freed amid economic strife The lawyer for the Teachers Syndicate recently told Al-Monitor the government used virus-related laws to silence the group, which is critical of the economic situation in Jordan. Jordan
Iran's Khamenei calls for making economy independent Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei spoke about the need for an economy that is not dependent on other countries. Iran
Trump, Kadhimi launch new chapter in US-Iraq relations US offers Iraqi prime minister aid, energy deals and continued cooperation against Islamic State. Iraq
Family silver next in line in Turkey’s debt crunch The hefty external debt of Turkey’s public and private sectors is increasingly imposing the option to offer asset swaps to creditors, including company shares and valuable real estate. Turkey
Oman kicks off ambitious reform project A significant revamp promises to slim down the Omani government, bring in new faces and mark the start of a new era. Oman
Jordan accuses teachers union of 'economic crimes' in crackdown Activists claim Jordanian government is applying "defense laws" to suppress dissent during economic downturn. Jordan
How megaprojects mitigated COVID-19 impact on Egypt’s labor market The coronavirus pandemic has increased the unemployment rate, but the impact could have been worse without the infrastructure overhaul. Egypt
Opting for backdoor measures, Turkey’s Central Bank holds interest rate steady Turkey’s Central Bank left a key interest rate unchanged in favor of liquidity measures Thursday in what analysts described as a “missed opportunity” to send a positive signal to the markets. Turkey
Despite dispute with Riyadh over Kashmir, Saudi-Pakistan ties remain strong Security and economic bonds mean that Islamabad’s recent disputes with Riyadh are unlikely to impact overall bilateral ties. Saudi Arabia
Israeli companies enthusiastic on deal with UAE, target Gulf market Israeli companies in the fields of cyber, water management, defense and even diamonds are lining up for launching business ventures in the United Arab Emirates. United Arab Emirates
Gulf migrant workers face crisis of unpaid wages amid pandemic Unscrupulous employers have exploited chaotic coronavirus mass repatriations to avoid paying migrant workers. Originals
