Egypt’s Sisi, Putin meet as Russia steps up Africa push: What to know Wednesday’s meeting comes on the sidelines of the third Russia-Africa Summit, a two-day gathering in Moscow bringing together African leaders and officials. Egypt
Canada, UAE sign trade pact as Ottawa seeks to diversify beyond US The agreement is set to broadly lift tariffs on key products as Canadian officials hope to boost bilateral trade to $7 billion within a decade. United Arab Emirates
Macron secures Gulf diesel supplies as France grapples with fuel costs, unrest France now has commitments for 295,000 metric tons of diesel per month from the Gulf, accounting for just over 10% of the European country’s consumption. Bahrain
Saudi Arabia postpones 'Davos in the Desert' until 2027 amid Houthi attacks The Future Investment Initiative, which typically attracts the CEOs of some of the biggest companies in business, finance, and technology to Riyadh, will now be held next year. Saudi Arabia
Analysis How Hormuz crisis is reshaping economic ties between Iraq and Syria By Shelly Kittleson In Baghdad, reporting on Iraqi politics
Turkey to use 'all available' tools as currency plunges Turkey’s Central Bank says it's ready to use “all available instruments” to calm the market as the Turkish lira drops to new depths, and an interest rate hike is one of the most obvious. Turkey
Turkish lira slides 2% amid reserves concerns Turkey’s currency slumped 2% against the dollar Wednesday as concerns linger over Central Bank policies and depleted reserves. Turkey
Why Iran could be approaching hyperinflation in coming years The asset markets in Iran have been witnessing sharp surging spikes in prices in the recent weeks and months on the back of astonishingly rising money supply. Iran
Rouhani: Iran’s economy handled pandemic better than US Iran’s president said his country’s economy is in a comparatively better shape than the US and European states' ones when it comes to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. United States
Can Jerusalem mayor improve situation of Arab residents? Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Leon advances two development projects in East Jerusalem — in Issawiya and in Wadi Joz. Palestine
Turkey’s lira slides as Central Bank raises inflation forecast Despite state bank efforts to bolster Turkey’s currency, the lira fell to its lowest point since May against the dollar this week, prompting fears of a renewed currency crisis. Turkey
Qatari investments continued in Egypt despite political tensions The Qatari Diar Company managed to open the St. Regis Hotel on the banks of the Nile River in Cairo, but the future of Qatari investments in the Egyptian market seems to be marred by tensions between the two countries. Qatar
Moody's credit rating downgrade puts Lebanon on par with Venezuela The major credit rating agency said Lebanon is likely to default on its debt due to a lack of reform and the collapse of the Lebanese pound. Lebanon
How COVID-19 widened Egypt’s budget gap The coronavirus outbreak and the subsequent lockdown measures have largely affected Egypt’s budget deficit. Egypt
GCC Railway: a train across a fractured Gulf? The repeatedly delayed rail network could boost regional trade and ease mobility. Originals
Serious housing crisis creeps up on Iraq Iraq is facing a difficcult housing crisis due to oil prices dropping amid the coronavirus pandemic. Iraq
History repeats itself in Iran's currency exchange market The Iranian rial continues to lose value against foreign currency, as exporters face high costs due to sanctions and the government continues a policy of forcing them to accept low exchange rates. Iran