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
Egypt’s military adds new factory to industrial portfolio Egypt’s military signed a deal with a Chinese company to establish a car tire factory, further tightening its grip over the country's industrial sectors. Egypt
Russia weighs two reconstruction strategies for Syria In the face of US sanctions, Moscow is considering whether the outsourcing of reconstruction efforts for Syria may be better for Russia than a long-term presence. Syria
Palestine seeks economic relations with Oman A Palestinian ministerial delegation is preparing to visit Oman early next year as part of efforts to sever economic ties with Israel, but some analysts wonder what benefits are to be gained by either party. Oman
Analyzing Iran’s new state budget Iran's state budget introduced no major structural changes, but it did improve transparency in some sectors. Iran
Will Turkish lira save economy in Syria's opposition-held areas? As Syria's currency plunges against the dollar, the opposition's Syrian Interim Government plans to replace the Syrian pound with the Turkish lira in the areas it controls. Syria
Lebanon’s real estate sector crumbles along with dreams As Lebanon’s economic crisis devastates the housing sector, homeowners are faced with increasing payments and debt tied to the dollar and rising interest rates. Lebanon
Will loan initiative turn around Egypt's struggling factories? Egypt’s Central Bank has launched a funding initiative to help defaulting factories deal with their debt and bolster production. Egypt
Pressure mounts against importing Israeli gas to Jordan While Jordan is expected to start receiving natural gas from Israel in a matter of weeks, demands that the government cancel the deal are growing. Israel
Egypt focuses on developing Africa With the goal of promoting investment opportunities in Africa and Egypt and signing development and investment agreements, Egypt organized the Africa 2019: Investment for Africa Forum, as President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi holds the presidency of the African Union. Egypt
Turkey’s economic crisis takes toll on wealth holders Hit by the Turkish lira’s slump against the dollar, economic contraction and decline in real estate prices, Turkey’s richest have watched their wealth erode. Turkey
Israel: plenty of bread but no butter Since the price of butter is controlled by the government, Israeli dairies prefer using the butterfat for other dairy products. Israel
How Suez Canal will continue to change Mediterranean Sea The Suez Canal has changed the Mediterranean Sea from environmental and economic perspectives since its opening 150 years ago, and these changes are only expected to worsen in light of the expansion of the canal. Egypt
