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
From homes to guesthouses: some Lebanese find ways to survive economic meltdown Despite Lebanon's worst financial crisis since its civil war, guesthouse investment is growing as rural tourism soars, generating much-needed revenue for its cash-strapped citizens and empowering local communities and talents. Lebanon
Lebanon to shift to new official lira-to-dollar exchange rate Lebanon is shifting to a new official exchange rate to the US dollar, three years after an unprecedented financial and economic crisis that has plunged a large portion of its population under the poverty line. Lebanon
UAE, Tanzania sign double tax avoidance deal The Emirates is also pursuing renewable energy projects in the southern African country. Legacy: Gulf
UAE, Oman boost ties with deals on high-speed rail, combating financial crimes The agreements are in line with the UAE’s foreign policy, which prioritizes regional partnerships. United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia partners with Senegal on railway, desalination plant The UAE, Israel and Turkey have also upped their engagement with African states in recent years. Saudi Arabia
Egyptian households turn to credit as inflation bites In the past, locals used to buy only durables in installments. Today, breadwinners buy clothes, schoolbooks, stationery and groceries on credit. Egypt
Lebanese depositors irate over closed banks Banks in Lebanon have been shut down for nearly a week amid fears of a bank run. Lebanon
Palestinian economy falters despite pandemic recovery Despite the end of the coronavirus pandemic, an improvement in the Palestinian economy does not seem very likely given other factors. Palestine
Despite slowdown, Israeli tech companies attract major investments Big investments announced in recent weeks in Israeli start-up companies might indicate that the slowdown, the layoffs and other difficulties facing the global high-tech industry might be temporary. Israel
Palestinian businessman seeks self-funded projects to support Gaza economy An agreement of $1 million was signed to restore industrial facilities that were destroyed in the May 2021 war on Gaza, which came as a glimmer of hope for the stricken industrial city. Palestine
Lebanese fear more hardships after fuel subsidies are lifted The Lebanese are expecting higher gasoline prices in light of the central bank’s decision to lift subsidies amid market chaos, dollar exchange fluctuations and devaluation of salaries in the Lebanese pound. Lebanon
Egyptian pound continues to lose value Economists expect Egypt's central bank to loosen its grip on the exchange rate of the Egyptian pound in its meeting later this month, but the possible move is fraught with fears from a sharp rise in commodity prices. Egypt
