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
Saudi Arabia sends $50 million to Jordan for budget as economy falters The Jordanian government is working to close tax loopholes and increase its revenue collection amid its economic struggle. Jordan
Tel Aviv Stock Exchange continues to reach historic highs The TA 125 index’s growth is being led by banks and not Israel’s large tech sector. Israel
Israeli innovations in medical tech embraced worldwide In Europe, the US, Africa, and now also in Gulf states, hospitals and healthcare systems are adopting Israeli med-tech companies' new products. Israel
Egypt hopes Israeli tourists will make up losses from Ukraine war At a time when Egypt’s tourism sector has suffered a setback due to the war in Ukraine, the first direct flight from Israel is set to land in Sharm el-Sheikh this month, which may boost the number of Israeli tourists in the Egyptian coastal resorts in the Sinai Peninsula. Egypt
Free trade agreement opens new horizons for Israel, UAE The economy and trade ministers of Israel and the United Arab Emirates concluded last week negotiations on a ground-breaking agreement for a free trade zone, the first of its kind Israel has ever reached with an Arab country. Israel
Israel's tech future lies with Arab entrepreneurs An increasing number of Israeli Arabs are taking the bold step of launching their own startup companies. Israel
Saudi Aramco pursues diversification with artificial intelligence center The Saudi energy giant is flush with cash from oil sales abroad. Saudi Arabia
Analysis The Takeaway: Trump's revenge as Biden deal with Iran stymied by IRGC sanctions Russia backs Syrian attacks on opposition; Turkish inflation soars as result of Ukraine war; Iran-linked mob attacks Kurdish party offices in Iraq; new generation runs for election in Lebanon; Egypt rallies Africa climate consensus. By Andrew Parasiliti , Elizabeth Hagedorn
New Tunisian law targets those spreading 'fake news' about food shortages Tunisia’s president says he is waging a war on speculators hoarding food, but his new decree-law also includes an article that forbids the spreading of “false news and information” about food shortages and the supply chain. North Africa
Dubai partnering with Singapore to improve public transportation Dubai and Abu Dhabi are also working to make their public transit systems more environmentally friendly, though oil is still a major part of the Emirati economy. United Arab Emirates
Egypt, Israel expand economic ties Cairo and Tel Aviv strengthen trade and economic cooperation and increase their export capacity under the protocol of the Qualified Industrial Zone. Egypt
