Analysis What UAE’s $3.45B pullback from Pakistan signals about Abu Dhabi's priorities As Abu Dhabi pulls back long-rolled deposits while investing selectively, Pakistan faces an era of more conditional Gulf support tied to strategic alignment. By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
Analysis MENA wheat importers face food security risks as Hormuz crisis festers Home to many of the world's largest wheat importers, the Middle East and North Africa face acute food security risks as the US-Israel-Iran war disrupts global fertilizer flows and pushes up prices. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Israel rejects Ukraine's claim that Russian shadow fleet vessel docked in Haifa Ukraine alleges the vessel unloaded wheat taken from occupied territories in Haifa, while Israel says ship had not entered the port. Israel
UAE’s cash request tests US ties as Iran war strains Gulf financial muscle Amid growing economic fallout from the regional war, Abu Dhabi’s bombshell request for a war-time financial lifeline from the United States is less about cash and more about clout — for now. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Gulf energy deals face Iran war stress test as global expansion meets oil shock By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
The economics of social unrest in Iran While the protests themselves are unsurprising, given the economic crises plaguing the country, the fact that they were centered in the southwestern province of Khuzestan is significant. Iran
Egypt to sell state-owned firms amid economic crisis Ten of Egypt's largest state-owned companies will be listed this year on the stock exchange, while others will be sold in the coming years as the government tries to attract foreign investors to relieve economic hardships. Egypt
Iran vows harsh crackdown on economic protests Despite a massive security presence, many Iranian cities continue to witness rallies triggered by soaring prices, with protesters chanting slogans against the country's top leadership. Iran
Egypt looks to Gulf to revive tourism sector affected by Russian-Ukrainian war Egypt is seeking to increase Arab tourism from the Gulf at a time when this vital sector has struggled to overcome the recession it suffered with the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Egypt
Ukraine war drives more traffic to Egypt's Suez Canal, increasing revenues Although Egypt is being adversely affected by the war in Ukraine, the Suez Canal is benefiting greatly from Western countries sailing into the Gulf in search of oil. Egypt
Interview Israeli Minister Frej joins Palestinian aid summit in Brussels In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Israel’s Regional Cooperation Minister Esawi Frej said that while a strong Palestinian Authority is "of course a Palestinian interest ... it is also an Israeli and international interest." Esawi Frej Minister for Regional Cooperation of Israel
World Bank praises Palestinian easing of COVID rules, criticizes Israeli control The international financial body recommended several governance reforms for the Palestinian Authority to increase economic growth. Palestine
UAE, Greece sign $4.2 billion agreement The UAE and Greece have become close allies in recent years. United Arab Emirates
International pressure compounds Tunisian economic crisis There are international and local concerns over the political and economic situation in Tunisia, which is hoping for a deal with the IMF in return for implementing reforms that are rejected by the powerful UGTT labor union. Tunisia
Turkish inflation jumps from 20% to 70% in just six months Even if monthly price increases ease to an average of 5% in the coming months, Turkey would face an annual consumer inflation of over 100% in the fall and finish the year with a rate of some 90%. Turkey
Beersheba evolves into Israeli tech powerhouse With financial benefits, investment in infrastructure and a vibrant university, Israel's southern city of Beersheba is swiftly becoming a hub for both international and local high tech companies. Israel
Lebanese hope for change in May 15 parliamentary elections Despite furstration with Lebanon's established political leaders and parties, opposition groups have yet to present a strong, unified alternative. Lebanon
