Interview Saudi labor localization will take ‘generation or two': Armada CEO Around 70% of Saudi Arabia's population is 35 years old or younger, according to the kingdom’s General Authority for Statistics, providing ample opportunity for an educated and technology-savvy national workforce in the coming decades. Olivier Badard CEO of Armada Holding
Analysis Why the Hormuz oil shock never became an energy catastrophe The US-Israel-Iran war produced a historic oil supply shock but not a severe global economic crisis, due to ample prewar supplies, China's energy pivot and strategic reserve releases. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Oil falls below $74 as Hormuz traffic recovers after Iran war Brent crude, the international benchmark for oil prices, was trading at $73.81 a barrel at 10:40 a.m. EDT, down 4.2% from Tuesday's close. Iran
Explainer Lebanon advances controversial $500K golden visa law: What to know While its supporters say the scheme would help Lebanon's economy recover, critics say it could offer a channel for corruption. Lebanon
Interview US-Egypt fund makes case for economic statecraft in hard power era Cornelius Queen Senior Vice President of the Egyptian-American Enterprise Fund
Analysis US-Iran deal delivers $300 billion controversy, reconstruction questions By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Israel pledges to keep US in loop on trade with China In the face of growing American concerns, Jerusalem has reportedly promised Washington it will keep it abreast of any major business deals with Beijing. Israel
As omicron spreads, Israelis turn against Bennett Many Israelis feel that the government and Prime Minister Naftali Bennett have lost control over battling the spread of the coronavirus omicron variant. Israel
Syria joins China’s Belt and Road Initiative The admission of Syria into the Chinese economic project is the latest sign of strengthening relations between Damascus and Beijing. News Brief
Economic meltdown revives forgotten occupations in Lebanon Occupations that disappeared over time, most notably that of cobbler and tailor, have been revived due to the decline in citizens’ purchasing power. Lebanon
Hamas plans to continue using cryptocurrencies for operations Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz signed an order to seize more than $800,000 on cryptocurrency on its way to Hamas, but a spokesperson for the movement said that the Israeli announcement was exaggerated. Palestine
Despite pandemic, Israeli high-tech industry soars The Israeli high-tech sector has thrived through the end of 2021, with Israeli unicorns making more money than ever before and entering the US stock exchanges. Israel
Suez Canal to establish sovereign wealth fund The Suez Canal Authority has unveiled a plan to establish a sovereign wealth fund to shield the canal from fluctuations in global trade and crises like COVID-19. Egypt
Lebanon and Iraq ink defense cooperation agreement Lebanese Defense Minister Maurice Sleem is in Iraq for an official visit. News Brief
Egyptian travel companies profit on Turkey visits due to falling lira Egyptian tourism companies are seeking to take advantage of the low exchange rate of the Turkish lira to promote their programs in Turkey even after the summer season is over. Egypt
Egyptians carry on tradition of entrusting savings to gold Many Egyptians see gold as the safest investment option for their savings, especially in times of economic uncertainty. Egypt
Economic meltdown in Lebanon leaves pets homeless In Lebanon's ongoing economic collapse, hundreds of cats and dogs are thrown into the streets every month. Lebanon
UAE top destination for tourists from India The UAE is looking to enhance its trade ties with India and recently sent a delegation to the country. News Brief