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
US to give $67 million to Lebanon’s military as violence erupts in Beirut The Lebanese army deployed in the streets of the capital after at least six people were shot dead during violent protests. Lebanon
Ankara looks other way as money flows to tax havens A Turkish law passed in 2006 to tackle money transfers to tax havens remains inapplicable on the ground due to Ankara’s failure to name the countries it considers as tax havens. Turkey
Egypt seeks Brazil’s support in Nile dam dispute After Brazil was elected a nonpermanent member of the UN Security Council, Brazilian support for Egypt in the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam crisis gained momentum. Egypt
Iran offers big promises to help rebuild Lebanese economy Meeting one Lebanese official after another, Iran's top diplomat announced substantial pledges for Lebanon's energy crisis, as foreign players are jostling each other for influence in the Arab country. Iran
Fragile Israeli government braces for chill as Knesset winter term begins The Knesset’s winter session, which opened yesterday, is expected to test the precarious coalition of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. Israel
Iran's foreign minister says economy won’t be tied to nuclear talks Iran’s new foreign minister said the country is serious about the nuclear talks but wants seriousness from the other side as well. Iran
Saudi-linked SoftBank invests heavily in Israel The investment of SoftBank in Israel and the appointment of former Mossad Chief Yossi Cohen as its representative in the country might signal Saudi interests in Israeli technology. Israel
Turkish lira drops to near record lows after Central Bank trims policy rate The move came following pressure from the Turkish president. Turkey
Lebanon raises fuel prices again The Lebanese government previously subsidized fuel prices amid the country's worsening economic crisis. Lebanon
Iran’s membership in Asian security body won’t solve sanctions problem While the news that Iran will gain full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is a psychological victory for the sanctions-hit country, it will take much more to achieve lasting economic impact. Iran
UAE spends big to boost private sector workforce The United Arab Emirates will spend $6.5 billion in incentives for its citizens to take work in the private sector and stop waiting for public jobs. Legacy: Gulf
Will Iranian fuel solve fuel crisis in Lebanon? Lebanese economists do not see any benefit from the Iranian fuel shipments that recently entered Lebanon, with support from Hezbollah, amid the worsening fuel crisis in the cash-strapped country. Lebanon
