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
Iraq's reform budget heads to parliament Parliament is debating the 2021 budget, which is the first budget drafted based on the White Paper for economic reform. Iraq
Egypt’s back on gold production map after loosening mining regulations The gold industry in Egypt has recently witnessed a boom after the Egyptian government amended mining regulations to attract foreign investors, while President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi plans to build a jewelry-making city. Originals
How delays at Sudan’s largest port could actually boost trade with Egypt Analysts expect the four-month suspension in Port Sudan to accelerate the launch of the Transit Trade Agreement between Egypt and Sudan and eventually bring economic and political benefits to Egypt. Egypt
Turkey’s ‘wealthless’ wealth fund a tangle of problems Turkey’s sovereign wealth fund is under mounting criticism for being exempt from public auditing despite using major public assets in its transactions. Turkey
France scores big Iraqi construction project at Turkey's expense A French company has beaten out a Turkish one for the Mosul airport project; political considerations along with economic concerns seem to have factored into Baghdad's decision. Iraq
Jordan bets on GCC deal to boost economy Jordan has attempted to remain neutral in the Gulf feud that erupted in 2017 when a Saudi-led bloc of nations cut diplomatic ties with Qatar. The kingdom has welcomed the agreement recently signed to end the Gulf dispute. Jordan
PA shuts down Palestinian Airlines, shuttering hopes for airport The Palestinian Authority decides to shut down the Palestinian Airlines, which is seen as a symbol of sovereignty, citing financial burdens and maintenance costs of its only two aircrafts. Palestine
Is the worst behind in Turkey’s economic turmoil? Ankara’s policy reversal on interest rates has led to some positive developments in the economy, but many observers warn that it is still too early to rejoice. Turkey
Iraq devalues dinar to boost economy, factory production The Central Bank of Iraq cuts the value of the dinar against the dollar in the context of policies to address Iraq's economic crisis. Iraq
Saudi, Kuwaiti investments boost Cairo, Sphinx airports Egypt received offers from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to invest in projects to expand the Cairo and Sphinx international airports, as part of efforts to boost tourism and put Egypt on the global transit map. Egypt
Gulf economies face major challenges in post-COVID 19 world Signals indicate the embargo imposed on Qatar could come to an end, but can the Gulf Cooperation Council play a coordinating role vital to diversify Gulf economies post-pandemic? Legacy: Gulf
Lebanese citizens see no relief as economic downturn worsens Amid plans to lift subsidies and private universities’ decision to raise tuition fees, the Lebanese people continue to suffer under the country’s crumbling economy with no end in sight. Lebanon
