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
Gold industry in Gaza booms amid coronavirus outbreak The gold industry in Gaza has thrived amid the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic in terms of increased production locally and enhanced quality and availability of a variety of gold products and jewelry. Palestine
Dubai restaurants to stop screening dining areas during Ramadan fast Restaurants in the UAE's largest city previously had to screen off places where people ate during fasting hours during the Islamic holy month, as is customary throughout the region. United Arab Emirates
Kadhimi deepens cooperation with Saudi Arabia, UAE in Gulf tour Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi is pursuing two-track diplomacy, expanding cooperation with both Levant and Gulf countries. Iraq
Post-COVID Saudi Arabia doubles down on Vision 2030 Although foreign investors mostly took a pass on Vision 2030, Saudi companies and the Public Investment Fund will pour money into a $3.2 trillion reform plan. Legacy: Gulf
War over economic routes heats up in Syria Syria’s economic collapse is stoking the struggle over commercial routes between government-held areas and US- and Turkish-backed enclaves, fueling also disagreements on humanitarian aid. Turkey
Why Turkey is wooing Egypt How will improved relations between Cairo and Ankara boost bilateral trade and joint investment? A number of Egyptian businesspeople are keeping fingers crossed that easing tensions between the two Mediterranean countries will open up new opportunities. Egypt
Crisis-hit Turkey risks disastrous foreign investor flight Erdogan’s interference with the central bank is badly damaging foreign investor confidence in Turkey, threatening hard-currency crunches that could send the Turkish lira to new lows. Turkey
Reason for Suez Canal ship's grounding under investigation Authorities are looking for answers as to why the Ever Given got stuck in the canal, causing massive trade losses and danger to hundreds of thousands animals being transported. Egypt
Stars help peel back curtain from Israeli cannabis industry Former Minister Tzipi Livni is the latest in a long list of public figures and celebrities joining the rapidly growing medical cannabis industry in Israel. Israel
Ship stuck in Suez Canal finally freed Ever Given was refloated on Monday after being stuck on the Egyptian canal's bank for nearly a week, allowing for the resumption of traffic. News Brief
Egypt eyes economic foothold in Djibouti Egyptian policy involving East Africa takes a new turn, focusing on economics. Egypt
US offers to help Egypt reopen Suez Canal The US offer comes days after a giant vessel ran aground and became lodged sideways in the canal. News Brief