Could UAE tap US currency swap line as Iran war strains Gulf economies? The Gulf country apparently wanted reassurances from Washington in case its economy is severely damaged by the Iran war. United Arab Emirates
Why are Wall Street banks posting record profits amid Iran war? The US-Israel-Iran war has roiled the global economy since Feb. 28, but the resulting market volatility has boosted trading profits for some. Iran
Analysis Ceasefire without relief: How Iranians are grappling with post-war repression Despite the ceasefire, pressure is mounting inside Iran: arrests are rising, the internet remains largely shut down, and millions face deep economic uncertainty. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Iran names US tech, finance firms in new Middle East threat list Firms listed as potential targets included Oracle, Microsoft, Apple, Google, Meta, IBM, Palantir and Nvidia, while banking giant JPMorgan and UAE-based AI firm G42 were also listed. Iran
Analysis Iran war tests Gulf dealmaking as foreign investors assess risks By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis How long can markets hold their bet on Gulf resilience as war drags on? By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Group of 32 states to release 400M barrels of oil reserves: What to know By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Bahrain's Investcorp, China's CIC launch $1B Sino-Gulf investment platform The companies the fund will target are expected to have high growth potential in attractive sectors, including consumer, health care, logistics and business services, the Bahrain-based alternative asset manager said. Bahrain
US unveils sanctions on Hamas spokesperson Abu Ubaida The US Treasury Department also targeted Hamas members linked to the group’s cyber and drone operations in Lebanon and Gaza. Israel
Interview Incoming legislation to make 'big difference' for Egypt's fintechs, MNT-Halan CEO says Mounir Nakhla told Al-Monitor that although financial inclusion has increased in Egypt over the past few years, much of the country's population is still unbanked. Mounir Nakhla CEO of MNT-Halan
Saudi Arabia, UAE amp up Africa investments amid growing competition Africa is seeing a major uptick in investments from the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, which presents the possibility of 'greater returns' for the Gulf states. Saudi Arabia
Saudi private equity investment peaked at $4B in 2023 amid rising buyouts The kingdom's deep-pocketed sovereign wealth fund was involved in the top three private equity transactions between 2019 and 2023. Saudi Arabia
Switzerland reports violation by Lebanon’s Audi bank in Riad Salameh probe The action by FINMA concerns connections around disgraced former Lebanese Central Bank governor Riad Salameh. Lebanon
What's behind Saudi Arabia's decision to host first-ever 'Dragon Ball' theme park The announcement of the park based on the popular Japanese anime show follows the kingdom’s developments in video games and mixed martial arts. Saudi Arabia
What’s behind Dubai’s new 20% tax on foreign banks? The UAE implemented its first-ever corporate tax last year in an effort to boost revenue amid the shift away from oil and gas. Legacy: Gulf
Egypt’s pound falls 60% amid currency float, $5B IMF deal Egypt announced that it had expanded a previously $3 billion loan program with the International Monetary Fund after the decision to float the currency was made public. Egypt
Yellen urges Israel to ease West Bank’s economic woes Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen called for Israel to reduce barriers to commerce in the West Bank and reinstate work permits for Palestinians that were revoked after Oct. 7. Israel
Qatar’s first VC fund of $1B expected to 'fuel startup ecosystem in region' The program has two objectives: to generate market-level commercial returns for Qataris and to develop a “vibrant VC and startup ecosystem” in line with the country's national development strategy. Qatar
UAE dropped from global watchdog’s illicit finance list in quick turnaround The Gulf country was added to the Financial Action Task Force's grey list in March 2022. United Arab Emirates
