What role is Jordan playing in Syria's reconstruction? As Syria’s southern neighbor, Jordan is already positioning itself as a logistics hub and diplomatic broker for Syria’s reconstruction. Syria
Saudi PIF eyes $27B Japan portfolio as kingdom courts Asian investment Saudi Arabia is strengthening economic ties with Asian countries as it pursues its economic transformation goals. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Saudi Arabia opens Nomu Parallel Market to new investors: What to know Easing investing rules and deepening capital markets to diversify the Saudi economy are key to fulfilling Vision 2030. Saudi Arabia
UAE showcases global AI ambitions with $1B Africa pledge at G20 The Gulf country is the world's top investor in Africa, with Emirati companies committing $100 billion to projects on the continent between 2019 and 2023, according to data from the Financial Times. United Arab Emirates
Turkey's Erdogan opens half-empty financial hub in Istanbul ahead of polls Incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdogan denies the country is facing an economic crisis, while attacking the opposition for making backroom deals with money lenders. Turkey
Saudi Arabia boosts sovereign fund with 4% Aramco transfer Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced the completion of a 4% transfer of Saudi Aramco shares on Sunday from state ownership to Sanabil Investments. Legacy: Gulf
Analysis What is behind Kuwait's change of government, economic woes? The decades-long dance of political reshuffles has prevented the execution of investment and reforms in national infrastructure, health and social services, and also economic projects. By Salim A. Essaid
Saudi Arabia opens four special economic zones with eye on foreign investment The special economic zones offer incentives such as competitive corporate tax rates, 100% ownership of companies and flexibility in employing foreign labor. Legacy: Gulf
Analysis Ball now in Tunisia's court regarding $1.9bn IMF bailout Officials from the IMF, the World Bank and Italy have all commented on the proposed bailout package this week as a Tunisian delegation joins the spring meeting of the multilateral institutions in Washington. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Middle East debt issuances nearly triple in Q1 2023 as Saudis take lead In Q1 of 2023, Saudi Arabia was the leading debt issuer in the MENA region. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi, UAE banks rank highest valued in Middle East: Forbes Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries took 41 places, or 82%, of the list of the 50 highest-valued banks in the Middle East and North Africa. Legacy: Gulf
Egypt's rate hike viewed with skepticism as inflation persists Economists question the logic behind Egypt's new interest rate hike, especially after previous raises failed to bring the inflation rate down. Egypt
Egypt’s privatization plans stall despite growing buzz Only a fraction of the targeted sales to Gulf investors have materialized over the last year, largely due to a general lack of agreement and volatility of the Egyptian economy Egypt
China’s CICC plans UAE, Saudi expansion as Xi builds Middle East ties CICC has about five to six people in its Middle East offices serving the entire region with a mix of Chinese and regional staff. Legacy: Gulf
Bahrain launches 'Golden License' to attract major investment, jobs Only companies with major investment and project portfolios will be eligible for the license, with either a $50 million value or a plan to create 500 jobs in the country, according to the Bahrain Economic Development Board. Legacy: Gulf
Bank of Israel raises interest rate again, warns about judicial fallout The OECD is predicting GDP growth rate to slow in Israel this year, while the Bank of Israel has worked out different scenarios based on fallout from the judicial reform controversy. Israel
