Analysis Egyptians in for another expensive Ramadan despite recovering economy Egyptians tend to spend more during the Islamic holy month relative to the rest of the year, but high inflation and low wages have reduced their purchasing power. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Meet Fahad Al-Saif, PIF exec and Saudi Arabia's new investment minister Saif previously led investment strategy at the kingdom's sovereign wealth fund and has held senior roles at the Saudi Awwal Bank and HSBC Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia names new investment minister as Vision 2030 funding lags The leadership change comes as slowing megaprojects and weak foreign inflows expose gaps in the kingdom’s ambitious economic overhaul. Saudi Arabia
Abu Dhabi merges ADQ into new wealth fund L'IMAD: What to know Under the new structure, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, will oversee a broader swath of the emirate’s investment holdings. United Arab Emirates
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
UAE Central Bank revokes license of Russia's MTS Bank as sanctions tighten The Central Bank of the UAE plans to close the Russian bank’s operations within six months from the date of the decision. Legacy: Gulf
UAE, Qatar lead Middle East in 2023 global foreign investment ranking The United Arab Emirates sat in the top position among MENA markets and ranked 4th globally. Legacy: Gulf
UAE’s ‘Second Salary’ savings plan offers its expat majority passive income The savings plan is the first step in establishing a long-term retirement plan structure by the savings and investment company, amid low rates of retirement savings in the region. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi National Bank chairman resigns after Credit Suisse loss Current CEO Saeed Mohammed Al Ghamdi will take over as the new chairman on March 27, with deputy CEO Talal Ahmed Al Khereiji filling his place. Legacy: Gulf
Israeli shekel, stocks rally as Netanyahu pauses judicial reform The right-wing Israeli government’s controversial judicial reform plans have divided Israeli society and led to concerns among the Israeli tech sector and global financial institutions. Israel
UAE, India to boost cooperation via digital currency The Emirati Central Bank has begun implementing its digital dirham strategy following a financial cooperation agreement with India and the UAE's cryptocurrency push. Legacy: Gulf
