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
Kuwait's government resigns in latest parliament standoff This is the fifth Kuwaiti government that has resigned in the past two years, highlighting growing tension between the country’s authorities. Legacy: Gulf
Oman continues economic reforms by listing drilling company on stock exchange Oman’s fiscal performance has improved in the last year, and the country wants to produce more alternative forms of energy, such as hydrogen. Legacy: Gulf
Explainer: Turkey’s Halkbank appeals to US Supreme Court in Iran sanctions case The case comes at a tense time in US-Turkey relations as the Biden administration weighs whether to sell F-16 jets to Turkey. Turkey
Iraq's PM Sudani hosted US envoy ahead of meeting Iran's Quds commander Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani received high-ranking US and Iranian envoys separately for discussions of bilateral issues related to both countries. Iran
European investigative team in Lebanon starts probe into Riad Salameh French Judge Aude Buresi is leading the European delegation, and was scheduled to interview at least 15 bankers and business figures in the country tied to Salameh. Lebanon
Analysis Can Islamic cryptocurrencies save the industry? Cryptocurrencies lost over a trillion dollars in value in 2022, yet Islamic coins are emerging with ethical practices claiming to potentially resist such losses. By Salim A. Essaid
Turkey's inflation slows most in December in a boost to Erdogan Facing crucial elections in spring, the Turkish government is trying to take credit for curbing inflation, even though the steep decline in the annual rate owes mostly to a favorable base effect. Turkey
2022 in review: Reforms, Ukraine war drive boost in UAE’s real estate market Improved regulatory policies and diplomatic measures amid the Ukraine war have welcomed foreign direct investment and boosted the UAE real estate market in 2022 above the global average. Legacy: Gulf
Gulf central banks raise interest rates after Fed move Many Gulf nations have mirrored the US Federal Reserve’s decisions on interest rates all year. Israel and Egypt have also raised rates, but Turkey has been cutting — despite skyrocketing inflation. Legacy: Gulf
World Bank says debt increasing in Middle East countries Egypt, Iran and Turkey’s debt rose significantly last year. Legacy: Gulf
Egypt’s non-oil private sector records two years of contraction The last time the Purchasing Managers Index, which offers insight into the private sector, recorded expansion in Egypt's economy was back in November 2020. Egypt
Some Egyptian companies still dealing with Russia's alternative financial system Some Egyptian companies are secretly dealing with a Russian alternative financial system, in anticipation of international sanctions by the United States. Egypt