Canada becomes latest Western country to lift Syria sanctions: What to know Like the US, Canada had strained relations with Syria during the civil war but is now showing signs of engagement. Syria
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
Israeli banking reforms to facilitate fintech growth Israeli banking authorities are advance reforms to open Israel’s credit market and render it much more competitive. Israel
Egypt’s growing fintech ecosystem transforms country’s finances A population of over 100 million, young, largely unbanked, with a high penetration of internet and mobile subscriptions paves the way for innovation in Egypt's fintech sector. Egypt
Abu Dhabi port operator acquires stake in Egyptian shipping firms Gulf countries are interested in buying Egyptian assets as the country’s economy falters. Egypt
World Bank approves $500 million loan to Egypt for food security Egypt, like other countries in the region, is contending with food security and price increases related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Egypt
US deputy treasury secretary in Turkey to warn against evading Russian sanctions In a visit to Ankara Wednesday, US Treasury Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo plans to remind Turkey that anyone evading US sanctions against Russia will be held accountable. Turkey
Iran, Russia to establish trade centers The two countries will focus on energy-related trading and establishing a north-south corridor to rival the Suez Canal. Iran
Israel raises interest rates, following Gulf, US Inflation is rising throughout the Middle East and many countries' central banks are raising interest rates in response. Legacy: Gulf
Gulf states blacklist terror financiers linked to Iran, Islamic State, Syrian regime Lead figures in the Assad regime’s Qatirji oil-smuggling network were among those sanctioned. Legacy: Gulf
Israel interest rates to continue upward trend Battling growing inflation, the Bank of Israel has significantly raised the country’s interest rates twice in recent weeks. Israel
How interest rate hikes affect Egypt’s economy The central bank may raise rates further by 100 to 200 basis points in 2022 to be in line with tightening global monetary policies. Yields on T-bills are set to rise. Egypt
Turkey’s middle class priced out of home ownership Buying a home has become an elusive dream even for middle-class professionals in Turkey as the country’s economic woes erupt into a perfect storm over the housing market. Turkey
