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
Turkish lira continues to fall Turkey is in the midst of an economic crisis marked by high inflation. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
UAE meets $400 million target in first bond auction The Emirati government decided to sell bonds in dirhams to boost the local banking sector and diversify financially. United Arab Emirates
World Bank praises Palestinian easing of COVID rules, criticizes Israeli control The international financial body recommended several governance reforms for the Palestinian Authority to increase economic growth. Palestine
Egypt wants shipping agencies to deal in pounds amid dollar flight After Egypt’s currency devaluation in March, the Egyptian government hopes to ease the strain on its banking system by mandating that international shipping agencies accept Egyptian pounds instead of US dollars as payment. Egypt
Fundraising by Israeli startups expected to decline during 2022 A survey of Israeli startup companies shows a significant drop in fundraising. Israel
UAE investments boost Egyptian economy The United Arab Emirates is seeking profits by investing $2 billion in Egyptian state-held stakes in some companies. Egypt
Saudi Arabia sends $50 million to Jordan for budget as economy falters The Jordanian government is working to close tax loopholes and increase its revenue collection amid its economic struggle. Jordan
Analysis The Takeaway: Ukraine war worsens Middle East oil gap Sudan’s Burhan accuses UN envoy; Egypt increases support for Sudan; Libya cracks down on human rights activists; Turkey’s farmers face economic pinch; Islamic State uses dust as cover in Iraq … all in less than 1,200 words! By Andrew Parasiliti , Elizabeth Hagedorn
Inflation storm worsens Turkey’s income distribution gap Banks and big companies have benefited from Ankara’s controversial policy to keep interest rates low, while soaring inflation eats into the real income of the wage-earning masses. Turkey
Online shopping in Turkey took off in 2021 The jump coincides with growth in Turkey’s fintech sector, but e-commerce faces some challenges. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
OPEC loans $100 million to Morocco to promote financial inclusivity Financial technology (fintech) is expanding across the Middle East and enabling more people to use financial tools. But some cultural barriers remain. Morocco
Dubai regulator announces increased protection for whistleblowers The UAE is working to increase its financial transparency after being linked to sanctions evasion and the flow of dark money. United Arab Emirates
