Analysis Gulf finance hubs race to expand as hedge funds flock to Dubai, Abu Dhabi The Gulf’s top financial hubs have posted another strong year in 2025, with the UAE spearheading a regional push to attract hedge funds, asset managers, crypto and fintech firms as regional neighbors target growth of their own. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Maersk resumes Red Sea passage after two-year halt amid easing Houthi threat A ceasefire reached between Israel and Hamas in October has prompted some shipping companies to consider resuming services, but security concerns persist. Yemen
Analysis How Netanyahu ceded to Trump, agreed to Egypt's $35B gas deal The Israeli prime minister's frustration with Trump administration strong-arming continues, with pressure to sign Egypt gas deal and now a reported push for Sisi meeting. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Israel's Netanyahu approves $35B natural gas megadeal with Egypt Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Israel will sell Egypt natural gas worth $35 billion, in the biggest-ever deal of its kind for the country. Israel
Analysis Iran’s FM Araghchi in Moscow as biting sanctions drive closer Russia ties By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Exclusive Inside Netanyahu’s pressure campaign to block Turkey, Saudi Arabia from acquiring F-35s By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Palestinian-Israeli agriculture exchange hits a snag The normal exchange of agriculture and animal goods between Israel and Palestine has hit a snag, causing economic and social interruptions and possibly pushing Palestinians to become less dependent on Israel. Palestine
Lebanon’s new government has its work cut out for it The newly formed Lebanese government is in for real challenges, mainly the crisis of the collapsing Lebanese pound and debt that has reached a record level. Lebanon
Lebanon to ask IMF for technical help with economic crisis Amid a deepening financial and monetary crisis plaguing Lebanon, a government source announced that the country is to officially request the IMF’s help. Lebanon
Egypt’s non-oil private sector activity declines despite banking flourishing Egypt's non-oil private sector growth has decreased to its lowest level in three years, affecting the country's private sector and undermining a campaign to boost private sector companies. Egypt
Jitters grip Egyptian importers as coronavirus spreads After Egypt suspended its flights with China, concerns emerged about the supply of Chinese products and raw material, as well as price hikes. Egypt
Egyptians fear cash subsidies would send prices soaring Egypt's proposed cash subsidies system has raised concerns among citizens despite its numerous advantages, in light of the lack of market supervision over product prices and availability. Egypt
Syrian crisis dictates peace between Damascus and Ankara The Russian side is said to be developing two strategies to thwart Turkey’s possible objections to cultural autonomy for Syrian Kurds. Syria
New business council to provide network, funds for Rafah's budding businesswomen Palestinian women have started small businesses to make ends meet, but a new council aims to lead them to fields such as electronics or high-end products. Palestine
Greenback weakening in Egypt as economy improves Egypt’s pound continues to grow stronger against the US dollar in 2020, thanks to gains in foreign investment, tourism and exports. Egypt
Despite US efforts, Ethiopia-Egypt dam spat holds strong A meeting in Washington produced agreement on some items to be included in a final accord to fill and operate the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, but failed to resolve significant, long-standing sticking points between Egypt and Ethiopia. Egypt
Egypt promotes local products More factories are ready to join the Egyptian president’s initiative to promote local products, which economists believe will boost the economy and fight unemployment. Egypt
Netanyahu — not Mr. Security, not Mr. Economy Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prefers that Israel’s growing deficit will not come up on the March election agenda. Israel
