Interview Saudi labor localization will take ‘generation or two': Armada CEO Around 70% of Saudi Arabia's population is 35 years old or younger, according to the kingdom’s General Authority for Statistics, providing ample opportunity for an educated and technology-savvy national workforce in the coming decades. Olivier Badard CEO of Armada Holding
Analysis Why the Hormuz oil shock never became an energy catastrophe The US-Israel-Iran war produced a historic oil supply shock but not a severe global economic crisis, due to ample prewar supplies, China's energy pivot and strategic reserve releases. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Oil falls below $74 as Hormuz traffic recovers after Iran war Brent crude, the international benchmark for oil prices, was trading at $73.81 a barrel at 10:40 a.m. EDT, down 4.2% from Tuesday's close. Iran
Explainer Lebanon advances controversial $500K golden visa law: What to know While its supporters say the scheme would help Lebanon's economy recover, critics say it could offer a channel for corruption. Lebanon
Interview US-Egypt fund makes case for economic statecraft in hard power era Cornelius Queen Senior Vice President of the Egyptian-American Enterprise Fund
Analysis US-Iran deal delivers $300 billion controversy, reconstruction questions By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
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
Israel’s economy victim of political gridlock Without a new state budget, without new senior officials and without new reforms, Israel’s economy is one of the biggest victims of the current political chaos. Israel
Are Sisi’s state assets law amendments well-intentioned? Egypt is to pass amendments to a law that would give Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi the right to transfer the ownership of state assets to Egypt’s sovereign wealth fund without facing any objections. Egypt
