Kuwait's Zain eyes $1.5B mobile network in postwar Syria: What to know The Kuwaiti company is planning to invest more than $1.5 billion in Syria after securing a license to operate there, Bloomberg reported Tuesday. Syria
Oman's sultan meets Macron in first France visit since 1989: What to know French President Emmanuel Macron has been pushing against any form of toll for the Strait of Hormuz. Iran
Traffic plummets through Strait of Hormuz after Iran, US trade fire Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz had recovered somewhat before renewed fighting between Iran and the United States saw traffic drop sharply over the weekend. Iran
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 By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Impoverished Gaza's economy on verge of total collapse The economic situation in the long-suffering Gaza Strip has become so dire, some economists are calling on ex-pats to pump money into the small enclave. Palestine
Iraq has much to gain from gas-supply pact with Kuwait A deal to export gas to Kuwait could help Iraq pay off war reparations, take advantage of otherwise wasted flare gas and make inroads with other Gulf countries. Kuwait
2018 fraught with uncertainties for Turkish economy Despite its spectacular growth this year, Turkey’s economy is burdened with serious problems and fragilities that might spoil the party next year. Turkey
Cryptocurrencies could offer Iran way around sanctions While the rise of cryptocurrencies potentially offers Iran a way around the web of sanctions, much remains to be done for the country to be able to fully take advantage of such an opportunity. Iran
Does boycotting US medication benefit Egypt? Several Egyptian companies have called on citizens to boycott American pharmaceutical companies in response to President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Egypt
Crossing opens to help rebuild Syria, boost commerce with Turkey With the opening of al-Rai border crossing in northern Aleppo, authorities there hope to develop trade activities with Turkey and later allow travelers to move freely between the two countries. Syria
Russia to import Gaza strawberries for first time As Russia prepares to import strawberries from the Gaza Strip for the first time, farmers in Gaza are considering a commercial partnership to export other agricultural products in the future. Palestine
Turkey closes door to bitcoin Against the backdrop of a global bitcoin frenzy, the Turkish government has taken a stance against cryptocurrencies. Turkey
Pharmaceutical giant's layoffs generate rage in Israel Instead of making populistic statements and pretending to save Teva workers from layoff, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must focus on major changes that help the workers who are about to lose their jobs. Israel
Congress acts to jump-start Jordan’s private sector A key House panel voted this week to establish an enterprise fund that Amman had previously resisted. Jordan
Turkey's tomato exports to Russia come at a price for Turks Turkish exporters resumed tomato sales to Russia in November after a two-year embargo, but only a month later, Turkish consumers discovered there is little to celebrate. Turkey
Turkey's 'shadowy' gold trade raises questions about Iran's involvement Unexplained rises in Turkey’s gold exports and imports have led experts to wonder whether Iran has reintroduced its trade mechanisms to circumvent international sanctions. United Arab Emirates
