Analysis US-Iran deal delivers $300 billion controversy, reconstruction questions Under the US-Iran agreement signed on June 17, Tehran stands to receive sweeping sanctions relief, renewed oil sales, access to frozen assets abroad and perhaps the most controversial incentive of all: a proposed $300 billion investment fund. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Interview Franco-Gulf investment holds firm despite Iran war, French official says French investors are reallocating capital toward strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence and technology rather than pulling out of the region altogether. Axel Baroux France’s trade and investment commissioner for the UAE and Middle East
Gulf investment to turn inward to rebuild postwar infrastructure: QNB Charles-Emmanuel de Beauregard, Qatar National Bank’s head of corporate and institutional banking, said that the Gulf countries will need to rebuild their logistics capabilities after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Qatar
Saudi Aramco's VC arm sees boom in emerging technologies, retail Anas Alqahtani, CEO of Wa'ed Ventures, expects strong growth in Saudi Arabia’s emerging technology and retail sectors over the coming years. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Gulf aluminum pursues global deals as Hormuz crisis accelerates shift By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Israel’s Ashdod port bounces back from Gaza war setback Israel's Ashdod port is grappling with increased competition, threats from Yemen's Houthis and other regional challenges. Israel
In south Lebanon, schools resume classes as displaced shelter inside Hezbollah steps in as municipalities struggle to respond to the growing number of displaced. Lebanon
Back to roots: India, the Arabian Gulf and the reemergence of West Asia Building personal connections with Gulf leaders has proven instrumental for Modi in fostering stronger ties between India and the region. Legacy: Gulf
Brazil’s Lula signs cooperation deals on Egypt visit, will head to Ethiopia next The Brazilian president met his Egyptian counterpart, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, attended an Arab League meeting and is seeking to expand the strong trade ties between the two countries. Egypt
What’s behind Egypt decision to raise minimum wage, government salaries by 50%? Egypt’s economy has suffered from high inflation for years, and now the spillover from the Gaza war is exacerbating the situation. Egypt
London Metal Exchange to build delivery centers in Saudi Arabia Investors and mining companies are bracing for a wave of exploration licenses awarded in Saudi Arabia after the kingdom nearly doubled its untapped mineral estimate to $2.5 trillion and announced new incentives for miners in January. Saudi Arabia
Gulf-India relations boosted by UAE deals, Saudi Aramco talks India has made deals with the UAE and Qatar recently, and trade between India and the GCC is rising. Legacy: Gulf
Will Egypt succeed in upping its multimillion-dollar IMF bailout? North Africa's largest economy is working to increase its $3 billion IMF program to $10 billion as it faces its worst financial downturn in decades. Egypt
India's government ratifies UAE investment deal as trade booms The UAE and India have substantial and growing economic ties and Abu Dhabi is seeking to invest more in the South Asian country. Legacy: Gulf
Kuwait emir travels to Saudi Arabia for first foreign visit Relations with Saudi Arabia are a priority for Kuwait's new emir. Legacy: Gulf
As Turkey, Azerbaijan advance Zangezur Corridor, will Armenia play ball? The Zangezur transport corridor is set to help link Europe and China later this year, but Armenian resistance remains an issue. Turkey
Red Sea trade hit can be 'managed' amid weak global demand, says WEF Maroun Kairouz, director of the World Economic Forum for the Middle East and North Africa, told Al-Monitor that the Israel-Hamas conflict has not had a material impact on global energy markets so far. Yemen
