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
What the Gulf states new unified visa means for Saudi, UAE, other citizens The new Schengen-like visa — allowing seamless travel between members Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates — will be introduced during 2024-25. Legacy: Gulf
Iraq and Turkmenistan make progress toward deal to transport gas via Iran Iraq, currently dependent on Iran for gas and electricity, is seeking to develop its own gas supply as well as import gas from Turkmenistan. Iraq
Turkey returns to dollar bond market as Erdogan shifts approach The Turkish government has made several fiscal policy changes since the president's reelection in May in an effort to win back investors and address economic problems. Turkey
Breaking | Last Updated: November 2, 2023, 7:03 pm Israel approves transfer of tax revenues to Palestinian Authority The Israeli cabinet approved the transfer to pay the Palestinian security apparatus, despite objection by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. Israel
Saudi's GCC-ASEAN summit: Toward an Asia minus China collective strategy The GCC and ASEAN nations find themselves sharing more strategic commonalities amid the current era of deglobalization, geopolitical instability and economic uncertainties. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi Arabia's oil cuts weigh heavy on economy, GDP tanks by 4.5% The kingdom's economy shrunk by the most since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 due to energy measures. Saudi Arabia
Full list of airlines that have suspended Israel flights after Hamas attacks Israel’s main international airport has remained open despite the conflict, and most Israeli airlines are still operating. Israel
20% rise in Middle East late-stage venture capital funding despite global decline Startups in the Middle East and North Africa have so far in 2023 reported a 20% year-on-year growth, new data shows, while global funding activity of this type has seen a 49% decline from 2022. Legacy: Gulf
Abu Dhabi’s ADQ in talks with Turkey to build railway for trade corridor Amid increasing cooperation between the two countries, an alternative trade corridor is planned linking Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Turkey
Middle East economic growth to fall sharply in 2023, World Bank says The Middle East and North Africa’s gross domestic product is expected to plummet to 1.9% in 2023 from 6% in 2022. Legacy: Gulf
Israeli shekel falls to 7-year low of 3.87 against the dollar The shekel’s fall is the latest sign of economic uncertainty amid Israel’s political turmoil. Israel
Egypt's economy hit with downgrades as Sisi seeks third term Egypt continues to reel from high inflation, a weak exchange rate and more. Rare protests occurred in the country following President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s reelection bid announcement. Egypt
