Qatar PM arrives in Venezuela on first trip since Maduro’s ouster: What to know Qatar is moving to shore up ties with Venezuela as the US seeks greater control over the South American country’s oil revenues. Qatar
Analysis Egyptians in for another expensive Ramadan despite recovering economy Egyptians tend to spend more during the Islamic holy month relative to the rest of the year, but high inflation and low wages have reduced their purchasing power. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Exclusive Direct Turkey-Armenia land trade to begin amid US-led Caucasus peace push New transit arrangement via Georgia cuts re-export costs, marking accelerating normalization between Ankara and Yerevan amid broader US-led peace efforts. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Meet Fahad Al-Saif, PIF exec and Saudi Arabia's new investment minister Saif previously led investment strategy at the kingdom's sovereign wealth fund and has held senior roles at the Saudi Awwal Bank and HSBC Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Why Algeria's nixing of UAE air deal is more diplomatic than economic By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Emirati port operator, Uzbek oil company to open trade hub, cooperate on freight Other Middle Eastern states are also seeking better economic relations with Central Asia. Legacy: Gulf
Lapid’s greatest election challenge will be skyrocketing cost of living Prime Minister Yair Lapid has only four months to show Israelis he can do something about the continuously-increasing cost of living and high housing prices. Israel
Saudi fast food giant ready to challenge KFC in Egyptian market The introduction of Saudi fast food chain Albaik to Egypt is part of the $7.7 billion investment package announced during the recent visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Cairo. Saudi Arabia
Egypt’s growing fintech ecosystem transforms country’s finances A population of over 100 million, young, largely unbanked, with a high penetration of internet and mobile subscriptions paves the way for innovation in Egypt's fintech sector. Egypt
Abu Dhabi port operator acquires stake in Egyptian shipping firms Gulf countries are interested in buying Egyptian assets as the country’s economy falters. Egypt
Egyptian trade delegation visits Israel for first time in decade Economic ties between Egypt and Israel seem to be on the right path amid growing cooperation in various fields. Egypt
World Bank official: Lebanon, Yemen, Syria most food-insecure in region Many states across the Middle East and North Africa meet the criteria for food insecurity, experts said at a US Institute of Peace event. Syria
Saudis side with Egypt on Nile dam Saudi Arabia has explicitly and officially voiced its support for Egypt in the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam crisis. Egypt
Outrageous prices keep Lebanese from swimming Many Lebanese have been complaining about high entrance fees to swimming pools and water resorts amid low salaries due to the local currency depreciation. Lebanon
UAE to increase exports to countries in West Africa The Emirates is one of the biggest investors in Africa. Turkey, Qatar and Israel have significant interests on the African continent as well. Legacy: Gulf
Imports up pressure on Morocco’s foreign reserves Energy and food imports alongside a growing trade deficit put pressure on Morocco’s foreign currency reserves. North Africa
Suez, Panama canals sign cooperation agreement to boost investments The Suez and Panama canals’ economic zones seek to attract more investments through a cooperation agreement to exchange experiences and information. Egypt