UAE’s cash request tests US ties as Iran war strains Gulf financial muscle Amid growing economic fallout from the regional war, Abu Dhabi’s bombshell request for a war-time financial lifeline from the United States is less about cash and more about clout — for now. United Arab Emirates
How are Iran-linked tankers still moving through Hormuz blockade? At least 19 Iran-linked tankers have passed through the US blockade on the strait to exit the Gulf while at least 15 have entered, according to the cargo-tracking group Vortexa. Iran
Analysis Gulf energy deals face Iran war stress test as global expansion meets oil shock ADNOC, Aramco and QatarEnergy have aggressively expanded their international portfolios in recent years, a strategy facing new constraints as the US-Israel-Iran war impacts Gulf production and exposes structural risks. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Syria’s Sharaa makes fourth visit to Saudi Arabia, first since Iran war: What to know The visit comes in light of the deepening economic relations between Syria and Saudi Arabia post-Assad. Syria
Analysis Ceasefire without relief: How Iranians are grappling with post-war repression By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Iran war deepens Gaza crisis as prices soar, aid falters By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Egypt looks to Islamic bond market for foreign investment boost Egypt’s sovereign bonds bill paves the way for Egypt to join the Islamic finance market, allowing foreign investment in national projects such as the Suez Canal and Aswan Dam, which affects Egyptian national security. Egypt
Iraq automates its customs service to reduce corruption at border crossings The Iraqi government has taken several new initiatives to fight corruption, from automating border crossings, arresting corrupt figures and imposing restrictions on the economic interests of militias and political parties. Iraq
Emirates loses more than $5 billion in 2020 The Dubai-based airline's financial struggles amid the coronavirus pandemic has led to job cuts and a massive cash injection from the government. News Brief
Iran's presidential hopefuls promise big on economy, but can they deliver? While candidates for the election this Friday have a long list of promises to fix the economy, inefficiencies in Iran's political structure limit the president's ability to make lasting change. Iran
The reform challenge: What Oman (and others) might learn from Egypt Parallels in experience may offer guideposts for managing change. Oman
Despite blockage crisis, Suez Canal achieves record revenues The Egyptian government announced that the Suez Canal has achieved the highest monthly revenue in its history in April, exceeding half a billion dollars, despite obstruction of navigation in late March after a giant vessel went aground on the international waterway. Egypt
Can modernization of Egypt’s railway network avert train accidents? Egypt signed an agreement worth 145 million euros ($177 million) with the African Development Bank as part of its recent plan to improve its railway system to prevent crashes. Egypt
As GCC turns 40, all eyes on post-oil era The GCC alliance hopes for greater future economic growth in the Gulf. Legacy: Gulf
Bread crisis looms in Syria amid low wheat production The bread crisis in Syrian regime areas is expected to become worse in the next few months due to drought and its subsequent impact on wheat crop production. Syria
Egypt to use IMF account to help reduce Sudan’s debt Egypt announced that it will use its share at the International Monetary Fund to help settle part of Sudan’s outstanding debts, as Cairo sees its own stability and security as being correlated with Khartoum's. Egypt
Work in Gulf means short-term gains, transient lifestyle Tax-free incomes offered to migrant workers who play a decisive role in developing Gulf economies are regarded as compensation for no formal route to citizenship or social security. Legacy: Gulf
Protests in Oman over job losses, economy Sultan Haitham has attempted to introduce economic and political reforms in the past year. News Brief
