China slams Trump over economic war on Iran: What to know China’s once significant oil imports from Iran have been impacted by the war in the region and increasing US sanctions. Iran
Trump’s Iran ‘economic D-Day’ threat sends oil prices above $94 In a Truth Social post, the president threatened that any country that provides a financial lifeline to Iran will face "tremendous economic consequences." Iran
Newsletter: Business & Tech UAE-Iran trade freeze raises economic stakes The UAE is a critical trade partner for Iran and has been its largest source of imports for five consecutive years. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Explainer Iraq seeks special Hormuz access from Iran in scramble to keep oil flowing As Iran's parliament speaker holds talks in Baghdad, Iraq has asked Tehran for special consideration for its oil exports. Iraq
Egypt inflation drops to 31.5%, but food prices still rising Annual inflation fell slightly in April compared to the previous month as the central bank readies its next decision on interest rates. Egypt
Saudi Aramco profit drops 19% on lower oil prices Aramco has signed major deals with companies in China, the United States and South Korea recently, and OPEC+ recently announced a supply cut. Saudi Arabia
Lionel Messi move to Saudi Arabia from PSG 'a done deal': Report Jorge Messi said the decision on a transfer of the 2022 World Cup winner will not be taken until the end of the season. Legacy: Gulf
Lebanon’s angry depositors demand their money back from banks Bank depositors staged a sit-in in Beirut to protest the banks' illegal policies imposed on their deposits amid a stifling economic crisis. Lebanon
How Kuwait’s political gridlock is hampering economic policymaking, competitiveness Kuwait’s continued political gridlock has obstructed the government's ability to advance an effective economic policymaking and reform agenda. Robert Mogielnicki
In boost to China, UAE and Kuwait become 'dialogue partners' in Shanghai Cooperation Organization The Gulf states made up half of the new partners at the annual Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting in 2023. United Arab Emirates
Anger at Hamas brews as taxes increase in Gaza Amid growing poverty in the Gaza Strip, the Hamas government imposed in the past year a further series of taxes and custom fees. Palestine
Lebanon's finance minister questioned by European investigators In a first, Lebanese Finance Minster Youssef Khalil was questioned today in the case against Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh and his brother, who are accused of embezzlement. Lebanon
Analysis UK 'obvious choice' as Morocco seeks to diversify trade In recent months, a flurry of partnerships have been announced between the countries in sectors including transport and renewable energy. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Qatar Airways becomes first Middle East airline with cargo hub in Africa The Qatar Airways Group, which owns Qatar Airways Cargo, already owns a 49% stake in RwandAir, Rwanda's national carrier. Qatar
Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia raise interest rates after US Federal Reserve The Fed’s controversial and aggressive rate hikes to combat inflation could be coming to an end, and this will have ramifications for fiscal policy in the Gulf. Qatar initially said it would not raise rates, but later announced a rate hike. Legacy: Gulf
Iran's SAIPA signs $497 million car deal with Russia, Belarus Iranian carmaker SAIPA will export vehicles to Belarus and Russia following a similar agreement with Venezuela. Iran