Feature Cheap oil, tighter finances, wars constrained Mid East economies in 2025 Low oil prices, tighter financial conditions and elevated geopolitical risk hampered growth across much of the Middle East and North Africa this year. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Analysis Egypt’s $35B Israel gas deal buys time, tests fragile energy partnership The agreement is a critical stopgap as Cairo grapples with domestic power demands, but the last two years have tested Egypt-Israel energy cooperation in unprecedented ways. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Newsletter: Business & Tech A year of rapid growth reshapes Gulf finance Maersk’s limited return to the Red Sea, rising competition between Gulf financial hubs and new solar and tech deals across the region dominated this week’s business and technology news. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Turkey hits renewable milestone as solar surpasses gas in power capacity Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said in a statement that wind and solar capacity combined had risen to 39,215 megawatts by the end of November. Turkey
Analysis Gulf finance hubs race to expand as hedge funds flock to Dubai, Abu Dhabi By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Newsletter: Business & Tech World Cup spending boosts Morocco stocks By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Egypt to adopt Russian Mir payment system to encourage tourism, trade exchange Russian tourists and companies will be allowed to pay through the Russian Mir system in Egypt ahead of the winter season, which Cairo is hoping will boost its tourism sector. Egypt
Saudi GDP quarterly growth rate reaches 10-year high Saudi Arabia is investing in several sectors in its bid to diversify the economy, but oil remains a major driver of growth. Saudi Arabia
Despite ‘crypto winter,’ digital currency use remains high in Turkey Crypto is down, but not out for dedicated traders, particularly in high inflation markets like Turkey, where digital tokens continue to draw users looking to earn, save and transfer hard currencies. Turkey
Energy, dams boost Egypt’s clout in Africa Egypt has emerged as a regional energy power in recent years and is using its electricity and gas surpluses and experience in building dams to boost its foothold in Africa. Egypt
Oil prices fall following Saudi-backed OPEC+ production cut The decrease in production could be a message from Saudi Arabia to the US over the Iran nuclear deal. Legacy: Gulf
Turkey’s inflation tops 80% as poverty deepens Even though Turkey’s economy continued to expand in the second quarter, the share of payments to employees dropped to the lowest level since Erdogan’s party came to power two decades ago. Turkey
Co-working draws Lebanese amid economic, power crises Several businesses in Lebanon have started utilizing co-working spaces, allowing them to cope with crises by sharing ideas and skills as well as offices. Lebanon
More hurdles could delay opening of Egypt’s new administrative capital The resignations of two executives of the company managing the new administrative capital project in Cairo have raised questions about the project and its feasibility in light of the deteriorating economic situation in the country. Egypt
Is dollarization best option for Lebanon’s collapsing economy? In light of the continued collapse of the Lebanese currency, some are suggesting that the dollarization of the economy may be the best option to revive the country’s financial system. Lebanon
Oman’s economy surges with higher oil prices, fiscal reform The Omani economy is benefiting from both higher oil and gas revenues and the country’s fiscal policies and discipline. By Hassan Jivraj
Israeli settlement intended for ultra-Orthodox draws new residents After years of failure to attract ultra-Orthodox residents, the West Bank settlement of Emmanuel is starting to interest middle-class families. Israel
Long-term transport growth bodes well for Middle East airlines, airports as competition intensifies Afshin Molavi