Analysis UAE-Iran trade relationship becomes key test of Trump’s wartime strategy The Gulf state suspended trade with Iran after new attacks in August. Experts point to risks for both sides as the Trump administration seeks to squeeze Tehran economically. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
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
Egypt, China expand climate cooperation ahead of COP27 As Egypt prepares to host the COP27 conference, it's getting help from China to transform Sharm el-Sheikh into a green city. Egypt
Russia-Ukraine war leaves Hamas in financial crisis The fragile Palestinian economy in the Gaza Strip has been largely affected by the Russian-Ukrainian war, which has caused price hikes and an increase in taxes. Palestine
Egypt pins hopes on Russia-Ukraine grain agreement Egypt, especially hit hard by the global food crisis resulting form the Russia-Ukraine war, is hoping for relief via the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Egypt
Lavender ecotourism throws lifeline to rural Lebanese villages As Lebanon experiences a tourism hike this summer, rural villages and attractions hope to draw tourists away from the capital with the help of ecotourism companies. A day spent discovering lavender in the south is one example. Lebanon
Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project to bring huge investments to Egypt Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said his country will invest in Sharm el-Sheikh as part of $500 billion NEOM project. Egypt
Pets suffer amid Egypt's economic crisis The Russian war on Ukraine has affected Egypt's economy in many ways and is now affecting Egyptians' ability to keep their pets at home. Egypt
World Bank blames Lebanon for 'deliberate' economic crisis The World Bank accused Lebanon’s elites of conducting “Ponzi finance” and deliberately pursuing harmful fiscal policies. Meanwhile, the Beirut port has caught fire again. Lebanon
First Ukrainian grain shipment en route to Lebanon amidst food crisis Ukraine claims a Syrian ship docked in Lebanon is carrying Ukrainian wheat and barley that was stolen by Russia and is being offering at a discount. Lebanon
Turkey’s inflation hits almost 80% as Erdogan insists on low-rate policy Despite a relative slowdown in July, Turkey’s consumer inflation appears on course to overshoot the central bank’s newly revised year-end forecast of 60.4%. Turkey
OPEC+ agrees to small oil production increase US President Joe Biden may have been hoping for a larger boost in production. Legacy: Gulf
UAE laws clamp down on money laundering, terrorism financing The Emirates recently sanctioned some financial institutions in the country. United Arab Emirates
ESG investments gain momentum in Middle East Many Middle Eastern investors consider sustainable assets attractive from an ethical perspective, though some ambiguity clouds their economic benefits. Legacy: Gulf