Gulf accounted for 43% of global sovereign wealth fund investment in 2025 Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund was the world's highest spending sovereign wealth fund in 2025, investing some $36.2 billion. Saudi Arabia
Turkey eyes offshore energy pact with Syria in 2026 amid East Med isolation Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar has offered up details on a deal with Syria that could unsettle regional rivals in the gas-rich Eastern Mediterranean. Turkey
Australian LNG deal marks latest step in Turkey's energy diversification push Although Turkey does not have abundant oil and gas resources, Ankara wants to position itself as a regional gas hub linking Europe and Asia. Turkey
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 By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Newsletter: Business & Tech A year of rapid growth reshapes Gulf finance By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
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
Saudi, Emirati oil prices reach record highs The Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to historically high oil prices. By Al-Monitor Staff
How Ukraine crisis undermines Turkey's economic program Ankara’s economic program has hit a deadlock under the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, marked by a stream of fuel hikes, canceled tourism bookings and textile orders, and shortage fears in the food sector. Turkey
Turks rush to buy sunflower oil as Ukraine war menaces food prices Despite official assurances over supplies of basic items, a holdup of imports from Russia and Ukraine has already sparked panic buying of sunflower oil. Turkey
UAE partners with US investing firm BlackRock The New York-based BlackRock signed a memorandum of understanding with UAE's global investment platform Investopia. United Arab Emirates
Turkey balks at coal phaseout amid growing energy woes Turkey’s pledge to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2053 has come into question after a major climate meeting ended without a coal phaseout plan. Turkey
Children's education at risk in Lebanon due to economic crisis More than 700,000 kids are at risk of never returning to a classroom due to rising poverty, while thousands have dropped out of school to engage in child labor or get married. Lebanon
Oil prices, Saudi Aramco shares soar as Ukraine fighting continues Saudi Arabia, Russia and other major oil producers have so far declined to increase production despite pleas from the United States. Saudi Arabia
Turkey’s inflation hits 54.4% as Ukraine crisis threatens fresh blows Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is producing fresh headwinds for Turkey’s economy, including further inflationary pressure and looming blows to the country’s tourism sector, a vital source of hard currency revenues. Turkey
Analysis Israel, Egypt tighten energy ties The natural gas pipeline agreement signed in Cairo mid-February has geostrategic importance that extends far beyond financial benefits to Israel. By Danny Zaken In Ma'ale HaHamisha, reporting on Israel
Analysis Israel’s trade with Ukraine, Russia to be affected by conflict Israel fears that the ongoing conflict could negatively affect trade with both Russia and Ukraine, in high tech, but perhaps also on wheat, coal and diamonds. By Danny Zaken In Ma'ale HaHamisha, reporting on Israel
Gaza weary of Ukrainian crisis as wheat supplies dwindle Traders in Gaza criticized the recent government decision forcing them not to raise prices of goods despite a looming crisis of shortages, as the besieged enclave mainly imports its needs from Ukraine, where Russia has launched a war. Palestine
Turkey’s economy up 11%, but growth brings risk Turkey’s flashy growth rate in 2021 has been accompanied by a dangerous uptick in inflation and appears bound to drop sharply this year. Turkey