What Netanyahu win or loss could mean for Israel’s economy Economic concerns have taken a back seat to security as voters weigh Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s future — but rising deficits, cost of living and politically charged issues will be a challenge for whoever eventually prevails. Israel
Qatar locks in US LNG through 2054 as it looks beyond Hormuz The Gulf state agreed to buy up to 4 million tons of US liquefied natural gas annually through 2054. Qatar
China-Saudi consortium wins $306M World Cup stadium deal: What to know The project is a vote of confidence to Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030 agenda to diversify the economy away from oil, despite an uptick in attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on the kingdom in recent weeks. Saudi Arabia
Newsletter: Business & Tech Saudi economic ambitions under strain Saudi Arabia postponed its flagship investment conference, known as “Davos in the Desert,” on Monday as Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels continued attacks on the kingdom. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Gulf oil exports surpass prewar levels despite escalating tanker attacks By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Iran increases non-oil trade with Shanghai Cooperation Organization The uptick in trade comes at an important time for Iran’s relations with Russia, Kazakhstan and India. Iran
India’s use of rupee for import, export payments could boost Iran trade Iran is seeking to boost trade with both Russia and India at present. Iran
Egypt again raises fuel prices The price of Brent crude oil actually recently fell to its lowest point in several months. Egypt
TikTok launches new program for Israeli startups With one billion users worldwide and Israeli startup companies growing by the minute, TikTok has launched a special program to assist Israeli entrepreneurs. Israel
Turkey looks to import gas from Turkmenistan, test exports to Bulgaria Turkey and Turkmenistan are working on a gas deal that will likely extend to Europe in a bid to reduce Western dependency on Russian gas. Turkey
Reports: Libya denies cutting gas exports to Italy Italy wants Libya to boost its gas exports to Europe in an effort to reduce the continent’s energy dependence on Russia. North Africa
Middle East poised for breakthrough in European energy markets Gerald Kepes In Washington, DC, reporting on regional energy trends
Flydubai suspends flights to Sri Lanka as Emirates, Etihad keep flying Sri Lanka is experiencing mass unrest over its deteriorating economic situation. Legacy: Gulf
Unprecedented inflation hammers Iran Iranians have grown accustomed to high inflation and rising prices, yet recent macroeconomic trends are unprecedented. Iran
Lebanese cook over wood as high gas prices persist Desperation is one of the few commodities Lebanon does not lack as the financial burden of securing necessities such as cooking gas grows heavier. Lebanon
Passenger traffic increases in Beirut airport The Lebanese government is banking on Lebanese abroad to visit the country and spend money amid the continued economic crisis. Lebanon
Egypt’s monthly inflation falls for first time in 2022 The Central Bank of Egypt declined to raise interest rates again last month. Annual inflation is still up from last year. Egypt