Gazans outraged over millions of dollars spent building mosques

The upcoming inauguration of a mosque that was built at a cost of $2 million in the cash-strapped Gaza Strip has shocked residents whose homes have been destroyed by the repeated wars.

Palestine

Israel, Egypt launch new flight route ahead of Passover

Following up on the September meeting between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Jerusalem and Cairo announced the opening of a flight route between Tel Aviv and Sharm el-Sheikh.

Israel

Saudi GDP grew 3.2% in 2021, highest in seven years

Saudi economic progress includes growth in the non-oil sector, as foreign direct investment moves more slowly.

Saudi Arabia

Analysis

Saudi considering China’s yuan for oil purchases

Saudi Arabia and China have been growing closer for years, and the news comes at a time of frustration among Gulf states with the US.

By Adam Lucente

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

As West ups sanctions on Russia's oligarchs, many maintain Israeli citizenship

Dozens of Russian oligarchs have obtained Israeli citizenship in recent years due to their Jewish heritage. Western sanctions over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine could affect Israel’s relationships with the billionaires as well as its technology sector.

By Adam Lucente

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Israel's ultra-Orthodox reject housing in new Negev town

Ultra-Orthodox leaders search for a solution to the housing crisis in the sector, but they are not in favor of the solution proposed by the government to establish a new ultra-Orthodox town in the Negev region.

Israel

Egypt to see wheat imports resume from Ukraine, Russia

Egypt also banned wheat exports to protect its grain supply, which has been threatened by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Egypt is one of the largest wheat importers in the world.

By AL-MONITOR Staff

Saudi cooperation with China continues with finalization of long-planned refinery deal

Saudi oil giant Aramco has made a few agreements with Chinese companies in recent years.

Saudi Arabia

Lebanon seeks alternative wheat sources, bans some food exports amid war in Ukraine

Ukraine and Russia provide several Middle Eastern states with wheat, sunflower oil and more.

Lebanon

UAE sticks to OPEC+ production limits

The Biden administration is asking Gulf partners to increase production in response to rising oil prices, but so far the cartel is holding to its earlier agreement.

United Arab Emirates

Analysis

Saudi Central Bank extends guaranteed financing program for small businesses

The program encourages Saudi banks to loan to small businesses by guaranteeing a portion of the funds, and was launched in response to the coronavirus-related economic downturn in Saudi Arabia.

By AL-MONITOR Staff

Dizzying fuel hikes fan popular grievances in Turkey

With Turkey’s consumer inflation already at 54.4%, price increases on fuel alone threaten to add two percentage points to the monthly inflation rate in March.

Turkey