EU releases another $1.06B to Egypt to boost fragile economy

The European Union's latest package of support for the North African country's economic recovery follows an $8 billion deal announced March 17.

Egypt

Lufthansa extends Tehran flights ban as Iran-Israel tensions flare

The Middle East remains on high alert after a suspected Israeli airstrike killed seven senior Iranian commanders in Damascus April 1.

Iran

UAE’s high stakes crypto bet poised for crucial test as Bitcoin rebounds

Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Analysis

After Neom cut, Saudi Arabia expected to scale back more Vision 2030 plans

Authorities had originally planned for 1.5 million residents to live in The Line part of Neom, but they scaled back their ambitions to around 300,000.

By Jack Dutton

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

Iraq plans to reopen own oil pipeline as talks to restart Kurdish route stall

The move to reopen the pipeline will irk the Kurdistan Regional Government, as it introduces a rival route to a section of the pipeline in Kurdistan that has been shut for a year and is a crucial economic source for the semi-autonomous region.

Iraq

Ireland wealth fund to divest from 6 Israeli companies in blow to relations

The amount of Ireland's divestment is relatively small, but it is part of the wider effects of the Gaza war on Israeli businesses.

Israel

Gulf firms set sights on Western airports with Investcorp, dnata deals

The Emirati sovereign fund Mubadala is also reportedly considering an event in London’s Heathrow Airport — another sign of Gulf interest in the West’s airports.

United Arab Emirates

McDonald’s to buy its Israel franchise amid Gaza war, global backlash

McDonald’s sales have been impacted by the Gaza war and its franchises in Israel and the Arab world are reeling from the conflict in different ways.

Israel

Saudi Arabia-South Korea ties grow with industry push, pivot east

Saudi Arabia is seeking to become a hub for traditional and electric vehicles, and the kingdom’s relations with South Korea are growing in several sectors.

Saudi Arabia

What’s behind Abu Dhabi’s $13 billion investment in gas?

The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) is seeking more foreign partners as it aims to boost gas production capacity.

United Arab Emirates

Analysis

Could Saudi Arabia spark tech startup IPO boom in Middle East?

With startups outside the Gulf focused on survival amid a funding drought, the Saudi pipeline could boost investor interest in companies typically seen as too risky.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Interview

Incoming legislation to make 'big difference' for Egypt's fintechs, MNT-Halan CEO says

Mounir Nakhla told Al-Monitor that although financial inclusion has increased in Egypt over the past few years, much of the country's population is still unbanked.

Mounir Nakhla

CEO of MNT-Halan