France, Saudi Arabia announce more than $10B in deals on MBS visit Among the deals included a 6 billion euro ($7 billion) pledge from the Public Investment Fund in three manga-themed amusement parks on the outskirts of Paris. Saudi Arabia
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
Explainer King Abdullah visits China as region hedges against US unpredictability With no end in sight to the war in Iran and an unchecked Israeli policy across the region, the kingdom is hedging against future uncertainty and a less predictable US policy. China
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
Analysis Jordan shores up US lifelines as Iran targets Amman’s reliance on Washington By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Lebanon's PM Diab condemns Tripoli protest violence Protesters demanding an end to the lockdown set fire on Thursday night to several buildings in the impoverished city of Tripoli. Lebanon
Nigerians stuck in Saudi Arabia are flown home Foreigners working in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries have gotten stranded throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Saudi Arabia
Hi-tech rivalry between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh heats up Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman is sparing no effort to lure business from the IT and other sectors in Abu Dhabi to the kingdom. Originals
Iraq's reform budget heads to parliament Parliament is debating the 2021 budget, which is the first budget drafted based on the White Paper for economic reform. Iraq
Egypt’s back on gold production map after loosening mining regulations The gold industry in Egypt has recently witnessed a boom after the Egyptian government amended mining regulations to attract foreign investors, while President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi plans to build a jewelry-making city. Originals
How delays at Sudan’s largest port could actually boost trade with Egypt Analysts expect the four-month suspension in Port Sudan to accelerate the launch of the Transit Trade Agreement between Egypt and Sudan and eventually bring economic and political benefits to Egypt. Egypt
Turkey’s ‘wealthless’ wealth fund a tangle of problems Turkey’s sovereign wealth fund is under mounting criticism for being exempt from public auditing despite using major public assets in its transactions. Turkey
France scores big Iraqi construction project at Turkey's expense A French company has beaten out a Turkish one for the Mosul airport project; political considerations along with economic concerns seem to have factored into Baghdad's decision. Iraq
Jordan bets on GCC deal to boost economy Jordan has attempted to remain neutral in the Gulf feud that erupted in 2017 when a Saudi-led bloc of nations cut diplomatic ties with Qatar. The kingdom has welcomed the agreement recently signed to end the Gulf dispute. Jordan
PA shuts down Palestinian Airlines, shuttering hopes for airport The Palestinian Authority decides to shut down the Palestinian Airlines, which is seen as a symbol of sovereignty, citing financial burdens and maintenance costs of its only two aircrafts. Palestine
Is the worst behind in Turkey’s economic turmoil? Ankara’s policy reversal on interest rates has led to some positive developments in the economy, but many observers warn that it is still too early to rejoice. Turkey
Iraq devalues dinar to boost economy, factory production The Central Bank of Iraq cuts the value of the dinar against the dollar in the context of policies to address Iraq's economic crisis. Iraq
