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
Under new leadership, Turkish Central Bank delivers largest rate hike in two years Following a shakeup in Turkey’s economy team, Central Bank policy-makers raised a key interest rate to 15% Thursday, pledging to fight high inflation and bolster the nation’s troubled economy. Turkey
Iraq-Saudi border crossing reopens after 30 years The Arar crossing has remained closed since Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. Saudi Arabia
Iraq increases deficit to pay salaries The Iraqi parliament voted on the funding deficit law so that it can borrow to pay salaries that have been in arrears for more than two months. Iraq
Poverty spikes in Iran as prices for essential goods rise Inflation in Iran continues unabated, forcing further economic pressure and poverty on low-income households. Iran
Emirates reports massive drop in revenue in 2020 The Dubai-based airline's revenues fell billions and it is relying on reserves and support from the government to continue flying. United Arab Emirates
Qatar Airways resumes flights to Algiers The Doha-based airline is also increasing the number of its weekly flights to New York and Chicago. Qatar
Turkish lira makes gains on renewed optimism After hitting a series of record lows, Turkey’s currency rebounded more 7% this week as investors expect sharp policy reversals by the nation’s newly appointed economy team. Turkey
International financial alliance forms to help Iraq Several countries are forming an economic alliance to help Iraq in its financial crisis. Iraq
Amid market tumult, Erdogan appoints new finance minister Investors are watching for policy shifts as Turkey’s Former Deputy Prime Minister Lutfi Elvan takes the helm of the nation’s Finance Ministry following the surprise resignation of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s son-in-law Berat Albayrak. Turkey
Israeli fashion industry could collapse from pandemic losses Shopkeepers warn that if the government does not take serious steps to save them from the coronavirus-induced crisis, the whole national fashion industry could go down. Israel
Shakeup of economy team stuns Turkey, cheers investors Presidential son-in-law Berat Albayrak has quit as finance minister amid economic turmoil, but most news outlets pretended it didn’t happen. Turkey
Egypt bets on oranges to boost exports to Japan Japan allowed the Egyptian government to export citrus fruits after long negotiations between the two sides, in a step officials and experts believe will contribute to increasing Egyptian exports, pumping foreign currency into the country, creating job opportunities and increasing farmers’ income. Egypt
