Large UAE delegation set to arrive in Lebanon in major investment push A large Emirati delegation of around 70 business leaders and government officials is heading to Beirut, in the latest sign of thaw between the United Arab Emirates and Lebanon. Lebanon
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
Why are Turkey’s gold reserves on the rise? The Turkish central bank’s gold reserves have reached an unprecedented level of more than $25 billion under a strategy shift driven by a combination of financial strains and risks stemming from tensions with the United States. Turkey
Shared airspace helps Egypt, Russia gain common ground Tourism and joint development projects should get a boost from recently resumed flights between Cairo and Moscow. Egypt
Will Iran’s banking sector collapse? While Iran is certainly on the brink of a major banking crisis, the likely outcome won’t be financial collapse but rather a restructuring of banks. Iran
Curbing inflation tops Sisi’s list of economic priorities With Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi securing a second term, many economists are still wondering how to deal with inflation and soaring prices, while questioning the future of the armed forces' participation in the economy. Egypt
Tunisian president denies plan to dismiss PM A spokeswoman for Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi has dismissed claims that the head of state intends to fire the prime minister as politically baseless. Tunisia
Iranian banking reforms gain steam after long delay Progress on major banking reforms in Iran finally moves in the right direction after years of stalling. Iran
Turkey’s controversial wealth fund stumbles badly since hasty creation Turkey’s sovereign wealth fund, which holds key public assets worth $160 billion, has stumbled badly since its hasty creation in 2016. Turkey
Egypt planning slew of IPOs to boost 2018-19 budget Listing 23 Egyptian state-owned companies on the stock exchange is among several steps that the recently announced state budget will rely on to achieve a 5.8% growth rate in the next fiscal year. Egypt
What's behind Iran's massive capital flight? While a large amount of hard currency has left Iran in the years since the implementation of the nuclear deal, the picture is more complex than a simple case of investors rushing to move their capital outside the country. Iran
Iran MPs call on Central Bank governor to resign as rial plummets Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Central Bank Gov. Valiollah Seif have come under heavy fire over the sudden devaluation of the rial. Iran
Turkey to lower price of citizenship for foreign investors Disappointed by the impact of a citizenship incentive offered to foreign homebuyers last year, Ankara is expected to lower the bar from $1 million to $300,000. Turkey
Iran raises minimum wage in concession to workers Iranian laborers are set to receive an almost 20% increase in the minimum wage in a concession from the authorities. Iran
