Economy and trade

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Oil falls below $74 as Hormuz traffic recovers after Iran war

Brent crude, the international benchmark for oil prices, was trading at $73.81 a barrel at 10:40 a.m. EDT, down 4.2% from Tuesday's close.

A picture shows the four seasons hotel in Beirut with the snow covered mountain of Sannine in the background on March 8, 2019.

Explainer

Lebanon advances controversial $500K golden visa law: What to know

While its supporters say the scheme would help Lebanon's economy recover, critics say it could offer a channel for corruption.

Qatar's Energy Minister and CEO of QatarEnergy Saad Sherida al-Kaabi speaks during a press conference in Doha on June 22, 2026.

Explainer

Qatar blast underscores challenges in race to restart Gulf energy flows

The deadly explosion marks an early test of Gulf efforts to revive oil and gas production following a historic energy supply shock caused by the US-Israel-Iran war.

A worker counts banknotes after filling up the tank of a vehicle at a petrol station in Giza on March 10, 2026.

Interview

US-Egypt fund makes case for economic statecraft in hard power era

As Washington focuses on war and deterrence, the Egyptian-American Enterprise Fund argues private-sector investment can advance US strategic interests.

Cornelius Queen

Cornelius Queen

Senior Vice President of the Egyptian-American Enterprise Fund

Latest News

Oil falls more than 3% after Iran, US signal progress in talks

MUSCAT, OMAN - JUNE 21: Oil tankers and cargo vessels remain anchored off Port Sultan Qaboos around Qaboos Port on June 21, 2026 in Muscat, Oman. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for the region's oil and gas, was effectively blockaded since the outbreak of war between the United States and Iran in late February. This week's provisional peace deal between the countries was meant to reopen the waterway to shipping traffic, but the pace of that reopening is unclear amid continued fighting in Lebano

Analysis

US-Iran deal delivers $300 billion controversy, reconstruction questions

A woman walks past a billboard displaying Iran's national flag at Enghelab Square in Tehran on June 14, 2026.

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Interview

Franco-Gulf investment holds firm despite Iran war, French official says

French Trade & Invest Commissioner for United Arab Emirates and Middle East and Business France's regional director for the Middle East Axel Baroux. — Business France

Axel Baroux

France’s trade and investment commissioner for the UAE and Middle East

Gulf investment to turn inward to rebuild postwar infrastructure: QNB

A picture taken on June 5, 2017, shows a man walking past the Qatar National Bank branch in the Saudi capital Riyadh.

Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Rebecca Miano with UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi at a signing ceremony following a joint statement on the conclusion of the talks regarding the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in Dubai, Feb. 22, 2024.

UAE, Kenya conclude trade deal talks as Abu Dhabi expands influence in Africa

The United Arab Emirates has established economic partnership agreements with 10 countries as it seeks to diversify its oil-based economy.

Morocco's Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch (R) meets with his Spanish counterpart, Pedro Sanchez (L), in Rabat, on Feb. 2, 2023.

Morocco-Spain thaw continues with investment pledge, aerospace deal

Spain and Morocco have historically been at odds over Western Sahara, migration and territorial disputes.

A ship transits the Suez Canal toward the Red Sea on Jan. 10, 2024, in Ismailia, Egypt.

Analysis

How Red Sea crisis is battering Egypt's manufacturing, textile industries

The Suez Canal is a cornerstone of the Egytian economy, providing a vital source of foreign currency for the cash-strapped country.

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

Guests attend the Global AI 2020 (Artificial Intelligence) Summit in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, on Oct. 21, 2020.

Saudi tech giant expands investments into China, AI as part of $100B plans

Alat plans to invest $100 billion by 2030 to coincide with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 plan to wean the kingdom’s economy off of its reliance on oil.

Container ships moving on Suez Canal.

Egypt’s Sisi: Suez Canal revenue down as much as 50% over Red Sea attacks

The decrease in revenue and traffic in the canal due to attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels is exacerbating Egypt’s foreign currency shortage and overall economic crisis.

Israeli navy ships maneuver at the military port of Ashdod, southern Israel, July 29, 2018.

Israel’s Ashdod port bounces back from Gaza war setback

Israel's Ashdod port is grappling with increased competition, threats from Yemen's Houthis and other regional challenges.

School Lebanon

In south Lebanon, schools resume classes as displaced shelter inside

Hezbollah steps in as municipalities struggle to respond to the growing number of displaced.

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee (L) watches as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (R) shake hands with Emir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani (C) during a ceremonial reception in New Delhi on March 25, 2015.

Back to roots: India, the Arabian Gulf and the reemergence of West Asia

Building personal connections with Gulf leaders has proven instrumental for Modi in fostering stronger ties between India and the region.

President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva attends during the "Dia do Marinheiro" (Marine Day) celebrations on Dec. 13, 2023.

Brazil’s Lula signs cooperation deals on Egypt visit, will head to Ethiopia next

The Brazilian president met his Egyptian counterpart, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, attended an Arab League meeting and is seeking to expand the strong trade ties between the two countries.

An Egyptian woman shops at a fruit market in Cairo, on March 17, 2022.

What’s behind Egypt decision to raise minimum wage, government salaries by 50%?

Egypt’s economy has suffered from high inflation for years, and now the spillover from the Gaza war is exacerbating the situation.

A sign for the London Metal Exchange (LME).

London Metal Exchange to build delivery centers in Saudi Arabia

Investors and mining companies are bracing for a wave of exploration licenses awarded in Saudi Arabia after the kingdom nearly doubled its untapped mineral estimate to $2.5 trillion and announced new incentives for miners in January.

A billboard with pictures of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) and President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Gulf-India relations boosted by UAE deals, Saudi Aramco talks

India has made deals with the UAE and Qatar recently, and trade between India and the GCC is rising.