Oman enters Gulf AI race with new special economic zone in Muscat Oman will create an AI-focused special economic zone in Muscat governorate. Oman
Oil surges past $120 to war-time high as Trump rejects Iran overture Benchmark Brent crude surpassed $120 per barrel on Wednesday, reaching the highest levels yet seen during the US-Israel-Iran war. Iran
Iranian rial hits new record low as blockade, war take toll: What to know The rial had another collapse in late 2025, triggering massive protests and riots in the country that were ended by a forceful government crackdown. Iran
Analysis UAE’s OPEC exit rattles cartel as Gulf alliances shift OPEC's fourth-largest producer will leave the cartel on May 1, marking the most significant departure in the group’s history as the war changes Abu Dhabi's relationship priorities. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Egypt’s non-oil sector suffering under high inflation: Report Egypt is experiencing rising inflation and the depreciation of its currency, but the country’s stock exchange is doing well and the IMF recently agreed to a massive aid package. Egypt
HSBC warns Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul will harm Israel's economy The leading European bank echoed last week's warnings by JPMorgan over the negative effects the judicial reforms pushed by the current Israel government could have on the country’s economy. Israel
Iran stops taxing foreign currency imports amid liquidity crunch The Central Bank of Iran has a shortage of foreign currency and the United States is seeking to stop the flow of dollars into the country. Iran
JPMorgan warns about investment risk in Israel The major US investment firm is concerned about the government’s judicial reform efforts contributing to domestic volatility. Israel
Egypt keeps interest rates unchanged to start 2023 Inflation in Egypt was on the rise at the end of 2022, with food prices being of particular concern. Egypt
UAE and Saudi Arabia to compete for top global ranking in green energy Here's how the UAE and Saudi Arabia can become the world's top green energy providers. Afshin Molavi
Turkey plans to expand renewable energy but sticks to coal, nuclear Clean energy advocates say Turkey should speed up its shift to renewable sources not only out of environmental concerns, but also to reduce its costly reliance on imported energy. Turkey
Saudi Arabia’s ambitions loom large over UAE’s business expat community Pro: Saudi Arabia is trying to pry multinationals away from the UAE's financial hubs, forcing business expats in the Gulf to make a difficult decision. Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Qatar stays put after US, Saudi Arabia, UAE raise interest rates The Gulf central banks’ moves followed the US Federal Reserve raising its rates. Inflation increased in both Qatar and Saudi Arabia at the end of 2022. Legacy: Gulf
Explainer: What is behind Lebanon's new exchange rate? There are multiple exchange rates between the Lebanese pound and the US dollar, and the official rate being below the black market rate helps financial institutions pass on their losses to the public. Lebanon
Signaling US, OPEC+ agrees to keep oil production unchanged Experts say the decision by Saudi Arabia, Russia and other major oil producers could be motivated by a desire to maintain calm with the United States. Legacy: Gulf
OPEC+ likely to maintain oil output at meeting, in gesture to US While the OPEC+ group is expected to maintain oil production at its virtual meeting set for Feb. 1, global demand for oil is estimated to reach a record high in 2023. Legacy: Gulf