Analysis MENA wheat importers face food security risks as Hormuz crisis festers Home to many of the world's largest wheat importers, the Middle East and North Africa face acute food security risks as the US-Israel-Iran war disrupts global fertilizer flows and pushes up prices. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
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 By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Another illegal dig unearths archaeological discovery in Egypt's Giza After a recent bust in Giza, archaeologists continued to be alarmed by illegal excavations and antiquities smuggling. Egypt
Dubai supplier to replace coal with natural gas in bid to reduce carbon emissions The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company signed an agreement to provide Dubai with natural gas, which will be used to generate electricity. Natural gas is a relatively clean fuel but does lead to carbon emissions. United Arab Emirates
Israel-Gulf trade flourishes in two years of Abraham Accords Bahrain and the UAE expect that the scope of bilateral trade with Israel will continue to grow significantly in coming years. Israel
With warming of diplomatic ties, Israel, Turkey expect bilateral trade boom Now that diplomatic relations have improved, Israel hopes to increase and expand its exportations to Turkey in fields such as water treatment, smart agriculture and energy. Israel
Egypt to adopt Russian Mir payment system to encourage tourism, trade exchange Russian tourists and companies will be allowed to pay through the Russian Mir system in Egypt ahead of the winter season, which Cairo is hoping will boost its tourism sector. Egypt
Saudi GDP quarterly growth rate reaches 10-year high Saudi Arabia is investing in several sectors in its bid to diversify the economy, but oil remains a major driver of growth. Saudi Arabia
Despite ‘crypto winter,’ digital currency use remains high in Turkey Crypto is down, but not out for dedicated traders, particularly in high inflation markets like Turkey, where digital tokens continue to draw users looking to earn, save and transfer hard currencies. Turkey
Energy, dams boost Egypt’s clout in Africa Egypt has emerged as a regional energy power in recent years and is using its electricity and gas surpluses and experience in building dams to boost its foothold in Africa. Egypt
Oil prices fall following Saudi-backed OPEC+ production cut The decrease in production could be a message from Saudi Arabia to the US over the Iran nuclear deal. Legacy: Gulf
Turkey’s inflation tops 80% as poverty deepens Even though Turkey’s economy continued to expand in the second quarter, the share of payments to employees dropped to the lowest level since Erdogan’s party came to power two decades ago. Turkey
Co-working draws Lebanese amid economic, power crises Several businesses in Lebanon have started utilizing co-working spaces, allowing them to cope with crises by sharing ideas and skills as well as offices. Lebanon
More hurdles could delay opening of Egypt’s new administrative capital The resignations of two executives of the company managing the new administrative capital project in Cairo have raised questions about the project and its feasibility in light of the deteriorating economic situation in the country. Egypt