Newsletter: Business & Tech Iran keeps Hormuz reopening on hold Traffic in the Strait of Hormuz remained low, with only five commodity vessels transiting the waterway on Tuesday, according to data from maritime tracking firm Kpler. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Eni presses ahead with Egypt gas projects as war raises investment risks Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi met with Eni CEO Claudio Descalzi on Tuesday, with the Italian energy giant revealing it could make a crucial investment decision in coming months. Egypt
Syrian Airlines expands Europe comeback with Vienna, Copenhagen flights Syrian Airlines currently flies to 14 destinations across eight countries, with four additional routes planned. Syria
China warns US not to interfere with Iran trade: What to know China's Foreign Ministry said Beijing was firmly opposed to what it called “illegal unilateral sanctions” and would take “all necessary measures” to safeguard its rights. Iran
Analysis UAE-Iran trade relationship becomes key test of Trump’s wartime strategy By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
From homes to guesthouses: some Lebanese find ways to survive economic meltdown Despite Lebanon's worst financial crisis since its civil war, guesthouse investment is growing as rural tourism soars, generating much-needed revenue for its cash-strapped citizens and empowering local communities and talents. Lebanon
Lebanon to shift to new official lira-to-dollar exchange rate Lebanon is shifting to a new official exchange rate to the US dollar, three years after an unprecedented financial and economic crisis that has plunged a large portion of its population under the poverty line. Lebanon
Saudi Arabia’s industrial sector can expect boost into 2023 The Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources reports that the kingdom has been accelerating its economic diversification efforts. By Ali Metwally
Egypt ‘primary actor’ in next phase of East Med natural gas development Gerald Kepes In Washington, DC, reporting on regional energy trends
UAE, Tanzania sign double tax avoidance deal The Emirates is also pursuing renewable energy projects in the southern African country. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi employment numbers improve Unemployment in Saudi Arabia is higher than in other Gulf states, but the labor market is showing signs of strength in other areas. Saudi Arabia
UAE, Oman boost ties with deals on high-speed rail, combating financial crimes The agreements are in line with the UAE’s foreign policy, which prioritizes regional partnerships. United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia partners with Senegal on railway, desalination plant The UAE, Israel and Turkey have also upped their engagement with African states in recent years. Saudi Arabia
Erdogan initiates economic gestures ahead of Turkey's critical elections Turkey’s president has stepped up economic pledges to the electorate ahead of next year’s polls, which loom as the toughest test of his two-decade rule. Turkey
Egyptian households turn to credit as inflation bites In the past, locals used to buy only durables in installments. Today, breadwinners buy clothes, schoolbooks, stationery and groceries on credit. Egypt
Lebanese depositors irate over closed banks Banks in Lebanon have been shut down for nearly a week amid fears of a bank run. Lebanon