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
New EV deliveries from China expand even as Israeli car market shrinks Fewer new cars are being delivered to Israel, but among them, Chinese electric vehicles are surging. Israel
Jordan’s port in Aqaba signs $242 million investment deal The agreement with the Dutch firm APM Terminals could help increase trade through the Red Sea port. Jordan
Qatari oil, gas exports up 100% in 2022 Qatar is working to export more gas to Europe in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Qatar
UAE to help Germany reduce dependence on Russian gas Qatar is also reportedly close to supplying the European country with natural gas amid the Ukraine war. United Arab Emirates
Egypt explores production of green fuels for ships Egypt plans to cooperate with the Maersk global shipping group to establish a national network to produce and distribute green fuel for ships, depending on new and renewable energy sources, as the country gears up to host the COP27 climate summit. Egypt
Palestinian economy falters despite pandemic recovery Despite the end of the coronavirus pandemic, an improvement in the Palestinian economy does not seem very likely given other factors. Palestine
Natural gas profits finally put Israel's wealth fund into business After four disappointing years, Israel’s wealth fund, based on tax revenues from natural gas companies, has enough money to begin making investments. Israel
Halt of Mir use deals blow to rising Putin-Erdogan cooperation The specter of Western sanctions could curb other economic activities between Turkey and Russia as the surging bilateral trade comes under growing scrutiny. Turkey
In shock move, Turkey cuts interest rates again Inflation is historically high in Turkey, but President Erdogan continues to defy economic wisdom as the country's central bank slashed policy rates further. Turkey
Palestinian businessman seeks self-funded projects to support Gaza economy An agreement of $1 million was signed to restore industrial facilities that were destroyed in the May 2021 war on Gaza, which came as a glimmer of hope for the stricken industrial city. Palestine
Gulf banks raise interest rates, following US Federal Reserve Gulf states often follow the American central bank in their interest rate decisions. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi esports success depends on local businesses, say industry players After Saudi Arabia released its esports strategy last week, members of the region’s local gaming industry say community players, developers and startups are key to actualizing the plan’s ambitious goals. Legacy: Gulf