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
Egypt-Chinese consortium to run terminals in Red Sea, Mediterranean ports The Egyptian government signed new concessions with a Chinese alliance to build and operate two world-class container terminals in the ports of Sokhna and Dekhila, as part of a container logistics project to link the Red and Mediterranean seas. Egypt
Iran, Russia use own currencies for trade Saudi Arabia and India have also signaled moving away from the US dollar. Iran
Middle East is building a big lead in global hydrocarbon investments Gerald Kepes In Washington, DC, reporting on regional energy trends
UAE more than doubles investment in Egypt Egypt is seeking to sell state companies, which has attracted Gulf investors. Egypt
Saudi Central Bank approves fintech companies Lean Technologies, Mod5r Saudi Arabia recently launched a fintech strategy with the goal of becoming a regional hub for financial technology. Saudi Arabia
Egypt’s foreign reserves drop 19% due to economic crisis caused by Russia-Ukraine war Egypt’s public budget is facing a major deficit due to the increase in expenditures and national currency depreciation. Egypt
Tourism up 128% in Turkey with travelers from Germany, Russia Turkey's foreign visitors are up despite concern that the Russian invasion of Ukraine would hurt its tourism industry this year. Turkey
Turkey’s 'covert' interest payments on course to exceed regular ones The cost of state safeguards in a deposit scheme meant to curb dollarization in Turkey has ballooned to alarming levels as the Turkish lira continues to tumble. Turkey
UAE non-oil trade increases as Gulf state seeks reduced oil dependence The news follows trade agreements the Gulf state made with Israel and India. United Arab Emirates
Egypt's Central Bank governor resigns amid economic crisis The resignation of Egypt's central bank governor has put the country's economy under pressure. Egypt
Israel raises interest rates The Bank of Israel's latest hike to battle inflation was the biggest in 20 years. Israel
UAE-Israel trade already tops last year The increase in bilateral trade follows the signing of a trade agreement. Israel