US Treasury targets Egyptian bank's UAE branches over Iran dealings The Treasury Department said Banque Misr's UAE branches had processed over $1 billion for Iranian shadow banking networks. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Oil prices fall after Iran steps up truce efforts, US says Hormuz mines cleared Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said in an interview on Thursday that Iran was preparing a list of conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Iran
Lebanon, UAE ink deals, deepen economic ties on Emirati Beirut visit An Emirati business delegation signed the agreements in Beirut and met with President Joseph Aoun, indicating the UAE's interest in deepening economic ties with Lebanon. Lebanon
Sharaa taps Visa as Syria reconnects to global finance: What to know Visa and Mastercard announced Wednesday that their networks can now be used to make international card payments in Syria. Syria
Newsletter: Business & Tech Iran keeps Hormuz reopening on hold By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Negotiations likely to start over in Israel-Cyprus gas field dispute Israel’s Energy Minister Karine Elharar is reexamining the Israel-Cyprus dispute over the gas field on their maritime border. Israel
Egypt empowers disabled with entrepreneurship incubator Egypt will establish a new incubator to help entrepreneurs with disabilities turn their projects into viable businesses, as the Arab country aspires to turn this segment of society into a driving force of economic growth. Egypt
Jordanians turn to cryptocurrency despite ban Despite the risk in the cryptocurrency trading market, it remains largely unregulated in Jordan, where thousands have invested amid lack of job opportunities. Jordan
Divergent currency values make life even harder in Yemen Yemenis continue to bear the brunt of the war, including a devastated economy and banknotes that may have no value depending on which part of the country they visit. Legacy: Gulf
Doha Bank releases 2021 profits The Qatari bank reported a slight increase in profits compared to 2020, though it experienced a loss in its amount of total assets. By AL-MONITOR Staff
Iraq receives 145% more foreign visitors in 2021 Iraq waived the visa requirements for citizens of many economically powerful countries last year in a bid to attract tourists and businesspeople. News Brief
Popular anger simmers in Turkey over ballooning electricity bills Electricity bills have doubled and even tripled in Turkey after massive price hikes, fueling frustration with Erdogan’s economic management. Turkey
Turkish unemployment down at end of 2021 Turkey is in the midst of an economic crisis, marked by historically high inflation. The government has misled the public with its unemployment figures in the past. By AL-MONITOR Staff
Egypt plans to export gas to Lebanon by end of February While Egypt stresses that the route is open for gas exports to Lebanon, two prominent members of the US Congress have called on the Biden administration to reconsider its support for the energy deal between Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. Egypt
Saudi Arabia building support for Expo 2030 bid The kingdom wants to host the international cultural forum, which is currently being held in Dubai. News Brief
World Bank report notes improvement Palestinian digital economy The DC-based institution’s report also said that Israeli restrictions and the Palestinian legal framework are impeding further development in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Palestine
First Abu Dhabi Bank seeks to buy Egyptian financial firm EFG Hermes Merger and acquisition activity rose dramatically in Egypt in 2021. By AL-MONITOR Staff