Syria to rejoin Arab group at IMF, leaving Russian-led constituency Syria will rejoin the Arab constituency at the International Monetary Fund beginning Nov. 1 and has applied for membership in the EBRD. Syria
Erdogan aide named suspect in Turkey financial scandal Former AKP deputy chairwoman Fatma Betul Sayan Kaya is facing allegations of being linked to a market manipulation scandal. Turkey
Analysis Turkey’s $20B fund crisis: Who profited, and who will pay? Opposition parties are demanding immediate government compensation for affected investors, who face up to a six-month wait as independent banks oversee the asset liquidations. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Iran’s rial hits record low as pressure on oil exports mounts The rial was trading at more than 2.5 million to the dollar in Tehran's open market on Tuesday. Iran
Egypt inflation drops to 31.5%, but food prices still rising Annual inflation fell slightly in April compared to the previous month as the central bank readies its next decision on interest rates. Egypt
Lebanon’s angry depositors demand their money back from banks Bank depositors staged a sit-in in Beirut to protest the banks' illegal policies imposed on their deposits amid a stifling economic crisis. Lebanon
In boost to China, UAE and Kuwait become 'dialogue partners' in Shanghai Cooperation Organization The Gulf states made up half of the new partners at the annual Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting in 2023. United Arab Emirates
Gulf stock markets drop into red with new Fed rate hike The United States Fed raised interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point on Wednesday, which led to Gulf central banks following suit. Legacy: Gulf
Who are the UK-convicted couriers smuggling $130 million to UAE? The announcement from police of the bust in the UK follows the UAE government's efforts to combat money laundering in the country. Legacy: Gulf
Turkey's central bank keeps interest rate at 8.5%, citing inflation The decision will be the bank’s final before Turkey’s crucial election in May. Turkey
Sudan conflict poses credit risk to economies in region: Moody’s The credit agency warned that the fighting had shut down the Sudanese economy and could leave multilateral development banks exposed. The Horn of Africa
Egypt charges tourist ships in dollars as greenback crisis spirals Egypt commits tourist boats arriving in its ports to pay in US dollars amid a tough dollar shortage crisis in the populous country. Egypt
Turkey's Erdogan opens half-empty financial hub in Istanbul ahead of polls Incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdogan denies the country is facing an economic crisis, while attacking the opposition for making backroom deals with money lenders. Turkey
Saudi Arabia boosts sovereign fund with 4% Aramco transfer Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced the completion of a 4% transfer of Saudi Aramco shares on Sunday from state ownership to Sanabil Investments. Legacy: Gulf
Analysis What is behind Kuwait's change of government, economic woes? The decades-long dance of political reshuffles has prevented the execution of investment and reforms in national infrastructure, health and social services, and also economic projects. By Salim A. Essaid
Saudi Arabia opens four special economic zones with eye on foreign investment The special economic zones offer incentives such as competitive corporate tax rates, 100% ownership of companies and flexibility in employing foreign labor. Legacy: Gulf
