Interview Saudi labor localization will take ‘generation or two': Armada CEO Around 70% of Saudi Arabia's population is 35 years old or younger, according to the kingdom’s General Authority for Statistics, providing ample opportunity for an educated and technology-savvy national workforce in the coming decades. Olivier Badard CEO of Armada Holding
Analysis Why the Hormuz oil shock never became an energy catastrophe The US-Israel-Iran war produced a historic oil supply shock but not a severe global economic crisis, due to ample prewar supplies, China's energy pivot and strategic reserve releases. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Oil falls below $74 as Hormuz traffic recovers after Iran war Brent crude, the international benchmark for oil prices, was trading at $73.81 a barrel at 10:40 a.m. EDT, down 4.2% from Tuesday's close. Iran
Explainer Lebanon advances controversial $500K golden visa law: What to know While its supporters say the scheme would help Lebanon's economy recover, critics say it could offer a channel for corruption. Lebanon
Interview US-Egypt fund makes case for economic statecraft in hard power era Cornelius Queen Senior Vice President of the Egyptian-American Enterprise Fund
Analysis US-Iran deal delivers $300 billion controversy, reconstruction questions By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Egypt swoops in Saudi markets amid boycott of Turkish products Egypt is trying to substitute Turkish products with Egyptian products in Saudi Arabia, in an attempt to exploit the popular boycott campaign launched by the Saudis against Turkish products in light of the Turkish-Saudi tensions. Originals
Can Gulf states adopt universal basic income? Existing social welfare systems have insulated Gulf nationals from changing economic realities and the likelihood of a major global energy transition in the coming decades. Legacy: Gulf
Misfiring trade policies could lead Iran to deeper trade deficit Iran is working to develop non-oil exports in the face of US sanctions, but the country's trade policies are in dire need of reform before real progress will be feasible. United States
Middle East’s chronic woes exacerbate COVID impact, IMF says Also: Israelis back Trump, Palestinians (kind of) tilt toward Biden. Regional
As China-Iran talks continue, Beijing keeps up outreach to Gulf While Iran and China are still working to finalize a 25-year strategic partnership plan, Chinese officials continue to expand bilateral ties with the Gulf, something that could have unexpected implications for Iran-GCC ties. United Arab Emirates
Jordanians cautious about prospects of new government Jordan’s King Abdullah II swore in the new government of Bisher al-Khasawneh amid a series of economic and health challenges facing the kingdom. Jordan
As US elections near, GCC states chart middle course between US and China Former Vice President and Democratic candidate for president Joe Biden's previous statement to make Saudi Arabia a 'pariah' hangs over the region. Saudi Arabia
For Arab youth, the future is in the Gulf The most recent Arab Youth Survey shows the United States is gaining ground on Russia and China as perceived "allies." United Arab Emirates
Israel hopes aviation agreement warms up ties with Jordan Israel and Jordan sign agreement to allow overflights flights through each other's airspace. United Arab Emirates
India works to boost influence in Iran as Beijing-Tehran ties warm India is seeking to remain involved in the development projects at Iran's ports, especially since Chabahar Port helps India gain access to an important geopolitical region. Iran
Turkey eyes economic gains in backing Azerbaijan against Armenia Turkey and Azerbaijan often describe their relationship as “one nation, two states,” but their economic exchanges have remained relatively small despite their close political and ethnic bonds. Turkey
Iranian currency dips to historic low amid sanctions, pandemic, foreign policy decisions Iran has seen the rial’s value fall by almost half this year as the currency now stands at a record low against the US dollar, triggered by ongoing sanctions, coronavirus restrictions and, according to some experts, Iran's foreign policy adventures since the 1979 revolution. Iran
