Macron secures Gulf diesel supplies as France grapples with fuel costs, unrest France now has commitments for 295,000 metric tons of diesel per month from the Gulf, accounting for just over 10% of the European country’s consumption. Bahrain
Saudi Arabia postpones 'Davos in the Desert' until 2027 amid Houthi attacks The Future Investment Initiative, which typically attracts the CEOs of some of the biggest companies in business, finance, and technology to Riyadh, will now be held next year. Saudi Arabia
Analysis How Hormuz crisis is reshaping economic ties between Iraq and Syria Iraq and Syria are expanding trade and energy cooperation, but security risks, economic challenges and longstanding mistrust raise questions about whether their growing partnership can endure. By Shelly Kittleson In Baghdad, reporting on Iraqi politics
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
Palestine, Jordan boost economic ties The Palestinian Authority and Jordan are in the process of establishing a logistics zone to facilitate and expand the bilateral trade exchange and boost import and export, within the framework of the PA's plan of breaking away from the Israeli economy. Palestine
Turkey’s current account deficit shrinks, but budget gap widens Turkey’s chronic current account deficit has fallen to a 16-year low, but this ostensible improvement is hardly the outcome or harbinger of sound economic headway. Turkey
Egypt evaluates digital upgrades, prepares for more The Egyptian government is reporting advances toward achieving its goal of digital transformation in all sectors. Egypt
Iranians floored by sky-high housing costs A proposal by some Iranian parliament members designed to help renters could leave them locked out instead. Iran
Will this mall put Beirut's fruit vendors out of business? A new mall for produce, scheduled to be opened next year, will test Beirut's attachment to traditional markets and street vendors. Lebanon
Sisi transfers control of northern Sinai port to army for security reasons Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi issued a decision to transfer control of el-Arish port in northern Sinai to the armed forces, a move critics say tightens the army’s grip on the country’s institutions. Egypt
Kuwait charts new path in changing region Kuwait is carefully positioning itself among its Gulf neighbors as a regional trading hub looking to enter the Chinese and Asian markets, while maintaining its regional relationships and alliance with the West. Legacy: Gulf
PM Shtayyeh discovers genuine love for Palestine in Iraq The state visit by a Palestinian delegation headed by Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh to Iraq appears to have produced a number of economic and political breakthroughs that will contribute to Palestinian economic independence. Palestine
Can Russia, the US find new basis for cooperation in Syria? A US-Russian quid pro quo in Syria may still be possible if the parties get down to the nitty-gritty of their respective interests in the country. Legacy: Gulf
Turkey removes Arabic shop signs as refugee problem simmers Arabic shopfronts have fallen prey to growing popular resentment over Syrian refugees in Turkey, fueled by the country’s economic downturn and cultural wars. Syria
Gaza constructors to work in Arab countries The Palestinian Contractors Union has convinced Arab markets to employ Palestinian contractors, amid the regressing construction sector in the Gaza Strip. Palestine
Egypt weighs pros and cons of IMF loan As the IMF reform program with Egypt is set to come to an end in August, future cooperation agreements between the two sides are yet to be revealed as experts weigh the pros and cons of the program. Egypt
