France, Saudi Arabia announce more than $10B in deals on MBS visit Among the deals included a 6 billion euro ($7 billion) pledge from the Public Investment Fund in three manga-themed amusement parks on the outskirts of Paris. Saudi Arabia
China slams Trump over economic war on Iran: What to know China’s once significant oil imports from Iran have been impacted by the war in the region and increasing US sanctions. Iran
Explainer King Abdullah visits China as region hedges against US unpredictability With no end in sight to the war in Iran and an unchecked Israeli policy across the region, the kingdom is hedging against future uncertainty and a less predictable US policy. China
Trump’s Iran ‘economic D-Day’ threat sends oil prices above $94 In a Truth Social post, the president threatened that any country that provides a financial lifeline to Iran will face "tremendous economic consequences." Iran
Analysis Jordan shores up US lifelines as Iran targets Amman’s reliance on Washington By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Why Iran’s currency repatriation rules threaten rising exports Iranian exports have enjoyed a boost due to the weaker rial in recent months, but the country’s private sector says the mandatory currency repatriation mechanism devised by the central bank threatens legitimate exports. Iran
Putin eyes visit to Baghdad amid growing Russian-Iraqi contacts Contacts between Moscow and Baghdad have increased lately and President Putin may visit Iraq early next year. Iraq
Egypt grapples with economic decisions amid high inflation rates The Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Egypt decided to hold key interest rates for the fifth consecutive quarter, which raised questions about the government's ability to lower the high inflation rate. Egypt
Syria has high hopes for ties with Crimea — maybe too high? Damascus expects to take part in Crimea’s Yalta International Economic Forum next year, aiming to boost trade and economic relations. Syria
Iranian pension funds on brink absent major reforms Iran’s main pension funds appear to be in dire need of prompt reform in order to survive without government bailouts. Iran
Iraq’s governorates reject 2019 draft budget Iraq's 2019 draft budget is the target of major criticism by the Iraqi governorates and Kurdistan Region for not fulfilling their needs and demands. Iraq
Morocco eyes privatization to fill its budget deficit The 2019 finance bill shows a return of the privatization process in Morocco as a step in the direction of opening up the economy, but economists believe this is the ultimate proof of a failing fiscal policy. Morocco
Sanctions push Rouhani to boost state involvement in Iran’s economy The impact of the re-imposed US sanctions has forced the Rouhani administration to shift its market-oriented approach to the economy to focus on active involvement by the state. Iran
Turkey’s first 'communist' grocery chain goes global Led by Turkey’s first and only communist mayor, the small town of Ovacik boasts a flourishing farming cooperative whose organic products have taken customers across the country by storm. Turkey
Can new PM make Iraq's grand plans a reality? Iraq's new prime minister is making the economy a priority, but some question whether he will be able to tackle longstanding roadblocks that threaten his plan's success. Iraq
Humor helps Egyptians let off steam during potato crisis Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's comments about youth obesity and a potato shortage at a recent youth conference have unleashed a wave of sarcasm on social media, giving disaffected Egyptians an opportunity to vent their frustration with the rising cost of living. Egypt
Turkey's Finance Ministry, Moody's have opposite views on economy's direction Moody's sees the Turkish economy as likely in recession, while Erdogan's son-in-law says positive results are on their way. Turkey
