Economy and trade

Culture

'Shark Tank Lebanon' debuts, offering entrepreneurs hope amid economic turmoil

A Lebanese version of the popular US reality TV show "Shark Tank" hit the airwaves in Lebanon, where unemployment rates have reached record highs in the past years due to a protracted economic and financial crisis and the Israel-Hezbollah war.

Lebanon

Iran to host Pakistani interior minister as border security, trade talks advance

Iran is finessing its relations with Pakistan, seeking to bolster border security and increase trade in response to sanctions.

Iran

Analysis

EU-Egypt summit unlocks over $4B for Cairo as investments beckon

The landmark summit came 19 months after the EU and Egypt signed a 7.4 billion euro ($8.6 billion) strategic and comprehensive partnership aimed at stabilizing the North African nation’s economy and curbing irregular migration to Europe.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

US, UAE strike $1.8B critical mineral venture amid China tensions and Gulf rivalry 

United Arab Emirates

Grappling with Western sanctions, Iran, Belarus strengthen military ties

Defense-related cooperation between Iran and Belarus has accelerated considerably in recent years, particularly after Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s trip to Tehran in 2023.

Iran

Egypt discovers 18 oil, gas wells as Cairo looks to up energy output

The discoveries support the government's ambition to increase Egypt's domestic energy supply.

Egypt

Turkey, Qatar sign defense deal as Ankara eyes Doha’s Eurofighters

The Turkish president’s visit to Qatar during his Gulf tour largely centered on defense ties and Qatar’s little-used Eurofighters, as Ankara moves to quickly rebuild its air power.

Turkey

China deepens textile investments in Egypt's Suez Canal Zone

The agreements will establish new textiles factories covering 238,000 square meters, which are expected to create more than 3,000 direct job opportunities.

Egypt

Syria finance chief meets US, World Bank officials as Trump admin pushes more sanction relief

Less than two weeks ago, the US Senate approved a measure to repeal the 2019 Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act sanctions on Syria as part of its 2026 defense budget.

Syria

Analysis

Turkey's Gulf energy drive gains momentum with $1B Masdar deal

As part of a goal to quadruple wind and solar capacity by 2035, Turkey is hoping to seal major deals with Masdar and ACWA Power to overcome recent dealmaking headwinds.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Singapore's DBS Group, Banque Saudi Fransi ink Asia-Gulf trade deal

Trade between Southeast Asia and the GCC reached about $130.7 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow by another $50 billion by 2027, according to the Singaporean lender.

Saudi Arabia

FIFA, Arab League, World Bank: Who's pledging what toward Gaza’s $70B reconstruction?

More than 90% of Gaza’s residential buildings have been damaged, and nearly 70% of all structures have either been severely damaged or leveled over the course of the war.

Palestine