Analysis MENA wheat importers face food security risks as Hormuz crisis festers Home to many of the world's largest wheat importers, the Middle East and North Africa face acute food security risks as the US-Israel-Iran war disrupts global fertilizer flows and pushes up prices. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Oman enters Gulf AI race with new special economic zone in Muscat Oman will create an AI-focused special economic zone in Muscat governorate. Oman
Oil surges past $120 to war-time high as Trump rejects Iran overture Benchmark Brent crude surpassed $120 per barrel on Wednesday, reaching the highest levels yet seen during the US-Israel-Iran war. Iran
Iranian rial hits new record low as blockade, war take toll: What to know The rial had another collapse in late 2025, triggering massive protests and riots in the country that were ended by a forceful government crackdown. Iran
Analysis UAE’s OPEC exit rattles cartel as Gulf alliances shift By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Turkish Central Bank revises inflation outlook The bank significantly raised its inflation projections, citing the effects of the war in Ukraine, but inflation was high before the war. Turkey
IMF: Oil producers better prepared for Ukraine-related economic downturn The International Monetary Fund’s report also highlighted currency depreciation in Egypt, economic effects of the war in Yemen and Jordan’s fledgling tourism sector. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Iraq grapples with rising food costs as a result of Ukraine war Ripple effects from the Russian invasion of Ukraine are driving the Iraqi government to allot additional funds to ensure the food supply is stable. Iraq
Italy's ENI to tap North African gas for Europe Europe’s race to reduce its energy dependence on Russia has put the spotlight on Algeria, Egypt and Libya, but their capacity to boost exports in the short term is limited and any significant increase would require large investments and stability. North Africa
Saudi Arabia, France pledge aid to Lebanon for food, health sectors Some countries have been reluctant to provide aid to crisis-stricken Lebanon without the government's implementation of economic reforms. Lebanon
Egypt wants shipping agencies to deal in pounds amid dollar flight After Egypt’s currency devaluation in March, the Egyptian government hopes to ease the strain on its banking system by mandating that international shipping agencies accept Egyptian pounds instead of US dollars as payment. Egypt
Explainer: UAE business delegation visits Kashmir, meets Indian PM The UAE and India have a strong economic relationship. The Kashmir visit could affect UAE-Pakistan ties. United Arab Emirates
Will sanctioned Russian oligarchs find haven in Egypt? Its current economic hardships may prompt Cairo to double down on investments with Russia. Egypt
US becomes Turkey's second biggest gas supplier, but for how long? Turkey's second biggest gas supplier over the past winter was the United States, but Ankara may have to turn back to its neighbors to ensure it has sufficient supplies. Turkey
Ankara’s interest liabilities balloon to dizzying heights The ratio of the Turkish government’s interest liabilities to its principal domestic debt has hit a staggering 117%, up from 60% last year. Turkey
Brent crude falls nearly 10%, OPEC basket drops slightly Saudi Arabia has acted to keep prices high recently against the wishes of the US. Saudi Arabia
War in Ukraine tests Algeria’s wheat reserves amid inflation, drought Wheat supplies should be sufficient for the rest of 2022. But the country will eventually be compelled to secure additional quantities at higher prices Algeria