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
Egypt to have eight months of wheat reserves, says minister The Russian invasion of Ukraine is threatening wheat supplies across the Middle East. By AL-MONITOR Staff
Saudi, Emirati oil prices reach record highs The Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to historically high oil prices. By AL-MONITOR Staff
How Ukraine crisis undermines Turkey's economic program Ankara’s economic program has hit a deadlock under the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, marked by a stream of fuel hikes, canceled tourism bookings and textile orders, and shortage fears in the food sector. Turkey
Turks rush to buy sunflower oil as Ukraine war menaces food prices Despite official assurances over supplies of basic items, a holdup of imports from Russia and Ukraine has already sparked panic buying of sunflower oil. Turkey
UAE partners with US investing firm BlackRock The New York-based BlackRock signed a memorandum of understanding with UAE's global investment platform Investopia. United Arab Emirates
Turkey balks at coal phaseout amid growing energy woes Turkey’s pledge to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2053 has come into question after a major climate meeting ended without a coal phaseout plan. Turkey
Children's education at risk in Lebanon due to economic crisis More than 700,000 kids are at risk of never returning to a classroom due to rising poverty, while thousands have dropped out of school to engage in child labor or get married. Lebanon
Oil prices, Saudi Aramco shares soar as Ukraine fighting continues Saudi Arabia, Russia and other major oil producers have so far declined to increase production despite pleas from the United States. Saudi Arabia
Turkey’s inflation hits 54.4% as Ukraine crisis threatens fresh blows Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is producing fresh headwinds for Turkey’s economy, including further inflationary pressure and looming blows to the country’s tourism sector, a vital source of hard currency revenues. Turkey
Analysis Israel, Egypt tighten energy ties The natural gas pipeline agreement signed in Cairo mid-February has geostrategic importance that extends far beyond financial benefits to Israel. By Danny Zaken In Ma'ale HaHamisha, reporting on Israel
Analysis Israel’s trade with Ukraine, Russia to be affected by conflict Israel fears that the ongoing conflict could negatively affect trade with both Russia and Ukraine, in high tech, but perhaps also on wheat, coal and diamonds. By Danny Zaken In Ma'ale HaHamisha, reporting on Israel
Gaza weary of Ukrainian crisis as wheat supplies dwindle Traders in Gaza criticized the recent government decision forcing them not to raise prices of goods despite a looming crisis of shortages, as the besieged enclave mainly imports its needs from Ukraine, where Russia has launched a war. Palestine