Idlib weighs cashless economy to address hardship

A research and studies department in a local investment company affiliated with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in Idlib suggested turning Idlib into a cashless society, as a solution to price increases and inflation.

Syria

Oil prices shoot to $100 per barrel as Russia attacks Ukraine

The price of Brent crude was already at a historic high before the invasion began.

By AL-MONITOR Staff

In Turkey, high inflation drives home sales

The demand on Turkey’s housing market, stoked by a rush to protect savings from soaring inflation, is likely to increase despite skyrocketing prices unless inflation shows signs of easing. 

Turkey

Israeli diamond exchange opens office in Dubai

The Israeli and Emirati diamond sectors pledged to do business together following the signing of the Abraham Accords.

By AL-MONITOR Staff

Analysis

Israel hopes to triple trade with Morocco

Israel and Morocco have signed a trade and investment cooperation agreement, with Israel aspiring to enlarge its annual trade volume with Morocco from $131 million to $500 million.

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Demand for natural gas up more than 20% in past decade

The Gas Exporting Countries Forum is convening in Qatar amid the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which could have a major effect on Europe’s energy supply.

Qatar

Erdogan not giving up on gas from Iraqi Kurdistan

Erdogan appears bent on advancing energy deals with Iraqi Kurdistan, even as a gas project remains bogged down by legal, technical and financial snags.

Turkey

Analysis

Turkish company disqualified from tender to operate Israel’s Haifa port

Israeli intelligence agencies fear that a French-Lebanese company, associated with Turkish company Yilport, which is interested in operating the Haifa port, could be affiliated with Hezbollah.

By Danny Zaken

In Ma'ale HaHamisha, reporting on Israel

Lebanese wary of rise of customs duties amid economic crisis

The cash-strapped Lebanese government has approved a draft budget law for 2022 that hikes the customs dollar and imposes new duties, as the country battles a severe economic crisis.

Lebanon

Bleak economy pushes Gazan women toward domestic work

The difficult economic conditions in Gaza have prompted women to resort to domestic work, a profession fraught with challenges as they live in a very conservative society.

Palestine

Fitch downgrades several Turkish companies

The leading rating agency previously downgraded Turkey on its debt scale due to high inflation in the country.

By AL-MONITOR Staff

UAE explores economic cooperation with Cuba

The Abu Dhabi and the Cuban chambers of commerce met at the Expo 2020 Dubai event, and a Cuban minister visited an Emirati renewable energy company.

United Arab Emirates