Canada, UAE sign trade pact as Ottawa seeks to diversify beyond US The agreement is set to broadly lift tariffs on key products as Canadian officials hope to boost bilateral trade to $7 billion within a decade. United Arab Emirates
Saudi oil infrastructure in crosshairs as Houthis claim Ras Tanura strike Ras Tanura is home to the kingdom’s largest refinery and one of the world’s most important oil export terminals. Saudi Arabia
Riyadh airport reopening faces turbulence as Houthis claim new strikes A trickle of flights landed and departed from the Saudi capital on Monday as the Houthis continued to threaten aviation in the Gulf state. Saudi Arabia
What Netanyahu win or loss could mean for Israel’s economy Economic concerns have taken a back seat to security as voters weigh Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s future — but rising deficits, cost of living and politically charged issues will be a challenge for whoever eventually prevails. Israel
Newsletter: Business & Tech Saudi economic ambitions under strain By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Gulf oil exports surpass prewar levels despite escalating tanker attacks By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Egypt plans to export gas to Lebanon by end of February While Egypt stresses that the route is open for gas exports to Lebanon, two prominent members of the US Congress have called on the Biden administration to reconsider its support for the energy deal between Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. Egypt
Saudi Arabia building support for Expo 2030 bid The kingdom wants to host the international cultural forum, which is currently being held in Dubai. News Brief
World Bank report notes improvement Palestinian digital economy The DC-based institution’s report also said that Israeli restrictions and the Palestinian legal framework are impeding further development in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Palestine
First Abu Dhabi Bank seeks to buy Egyptian financial firm EFG Hermes Merger and acquisition activity rose dramatically in Egypt in 2021. By AL-MONITOR Staff
Report: Israel central bank leader not concerned about inflation Andrew Abir discussed interest rates, Israel’s high cost of living, foreign currency purchases and more with the Israeli media outlet Globes. By AL-MONITOR Staff
Turkey’s food delivery couriers latest to strike amid economic crisis A spate of industrial action from courier drivers comes as they step into an important gap created by COVID isolation. Turkey
Bread crisis looms in Syria amid low wheat production The bread crisis in Syrian regime areas is expected to become worse in the next few months due to drought and its subsequent impact on wheat crop production. Syria