Analysis

Turkey to end costly $60B currency-protection scheme — for now

Ankara could soon close the book on a monetary intervention launched to defend the lira in 2021, the latest pivot back to more conventional economic policies following the country's 2023 presidential election.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

From Kuwait to Turkey, why are countries cracking down on Roblox?

The fast-growing gaming platform has been banned in countries including China, Iran, Oman, Qatar, and Turkey.

Kuwait

Qatari royal expands Africa push with $12B in Botswana after $39B in DRC, Zambia

A Qatari delegation began a tour of 10 African countries on Aug. 13 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, to explore investment opportunities.

Qatar

Sudan restricts gold trade as currency falls: What to know

The UAE, historically the largest importer of Sudanese gold, could be affected by the move, and Khartoum is seeking to reduce exports of the commodity to the Gulf state over a dispute related to the civil war.

Sudan

Turkey's electricity use reaches all-time high in hottest July on record

A report found that Turkish electricity needs are skyrocketing as the climate warms.

Turkey

Saudi Arabia licenses charter operator VistaJet as first foreign airline for domestic flights

The Dubai-based private airline group looks to capitalize on the kingdom's growing super-rich luxury travel market.

Saudi Arabia

12 international, local firms bid to operate Iraq's Mosul airport destroyed by ISIS

Iraq seeks to develop its air sector now that security conditions have improved in the country, hoping to play a bigger role in regional transit corridors.

Iraq

UAE breaks ground on 50 MW solar plant in CAR, expanding Africa footprint

Abu Dhabi’s financial footprint has expanded across Africa, making the UAE the continent’s fourth-largest source of foreign capital.

United Arab Emirates

Egypt, Japan sign 12 investment deals as Cairo floats industrial zone plan

Egypt has been wooing foreign investment as it recovers from its worst financial downturn in over six decades.

Egypt

Serbia, Slovenia still buying Israeli arms despite embargo: What to know

The Elbit Systems deal with Serbia is one of the largest in the company’s history, second only to a $1.7 billion agreement to modernize the Hellenic Air Force’s training program in Greece.

Israel

Egypt to open four new free trade zones by end 2026: What to know

The zones will be in 10th of Ramadan City, New October City, New Borg El Arab City, and New El Alamein City.

Egypt

Syria, Saudi Arabia sign mutual investments deal: What to know

The deal came during a Saudi-Syrian meeting in Riyadh that was held in continuation of the Syrian-Saudi Investment Forum held in Damascus last month that saw the signing of 47 deals worth $6.4 billion.

Syria