Pistachios reach highest prices in eight years amid Iran war Pistachio prices rose to around $4.57 a pound in March, their highest since 2018, according to data company Expana. Iran
UAE’s cash request tests US ties as Iran war strains Gulf financial muscle Amid growing economic fallout from the regional war, Abu Dhabi’s bombshell request for a war-time financial lifeline from the United States is less about cash and more about clout — for now. United Arab Emirates
IEA delivers grim gas supply forecast as oil notches 15% weekly rise A wave of new LNG supplies will be delayed for at least two years due to war-related damage to Qatari energy infrastructure, according the International Energy Agency's latest market update. Qatar
Why did the Met Opera lose its Saudi funding deal? The deal, announced as a nonbinding memorandum of understanding last September, would have seen the PIF inject up to $200 million into the opera institution over the next eight years. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Gulf energy deals face Iran war stress test as global expansion meets oil shock By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Turkey raises year-end inflation forecast to 65%, amid economic headwinds The projection has been raised from 58% in July due to weakening global economic activity and oil volatility. Turkey
Israel's economic rebound hinges on a limited conflict A long war with Hamas followed by a re-occupation of Gaza would send Israel into recession and have long-term effects on foreign investment, the government’s fiscal position, and consumer and business confidence. David Rosenberg In Tel Aviv, reporting on business and tech
COP28 host UAE, EU and US call for agreement to triple renewables by 2030 Barbados, Chile, Kenya, Micronesia, the International Energy Agency and the International Renewable Energy Agency also support the move. United Arab Emirates
Saudi Aramco, QatarEnergy, UAE’s Emirates among Fortune Arabia top 10 The list of 500 companies from 22 Arab countries posted around $1.6 trillion in revenues in 2022, yielding a net profit of $343 billion. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia's oil cuts weigh heavy on economy, GDP tanks by 4.5% The kingdom's economy shrunk by the most since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 due to energy measures. Saudi Arabia
Tourism tipping point: Middle East travel boom delivering economic boost as Israel-Hamas war threatens recovery The outbreak of fighting between Israel and Hamas in October 2023 has undercut a fledgling tourism rebound in the Holy Land after years of struggle.
Saudi Arabia set to host 2034 World Cup after Australia withdraws The kingdom is heavily investing in soccer, golf, MMA and other sports across the world. Legacy: Gulf
Gaza war could double oil prices, threaten global food security Washington-based multilateral lender World Bank compared the situation to the 1973 Arab oil embargo in its latest Commodities Market Outlook. Israel
Israel hands out gas concessions to BP, ENI as Gaza war drags on Israel is determined to project a "business as usual" stance despite the conflict with Hamas claiming the lives of thousands of Israelis and Palestinians. Israel
Saudi Arabia explores women’s buying power with 30% entering work force To expand its own economy, Saudi Arabia is joining a global structural shift toward multiple-wage households as women move into more and more careers that used to be off-limits. Saudi Arabia
Turkey ends unpopular bond scheme in latest fiscal policy change Turkey’s fiscal policy has reversed since President Erdogan won reelection in May, most notably with regards to interest rates. Turkey
Turkey’s Central Bank hikes interest rates to 35% The bank cited geopolitical risks for the move along with a larger than expected increase in inflation in the third quarter. Turkey