SectionEconomy
Economy
Markets, currencies, trade and investment across the Middle East.
Sunday, 1 November 2026
- AnalysisEgypt's Gold Surges Despite Global Drop: What the Pound's Fall Means for You
Egyptian gold prices climbed in October, driven by a significant weakening of the pound against the dollar, even as international gold markets dipped. This shift highlights how local currency dynamics are reshaping investor strategies.
- AnalysisWhy Saudi Aramco's $2.6 Billion AI Bet Matters for Your Portfolio
The state oil giant is taking a 49% stake in the PIF-backed firm to build massive data centres and diversify beyond crude.
Saturday, 31 October 2026
- AnalysisIraq's 90% Oil Reliance: What It Means for Your Business
Despite efforts to diversify, the nation's finances remain overwhelmingly tied to global energy markets, impacting public spending and investment.
Sunday, 25 October 2026
- AnalysisOman Targets RO 1.5 Billion Digital Economy Boost: What It Means for Your Business
Oman's digital economy programme targets a RO 1.5 billion GDP contribution and 3,000 annual jobs by 2030. This ambitious plan signals a major acceleration in the Sultanate's Vision 2040 economic diversification efforts.
Saturday, 24 October 2026
- AnalysisMorocco's 2027 Finance Bill: What 400 Billion MAD Investment Means for You
Morocco's latest Finance Bill commits MAD 400 billion to public investment and creates 34,454 new jobs. It balances significant spending with tax reforms to benefit households and businesses.
- AnalysisWhy Oman's £1 Billion AI Deal Could Transform Your Business
This major UK investment in Salalah boosts the Sultanate's digital economy goals, aiming to make it a regional data hub for the future.
Tuesday, 20 October 2026
- NewsMorocco Targets 60,000 New Hotel Beds for 2030 World Cup: What It Means for Tourism
The significant increase in accommodation is part of a wider national strategy to transform the global sporting event into long-term economic gains for the North African nation.
Monday, 19 October 2026
- AnalysisEgypt Forum 2026: What a new economic vision means for debt and investment
Egypt's six-day forum gathered 8,000 participants to chart a national economic course beyond the IMF programme, focusing on private sector growth and fiscal health.
Friday, 16 October 2026
- AnalysisEgypt Maintains Fuel Prices: What It Means for Savers and Businesses
The decision offers a temporary shield against rising costs for Egyptian households and businesses, but the government's commitment to ending fuel subsidies by 2025 looms large.
- NewsEgypt Seeks More Financing and Private Investment at IMF-World Bank Meetings
Egyptian officials are in Bangkok advocating for expanded financial tools and greater private sector involvement to bolster the nation's economic recovery amid regional challenges.
Thursday, 15 October 2026
- AnalysisHouthi Attack on Aramco Headquarters: What it Means for Saudi Vision 2030
A recent missile strike on Saudi Aramco's Dhahran headquarters has rattled investor confidence, threatening the Kingdom's ambitious Vision 2030 economic transformation goals. This escalation prompts questions about the security of vital energy infrastructure.
Wednesday, 14 October 2026
- NewsEgypt's Pound Hits Five-Month Low: What It Means for Your Money
Egypt's currency is under renewed pressure, driven by substantial financing requirements and broader geopolitical instability in the region. This shift affects import costs and investment outlook.
- AnalysisSyria's First International Letter of Credit in 14 Years: What It Means for Its Economy
After more than a decade of isolation, Syria is taking crucial steps to rejoin the global financial system, signalling a path to strategic trade and investment.
Tuesday, 13 October 2026
- AnalysisMENA Economy to Contract 2.0% in 2026: What It Means for Your Money
The IMF has sharply downgraded its regional growth outlook for next year, citing ongoing conflicts and trade disruptions. However, a significant rebound is anticipated for 2027.
Sunday, 11 October 2026
- AnalysisBanque du Caire's 30% IPO: What it means for Egypt's economy
Banque du Caire is finally going public on the Egyptian Exchange after years of delays, offering a significant stake to investors. This move is a crucial step in Egypt's wider economic reform agenda.
Saturday, 10 October 2026
- AnalysisIraq's $24 Billion 'Development Road': What an Oil-for-Infrastructure Swap Means
Iraq and Turkey are discussing a groundbreaking financing model for the vast "Development Road" project, potentially using oil revenues to build critical infrastructure. This strategic move could reshape regional trade and energy flows.
Friday, 9 October 2026
- AnalysisUAE Non-Oil Economy Hits 79.2% of GDP: What It Means for Diversification
The UAE's economy reached $262 billion in the first half of 2026, with non-oil sectors driving nearly 80% of activity, despite a slowdown in the second quarter. This performance underlines the nation's push away from oil reliance.
- AnalysisSaudi Arabia and UAE Boost Connectivity: What New Rail and Power Links Mean for Business
Riyadh and Abu Dhabi signed a landmark agreement to deepen cooperation on electricity grids and cross-border rail, aiming to cut logistics costs and improve energy resilience across the region.
- AnalysisEgypt's 'B' Credit Rating Affirmed: What Strong Reserves Mean for Its Economy
The decision reflects improved resilience against external pressures and robust economic growth, despite regional geopolitical tensions.
Thursday, 8 October 2026
- AnalysisSaudi Aramco's $200M Lithium Deal: What It Means for the Kingdom's EV Ambitions
Saudi Aramco and NESR are investing $200 million in the region's first direct lithium extraction project, aiming to produce battery-grade material by 2027. This move is a crucial step in the Kingdom's drive to become a key player in the global electric vehicle supply chain.
Wednesday, 7 October 2026
- AnalysisEgypt's Korean Investment Push: What a New Industrial Zone Means for Growth
President Sisi met with South Korean business leaders to promote a new industrial hub, aiming to significantly boost foreign investment and make Egypt a regional export powerhouse.
- AnalysisUAE's FDI hits record $45.6bn: What it means for its new economy drive
The UAE has seen its foreign direct investment surge to an unprecedented level, marking nine consecutive years of growth and underscoring its shift towards advanced technology and a knowledge-based economy.
Tuesday, 6 October 2026
- NewsSaudi Tadawul Index Gains 1%: What It Means for Your Portfolio
The Saudi stock market saw a strong rebound, with the Tadawul All Share Index (TASI) gaining over one percent, driven by major bank and energy stocks and steady oil flows.
Monday, 5 October 2026
- NewsIraq's $48.8 Billion Budget Deficit and Dinar Devaluation Plan: What It Means for You
As parliament prepares to debate the 2027 budget, you'll want to understand how a proposed new exchange rate and a significant deficit could affect your purchasing power and business operations.
Sunday, 4 October 2026
- AnalysisWhy Saudi Arabia is shelving the $2.5bn NEOM Stadium
The Kingdom is pausing flagship projects and entertainment events as the Public Investment Fund shifts toward strict spending limits.
- AnalysisWhy the Saudi Exchange just changed how you trade shares
A technical upgrade to the Tadawul allows orders to fill across multiple price levels. It comes as the market looks to recover from a difficult third quarter.
Saturday, 3 October 2026
- NewsUAE Threatens Billions in UK Investment Withdrawal Over Football Ruling
The United Arab Emirates has warned Britain it may pull significant investments after a Premier League ruling against Manchester City, signalling a rare diplomatic and economic escalation stemming from sports.
Friday, 2 October 2026
- AnalysisMorocco's Trade Deficit Widens to $29 Billion: What It Means for Your Money
Soaring global energy prices have pushed Morocco's trade gap wider, putting pressure on household budgets and government finances.
- AnalysisLebanon's Pound Plunges 98%: What IMF Demands Mean for Your Money
As the Lebanese pound loses more than 98% of its value, the country's economic recovery hinges on crucial IMF-backed reforms. However, a presidential challenge to a new banking law highlights ongoing political hurdles.
Thursday, 1 October 2026
- AnalysisWhy Saudi Arabia expects a 3.6% GDP drop and what it means for you
The Kingdom projects a significant economic contraction in 2026 due to falling oil activity, yet remains committed to its multi-billion dollar Vision 2030 projects.