Middle East

The region saw record new investment last year as social distancing drove more of the population to adopt digital solutions. Now, global investors are getting interested. 

The Trump administration worked to persuade the kingdom to end the standoff, leading to an agreement mediated by Kuwait. 

Sheikh Meshaal Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah, director general of the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority, speaks with Global Finance about the emirate’s post-pandemic development plans.

A robust financial sector is helping Kuwait weather the Covid storm. But the emirate’s economic future will depend on some difficult reforms.

Sulaiman Al-Marzouq, deputy CEO for Kuwait at National Bank of Kuwait, speaks with Global Finance about the pandemic’s impact and how the bank plans to navigate the recovery.

Abdulwahab Al-Roshood, acting group CEO of Kuwait Finance House, speaks to Global Finance about Covid-19 and the importance of SMEs.

The normalization of relations between the UAE and Israel paved the way for billions of dollars of bilateral business opportunities.

The country joins a growing list of Arab states that recognize the Jewish state.

Despite a year of increasing pressure and concerns, the Saudi financial sector remains resilient.

Islamic finance took a hit in 2020 but is preparing for the next surge of growth through innovation, standardization, and M&A activity.

With Moscow playing an increasingly important role in Middle Eastern affairs, the Russian state-owned bank hopes to boost business and trade relations. 

Qatar is facing strong headwinds, but the tiny emirate can rely on gas reserves to cushion the shock.

Abdulla bin Saoud Al-Thani, governor of Qatar Central Bank, looks back at the past year—and ahead to the next—with Global Finance.

The fourth installment of a Global Finance FAQ web series on Islamic finance.

Arabtec may struggle to meet the end of November deadline set by shareholders to formally submit liquidation plans to a court. 

The third installment of a Global Finance FAQ web series on Islamic finance.

The second installment of a Global Finance FAQ web series on Islamic finance.

While the global economy slows, Egyptian banks aim to expand their foothold in Africa and boost intraregional trade.

While the Covid-19 pandemic has postponed a spate of deals, regional institutions want a piece of the Egyptian banking sector.

The first installment of a Global Finance FAQ web series on Islamic finance.