Middle East

The larger lending institutions benefit Gulf governments by attracting foreign investors to finance their megaprojects.

Freddie Baz, general manager and board vice chair of Bank Audi, talks about his bank’s robust performance despite difficult conditions, and government efforts to restore trust.

As some countries struggle with the burden of cheap oil, others pursue fresh growth opportunities.  

As the region’s oil-and-gas dominance faces new challenges, the monarchies are betting that foreign capital will help carry their economies into a more stable, diversified future.  

With more people holding a smartphone than a bank account, the MENA region offers giant opportunities for telcos offering payments and money-transfers. 

Bahrain is nurturing its fintech sector with agile and progressive regulation, seeking to build a strong regional hub for innovation.

Aramco IPO may be delayed but it is offering up bonds and received its first-ever ratings from Fitch and Moody's.

Nations compete for foreign direct investment.

Diversification is the biggest challenge ahead but Kuwait can count on a strong financial sector, according to participants in a recent Global Finance roundtable in Kuwait City.

Saudi Arabia has had mixed results in attracting foreign capital.

Will a boost in oil production help Saudi Arabia stick to its plans for economic diversification and fiscal reform?

Investors made 2018 a record year for startups in the MENA region, highlighting its rapid embrace of fintech. But regulation and infrastructure still have to catch up.

Saudi Arabia is determined to replace foreign workers with natives.

Fintech meets Islamic finance.

Blockchain is making headway in the world of Islamic finance.

OPEC is trying to bolster oil prices but Gulf economies will take a hit from a production cut.

The world’s biggest LNG producer is finding ways to bypass a Saudi-led blockade—and even to turn the economic challenge in its favor.

How far will MENA banks go in embracing digital innovation? Global Finance’s Dubai conference explored various approaches to rapid change in the banking sector.

Kashoggi scandal threatens Kingdom's vital FDI inflows.

Falling oil prices are squeezing GCC economies.