Finance Jordan gets $2bn to support national projects Jordan has secured more than $2 billion in grants and concessional loans to build a series of development projects, according to local media. The agreements were signed last month with the World Bank, Germany’s KfW Development Bank, the Netherlands embassy and the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD), Jordan Times newspaper reported, quoting […] May 19, 2025
Opinion Development State first, market later for Algeria’s economic vision A firm social contract shapes the path of national development May 12, 2025
Development Jordan wins exemption from Trump’s freeze on US aid Millions of dollars in US grants for Jordan’s largest water desalination project dried up when President Donald Trump announced sweeping cuts to foreign aid in January. Within two months, support was flowing again – a result of diplomacy that has arguably put the Middle Eastern state on a more solid financial footing than before January, […] April 30, 2025
Development Turkey hopes for funding surge from global institutions Turkey is hoping to attract more than $40 billion in project funding from global financial institutions over the next three years to increase environmental investment, boost infrastructure and reduce risk from natural disasters. Treasury and finance minister Mehmet Şimşek said on April 26 he anticipated Turkey would receive $41 billion in low-cost, long-term finance from […] April 29, 2025
Opinion Entrepreneurs Mena startups lose critical ally as USAID exits The aid body has been instrumental in funding across the region April 2, 2025
Development Donors pledge $6bn in aid to Syria Donors at a European Union-led conference in Brussels on Monday pledged €5.8 billion ($6.3 billion) to help Syria’s new authorities as they struggle with humanitarian and security problems after the fall of Bashar al-Assad. The pledges at the Brussels gathering were less than last year’s €7.5 billion in grants and loans, as EU officials pointed to […] March 18, 2025
Infrastructure Kuwait approves plan to tackle project delays Kuwait has approved a four-year plan to tackle persistent delays in development projects caused mainly by bureaucratic red tape and slow endorsement. The cabinet of ministers has informed all government departments of the plan, with focus primarily on project performance and completion on time, the Arabic language daily Alqabas reported. All departments must include key […] February 11, 2025
Development Opec Fund and Dubai bank partner on Paraguay loan The Commercial Bank of Dubai has partnered with the Opec Fund for International Development to provide a $50 million syndicated loan to Banco Continental to support lending to small and medium-sized enterprises in Paraguay. The Opec Fund will contribute $25 million from its own resources and Commercial Bank of Dubai will provide a $25 million […] February 7, 2025
Economy Egypt secures $1.6bn loan from Islamic Development Bank Egypt has secured $1.6 billion loan from Jeddah-based Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group to support its critical sectors and encourage private sector participation in economic growth. The government has signed a $1.5 billion deal with Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), which is part of a five-year framework valued at $6 billion to enhance Egypt’s development […] February 5, 2025
Analysis Infrastructure Oman’s infrastructure push is vital for economic turnaround Oman has made strides in enhancing its infrastructure over the past few years, but more is needed. Authorities seem keenly aware of this as they juggle costs and the health of public finances alongside broader efforts to grow the non-oil economy. Historically, the sultanate has been less open than its UAE neighbours to glitzy development […] February 4, 2025
Opinion Development Lebanon’s journey to renewal starts now Hope and optimism follow the arrival of a new prime minister and president January 20, 2025
Economy Slow restart predicted for GCC aid to Lebanon A resumption of badly needed GCC financial aid to Lebanon may take time, even though most Gulf countries have given their blessing to the new Lebanese president Joseph Aoun, according to observers. The six nations of the Gulf Cooperation Council were previously among the biggest aid donors and investors in Lebanon, before they cut assistance as […] January 14, 2025
Development US to ease Syria aid restrictions but sanctions remain The United States is to announce imminently an easing of restrictions on humanitarian aid and other basic services such as electricity to Syria. The strict US sanctions regime placed on Syria will remain, according to people briefed on the matter. The Wall Street Journal reported that the Biden administration approved the easing of restrictions over […] January 6, 2025
Development Qatar reveals commitment to help rebuild Syria Qatar says it will play a central role in the reconstruction of Syria,and has plans to invest in sectors including energy and port infrastructure. Qatar’s state minister for foreign affairs, Mohamed Al-Khulaifi, made the commitment this week in what was the Gulf country’s first official visit to Syria in more than 13 years. In a […] December 24, 2024
Development Syria upheaval could be a sign of progress for the region The removal of the Assad regime in Syria is a “step in the right direction for the region”, according to a leading economist from Standard Chartered. Eric Robertsen, managing director of global head of research and chief strategist at Standard Chartered, was discussing the fallout of a series of geopolitical crises during a media round […] December 13, 2024
Analysis Sustainability Red Sea coral to get extra protection from tourists Saudi Arabia has vowed to implement a series of measures to protect its Red Sea coral reef over the next five years as it pushes ahead with major tourism projects in the area. But experts have warned that Saudi coral remains at risk, even with major spending policies. According to the National Red Sea Sustainability […] December 12, 2024
Opinion Construction Oman’s heritage is at stake as it seeks investors for ‘lavish’ city The growth of Muscat must be handled with sensitivity December 10, 2024
Construction Turkish builders sense opportunity in Syria Turkey’s construction sector is hoping to build on the rubble of the collapsed Assad regime in Syria. There are high expectations that Turkish companies will be in the running to win valuable contracts to replace damaged housing and infrastructure. There were sharp rises in building shares on the Istanbul Stock Exchange on December 9, the […] December 10, 2024
Development Abu Dhabi fund backs social housing project in Africa The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) will provide financing of AED183.5 million ($50 million) for a social housing programme in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The first phase of the scheme includes 25,000 housing units and expands ADFD’s geographic reach across the African continent. The investment in critical infrastructure projects will promote sustainable economic and social […] December 10, 2024
Opinion Cop28 Saudi Arabia goes on the offensive on climate change Over the next 10 days in Riyadh, the kingdom will have the chance to demonstrate its commitment December 3, 2024
Opinion Infrastructure Libya prepares final phase for giant man-made river It is hoped that all Libyan villages and cities will gain access to fresh Saharan water December 2, 2024
Infrastructure $54bn private investment sought for Abu Dhabi infrastructure Abu Dhabi is overseeing more than 600 infrastructure projects valued at more than AED200 billion ($54 billion), representing an opportunity for the private sector to collaborate on a pipeline of projects that are integral to the emirate’s Economic Vision 2030 plan, a senior official said. The projects, being led by the Abu Dhabi Projects and […] December 2, 2024
