Economy & Finance

The Middle East’s largest economies have long sought to reduce their dangerous dependency on oil revenues, with Saudi Arabia’s high-profile Vision 2030 just the latest in a long list of such strategies. Even the region’s smaller economies have fallen into the trap of heavily subsidizing fuels and electricity, and are increasingly struggling with the financial impact.

Economics & Finance

23 Oct, 2026

Featured

Egypt’s Trade Deficit Blow Out

Egypt’s trade deficit surged to a record $64.8bn last year driven by increased gas imports. But FDI helped return a balance of payments surplus.
Egypt’s Trade Balance Widened To A Record $65bn In 2025-26, Driven By Soaring LNG Import Bill
Economics & Finance

30 Oct, 2026

Top Story

Iraq’s Record 2027 Budget Rests On Fragile Assumptions

Iraq’s draft budget for 2027 entails record spending, which the government optimistically hopes will be financed by record crude oil exports of 4mn b/d.
Iraqi Oil Exports Are Nearing Pre-Conflict Levels, With Ceyhan Volumes Accounting For A Greater Share Of The Total (mn b/d)
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NEWS IN BRIEF

Libya’s PFG Slams ‘Act Of Sabotage’ As Hamada-Zawiyya Pipeline Remains Closed

6 Nov, 2026

PGNIG Prepares To Drill Third Well In Libya

6 Nov, 2026

EGPC Extends Exploration Bid Deadline

6 Nov, 2026

Kosmos: Tortue LNG Exports On Track To Double

6 Nov, 2026

Eisenkot Secures 67 Backers To Be Israel’s Next PM

6 Nov, 2026

Oman-China Sign 1GW Battery Deal

6 Nov, 2026

Petronas To Study More Blocks Offshore Oman

6 Nov, 2026

Aramco Confirms Zuluf Increment Startup

6 Nov, 2026

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SELECTED DATA

Qatar Is On Track For Its First Annual Deficit Since 2020 ($bn)

Iraq’s Crude Oil Export Revenues Set To Drop By $11bn This Year As Falling Oil Prices Take Their Toll ($/B)

Saudi Arabia Budget Deficit Topped $30bn Last Year. Deficits Forecast To Stretch Out To At Least 2028

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