Global trade’s lifelines: 6 shipping lanes that keep the world economy moving
Global shipping lanes are the lifelines of international commerce. They carry vast amounts of goods, energy, and raw materials. Disruptions in one can cascade worldwide, affecting energy security, inflation, and supply chains. Also In This Package Cheap insurance to crush Iran's oil chokehold: Trum»»»
PM: Evacuation of Bulgarians from Middle East Began on Day One, Proceeds in Well Coordinated Manner
The evacuation of Bulgarian citizens from the Middle East region began on the very first day and has been proceeding in a well organized and coordinated manner, caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov said during Question Time in Parliament. He was took a question from MRF - New Beginning regarding t»»»
Instagram Filters project to launch soon at Egyptian Museum & National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy convened with representatives from META, the global technology giant, to discuss the progress of the Instagram Filters project. This innovative initiative aims to enhance the visitor experience at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir and the National Museum»»»
First-half results for FY 2025/26 show strong financial performance –Ministry
The Egyptian pound dropped again against the dollar on the black market on 21 July 2016, extending its recent decline despite central bank efforts to close the gap between demand and supply in the dollar-starved economy. Egypt, which relies heavily on imports, is facing a shortage in foreign curren»»»
Red Sea rivalries risk escalating as Iran conflict threatens fragile Horn of Africa stability
Iran’s war with Israel and the United States risks spilling over into Africa, security analysts warn, with the Yemeni Houthi movement and other actors aligned with Tehran potentially targeting Emirati, Israeli or US interests in the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea corridor, and beyond. »»»
Al-Arjani Group Forms Strategic Partnership to Drive $5 Billion in Projects
The Al-Arjani Group has announced the formation of a new strategic alliance. This collaboration includes its own Sons of Sinai Trading and Contracting Company and the esteemed Chinese construction firm, CSCEC. The alliance is set to undertake ambitious projects both within Egypt and in internationa»»»
Expats express optimism for swift resolution of regional crisis
Doha, Qatar: Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following recent military exchanges involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, expats in Qatar remain remarkably positive about the prospects for a quick diplomatic resolution to the unfolding regional crisis. The crisis intensified over »»»
Canada Working to Repatriate More than 2,000 Citizens from Middle East
The Canadian government is working to repatriate citizens who are stranded in the Middle East by organizing seats on commercial flights, contracting charter flights and offering ground transportation options to neighboring countries, Canada's foreign affairs minister said on Wednesday. More than 2,»»»
Could Egypt’s ‘SUMED’ Pipeline Temporarily Replace the Strait of Hormuz?
Amid the ongoing Iran war and Tehran’s announcement of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global energy supplies, Egypt has begun highlighting the SUMED pipeline linking the Red Sea and the Mediterranean as a potential temporary alternative for oil transport. The move has raised »»»
Russian shadow ship becomes first LNG carrier ever lost at sea, with Moscow blaming Ukrainian drone strike
A Russian-flagged LNG carrier suffered explosions and sank in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Libya on March 4, becoming the first vessel of its type to be lost at sea following a major onboard fire. Moscow claims the ship was attacked by Ukrainian naval drones. »»»
National exports to GAFTA countries grew by 10.2% in 2025 — DoS
AMMAN — Jordan recorded on Wednesday a trade surplus with 11 member states of the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA) in 2025, as the Kingdom continues efforts to strengthen its footprint in Arab markets.The positive performance aligns with the objectives of the Economic Modernisation Vision (EMV)»»»
First French repatriation flight lands in Paris from the Middle East
The French foreign minister said several repatriation flights for French nationals, around 400,000 of whom are in the region, were planned for March 4th. It has deployed consular teams at Israel's borders with Egypt and Jordan to facilitate land exits so people can fly onward, and has put in place»»»
Corendon Airlines Highlights European Growth Strategy at ITB Berlin
Corendon Airlines, one of Europe’s leading leisure airlines, met with industry representatives at ITB Berlin (March 3–5, 2026) to present its growth strategy for the year ahead. At ITB Berlin, Corendon Airlines emphasized its strategy of sustainable growth in key European markets, particularly Germ»»»
Russia blames Ukrainian naval drones as tanker sinks in Mediterranean
A Russian LNG gas tanker has sunk in the Mediterranean between Libya and Malta after it was hit by explosions and a fire, Libyan port officials have said. Russia has accused Ukraine of targeting the Arctic Metagaz with "uncrewed sea drones" launched from the Libyan coast. Ukraine's SBU state securi»»»
Egypt explores integration of university hospitals into Universal Health Insurance system
Egypt’s Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar and Higher Education Minister Abdelaziz Konsowa held talks on integrating university hospitals into the country’s Universal Health Insurance system, according to a statement from the health ministry. The ministry said the step is aimed at strengthening i»»»
Industry Minister reviews $480m expansion plans with Elaraby Group in New Quesna
Egypt’s Minister of Industry, Khaled Hashem, held an extensive meeting with representatives of Elaraby Group, led by CEO Mohamed El-Araby, to review the company’s current operations, future expansion plans, and the challenges facing its production activities. During the meeting, the group outlined »»»
Unilever expands Ramadan outreach through new partnership with Egyptian Food Bank for ‘Knorr 7aletha’
Unilever Egypt has launched Knorr’s Ramadan 2026 campaign, “Knorr 7aletha”, aiming to engage more than 10 million Egyptians during the holy month through a consumer-led initiative that links everyday cooking to direct meal donations. In addition to Knorr’s ongoing meal preparation and distribution »»»
Egypt accelerates rehabilitation of Raml Tram to boost capacity, cut travel time
Minister of Transport Kamel Al-Wazir toured Alexandria to review progress on the rehabilitation and modernisation of the historic Raml Tram, a flagship national project aimed at upgrading urban mobility and easing traffic congestion across the coastal city. The 13.2-kilometre line, comprising 24 st»»»
A Russian-flagged Tanker Erupts in a Massive Fire and Sinks off Libya
A Russian-flagged tanker carrying liquefied natural gas exploded and erupted in flames before sinking in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Libya, authorities in the North African country said Wednesday. No casualties were reported, according to The AP news. The tanker was under Western sanctio»»»
U.S. struggling to evacuate Americans in the Middle East amid war - UPI.com
Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to the press before briefing senators on the war in Iran in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday. The State Department is scrambling to evacuate American citizens from the Middle East as war continues. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo March 4 (UPI) -- The State»»»
UAE residents defy 'paid influencer' smears: 'This is our home, not a narrative’
Dubai: In the midst of heightened regional tensions stemming from the US–Israel–Iran conflict, a remarkable show of solidarity has emerged from an unexpected quarter - the everyday residents of the UAE. Across Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok, expatriates from dozens of nationalities hav»»»
Etihad Rail is transporting those stranded in Saudi Arabia, neighboring countries to Abu Dhabi
In response to the current regional developments and the resulting disruptions to travel movements, Etihad Rail has decided, in coordination with all security authorities in Abu Dhabi, to operate exceptional train services from the Al Ghuwaifat border area with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Al Fay»»»
Aid Trucks Resume Crossing Egypt-Gaza Border After Closure
More than 100 aid trucks crossed the Egyptian side of Gaza's Rafah border crossing on Tuesday, two sources told AFP. Israel closed all crossings into the Gaza Strip on Saturday, after it launched a joint attack on Iran with the United States. It agreed to reopen the Kerem Shalom crossing, where tru»»»
US dollar exceeds LE 50 in banks, marking new increase of 20 piasters
The US dollar continued its rise against the Egyptian pound during trading on Tuesday, officially surpassing the LE50 mark in several banks operating in the local market. It made a new increase of approximately 20 piasters compared to Monday’s trading levels, amidst rapid movements in the exchange »»»
Bulgaria Assures Citizens: Fuel Supplies Stable as First Evacuees Return from the Middle East
Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov stated at the start of the government meeting that Bulgaria’s fuel deliveries remain uninterrupted despite the escalating conflict in the Middle East. The country imports oil and petroleum products from regions not currently affected by hostilities, and there is no phys»»»
Middle East Crisis/ Foreign Ministry spokesperson: Over 3,000 Romanians request repatriation assistance
More than 3,000 Romanian citizens currently in Gulf countries have formally requested assistance for repatriation, Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Andrei Tarnea said on Tuesday.He mentioned that two Tarom charter flights landed in Bucharest on Tuesday morning, bringing 307 Romanian citizens w»»»
Lebanon President meets envoys of Quintet Committee
President of Lebanon H E General Joseph Aoun met yesterday with Ambassadors of the Quintet Committee in Lebanon. The meeting of the Committee, which includes Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United States, and France, discussed the current situation and developments in Lebanon.»»»
World Bank Chief to Asharq Al-Awsat: No One Can Gauge Fallout of the Regional Escalation
Rising geopolitical tensions are clouding the outlook for growth, inflation and capital flows across the Middle East, raising questions about the region’s ability to absorb fresh shocks. Instability is not good for any region, World Bank President Ajay Banga told Asharq Al-Awsat, saying the scale o»»»
US citizens in the Middle East face 'mayhem' trying to get home
Americans travelling in the Middle East say it has been "mayhem" trying to get back home as the US-Israel war with Iran is felt throughout the region. The US is advising its citizens in 14 countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Israel and Qatar, to "depart now" as security warnings put embassi»»»
100 days to go: World Cup countdown eclipsed by security concerns
DPA Berlin In 100 days, on June 11, the 2026 World Cup will kick off in Mexico, who’s co-hosting the tournament with the United States and Canada. But the build-up to the football festival has been overshadowed by social, security and political concerns, including the escalation of the conflict in »»»
Lebanese president praises Quintet Committee for support
QNA Beirut President of Lebanon General Joseph Aoun met with ambassadors of the Quintet Committee in Lebanon on Tuesday. The meeting of the Committee, which included Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United States of America, and France, discussed the current situations and developments in Lebanon. T»»»
Sheikh Mohammed honours Dubai Quran Award winners
Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, honoured a distinguished group of participants in the Dubai International Holy Quran Award, celebrating outstanding Qur’anic voices from across the world during the holy month»»»
Total lunar eclipse 2026 photos: Best 'Blood Moon' views from around the world - UPI.com
The moon turns red during a total lunar eclipse in Cairo In Egypt, on Sunday, September 7, 2025. The total lunar eclipse was visible across Asia, Africa, Europe, and Australia, lasting for 82 minutes and showcasing the stunning "Blood Moon". Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI | License Photo March 3 (UPI)»»»
Oil extends gains and stocks dive as Iran conflict spreads
HONG KONG — Oil prices extended gains while the dollar and equities tumbled Tuesday as investors kept tabs on the Middle East where the United States and Israel continued to bombard Iran, while Tehran launched further strikes on its neighbours.The attacks on the Islamic state have upended regional »»»
World Bank financing for ‘Housing for All Egyptians’ initiative to reach $1bn by 2026-end
President of the World Bank Group, Ajay Banga, has visited a residential project under the presidential “Housing for All Egyptians” initiative in 10th of Ramadan City. During the tour, Banga inspected a model housing unit that has been delivered to beneficiaries and held extended discussions with s»»»
EBRD offers up to €13.7m loan to Alumil Misr to expand production in Egypt
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is supporting aluminum production in Egypt by providing a loan of up to €13.7m to Alumil Misr for Trade and Industry, the Egyptian subsidiary of ALUMIL. The EBRD’s financing will fund the construction and installation of a new aluminum ext»»»
Grupa Azoty temporarily suspends new orders as gas prices fluctuate
The war in the Middle East and a sharp surge in natural gas prices have prompted Grupa Azoty, Poland’s state-controlled fertilizer producer, to temporarily suspend new March orders for nitrogen fertilizers, though production continues at full capacity. The company is fulfilling all previously place»»»
Israel sends troops into southern Lebanon as Hezbollah says ‘let it be an open war’ – Ya Libnan
Share: Israel sent troops entered southern Lebanon . March 3, 2026 Israel sent troops into southern Lebanon on Tuesday and warned residents of more than 80 villages to evacuate as the Iran-backed militant Hezbollah group said it was ready for an “open war” with Israel in the wake of the U.S.-Israel»»»
Suez Canal Economic Zone Welcomes $80mn Aluminum Foil Factory
Port Said for Engineering Works, a subsidiary of the Suez Canal Authority, has announced a strategic partnership with an undisclosed Chinese investor to establish an $80 million aluminum foil manufacturing facility in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone). This development marks a significant step »»»
Eni Well Begins Production in Sinai at 1,500 bpd
Egypt has commenced crude oil production from the Belayim Offshore 133 well in the Sinai fields, with an initial output of approximately 1,500 barrels per day, according to a statement by the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources. The well was drilled and brought online by Petrobel, a joint v»»»
Americans warned to flee Middle East
The US State Department has issued an urgent warning for American citizens to immediately leave over a dozen countries across the Middle East, citing “serious safety risks” as Iran’s retaliatory strikes against US and Israeli targets continue to escalate. In a post on X on Tuesday, Assistant Secret»»»
Iranian missiles and drones hit US bases in six Middle Eastern countries
Within hours of the US launching ‘Operation Epic Fury’ against Iran, Tehran’s forces unleashed retaliatory strikes against American military bases in the Middle East, killing six US troops and destroying billions of dollars’ worth of equipment. ”We will make the Zionist criminals and the vile Ameri»»»
Iran conflict: UAE affirms right to self-defence amid regional tensions
Abu Dhabi: Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, has said the UAE retains its full and inherent right to self-defence, stressing that the country’s position on recent developments is based on clear and firm principles. Speaking at the UAE Government’s media briefing, she»»»
US nationals urged to leave Middle East as conflict spreads
The US has urged its nationals to immediately leave most of the Middle East due to "serious safety risks", as the US-Israeli war against Iran widens. On Monday, the US State Department said Americans should "depart now via commercial means" from Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, the occupied West»»»
PM: State keen on empowering private sector as key development partner
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s directives to the government prioritize investment and foreign trade as fundamental pillars for achieving a strong economic leap, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said. Madbouly was speaking during a meeting on Monday, March 2, 2026, to review the investment ministry»»»
Drones hit US embassy in Riyadh as vengeful Iran targets Mideast cities
New strikes were reported Tuesday across the Middle East, including Israeli bombardment on Lebanon and a drone attack on the U.S. embassy in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh. The conflict started with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran over the weekend, which sparked retaliatory Iranian attacks across t»»»
The Taba Port Project Unveiled a key maritime hub
In an ambitious move to boost its economic landscape, Egypt has announced the development of a new seaport in Taba, South Sinai. President Abdel Fattah El Sisi has issued a decree allocating a significant plot of land to the General Authority of the Red Sea Ports for this purpose. This initiative i»»»
Israel says it will reopen Gaza aid crossing to allow 'gradual' entry of humanitarian aid
Israel said it would reopen the Kerem Shalom crossing on Tuesday for the gradual entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, days after closing it over security concerns linked to strikes on Iran and ensuing regional escalation involving the US and Lebanon. Israel said it would reopen a crossing into Gaza»»»
Egypt’s Non-Oil Private Sector Contracted in February as Costs Rose
Egypt's non-oil private sector output contracted in February for the first time in four months, as demand softened and cost pressures intensified, S&P Global reported on Wednesday. The headline Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) fell to 48.9 in February from 49.8 in January, remaining below the 50.0»»»
Etihad Rail launches border passenger trial to secure vital link
Dubai: Abu Dhabi has activated a key cross-border rail connection in a move designed to safeguard transport continuity and reinforce logistical resilience during a period of heightened regional risk assessment. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Etihad Rail, in coordinati»»»