Economy
All topics-
COVID-19 pandemic
Coronavirus pushes Yemen to the brink
War, poverty, cholera – and now coronavirus has taken hold in Yemen. The country could collapse, aid organisations fear. A Yemeni journalist talks about the situation in her country. By Diana Hodali
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Syrian regime in crisis
Assad versus Makhlouf
The power struggle between the Syrian regime and Rami Makhlouf, a cousin of President Bashar al-Assad and one of the richest men in Syria, is coming to a head now that the state has ordered the confiscation of Makhlouf's assets. Commentary by Shafeeq Ghabra
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COVID-19 in Egypt
Safely through corona crisis? Go on, take my used mask
Even now, during the coronavirus pandemic, risk awareness in Egypt is disturbingly low. What lies behind this phenomenon? By Khaled el-Khamissi
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COVID-19 on the Nile
One Egyptian's dream of a brave, new, post-coronavirus world
For decades, Egypt's successive governments have neglected to provide adequate support for science and culture. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the coronavirus crisis were to lead to a change of heart and policy, asks Khaled al-Khamissi
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Impact of COVID-19 on Saudi Arabia
Shaking the House of Saud to the core
The economic backlash of the corona pandemic already means dramatic consequences for the Saudi royal family. But what happens when it becomes too expensive for them to fulfil their part of the social contract and the Saudi people rebel? An analysis by Karim El-Gawhary
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Coronavirus and the kafala system
Gulf migrant workers fear for their post-pandemic future
Between draconian migration laws and the continuing lockdowns, migrant workers in the Gulf were already facing increasing uncertainty. Now, keen to offload any duty of care, host countries are scrambling to repatriate as many as possible. Rabiya Jaffery reports
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COVID-19 pandemic
Coronavirus and the face masks made in Gaza
The corona crisis has led to an upswing for the Palestinian textile industry, but has done little to relieve the dire straits in the territories. Without international support, Gaza and the West Bank will not be able to get back on their feet economically. Inge Gunther reports from Jerusalem
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Social unrest in Lebanon
Beirut – currency chaos, exploding prices and burning banks
In Lebanon, the local currency has slumped to a record low, people are losing their jobs and the price of food is skyrocketing. Despite the threat posed by the coronavirus, hundreds are taking to the streets in protest. Julia Neumann reports from Beirut
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Beirut on the brink
Regardless of corona, Lebanon is at economic breaking point
Lebanon's economy is imploding and with it social stability. While the country’s politicians understand the depth of the crisis, they have used the coronavirus lockdown, argues Maha Yahya, as an chance to settle old scores and – following months of popular rejection – stage a comeback
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COVID-19 and Arab economies
Facing the Middle East's perfect – corona-induced – storm
The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a public-health emergency and a steep reduction in oil prices, which represents a perfect storm for the Middle East, where everything from salaries to subsidies are dependent on oil revenues. By Bassem Awadallah and Adeel Malik
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COVID-19 on the Nile
The curse of coronavirus – Egypt, a nation gripped by fear
After a prolonged slump, tourist numbers in Hurghada had been expected to rise this year. Now there are quite literally no foreign visitors at all in the Red Sea resort. But all is not lost; a healthy baby born to a mother with coronavirus is giving people there some hope. By Khaled al-Khamissi
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COVID-19 pandemic
Coronavirus takes no account of Ramadan
According to the latest Reuters tally, more than 2.54 million people are now reported to have been infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 177,004 have died. As Muslims prepare for a very different Ramadan this year, here are the latest developments from across the region