Market Resilience Defies Middle East Turmoil
De-escalation and Calm Risk Assessment Recent weeks have seen limited military escalation between Iran and Israel, including retaliatory attacks, which initially triggered concern in markets. However, the market’s reaction hasn’t reflected this alarm with the same intensity that the nature…
How might Trump’s “Make Iran Great Again” harm the economy of ‘Great America’?
Introduction: The Paradox of Presidential Slogans Donald Trump’s presidential campaign promises have always centered on the slogan “Make America Great Again” (MAGA), built on fostering a strong and prosperous U.S. economy: creating jobs, curbing inflation, achieving energy self-sufficiency, and reducing…
Hormuz: A Looming Danger… Can the Global Economy Survive?
A Three-Dimensional Shock to Energy Markets The Strait of Hormuz serves as an indispensable lifeline for global energy supplies. Approximately 17 to 20 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil and refined petroleum products transit the Strait, accounting for…
Beijing’s Risky Calculus: US-China Tensions Fuel Strategic Support for Iran
Amidst volatile geopolitical dynamics and escalating regional conflicts, mounting reports alleging China’s provision of sensitive military equipment to Iran underscore a deeper reality: Beijing’s support for Tehran is not an isolated reaction but a profound reflection of its long-term strategic…
Iraq Moves to Strengthen Sovereign Credit Rating amid Economic Overhauls
Iraq is entering a pivotal phase of economic transformation, with fresh fiscal and administrative reforms aimed at securing an upgrade to its sovereign credit rating, according to a new report by the London-based International Center for Development Studies (ICDS). The…
Strategic Iraq–Bahrain Partnership to Advance Industrial Growth
Al-Rida Investment Group has signed a strategic partnership with Bahrain-based Neo Holding to establish an integrated industrial complex in Najaf Industrial City. The project’s first phase includes factories for pipes, gypsum board, electrical wiring, and construction chemicals to reduce Iraq’s…
Fawry Studies Expansion into the Iraqi Market
Fawry, the leading financial company in Egypt, is currently studying opportunities to expand into the Iraqi market as part of its regional expansion plan. A new management team is working on evaluating regional markets, including Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the…
EQIQ Doubles Fund to $30 Million to Support Iraq’s Digital Economy
Abu Dhabi-based venture capital fund and venture builder EQIQ has announced doubling its fund size from $15 million to $30 million to deepen investments in Iraq’s rapidly growing digital economy. The fund targets startups in e-commerce, logistics, and fintech, aiming…
M4Bank Enters Iraqi Market Through Strategic Partnership with SWITCH
M4Bank, a global SoftPOS technology provider and part of EMI Global Corp, has officially entered the Iraqi market through a strategic partnership with SWITCH, a leading Iraqi electronic payments company. This collaboration introduces M4Bank’s secure SoftPOS solution—used in over 17…
Inditex to Launch First Stores in Iraq by End of 2025
Spanish fashion giant Inditex, parent company of Zara, will open its first stores in Iraq in late 2025 as part of its global expansion strategy. The launch will take place inside the massive Iraq Mall in Baghdad, which is set…
German – Iraqi Partnership Sets Stage for Regional Glass Manufacturing Hub
In a major step toward developing Iraq’s industrial capabilities, Al-Diyar Company, a subsidiary of Iraq’s Al-Rida Investment Group, has announced the signing of a new contract with HORN Glass Industries AG, the renowned German manufacturer, for the design and implementation…
New Platform Tracks Iraq’s Emerging Market Opportunities
The International Center for Development Studies (ICDS) has announced the launch of “Iraq Business Update“, a specialized media platform dedicated to tracking investment flows, corporate developments, and partnership initiatives within Iraq’s evolving economic landscape. The platform emerges at a pivotal…
AI Middle East: Unlocking the Region’s Next Tech Frontier
The International Center for Development Studies has announced the launch of “AI Middle East“, a specialized media platform aimed at enhancing understanding and development of artificial intelligence technologies across the Middle East and North Africa region. This initiative comes at…
Infrastructure Diplomacy: The New Power Game
By: Haydar Al-Rikabi* The global race for artificial intelligence leadership has created a new form of statecraft, “infrastructure diplomacy”. Rather than wielding influence through military power or ideological alignment, nations are now building strategic relationships through control of the computational…
ICDS to Participate in Pivotal Energy Disputes Conference in London
The International Center for Development Studies (ICDS) will participate in the 8th Annual conference on Energy Arbitration and Dispute Resolution in the Middle East and Africa, taking place on June 12–13, 2025, at the prestigious London offices of Herbert Smith…
Iraq on the Global Investment Map
Iraq’s market is undergoing rapid transformations that reflect the vitality of its economy and its growing ability to attract international investments across diverse sectors. In this issue of Iraq Business Update, we highlight a new wave of expansions led by…
Iraq on the Rise
Iraq is undergoing a remarkable transformation across key sectors—from real estate and hospitality to energy and education. With global hotel chains establishing a presence, international firms like Chestertons expanding into Baghdad, and strategic partnerships such as Siemens Energy’s engagement in…
Iraq’s Investment Surge
The tides of economic transformation are gaining momentum in Iraq. From billion-dollar real estate ventures to sweeping infrastructure upgrades, the country is undergoing a redefinition of its investment landscape. In this edition, we spotlight a wave of major developments that…
Have Syrians Escaped the Specter of Division?
By Mohammad Ammar Khaled Al-Saeed* Yesterday, Syrians celebrated what many described as a national milestone, if not a dream come true—the downfall of the tyrant who fled the country after years of oppressive rule. Yet, while the people’s uprising succeeded…
The New Financial Capital of the Middle East
From Choice to Strategic Financial Hub Abu Dhabi is anticipated to emerge as the financial capital of the Middle East within the next decade. This prediction is based on the diversity of its capital markets, robust banking infrastructure, and flexible…