Middle East & Central Asia News
LAST UPDATE: September 9, 2025
Saudi Wealth Fund to Sell Dollar Bonds Amid Oil Price Shock
Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund plans to issue U.S. dollar-denominated bonds to raise capital amid sustained volatility in oil prices.
Insight
The bond issuance suggests proactive fiscal diversification by Saudi Arabia, reducing reliance on oil revenue during economic uncertainty.
Saudi sovereign wealth fund PIF draws more than $7 billion orders for 10-year bond
The Public Investment Fund (PIF) received orders exceeding $7 billion for its planned 10-year U.S. dollar bond issuance.
Insight
The strong demand reflects investor confidence in Saudi Arabia’s fiscal strength and PIF’s creditworthiness despite broader market volatility.
IAEA’s Grossi to Iran: not much time left in talks on inspections
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi warned that time is running out to reach an agreement with Iran on resuming nuclear inspections, with diplomatic deadlines approaching.
Insight
The urgency reflects mounting international concern over nuclear transparency and the risk of renewed proliferation if agreement is not reached swiftly.
Morocco earthquake survivors protest to demand housing aid
Survivors of Morocco’s 2023 earthquake rallied in Rabat on the disaster’s second anniversary, calling for inclusion in reconstruction programs and access to promised housing aid.
Insight
The protests highlight ongoing gaps in disaster recovery efforts and point to social pressure for more equitable government support.
India likely to finalise Qatar trade pact framework in October as Trump tariffs bite
India is expected to finalize terms of reference for a free trade agreement framework with Qatar in early October, aiming to mitigate the impact of high U.S. tariffs and deepen trade ties.
Insight
This initiative demonstrates India’s strategic economic diversification amid trade tensions, reinforcing regional partnerships beyond traditional markets.
