Recent news and analysis on Middle East & North Africa

Latest news, breaking stories, and expert analysis on Middle East & North Africa. Stay informed with comprehensive coverage from trusted sources.

• "View: How the Middle East and North Africa are navigating a turbulent era"

  This IMF-World Bank analysis suggests that Middle East and North Africa economies have shown resilience against recent geopolitical shocks, avoiding worst-case scenarios. However, it projects a 1.3% contraction for 2026, noting significant disparities between Gulf states facing deep declines and other regions maintaining expansion despite building pressures.

• "The Middle East is developing fast. How does it ensure its culture isn't left behind?"

  CNN reports on expert perspectives regarding cultural preservation in the Middle East amid rapid modernization. The piece highlights how nations balance heritage conservation with economic reinvention, featuring insights from Bahrain and Lebanon on maintaining cultural identity through architecture, cuisine, and art during periods of significant regional change.