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Sandrine Zimra

Sandrine Zimra

Sandrine Zimra has been a financial analyst for 25 years. Based in Geneva, she covers countries in the Middle East and travels regularly to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt, and Israel. She contributes to Mena Today with her financial reports and insights on the region.

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Confident and balanced: UAE’s 2026 budget targets growth without deficit

United Arab Emirates

Confident and balanced: UAE’s 2026 budget targets growth without deficit

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has approved its federal budget for the fiscal year 2026, with both revenues and expenditures estimated at 92.4 billion dirhams ($25.2 billion), signaling the country’s commitment to fiscal stability and economic resilience. 

Vision 2030 milestone: Progress or PR

Saudi Arabia

Vision 2030 milestone: Progress or PR

Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030 program is reportedly 85% complete or progressing as planned, according to the kingdom's investment minister, Khalid Al-Falih. 

From coal to clean: Morocco accelerates energy transition

Morocco

From coal to clean: Morocco accelerates energy transition

Morocco has announced an ambitious plan to fully phase out coal power by 2040—if international climate finance is secured—according to a statement by the Powering Past Coal Alliance (PPCA), a global coalition of governments and organizations working to accelerate the transition from coal to clean energy.

UAE to build 15-floor embassy in Herzliya

United Arab Emirates

UAE to build 15-floor embassy in Herzliya

The Tel Aviv District Planning and Building Committee has approved for deposit a plan to build the permanent embassy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Herzliya, signaling a significant step forward in the normalization and strengthening of ties between the two countries.

Farewell to the skies monopoly: El Al faces global competition again

Israel

Farewell to the skies monopoly: El Al faces global competition again

After two years of dominating Israel’s skies during the Gaza war, El Al's market monopoly is coming to an end. The gradual return of foreign carriers to Ben Gurion Airport is reshaping the aviation sector — and El Al is already feeling the impact.

Syria enters new chapter as investors prepare post-Assad projects

Syria

Syria enters new chapter as investors prepare post-Assad projects

Saudi Arabia’s Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan declared Saturday that the international community is rallying behind Syria following the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, ending over a decade of isolation and conflict.

IMF projects 3.2% growth for MENA in 2025

Business

IMF projects 3.2% growth for MENA in 2025

The Middle East, North Africa (MENA) region and Pakistan are experiencing stronger-than-expected economic growth in 2025, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). 

Sharjah’s real estate boom signals strong urban growth

United Arab Emirates

Sharjah’s real estate boom signals strong urban growth

Property transactions in Sharjah soared to AED44.3 billion (USD 12.05 billion) during the first nine months of 2025, marking a record 58.3% increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department.

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