Although it was one of the first countries in the region to produce oil, its natural resources proved limited, so it turned to finance, where it was able to carve out a niche role for itself

The Kingdom is working with European partners in its war on drugs. But with such stellar profits to be made and such keen demand, it has been an uphill battle.

The drug trade is bankrolling the Damascus government through an illicit trade valued at around $57bn. Al Majalla explains why it started and how it's shaping Syrian society.

Its central location has made it a crucial hub. Today, Iraq not only trafficks drugs but produces them, and 60% of its citizens are now users. Unemployment and corruption have fuelled the problem.

As those representing capital fly into Riyadh for the Future Investment Initiative, there are renewed opportunities in a diversifying and more sustainable Saudi economy

Three economists were awarded the Nobel Prize for their work explaining how colonialism impacted the development of countries and why some thrived and others fell into poverty

Relentless Israeli air strikes have led to losses of $1bn so far, devastating an area home to thousands of small businesses vital to the economy, which had developed over decades

The country was virtually bankrupt before Israel's war displaced more than a million people. Lebanese hope a Paris donor conference will deliver in their hour of need.

Around 16 million young Moroccans are unemployed, costing the economy $12bn a year amid an uneven rebound that is fuelling outward migration. The upcoming budget will focus on this issue.

BRICS+ wants to offset Western domination, including via 'de-dollarisation'. It certainly has grown in numbers and influence, but some potential joiners are getting cold feet.