Dario Salvi

Rising crude oil prices, linked to production cuts by the OPEC+ countries, had an impact. In Saudi Arabia, growth should drop to 3.2 per cent in 2023, down from 8.7 per cent last year. The UAE’s growth should also decline from 7.6 per cent to 3.7 per cent. Inflation also weighs in.

The kingdom wants to become the region's main digital and technological hub. Bin Salman's nationalism has supplanted religious Wahhabism. Entertainment and modernity, but only with a concession from the state. The node of infrastructure and fibre optics. Social changes are reflected in the real estate market.

The "Rooted in Hope" conference was held in Cyprus from 20 to 23 April, bringing in over 250 delegates, including Church leaders, men and women religious, and lay leaders to mark the 10th anniversary of “Ecclesia in Medio Oriente”. Archbishop Gugerotti stressed the "great vitality" of the region’s Churches. The Latin patriarch of Jerusalem talked about their vocation in a context of violence, wars, and divisions. He criticised the “alliance between throne and altar”.

Only 117 female candidates could enter parliament after the vote on 14 May. A slight improvement on the 17% of the last elections in 2018, but still an indication of poor representation. In a climate of uncertainty Erdogan's election promises: the latest is free gas for all households from a newly discovered gas field.

Most Sunni Muslims mark the end of Ramadan today. In Iran, as in Pakistan and Oman, people will have to wait until tomorrow. In Indonesia more than 120 million people are on the move, Saudi Arabia boosts security as almost 21,000 mosques and areas of prayer get ready for the festival. This Eid is the first since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted allowing communal gatherings.

Msgr. Martinelli hopes for a "resumption of normal life" in a nation battered by years of war. The situation is "improving" while still remaining "delicate". Pope Francis' remembrance of the nuns killed in Aden "a sign of great affection and closeness". Their martyrdom a source of "reconciliation" for the future. the presence of Mother Teresa's nuns today.

Today's headlines: Sagaing, over 20,000 fleeing Burmese army offensive; Hong Kong's national anthem, protest song overtakes Chinese anthem on Google; In Iraq over 200 arrests for gambling and alcohol consumption; a court rejects Rahul Gandhi's appeal; Thailand postpones introduction of entry tax for foreign tourists; in Bali, locals' impatience with Russian tourists grows.

The reform is a rare example of social reform in a country that remains conservative. The sultan's decree, which has yet to be published, repeals a 1993 law that gave the Interior Ministry power over marriages with foreigners. The country has a large immigrant population from other Mideast countries, the Philippines, India and Pakistan.

This is the largest protest demonstration by the teaching profession in recent years. The agitation concerns both the West Bank territories and Gaza. A hard line is expected until the demands are met. The 'movement' coordinated by anonymous leaders using social platforms. Ramallah has allegedly not fulfilled the commitments it made last year.

Today's headlines: South Asia has the highest number of child brides, accounting for 45% of the total; In Japan, one of the world's oldest populations, a football championship for the over 80s kicks off; Jakarta confirms the death of three soldiers ambushed by separatists in Papua; Two protesters arreseted over lockdown for Covid-19 in Beijing released after four months; In Lebanon free museums and archaeological sites until 25 April.

The offices of the main opposition party have been attacked. Its candidate is challenging Erdoğan for the presidency. Shots have been fired and posters vandalised. The government is accused of creating a climate of fear and intimidation. According to the latest polls, no one is likely to win in the first round. Erdoğan and Kılıçdaroğlu are expected to be in the run-off.

It is the longest waterway in Afghanistan, from the capital to the marshy areas across the border in south-eastern Iran. A 1973 treaty regulates the sharing of resources, but the Kamal Khan dam has revived the dispute. In recent days, a meeting at the level of foreign ministers took place in Uzbekistan.