Donald Trump’s claim that he can quickly work on ending the Sudan war has revived hopes, but the situation remains extremely complex. Previous US- and Gulf-led ceasefire plans failed due to rejection by the Port Sudan government and continued gains by the Rapid Support Forces. Trump’s involvement is notable because it comes at Saudi Arabia’s request and Washington needs a foreign policy win, but his challenge is that his regional allies support opposing sides. Inside Sudan, institutions have collapsed, millions are displaced, and neither side is willing to halt fighting. While Trump could make some progress if he pressures regional backers, the chances of quickly ending the war remain limited and uncertain.

The term “billion” emerged only five centuries ago, but the idea of a billionaire became famous in 1916 when John D. Rockefeller became the first person to reach UDS1 billion. Adjusted today, his wealth would exceed $600 billion, still the highest in history. Rockefeller built his fortune by dominating 90% of the U.S. oil industry, but severe anxiety and poor health eventually pushed him toward philanthropy. Guided by his mother’s teachings, he donated millions, funded universities, and supported major medical breakthroughs. Today’s richest person, Elon Musk, is wealthy but still far from Rockefeller’s historic share of the US economy.

Egypt’s Central Bank has sharply increased its gold reserves by over 40 percent in nine months, driven by soaring global gold prices and a global trend of central banks buying gold as a safe haven. Despite this rise, the bank’s total assets fell due to lower cash holdings and reduced balances with other banks. However, profits surged in September, strengthening its financial position. Analysts expect continued gold purchases and further price increases amid global uncertainty and declining US interest rates.

The Arab Gulf states are rapidly creating a new class of billionaires—not from oil, but from technology, fintech, gaming, AI, and digital platforms. Young entrepreneurs behind companies like Tabby, Talabat, and True Gamers are building multi-billion-dollar brands, backed by strong government support and global investors. With non-oil sectors now driving over 70 percent of GCC economies, the region is shifting toward innovation, attracting top talent, and significant technology investments. A huge generational wealth transfer—up to USD700 billion by 2035—is set to accelerate this transformation.

Iraq’s wealth has been drained by massive corruption, leaving the country weak and divided. Elections changed nothing—sectarian politics, Iranian-backed militias, and US-Iran rivalry still dominate. The real battle now is over Iraq’s future, as Iran pushes to expel the US and keep control, while the government tries to rebalance its alliances.

Day trips from Red Sea resorts to the Giza Pyramids, west of Cairo, have risen 30 percent since the Grand Egyptian Museum opened on November 1. Hotels and restaurants near the site are seeing significant increases, with occupancy up by more than 25 percent and restaurant activity up by 25–30 percent. Tourist spending on these trips ranges from $150 to $300. Strong demand is helping push cultural tourism higher as Egypt aims to reach 18 million tourists this year and increase spending per visitor in the coming years.