Middle East Consumer Policy & Trade: A trilateral Israel–Lebanon–US framework took effect June 29, starting a phased IDF pullback from southern Lebanon and setting “pilot areas” for Lebanese army control as Hezbollah supporters protested in Beirut. Travel & Customs: Saudi Arabia cut the traveller declaration threshold for cash and gold to SAR 40,000, with ZATCA requiring disclosure on arrival and departure for covered valuables. Consumer Finance: UK mortgage approvals fell to a two-and-a-half-year low in May (56,205), as higher borrowing costs tied to the Iran war hit homebuyer demand. Retail & Pricing Pressure: FCCPC flagged Nigeria’s concern that consumers haven’t seen meaningful pump-price relief despite crude sliding, warning against exploitative practices. UAE Consumer Services: Expo City Dubai partnered with Emirates NBD to offer tailored mortgage and home financing for buyers across its residential portfolio. Digital Consumer Growth: 51Talk launched a structured online English program for ages 3–7 across Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and Kuwait. Local Markets: Gold prices dipped in Baghdad and Erbil, with 21-carat imported gold down to 894,000 Iraqi dinars per mithqal in Baghdad.