Bahrain to bid for UN Security Council seat: What to know If its candidacy is successful, it would allow the Arab world's smallest nation to have a significant say in critical decisions impacting the Middle East, particularly the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Bahrain
Analysis Wary of Houthis, Gulf states fear blowback of US escalation in Yemen The Houthis' identification with the Gaza conflict has also made it complicated for Gulf states to participate in operations against the group. By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
Analysis From BRICS to dwindling oil revenues, 2024 was mixed year for Gulf The ongoing conflict in Gaza, big international investment deals, low oil revenue and increased curtailing of democratic rights dominated Gulf politics and economy in 2024 By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
Gulf states reach out to new Syrian leaders ahead of Jordan talks: What we know Bahrain's King Hamad sent a letter to HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, while the UAE has held direct contact with opposition groups. Qatar is set to reopen embassy in Damascus soon. Syria
Analysis Beyond congratulations, Trump faces changed, eastward-looking Gulf By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
Analysis US lawmakers act to boost Israel-Arab military coordination to counter Iran By Megan Mineiro In Washington, DC, reporting on US Congress
Bahrain's Bapco Energies signs pipeline deal with BlackRock Bahrain, one of the smallest producers in the Gulf, is focused on developing its downstream sector and looking at asset monetization deals. Bahrain
Analysis Will Iran and Bahrain open new chapter in bilateral ties? Iran and Bahrain are signalling rapprochement, which could be significant for the regional dynamics; yet amid deep-seated tensions and clashing interests, any genuine thaw will need trust-building and a willingness to navigate a complex web of regional rivalries. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Bahrain king pardons 457 prisoners: What we know Bahrain’s human rights record has been widely criticized, despite recent pardons, and the latest move follows efforts to repair relations with Iran. Bahrain
Middle East athletes rack up 44 medals at Paris Olympics Ten Middle Eastern countries won medals at this year's Paris games. Algeria
US cautious on Iran’s Bahrain frozen funds claims, warns of sanctions The official Islamic Republic News Agency reported on Monday that officials from Iran's and Bahrain’s central banks held a meeting on Sunday to discuss the release of Iran's “foreign exchange resources in Bahrain.” Bahrain
Who is Saraya al-Ashtar, Bahraini group that claimed to target Israel? US and Bahraini officials have said Saraya al-Ashtar operates from Iranian territory. Bahrain
Bahrain's Investcorp, China's CIC launch $1B Sino-Gulf investment platform The companies the fund will target are expected to have high growth potential in attractive sectors, including consumer, health care, logistics and business services, the Bahrain-based alternative asset manager said. Bahrain
What does EU visa relaxation for Saudi, Bahraini, Omani citizens mean? Under the new rules, Bahraini, Omani and Saudi Arabian nationals will be eligible for multiple-entry visas, allowing them to visit the Schengen area (the EU’s 27 member states as well as Bulgaria and Romania) and move freely between them. Saudi Arabia
Middle East sees 23% drop in VC funding: Qatar, Bahrain, UAE hardest hit Qatar saw VC investments tumble by 57% to 43 million QR ($11.81 million), eclipsed only by Bahrain with an 82% drop. Qatar
Davos 2024: Inside Investcorp’s plan to build China-Gulf 'investment bridge' In an interview with Al-Monitor, co-CEO Hazem Ben-Gacem said there is a big push for infrastructure funding in the Asia-Pacific region, controlled buyouts in Japan and growth investments in India and China. Bahrain
Analysis Explainer: Why Bahrain supported US strikes on Yemen’s Houthis Bahrain’s geographical position and close ties to the US are influencing its policy on the Houthis’ attacks on ships in the Red Sea. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Bahrain's Investcorp buys 50% of Corsair's $4.8B infrastructure business The new entity, Investcorp Corsair, will continue to grow with a particular focus on transportation, logistics and related subsectors, a statement from the two companies said. Bahrain