Analysis As Carrefour retreats in Mideast, can new Gulf superstore brand advance? Amid rising competition and consumer boycotts of Western companies, UAE-based Majid Al Futtaim has begun pulling French retailer Carrefour from Middle East markets and rebranding outlets under a new name: HyperMax. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Bahraini protesters clash with police over new Israeli ambassador: What to know Bahrain normalized ties with Israel in 2020 and has sought to balance friendly relations and maintaining calm among its pro-Palestinian population amid the Gaza war. Bahrain
Egypt secures $220M from domestic, Gulf, Chinese investors for solar project Foreign investment from three countries comes at a pivotal time in Egypt’s recovery from its worst financial crisis in over six decades. Egypt
US to sell $500 million HIMARS rocket system to Bahrain The short-range artillery system will not alter the basic balance of power in the Gulf region, Pentagon says. Bahrain
Analysis Wary of Houthis, Gulf states fear blowback of US escalation in Yemen 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 By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
US welcomes Bahrain, Qatar deal to restore relations The State Department applauded the "breakthrough" agreement reached between the two US partners in the Middle East. Qatar
Bahrain launches 'Golden License' to attract major investment, jobs Only companies with major investment and project portfolios will be eligible for the license, with either a $50 million value or a plan to create 500 jobs in the country, according to the Bahrain Economic Development Board. Legacy: Gulf
Russia to add Gulf countries to visa-free travel list Russia stated that it was preparing visa-free travel agreements with a total of 17 countries, which include Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and Syria. Legacy: Gulf
Bahrain hotel to accept cryptocurrency payments Crypto continues to grow in Bahrain despite the global crash. Legacy: Gulf
Bahrain’s CoinMENA to facilitate real estate payments via cryptocurrency The agreement with Carlton Real Estate only applies to certain coins. Cryptocurrency’s utility is increasing in the Gulf. Legacy: Gulf
Gulf states changing labor, visa and residency policies to attract foreign wealth, talent Robert Mogielnicki
Explainer: Oman may follow as most Gulf central banks raise rates Inflation in the Gulf has not been as severe as in other parts of the region. Saudi Arabia
Elon Musk’s SpaceX to provide internet services in Bahrain, Israel may be next Musk has already assisted Bahrain with its satellite program and has additional space-related interests in Turkey. Bahrain
Bahrain says it thwarted terror attack, seized weapons from Iran The Bahraini Interior Ministry said the suspects were linked to terrorist groups in Iran. Bahrain
Bahrain's Gulf Air to offer direct Israel flights starting in June The announcement comes less than a year after the two countries agreed to establish formal ties as part of the Abraham Accords. Bahrain
Rights groups say Bahrain police beat, threatened children A report from the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy and Human Rights Watch accused police in Bahrain of rounding up and mistreating children as young as 11. Bahrain
Netanyahu to visit Abu Dhabi, meet crown prince After the trip was delayed three times, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly set to spend a few hours in Abu Dhabi tomorrow. United Arab Emirates
