GCC Relations

Mahmoud Said, La fille aux yeux verts

Culture

Christie's London auction shines global light on Middle Eastern art

The online auction for the 39 lots began Oct. 28 and runs until Nov. 11, while the live auction in London takes place Nov. 6.

GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images

Microsoft to invest $7.9 billion in UAE to scale AI with new Nvidia chips

Microsoft plans to spend over $5.5 billion on cloud and AI infrastructure and another $2.4 billion on operational expenses and local hiring in the United Arab Emirates through 2029.

United Arab Emirates

UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves, right, and Qatari Finance Minister Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari arrive at the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Oct. 28, 2025.

Analysis

UK chases elusive GCC trade deal that could boost exports, economic links

A new charm offensive at Saudi Arabia's flagship investment conference has fueled optimism that a UK-GCC trade pact, under negotiation since 2022, could soon be completed.

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

(Front L-R) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, US President Donald Trump, Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and other leaders pose for a family picture at the Gaza summit in Sharm el-Sheikh on Oct. 13, 2025.

Analysis

Wary of Gaza instability, Arab states balk at troop deployment, financing

As Gaza’s ceasefire enters its next phase, Washington’s postwar plan faces growing regional skepticism.

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Latest News

UAE’s DP World to invest $5B in India's infrastructure: What to know

An employee wearing a face mask against the coronavirus, is pictured at the port of Jebel Ali, operated by the Dubai-based giant ports operator DP World, in the southern outskirts of the Gulf emirate of Dubai, on June 18, 2020.

United Arab Emirates

Culture

From viral fame to fine craft: Dubai Chocolate finds new life in London

Some Dubai-style Chocolate being made at Melt Chocolatier's masterclass in London.

United Arab Emirates

Bahrain joins Gulf’s late movers in the solar race with 150 MW project

Solar panels are installed on the roof of a school in Bahrain's capital, Manama, on Aug. 25, 2022.

UAE becomes first Mideast country with one of world's strongest passports

JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images

United Arab Emirates

Two F-15 Strike Eagle's take part in an air display on the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow 2024, south west of London, on July 22, 2024.

Pentagon says Qatari F-15 fighter jet pilots to train at US base in Idaho

The announcement comes as the Trump administration has moved to reward Qatar for facilitating talks to end the Gaza war.

A picture taken from a station of Dubai's Palm Monorail, shows traffic on a road in Palm Jumeirah on August 28, 2025.

World Bank ups Middle East 2025 economic outlook as oil, tourism rebound

The lender expects gross domestic product growth in the region to average 2.8% this year, up from its April forecast of 2.6%.

The Saudi delegation meets with Vietnamese officials in Hanoi, Sept. 29, 2025.

After China, Saudi industry minister visits Vietnam in eastward economic push

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef met with a number of Vietnamese officials on Monday as the oil-rich Gulf kingdom looks east to diversify its economic alliances.

The headquarters of the UAE's state oil company, ADNOC, Dubai, July 27, 2022.

Analysis

After $20B deals unravel, will Gulf oil majors scale back abroad?

International deals pursued by Saudi Aramco and the UAE's ADNOC have collapsed in recent weeks, adding fresh complications for both national oil companies amid their drive to grow in new markets.

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Pakistani Prime Minister and Saudi crown prince

Analysis

Planned diversification or US doubts? Why Saudi Arabia inked Pakistan security pact

Saudi Arabia’s new defense pact with Pakistan signals growing Gulf doubts about US security guarantees.

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images

Trump’s tariffs push India closer to UAE as non-oil trade soars 34%

UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi says that the two countries are on track to reach $100 billion in non-oil trade by the end of the decade.

United Arab Emirates

A US Army Mobile Low, Slow, Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System (MLIDS) vehicle equipped with counter-drone sensors and weapons. Similar systems were fielded during the Red Sands 2025 exercise in Saudi Arabia.

US, Saudi Arabia wrap up drone drill after Iran’s top security chief visits Riyadh

The US military framed the drill, which was held amid tensions following Israel's strike on Hamas leaders in Doha, as a response to drone attacks by Iran and its proxies.

UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Karabakh, Sept. 16, 2025.

UAE’s MBZ meets Azerbaijan's Aliyev as Abu Dhabi expands South Caucasus footprint

In July, Azerbaijan and the UAE signed an economic partnership agreement and Abu Dhabi hosted peace talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

United Arab Emirates

Reporters follow Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's address at the media centre, during the opening of the 2025 Arab-Islamic emergency summit in Doha on Sept. 15, 2025.

Arab, Islamic leaders urge 'review' of Israel ties at emergency summit after Doha strikes

The meeting comes less than a week after Israel launched airstrikes targeting Hamas’ leadership in Doha, a move Gulf states say poses a serious threat to regional security.

Islamabad airport

Analysis

UAE bets big on Pakistan: Abu Dhabi’s infrastructure drive for Asia influence

Abu Dhabi is making multi-pronged investments in a broad push into Pakistan’s transport and trade sectors.

Sabena Siddiqui

By Sabena Siddiqui

In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio walks with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani as they meet at the Department of State in Washington, on April 22, 2025.

Analysis

Damage control: Can US calm Gulf security concerns after Israel strikes?

Unprecedented Israeli air raids targeting Hamas negotiators in Doha have sown doubt among Gulf allies about Washington’s commitment to guaranteeing the oil-rich region's security.

Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Funeral prayers are held at the Mohammed bin Abdulwahab Mosque in Doha, on Sept. 11, 2025.

Qatari emir attends Hamas members’ funeral in Doha after Israeli strikes

The funeral for the Hamas members and the Qatari corporal killed in the Israeli strikes was held at a prominent mosque in Doha.