After UAE visit, Qatari PM holds talks in Iran as Hamas officials depart Doha A Gulf political official told Al-Monitor on Wednesday that the Qatari prime minister's visit to the UAE is designed to communicate Doha's new policy toward Hamas, where it seeks to be more in alignment with them regarding the group. Qatar
Interview EU escorted over 200 ships in Red Sea amid Gulf maritime threats, envoy says The Gulf states are supporting the EU's Operation Aspides to counter the Houthi threat in the Red Sea region, as both seek greater cooperation on maritime security, said Luigi di Maio. Luigi di Maio EU Special Representative for the Gulf
Even with MBS absent, Saudi Arabia and UAE poised to make deals at G20 Gulf states will look for agreements and trade deals with partners from South America and elsewhere ahead of US President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration in January. United States
From golf to the Gulf: Who is Trump’s new Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff? Trump's long-time friend will face a tough job in trying to quell a regional war that has been raging since Oct. 7, 2023, between Israel, Lebanon and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. United States
Analysis Beyond congratulations, Trump faces changed, eastward-looking Gulf By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
Saudi crown prince meets Russia's Lavrov at GCC meetings in Riyadh Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on the sidelines of GCC ministerial meetings in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia
Pakistan to raise $4B from Middle East banks amid economic turbulence For many years, Pakistan has relied on China and Gulf allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to roll over some of its debt to avoid having to repay it sooner. Saudi Arabia
UK’s new government reboots trade talks with Gulf, Israel, Turkey New British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has made economic growth a priority of his Labour government and has pledged to make the UK the fastest-growing economy in the G20. Saudi Arabia
Gulf investment in UK real estate to hit $4B annually, says BLME Research predicts that demographic trends and supply shortages will make the UK's real estate sector a more popular option for investors in the future. Saudi Arabia
Why G7's economic policy toward Russia might alienate Saudi Arabia The G7 has seized hundreds of billions of dollars in Russia’s frozen assets in response to Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Saudi Arabia
Trump adds to Gulf portfolio with Dubai tower deal The Trump Organization and Dar Global have unveiled a new development, adding to others in Oman and Saudi Arabia this year. United Arab Emirates
Why Gulf economies are doubling down on natural gas exploration As Gulf states increase gas output, some new capacities will be liquefied and exported to consumer markets, while others will be used domestically to meet increased demand for energy. By Sebastian Castelier
Trump Tower deal announced in Jeddah as Saudi business ties grow The Trump Organization recently unveiled a development in Oman, while Trump’s golf course is again hosting the Saudi-backed LIV Golf this year. Saudi Arabia
Kuwait doubles down on Saudi ties driven by economics, counter-Islamism Kuwait's newly appointed crown prince, Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al Sabah, is expected to advance the already good ties between his country and Saudi Arabia, as the two seek to further their economic prosperity. Kuwait
How the UAE became a magnet for millionaires Lax regulation and easy pathways for obtaining visas have helped attract high-net-worth individuals to the United Arab Emirates. By Sebastian Castelier In Dubai, reporting on regional business
Turkey’s Erdogan, UAE president discuss Gaza during G7 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also briefly chatted with US President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the summit. Turkey
As Hajj kicks off, Saudi Arabia looks to expand tourism sector While leisure tourism is gaining momentum in Saudi Arabia, religious tourism still dominates the sector. By Sebastian Castelier In Dubai, reporting on regional business