Starlink targets Saudi skies as Musk’s Middle East push rolls on The satellite internet service operated by SpaceX had been on an expansion spree in the Middle East in 2025, most recently launching in Israel as it also targets a deal with Saudi Arabia's national airline. Saudi Arabia
UAE president heads to Russia to meet Putin as ties grow: What to know UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan is heading to Moscow on Thursday for an official visit, his second in less than a year as Russian-Emirati relations continue to develop rapidly. United Arab Emirates
UAE, Azerbaijan sign trade deal as officials meet in Abu Dhabi for Armenia peace talks The deal is expected to contribute around $680 million to the UAE’s gross domestic product by 2031, according to UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi. United Arab Emirates
Iran FM visits Saudi Arabia as kingdom makes push for regional diplomacy The meeting in Mecca comes as Saudi Arabia steps up its diplomatic engagement with key global powers with the aim of managing regional tensions. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Gulf bets on LNG boom power ahead amid regional energy shifts, war risks By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Interview Former French PM says Trump has ‘immense opportunity’ in Mideast Dominique de Villepin Former French prime minister
EU commission removes UAE, adds Lebanon and Algeria to money laundering list: What to know United Arab Emirates
OPEC Fund raises $1 billion via sustainability bond Gulf states in the organization are showing increasing interest in funding projects related to the environment, renewable energy and green technology. Legacy: Gulf
Analysis Africa seeks GCC-like economic trust at US summit Since the United States' last summit of its kind in 2014, US foreign direct investment (FDI) in Africa dropped from $69 billion to $44.81 billion in 2021. By Salim A. Essaid
Gulf currencies pegged to dollar keep migrant workers’ families afloat While the strong dollar has played in favor of Gulf migrant workers, they are not exempt from wage increases falling behind the inflation rate. Legacy: Gulf
China’s Xi heads to Saudi Arabia, adding strain to US ties Xi's visit to Saudi, the first in six years, will include two summits with Arab and GCC leaders and could see an agreement on nuclear technology Legacy: Gulf
Kuwait benefits from oil price boom but long-term economic challenges loom Key reforms and a lack of a diversified economy remain only two of Kuwait's major challenges. Legacy: Gulf
UAE senior official: country's strategic ties "unequivocally with the US" An Emirati official has stressed the need for "quiet diplomacy instead of outspoken criticism" during a debate in Abu Dhabi Nov. 14. Legacy: Gulf
US military eyes counter-drone experimentation in Saudi Arabia US Central Command is moving ahead with plans to help enable shared air and missile defense across the Middle East. Legacy: Gulf
US-Saudi military ties remain on course despite OPEC dispute The White House is signaling it could hold up further arms sales to Saudi Arabia, but so far the rare public dispute has not impacted direct military cooperation between Washington and Riyadh. Legacy: Gulf
FIFA World Cup's economic impact will extend beyond Qatar GCC states look to take advantage of "fresh opportunities" and Qatar hopes the World Cup will boost its "soft power and add political influence." Legacy: Gulf
Analysis The Takeaway: Biden opens ‘new chapter’ with Middle East trip Energy company touts oil for food for Syria; Ukraine’s ambassador in Turkey talks Russia; Iran’s unprecedented inflation; oil stoves make comeback in Lebanon; Sudanese civilians skeptical of moves by military leaders; and more. By Elizabeth Hagedorn , Andrew Parasiliti
Egypt's Sisi, Arab leaders coordinate positions ahead of Biden visit Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has been meeting with several Arab leaders in the lead-up to US President Joe Biden’s visit to the Middle East slated for mid-July. Egypt
Tehran denounces GCC over missile comments The GCC enumerated worries about Iran and its "destabilizing behavior," triggering typically strong rhetoric from Tehran. Iran
