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
Iran engages neighbors as nuclear talks falter As Iran and Saudi Arabia work to resolve disputes, Iran's president spoke with the Kuwait emir and expressed his desire for a return to "previous friendly relations.” Iran
Analysis US committed to UN truce and ‘better future’ for Yemen, says US envoy In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Tim Lenderking, US special envoy for Yemen, says the United States can be counted on to continue its strong diplomatic effort in Yemen, but the core responsibilities for peace lie with the parties themselves. By Week in Review
Gulf states give Egypt $22 billion to mitigate fallout from Ukraine war Cairo has secured $22 billion from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia to cover Egypt's current account deficit. Egypt
Qatar’s move to take control of its airspace comes amid warming regional ties As the United States is gradually retreating from the Middle East to refocus on Russia and China, a new level of cooperation has been witnessed among countries of the region. Legacy: Gulf
Analysis The Takeaway: Israel looks to mediate Saudi, Emirati anger over Iran deal Zelenskyy’s Holocaust comparison unsettles Israelis; Islamic State takes advantage of Russian distraction in Ukraine; Egypt, Sudan deepen military ties; Lebanon embraces cryptocurrency amidst crisis; Jenin becomes model of resistance to Israeli occupation — all in less than 1,100 words! By Elizabeth Hagedorn , Tyler Huffman , Andrew Parasiliti , Joe Snell
Sudan’s military leader turns to UAE to shore up authority Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan made his first official visit to Abu Dhabi mainly a search for economic assistance, but the dubious outcome of his trip has sparked controversy at home. Egypt
Iran on the agenda as Qatar emir meets Biden There is potential Doha could play a role in brokering a US-Iran prisoner exchanging following press reports of Iran-Qatar talks on the topic. Qatar
The Takeaway: Kuwait takes lead in Gulf effort to solve Lebanon crisis Egypt, Iran, Iraq water crises; China and the Horn of Africa; Turkish pop queen under fire; Egypt’s Temple of Millions; and more … in less than 1,300 words. Lebanon
Gulf foreign ministers, GCC chief visit China for talks GCC Secretary General Nayef Falah Al-Hajraf said the five days of meetings will "contribute to enhancing GCC-Chinese relations." Saudi Arabia
Egypt celebrates Qatar’s National Day amid improving ties Egypt’s iconic Cairo Tower lit up with Qatar’s flag colors, in the latest sign of warming relations between the two countries after years of political rift. Egypt
Qatar’s presence in eastern Mediterranean benefits Egypt, Turkey Qatar is enhancing its presence in the eastern Mediterranean that is rich in oil and gas reserves at a time when tensions are ripping through the region over the maritime borders and excavation rights. Egypt
Saudi Arabia's MBS embarks on tour of Gulf states Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will visit Qatar for the first time since Saudi Arabia ended a yearslong blockade on its Gulf neighbor. Saudi Arabia
