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
Invest Qatar sees big role for logistics sector, World Cup spurred investments The Gulf country ranks seventh globally in logistics competence in Agility's Emerging Markets Logistics Index as the Qatar Free Zones Authority brings in top companies in the sector. Qatar
Will Saudi Aramco's massive share sale to raise $12B pay off? Saudi Arabia is selling a 0.64% stake in its state energy company in a bid to offset rising debt and fund its economic diversification plans, but foreign investors remain wary. By Sebastian Castelier In Dubai, reporting on regional business
Le Drian says France keen to help Saudi Arabia transition away from oil France's former top diplomat said that his country was supportive of Saudi Arabia's efforts to diversify its economy. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia sees 477% increase in multinational HQs in first quarter The 127 international companies relocating to Saudi Arabia so far this year follow a Saudi program to attract world businesses. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Can Gulf investors outstrip China in Africa as UAE expands reach? As the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other GCC states boost investments in Africa,Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative could face serious challenges. By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal invests in Elon Musk’s $24B AI startup Kingdom Holding Company also holds a stake in Elon Musk’s social media platform X, formerly Twitter. Saudi Arabia
Goldman Sachs first Wall Street bank to get green light for Saudi Arabia HQ The US-headquartered investment bank received a license from the Saudi Ministry of Investment to set up its regional headquarters in the capital, Riyadh. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia looks to Japan to hedge exposure to China Expanding economic ties with Japan is a focus of Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification plan as it looks to venture into new industries, including auto manufacturing and gaming. By Sebastian Castelier In Dubai, reporting on regional business
Saudi crown prince cancels Japan trip over King Salman's health concerns The Saudi Press Agency reported Sunday that the crown prince’s 88-year-old father, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz, was suffering from lung inflammation and will be treated at the Al Salam Palace in Jeddah. Saudi Arabia
In Japan, Saudi Arabia's crown prince eyes expansion of energy, defense ties In an upcoming visit to Tokyo, the Saudi crown prince will have an audience with the Japanese prime minister, among others, to discuss a "broad range" of issues. Saudi Arabia
Gulf consolidates stature as sovereign wealth hub, lags on per capita holdings A frenzy of recent initial public offerings has again highlighted Gulf states' statuses as global wealth hubs. By Sebastian Castelier In Dubai, reporting on regional business
Arab League calls for 'immediate' Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, deployment of international force The statement further expresses the Arab nations' “firm position for a just and comprehensive peaceful settlement of the Palestinian issue” and their support for an international peace conference on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Palestine
