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
As Saudi Arabia pushes socioeconomic change, arrests show limits to reform Riyadh has been heavily investing in its economic diversification agenda but a slate of recent arrests over citizens' social media posts and other alleged state violations highlight the limits of Saudi Arabia's socioeconomic reforms. By Sebastian Castelier In Dubai, reporting on regional business
Dubai crowned wealthiest city in Middle East, home to 72,500 millionaires The number of individuals in Dubai with liquid investment wealth — assets that can be readily converted to cash — of $1 million or more increased by 78% between 2013 and 2023 to 72,500, according to a report. United Arab Emirates
Turkey and Kuwait sign six deals as Erdogan hosts country's Emir The Kuwaiti emir traveled to Turkey for his first foreign visit to a non-Arab country since he took the oath of office in December. Turkey
Chinese investors skeptical as Gulf pushes for deeper economic ties with Beijing Gulf states are building economic ties with Beijing in non-energy fields, but Chinese investors remain skeptical of ambitious economic diversification plans in the Gulf. By Sebastian Castelier In Dubai, reporting on regional business
UAE-backed RedBird IMI pulls out of Telegraph deal, will sell UK newspaper RedBird IMI effectively took control of Telegraph Media Group in December, when it repaid the owner family’s debts, including a $753 million loan against the media outlets. United Arab Emirates
UAE company agreed to loan $13B to South Sudan in exchange for oil A $13 billion loan to South Sudan, funded by Hamad Bin Khalifa Department of Projects, marks the largest-ever cash deal for the country. United Arab Emirates
Interview Saudi Arabia's giga-projects to offer 'testing ground' for British technology Saudi startups and fintech firms are looking to tap into the United Kingdom's $1 trillion tech market. Matt Jones Saudi British Joint Business Council Project Officer
What does EU visa relaxation for Saudi, Bahraini, Omani citizens mean? Under the new rules, Bahraini, Omani and Saudi Arabian nationals will be eligible for multiple-entry visas, allowing them to visit the Schengen area (the EU’s 27 member states as well as Bulgaria and Romania) and move freely between them. Saudi Arabia
Soaring regional tensions boost Gulf budgets, threaten long-term goals Most of the Gulf’s economic diversification plans still rely heavily on oil and gas revenues, especially in Saudi Arabia, where the most speculative parts of Vision 2030 face a lack of interest by foreign investors. By Sebastian Castelier In Dubai, reporting on regional business
Will China-Arab States Cooperation Forum summit help boost Beijing’s ties with Mideast? The 10th session of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum is due to be held on May 30 in Beijing — will it result in even stronger China-Arab relations? By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
UK-Saudi deal allows kingdom to tap into Britain’s $1T tech market The kingdom spent $5.1 billion on research and development in 2022, a 32.7% from the previous year’s $3.9 billion. Saudi Arabia
Beyond Ethiopia & Somaliland, Turkey-Somalia defense deal fuels UAE rivalry The latest deal between Ankara and Mogadishu emerges as a potential friction point for Turkey and the UAE as they vie for influence in Somalia. Turkey
