Abu Dhabi merges ADQ into new wealth fund L'IMAD: What to know Under the new structure, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, will oversee a broader swath of the emirate’s investment holdings. United Arab Emirates
Saudi defense chief visits White House as Riyadh wary of Iran strike The visit is occurring as the Pentagon amasses an armada off Iran and the United States continues to threaten to strike the Islamic Republic militarily. Saudi Arabia
UAE launches sovereign open-source AI model K2 Think: What to know The Gulf state is one of the few countries in the world developing its own sovereign open-source AI model to counter the dominance of the United States and China in the sector. United Arab Emirates
Thousands rally for South Yemen independence amid Saudi diplomatic push Large protests called for southern independence in Yemen on Friday, reflecting persistent support for the separatists despite the Saudi-backed government’s efforts to quash the separatist movement. Yemen
Analysis UAE bets big on Pakistan: Abu Dhabi’s infrastructure drive for Asia influence Abu Dhabi is making multi-pronged investments in a broad push into Pakistan’s transport and trade sectors. By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
Analysis Damage control: Can US calm Gulf security concerns after Israel strikes? Unprecedented Israeli air raids targeting Hamas negotiators in Doha have sown doubt among Gulf allies about Washington’s commitment to guaranteeing the oil-rich region's security. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Qatari emir attends Hamas members’ funeral in Doha after Israeli strikes The funeral for the Hamas members and the Qatari corporal killed in the Israeli strikes was held at a prominent mosque in Doha. Qatar
UAE president visits Qatar, bans Israel from Dubai Airshow after Doha strikes UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan threw his country’s support behind Qatar, saying the Israeli strikes on Qatari territory violated international laws. Qatar
Iran FM, Qatar emir meet as Doha holds talks with IAEA over Iran sanctions The visit is Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s first to Qatar since Iran attacked US forces at the Al Udeid base. Iran
UAE president meets Saudi crown prince ahead of UN Palestine conference The UAE and Saudi Arabia have strengthened cooperation since the Gaza war began in 2023, though their rivalry over regional influence and economic leadership remains. United Arab Emirates
Iran-GCC clash over islands, nuclear talks underscores Tehran’s growing isolation The Gulf Cooperation Council's renewed territorial claims on three Iran-controlled Persian Gulf islands come as Tehran is struggling under mounting international pressure and scrambling to rise from the ashes of its recent war with Israel. Iran
Somalia, UAE hold talks as tensions simmer over Puntland, Somaliland The visit occurred on the same day that Somalia's president met with Sudan’s intelligence chief. United Arab Emirates
US Army trains new Saudi anti-missile THAAD crew as Gulf air defense lags Despite damage from Israel’s June air campaign, Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal continues to threaten Arab states and has in the past limited US military access to regional bases, testing the Pentagon’s ability to manage its global resources. United States
Saudi Arabia licenses charter operator VistaJet as first foreign airline for domestic flights The Dubai-based private airline group looks to capitalize on the kingdom's growing super-rich luxury travel market. Saudi Arabia
US to sell $500 million HIMARS rocket system to Bahrain The short-range artillery system will not alter the basic balance of power in the Gulf region, Pentagon says. Bahrain
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
