Saudi Arabia and Qatar ink high-speed rail deal advancing Gulf integration Saudi Arabia is seeking to boost its railway infrastructure, and longstanding efforts to connect Gulf states by train are finally gaining momentum. Saudi Arabia
China, UAE to hold third air force drills as defense ties warm: What we know China and the United Arab Emirates are further deepening their defense and military ties with a third round of aerial exercises. United Arab Emirates
Meloni to attend GCC summit in Bahrain as Italy deepens Gulf ties The summit is expected to focus on economic integration in the Gulf, but regional issues will likely loom just as large, including post-war Gaza and the conflict in Sudan. Bahrain
Analysis F-35s, chips but no security guarantees: What MBS achieved — and didn’t — in Washington A Saudi-US defense deal signed by Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House fell short of the de facto Saudi leader's ambitions for a US defense guarantee, but neither side appears in much of a hurry since the US military knocked out Iran's nuclear enrichment in June. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Pakistan to raise $4B from Middle East banks amid economic turbulence For many years, Pakistan has relied on China and Gulf allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to roll over some of its debt to avoid having to repay it sooner. Saudi Arabia
UK’s new government reboots trade talks with Gulf, Israel, Turkey New British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has made economic growth a priority of his Labour government and has pledged to make the UK the fastest-growing economy in the G20. Saudi Arabia
Gulf investment in UK real estate to hit $4B annually, says BLME Research predicts that demographic trends and supply shortages will make the UK's real estate sector a more popular option for investors in the future. Saudi Arabia
Why G7's economic policy toward Russia might alienate Saudi Arabia The G7 has seized hundreds of billions of dollars in Russia’s frozen assets in response to Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Saudi Arabia
Trump adds to Gulf portfolio with Dubai tower deal The Trump Organization and Dar Global have unveiled a new development, adding to others in Oman and Saudi Arabia this year. United Arab Emirates
Why Gulf economies are doubling down on natural gas exploration As Gulf states increase gas output, some new capacities will be liquefied and exported to consumer markets, while others will be used domestically to meet increased demand for energy. By Sebastian Castelier
Trump Tower deal announced in Jeddah as Saudi business ties grow The Trump Organization recently unveiled a development in Oman, while Trump’s golf course is again hosting the Saudi-backed LIV Golf this year. Saudi Arabia
Kuwait doubles down on Saudi ties driven by economics, counter-Islamism Kuwait's newly appointed crown prince, Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al Sabah, is expected to advance the already good ties between his country and Saudi Arabia, as the two seek to further their economic prosperity. Kuwait
How the UAE became a magnet for millionaires Lax regulation and easy pathways for obtaining visas have helped attract high-net-worth individuals to the United Arab Emirates. By Sebastian Castelier In Dubai, reporting on regional business
Turkey’s Erdogan, UAE president discuss Gaza during G7 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also briefly chatted with US President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the summit. Turkey
As Hajj kicks off, Saudi Arabia looks to expand tourism sector While leisure tourism is gaining momentum in Saudi Arabia, religious tourism still dominates the sector. By Sebastian Castelier In Dubai, reporting on regional business
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