Analysis Can Gulf states slash costly reliance on Western consultancies? A one-year ban on PwC acquiring work in Saudi Arabia has highlighted the Gulf states' dependency on Western firms and the need to develop local consultancies and talent. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Can Saudi Arabia afford giga-projects with oil prices under $75 per barrel? Riyadh could soon run a current account deficit as oil revenue declines amid huge spending commitments toward ambitious Vision 2030 projects. Saudi-led OPEC has also deferred an output increase plan to allow more time to reach desired oil prices. By Jennifer Gnana , Samuel Wendel
UAE's final unit of Barakah nuclear reactor hooked to grid: What we know The Emirates is the only Gulf country with a nuclear power program, though neighboring Saudi Arabia also has atomic power ambitions. United Arab Emirates
Saudi entity denies its ship hit as Houthis claim attack on Greek tanker Saudi Arabia's national shipping company Bahri denied reports that its tanker Amjad came under attack by the Houthis, the Yemeni armed group that has stepped up attacks on oil tankers in the Red Sea. Yemen
Analysis Telegram CEO's arrest spotlights UAE’s investment-based citizenship laws By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
What is behind UAE deportation of Lebanese nationals? Although UAE authorities maintain that the recent decision to deport dozens of Lebanese nationals was made over security concerns, others believe that political alignments may have played a role. Legacy: Gulf
Will Qatar-Israel relations threaten PA’s relevance in Gaza? Qatar’s engagement with Hamas and Israeli officials on Gaza reconstruction projects has provoked fears in the Palestinian Authority of a usurpation of its power. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi airstrikes against Yemen a first The new Saudi king has united the Arabs against the Houthis, with Qatar and Egypt now on the same side. Legacy: Gulf
Mistrust blinds Netanyahu to regional openings The dangers Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu perceives in the region obstruct his ability to see opportunities favorable to Israel. Legacy: Gulf
Bahrain asks Congress for help in restoring arms sales Manama's embassy in Washington is circulating a letter calling for a united front against IS, Iran; Bahrain is courting Congress in its effort to get the Obama administration to unblock weapons sales that were suspended after its 2011 crackdown on Shiite-led protesters. Legacy: Gulf
Can you be an Islamist and a feminist? Feminists and others in the West intent on "liberating" the women of the Muslim world fail to recognize a brand of Islamist feminism demanding public and private space for women to contribute to society. Legacy: Gulf
Gulf states to cut aid to Egypt The Egyptian government hopes the Egypt Economic Development Conference will succeed in attracting new investments given an expected drop in aid from the Gulf. Legacy: Gulf
Saudis struggle to reconcile IS fight, Wahhabism While it might not be what the West wants to hear, Wahhabism and Salafism offer young Saudis clear boundaries and a blueprint for changing the self and the world through action. Legacy: Gulf
Jordan pressured to restrict Muslim Brotherhood Some in Jordan believe the government will not break its historical ties with the Muslim Brotherhood, while others say there will be a crackdown on the group to keep Gulf aid flowing into the kingdom. Legacy: Gulf
Why did Iran, Morocco resume relations? Economics, Iran's desire for greater international standing, the Islamic State and Western Sahara may be factors in Iran naming an ambassador to Morocco after a nearly six-year break in ties. Legacy: Gulf
US maintains intelligence relationship with Houthis Despite alarmist news reports, the Barack Obama administration appears to have adjusted to the rise of the Houthis in Yemen and is continuing attacks on al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. Legacy: Gulf
Saudis work together to head off sectarian violence The November attack against Saudi Shiites in al-Ahsa governorate drew unanimous condemnation from conservative Sunnis and Shiites alike, who are determined to prevent sectarian strife. Legacy: Gulf
