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
Saudi crown prince announces esports ‘world cup’ The move follows significant Saudi investment in both video games and traditional sports. Gulf
Netanyahu speaks with UAE president in first call with Arab leader since Hamas attack UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the first Arab leader with whom Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spoken since the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas. Israel
Explainer: What is behind the Arizona-Saudi groundwater controversy? The US state canceled the lease for one of Saudi dairy giant Almarai’s subsidiaries, saying it has been improperly pumping groundwater out of the desert. Gulf
UAE reopens embassy in Lebanon as MBZ hosts Mikati in Abu Dhabi The move comes as Lebanon continues to face deteriorating political, economic and security conditions. Lebanon
20% rise in Middle East late-stage venture capital funding despite global decline Startups in the Middle East and North Africa have so far in 2023 reported a 20% year-on-year growth, new data shows, while global funding activity of this type has seen a 49% decline from 2022. Gulf
UAE’s Masdar signs sustainable aviation fuel deal with Boeing Several Gulf entities are investing in the bio-based alternative jet fuel, though its development faces several challenges and is not ready for mass use. Gulf
Middle East economic growth to fall sharply in 2023, World Bank says The Middle East and North Africa’s gross domestic product is expected to plummet to 1.9% in 2023 from 6% in 2022. Gulf
Does QatarEnergy look downstream for long term strategy? The NOC's aspiration is to transform itself into a global, upstream player in hydrocarbons with world-scale assets. Gerald Kepes In Washington, DC, reporting on regional energy trends
US sells Oman $70 million worth of TOW antitank missiles The Biden administration advanced the sale proposal even as Yemen's Houthis have engaged in peace talks in Saudi Arabia last month. Gulf
Saudi-Iran soccer match canceled over Qasem Soleimani statue row Iran and Saudi Arabia resumed diplomatic relations in March. Soleimani, who was killed in a US airstrike in 2020, is a polarizing figure in the region. Gulf
Saudi sovereign fund takes on fighting world with investment in MMA The Professional Fighter League's founder and chairman, Donn Davis, told Al-Monitor that the Middle East offers an opportunity to grow mixed martial arts. Gulf
