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 Arabia opens four special economic zones with eye on foreign investment The special economic zones offer incentives such as competitive corporate tax rates, 100% ownership of companies and flexibility in employing foreign labor. Legacy: Gulf
US officials visit Saudi Arabia as relations improve, yet tensions remain The US and Saudi Arabia are in disagreement on oil, Syria and other matters, but the Biden administration has shifted to a friendlier approach to the kingdom. Legacy: Gulf
Northeast Syria announces Captagon bust following Syrian FM's Saudi visit Syria and Saudi Arabia recently pledged to work together on combating drug trafficking. Legacy: Gulf
Jordan proposes Syria peace plan during Arab FM Saudi meeting The plan includes steps to tackle the refugee crisis and smuggling across borders. Jordan
Prison swap begins in Yemen as Saudi-Houthi peace efforts continue The exchange, the biggest since 2020, comes amid talks between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed Houthi rebels to end the devastating war. Legacy: Gulf
Oman activates first floating desalination plant The mobile desalination plants are meant to service 70 seaport villages and are the first of their kind in the Arab world. Legacy: Gulf
UAE will not ‘jeopardize’ rules to attract Russian wealth: Trade minister The Emirates has been criticized for hosting companies engaged in sanctions-busting following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but is making efforts to clean up its act. Legacy: Gulf
South Africa to appeal UAE ruling against extradition of Gupta brothers The UAE said on April 7 that South Africa's extradition request did not meet legal documentation standards and that the two brothers wanted for money laundering and fraud would be released from custody. Legacy: Gulf
UAE bets on agtech to meet food security targets ahead of COP28 The UAE had the strongest food security in the region last year. Focusing on agtech is helping it achieve local food production goals. Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Here are the biggest Middle East disclosures in the leaked intel docs Turkey, Israel and the United Arab Emirates are among the Middle East countries named in a major leak of classified US intelligence documents. Turkey
CENTCOM eyeing artificial intelligence to counter Iran’s drones, says Kurilla The top commander of US forces in the Middle East expressed concerns over China's inroads the region and told Al-Monitor he wants to turn up the heat at the next Red Sands exercise in Saudi Arabia to simulate more complex drone attacks. Washington Connection
Two Etihad Airways ads banned in UK over greenwashing claims The Gulf carrier was accused of exaggerating climate claims by the British Advertising Standards Agency. Legacy: Gulf
