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
EU transport chief given new role after taking free Qatar flights Henrik Hololei, director general of the European Commission’s transport department, was moved to a new non-managerial role after details emerged that he accepted free flights and accomodation from the Gulf state. Gulf
Saudis joining Shanghai Cooperation Organization as China bromance blossoms Russia, China and a number of former Soviet states in Central Asia created the SCO in 2001 to counter US hegemony in the region. Gulf
Is the Middle East ready for its AI breakthrough? Many Middle East governments see AI as an essential catalyst for growth and diversification, but the region’s aspirations have yet to materialize. This new Pro Trend Report takes a deep dive into the feasibility of regional AI strategies.
UAE’s ‘Second Salary’ savings plan offers its expat majority passive income The savings plan is the first step in establishing a long-term retirement plan structure by the savings and investment company, amid low rates of retirement savings in the region. Gulf
UAE-Israel ties strengthen further with offer for NewMed Energy Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and British Petroleum are seeking a 50% stake in the firm. The news follows the activation of the Israel-UAE free trade agreement and another Emirati firm buying a stake in Israel's gas fields. Gulf
20 pilgrims dead in bus crash en route to Saudi Arabia’s Mecca Almost every pilgrimage season witnesses deadly accidents in Saudi Arabia. Gulf
Saudi crown prince calls China’s Xi following Iran, energy deals The call marked the first time the two leaders spoke since the Saudi-Iran rapprochement deal brokered by China. Gulf
Israel, UAE sign customs agreement as Emirati president hosts Naftali Bennett Economic cooperation between the the UAE and Israel remains strong and they have now activated their free trade deal, despite heightened Emirati criticism on the Palestinian issue. Gulf
Saudi National Bank chairman resigns after Credit Suisse loss Current CEO Saeed Mohammed Al Ghamdi will take over as the new chairman on March 27, with deputy CEO Talal Ahmed Al Khereiji filling his place. Gulf
Why global energy giants are increasing their presence in the Middle East and North Africa Global energy companies have all made the strategic assumption that they will be able to invest in exploration and production in the Middle East for several decades to come. Gerald Kepes In Washington, DC, reporting on regional energy trends
Iranian, Saudi FMs hold second call in a week on 'constructive' relations Iran may also soon resume relations with Bahrain following mediation by Oman. Gulf
Saudi Arabia, UAE court China in search for stability with Iran The Arab Gulf states remain cordial and diplomatic as the United States, Russia, China and Iran feud over spying and matters of international law. Gulf
