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
Fitch upgrades Omantel’s credit rating, citing high oil prices, reforms The leading Omani telecommunications company has grown its customer base and agreed to sell its towers to a British firm, but a new cell service provider in the Gulf state could provide some competition. Legacy: Gulf
How Russia's invasion of Ukraine will impact energy markets Energy markets are roiling with spikes in both oil and gas prices and a surge of instability related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Legacy: Gulf
Explainer: the Phil Mickelson-Saudi Arabia golf controversy Golfer Phil Mickelson called Saudis “scary” in a recently surfaced interview. The fallout exposed a riff in the golf community over a Saudi-funded league that aims to compete with the PGA Tour, which has been criticized for its treatment of players. Legacy: Gulf
US sanctions smuggling network backing Yemen's Houthis The latest Houthi-related sanctions come as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia push the Biden administration to designate the Iran-supported group as a terrorist organization. Yemen
US approves plan to build Kuwait’s new defense ministry HQ The $1 billion project is part of Washington's attempt to outmaneuver China's growing influence in the Gulf. Legacy: Gulf
US Navy turns to sea drones in MidEast The US Navy is turning to unmanned tech to help regional states monitor the waters of the Persian Gulf and Red Sea. Legacy: Gulf
US defense contractor to set up surveillance center in UAE The Tawazun Economic Council signed a term sheet with L3Harris Technologies at a drone and robotics fair in Abu Dhabi. Legacy: Gulf
Gulf states plan to phase out below-cost electricity for their citizens Subsidy reform is at the crux of state-led pushes to instill a change in thinking among citizens and a powerful tool to raise environmental awareness. Legacy: Gulf
US F-22 squadron arrives to help UAE ward off Houthi attacks France is also lending military support while it remains unclear how proactively US fighter pilots will allowed to engage Houthi targets. Yemen
Divergent currency values make life even harder in Yemen Yemenis continue to bear the brunt of the war, including a devastated economy and banknotes that may have no value depending on which part of the country they visit. Legacy: Gulf
Afghan evacuees in UAE protest US resettlement delay From their shelter in Abu Dhabi, the protesters demanded they be resettled in the United States. United Arab Emirates
US approves $4.2 billion F-16 sale to Jordan, air defense systems to Gulf Lockheed Martin's THAAD air defense system marked its first successful combat shoot-downs during ballistic missile attacks on the UAE in recent weeks. Legacy: Gulf
