Iraq reinforces Saudi border security amid militia tensions: What to know Iraq is sending the reinforcements in response to Iran-backed militia attacks and as it looks to build security ties with Riyadh. Iraq
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran sets conditions for reopening Strait of Hormuz Syria, Saudi Arabia to establish joint bank; Lebanon, UAE ink deals, deepen economic ties; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: City Pulse Riyadh AlUla brings Saudi creativity to Paris Also this week: Jeddah flavors, public art and Aseer’s cool escape By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
Newsletter: Business & Tech Iran keeps Hormuz reopening on hold Traffic in the Strait of Hormuz remained low, with only five commodity vessels transiting the waterway on Tuesday, according to data from maritime tracking firm Kpler. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Biden’s grand bargain between Saudi Arabia and Israel hangs by a thread Diplomatic sources briefed on the discussions suggest it would likely fall short of Article 5 of the United States’ 1960 treaty with Japan, but would likely go beyond the benefits of major non-NATO ally. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia 'very, very close' to US security pact tied to Palestinian state In separate comments on Monday, the Saudi and US top diplomats said bilateral agreements on security and defense cooperation — which Riyadh is seeking if it agrees to normalize ties with Israel — were imminent. Saudi Arabia
Gulf telcos flexing investment might amid drive to become global brands Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Interview Saudi Arabia's giga-projects to offer 'testing ground' for British technology Saudi startups and fintech firms are looking to tap into the United Kingdom's $1 trillion tech market. Matt Jones Saudi British Joint Business Council Project Officer
What does EU visa relaxation for Saudi, Bahraini, Omani citizens mean? Under the new rules, Bahraini, Omani and Saudi Arabian nationals will be eligible for multiple-entry visas, allowing them to visit the Schengen area (the EU’s 27 member states as well as Bulgaria and Romania) and move freely between them. Saudi Arabia
Dubai's record rainfall spotlights Gulf’s troubled relation with water The Gulf’s longterm love–hate relationship with water lies behind a year and a half's worth of rain that fell on Dubai in 24 hours. It includes climate change-induced shifting rainfall patterns, groundwater extractions and unsustainable consumption. United Arab Emirates
9% spike in Mideast military spending driven by Saudi Arabia, Israel, Turkey Military spending in the region increased by its largest percentage in a decade, in part due to the Gaza war, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Saudi Arabia
Culture After 9 years, first Iranian pilgrims head to Saudi Arabia for umrah The flights carrying Iranian pilgrims are the latest sign of rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran after restoring ties last year. Iran
Nuclear energy ambitions near inflection point in the Middle East Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
As Iran, Israel trade fire, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan try to forge stability As Prince Faisal bin Farhan made his way to Pakistan with a high-powered delegation to discuss energy and economic ties, tension in the Middle East overshadowed the discussions. Saudi Arabia