Analysis UAE’s OPEC exit rattles cartel as Gulf alliances shift OPEC's fourth-largest producer will leave the cartel on May 1, marking the most significant departure in the group’s history as the war changes Abu Dhabi's relationship priorities. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Why UAE's decision to leave OPEC is major shift for cartel The UAE accounts for 12% of OPEC's output, but tensions had been simmering over intragroup rivalries and the country wanting to export more oil. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Why Saudi Arabia, Egypt are wary of Turkey’s proposed 4-way defense pact with Pakistan The proposed framework faces major hurdles and fault lines, ranging from NATO constraints to Israeli opposition and weak military integration. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
In Lebanon, Saudi Arabia pursues quiet diplomacy as Trump pushes Israel normalization Saudi Arabia has been engaged in intense diplomacy in Lebanon in recent days, leading up to the extension of a ceasefire with Israel. Lebanon
Newsletter: City Pulse Riyadh Ithra brings MENA design to Milan By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
Analysis Gulf energy deals face Iran war stress test as global expansion meets oil shock By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
China’s Xi heads to Saudi Arabia, adding strain to US ties Xi's visit to Saudi, the first in six years, will include two summits with Arab and GCC leaders and could see an agreement on nuclear technology Legacy: Gulf
Another vertical farm comes to Saudi Arabia Vertical farming has great potential to help alleviate rising desertification in the Middle East, which could threaten the region’s food supply in the future. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi wealth fund to invest in mountainous Aseer region Aseer receives the most rainfall in Saudi Arabia and has some tourism potential, but the kingdom is not close to meeting its tourism goals at present. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi Arabia announces new natural gas discoveries The kingdom is already a major oil exporter, but it could also start exporting natural gas in the near future. Legacy: Gulf
Turkish government banks on Gulf financial support to save economy As crucial elections near, Ankara pins hope on financial support from “friendly” countries to ease its foreign currency shortfall and rein in inflation. Turkey
Saudi Arabia to build giant solar power plant The plant, which will be partially owned by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, will have more output than other solar energy facilities in the region if all goes to plan. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi electric car company Ceer to build factory near Red Sea Ceer, which will be Saudi Arabia’s first electric vehicle-maker, is the latest Saudi project to help the oil-rich kingdom diversify. Legacy: Gulf
Kuwait, Saudi Arabia deny supporting OPEC oil production increase Oil prices dropped after news broke of a potential production increase but have since rebounded. Legacy: Gulf
US says Saudi Arabia's MBS has immunity in Khashoggi lawsuit The Biden administration says Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman should be immune from a US lawsuit holding him responsible for Jamal Khashoggi's murder. Saudi Arabia
Culture Iran, Saudi, other MidEast teams warm up in Qatar as World Cup approaches Iran is looking to advance to the second round for the first time ever, but the team is mired in controversy over the protests in the country while host Qatar itself is facing criticism at home. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi Aramco makes $7 billion investment in South Korea during crown prince’s visit Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is seeking to boost energy, defense and investment cooperation with Seoul during his trip. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi Arabia continues inroads into Africa with Guinea water project The Saudi Fund for Development’s grant to the West African country will also utilize solar power technology. Legacy: Gulf