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
UAE awards China’s WeRide first license to operate self-driving cars The UAE permit will allow the Guangzhou-based driving technology company to test its level 4 human-free and fully autonomous vehicles on public roads throughout the emirates. United Arab Emirates
At OPEC, Saudi Arabia defends oil cuts with Russia despite mild market reaction The kingdom's energy minister called for more industry transparency, despite several news organizations being prohibited from reporting on the OPEC conference he was speaking at. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia leads AI global index for strategy as Israel tops Mideast rankings Saudi Arabia topped the global chart for AI government strategy, which measures the depth of national spending commitments and strategies, while other Middle East and North Africa (MENA) states lagged further behind, beginning in 23rd place. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia, UAE invest $6 billion in Iraq operations The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia will join together to boost trade and commerce in Iraq. Iraq
Saudi Arabia extends oil production cut in attempt to increase prices Russia also moved to tighten supply, announcing it would reduce oil exports to 500,000 bpd in August. Saudi Arabia
Gulf investors shape US-China tech competition, from Silicon Valley to Shenzen Facing a funding drought, big name US venture capitalists have been descending on the Gulf in search of fresh funds. Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
As protests continue against Sweden, OIC to meet in Saudi on Quran burning Member states are set to discuss measures to be taken against attacks on the Muslim holy book. Turkey
9 Middle East universities, 3 in Saudi Arabia make world’s top 300 schools Nearly 150 universities from the MENA region are featured in a list of the world’s top universities. Saudi Arabia
Blinken: US warned Israel that West Bank tensions could undermine Saudi normalization Secretary of State Antony Blinken said it would be tough, if not impossible, to deepen and expand the Abraham Accords if the violence continues in the West Bank. Israel
Millions of Muslims mark Eid al-Adha in Saudi Arabia after hajj pilgrimage Muslims in the region are celebrating Eid al-Adha despite soaring prices. Saudi Arabia
British sustainable fuel startup eyes Middle Eastern market OXCCU looks to lower the cost of sustainable aviation fuel to make it a more attractive option for airlines to buy instead of fossil fuels. Legacy: Gulf
Top Saudi officials travel to China to attend 'Summer Davos' as ties deepen The kingdom’s economy minister and other top officials will participate in the so-called Summer Davos as China-Saudi ties continue to gain momentum. Legacy: Gulf