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
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund acquires stakes in Egyptian state-owned firms The acquisitions help make good on Saudi Arabia’s pledge to invest billions in Egypt. Saudi Arabia
Gulf states changing labor, visa and residency policies to attract foreign wealth, talent Robert Mogielnicki
Saudi Arabia-China relations strengthen with Aramco-Sinopec deal The ties between China and Saudi Arabia are largely based on trade and energy cooperation. Saudi Arabia
Middle East reactions: Al-Qaeda leader Zawahiri killed in US drone strike Saudi Arabia and Israel praised the operation which killed the Al-Qaeda leader; a Syrian jihadist group appeared to offer condolences. Syria
Saudi Aramco acquires lubricant giant Valvoline Aramco has been investing in futuristic technology amid high oil prices and profits. Legacy: Gulf
9/11 victims protest Saudi-funded LIV Golf event at Trump course LIV Golf, which is backed by Crown Prince Salman’s Public Investment Fund, is gaining serious momentum in the golf world. But victims of September 11 oppose the league due to the Saudi government’s alleged role in the attacks. Legacy: Gulf
Analysis Families of Americans held in Saudi Arabia pin hopes on Biden visit US families separated by punitive travel bans hope President Joe Biden will use his visit to secure the release of their loved ones. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Middle East poised for breakthrough in European energy markets Gerald Kepes In Washington, DC, reporting on regional energy trends
Saudi fast food giant ready to challenge KFC in Egyptian market The introduction of Saudi fast food chain Albaik to Egypt is part of the $7.7 billion investment package announced during the recent visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Cairo. Saudi Arabia
Biden says he won't ask Saudi Arabia to pump more oil during trip President Joe Biden also downplayed his expected meetings with Saudi leaders, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Biden approach to Saudi Arabia echoes Bush’s China policy after Tiananmen Square Also: Washington and Riyadh seek to break Sudan deadlock; Syrian factions unite against Turkey. By Week in Review