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 GDP grew 3.2% in 2021, highest in seven years Saudi economic progress includes growth in the non-oil sector, as foreign direct investment moves more slowly. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Saudi considering China’s yuan for oil purchases Saudi Arabia and China have been growing closer for years, and the news comes at a time of frustration among Gulf states with the US. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Saudi cooperation with China continues with finalization of long-planned refinery deal Saudi oil giant Aramco has made a few agreements with Chinese companies in recent years. Saudi Arabia
UAE sticks to OPEC+ production limits The Biden administration is asking Gulf partners to increase production in response to rising oil prices, but so far the cartel is holding to its earlier agreement. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Saudi Central Bank extends guaranteed financing program for small businesses The program encourages Saudi banks to loan to small businesses by guaranteeing a portion of the funds, and was launched in response to the coronavirus-related economic downturn in Saudi Arabia. By AL-MONITOR Staff
Oil prices, Saudi Aramco shares soar as Ukraine fighting continues Saudi Arabia, Russia and other major oil producers have so far declined to increase production despite pleas from the United States. Saudi Arabia
Electric SUV race coming to Saudi Arabia’s NEOM Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has prioritized investing in new types of sports as part of his Vision 2030 initiative. Saudi Arabia
Emirates airline to boost Saudi tourism The Dubai-based carrier has signed an agreement with the Saudi Tourism Authority to bring international travelers to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
Gulf foreign ministers, GCC chief visit China for talks GCC Secretary General Nayef Falah Al-Hajraf said the five days of meetings will "contribute to enhancing GCC-Chinese relations." Saudi Arabia
Ethiopia detaining Tigrayans deported from Saudi Arabia, rights group says Human Rights Watch urged Ethiopia to release the arbitrarily detained Tigrayans and called on Saudi Arabia to stop its deportations. Saudi Arabia
Turkey's Erdogan says he'll visit Saudi Arabia in February Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's planned visit to Saudi Arabia comes as Ankara seeks to mend ties with several Gulf countries. Saudi Arabia
Yemen’s Houthis say Sanaa airport reopen to flights after bombing The UN envoy for Yemen said the recent escalation was "among the worst" seen in the conflict in years. Saudi Arabia