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 explores women’s buying power with 30% entering work force To expand its own economy, Saudi Arabia is joining a global structural shift toward multiple-wage households as women move into more and more careers that used to be off-limits. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Aramco, South Korea's Hyundai sign $2.4B contract to develop gas field The contract was signed during South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s visit to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
Saudi crown prince announces esports ‘world cup’ The move follows significant Saudi investment in both video games and traditional sports. Legacy: Gulf
Renewable energy industry not ready to shoulder global demand, Aramco says The boss of the world's largest oil company doubled down on investing more in oil and gas, despite Greta Thunberg and other climate activists protesting outside the conference he was speaking at in London. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia set to begin Middle East’s first hydrogen train trials Saudi Arabian Railways, in partnership with French manufacturer Alstom, will begin to operate the world’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train in Riyadh later this month. Saudi Arabia
Israel-Saudi normalization falls casualty of Hamas attack The US-brokered talks were making progress; that’s probably why Iran gave Hamas the green light. Israel
Italy's FM in Saudi Arabia to talk energy partnerships, investments as ties grow The far-right government of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has worked to strengthen ties with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia, Russia to extend voluntary oil cuts to tighten supply The announcement from the two most powerful members of the OPEC+ group came hours before ministers from the cartel of oil-producing nations were set to meet virtually on Wednesday. Saudi Arabia
Interview 'A lot of work' remains on Saudi-Israel deal, says Abraham Accords adviser In an interview with Al-Monitor, the State Department’s Senior Adviser for Regional Integration Daniel Shapiro said there's no question Israel's normalization with Saudi Arabia would “radiate out” to other countries looking to join the Abraham Accords. Daniel Shapiro US Senior Adviser for Regional Integration
Culture Saudi-Iran soccer match canceled over Qasem Soleimani statue row Iran and Saudi Arabia resumed diplomatic relations in March. Soleimani, who was killed in a US airstrike in 2020, is a polarizing figure in the region. Legacy: Gulf
Second Israeli minister 'received warmly' in Saudi Arabia amid normalization push After the first Israeli official delegation and then a trip by Tourism Minister Haim Katz, Israel’s Communications Minister Shlomi Karhi is the latest Israeli minister to visit Saudi Arabia. Israel
Targeting Tesla factories, Turkey and Saudi Arabia tempt Elon Musk with compelling offers The Middle East could help fuel Tesla’s global expansion as countries race to become the next destination producing electric vehicles for the world’s most valuable automaker. Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech