US green-lights $325 million in sustainment for Kuwait’s M1 Abrams tanks The Trump administration has notified Congress of a $325 million arms sale to Kuwait for tank maintenance, part of broader efforts to strengthen Gulf defense ties and streamline US arms transfers. Kuwait
Kuwait renews Shell deal as it seeks to hit 4-million-bpd capacity target Kuwait, which has one of the lowest costs of production in the world, has lagged behind its regional peers in expanding oil production capacity. Kuwait
After steep fall, oil prices slightly recover following Trump tariff pause Over the last week, oil prices have plummeted amid the escalating trade war between the United States and China. Saudi Arabia
US approves $400M deal to upgrade Kuwait’s Patriot air defenses The planned recertification marks Washington’s latest show of military support for Gulf Arab states, as the US prepares for a potential confrontation with Iran over its nuclear enrichment program. United States
Analysis From BRICS to dwindling oil revenues, 2024 was mixed year for Gulf By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
Kuwait to resume daily prayers at some mosques despite coronavirus concerns Mosques in residential and sparsely populated areas can resume daily prayers with worshippers in attendance, the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs announced. Kuwait
Kuwait PM proposes drastically scaling back expat population Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al Khalid Al Sabah suggested the country reduce its number of foreign residents from 70% to 30%. Kuwait
COVID-19 crisis returns spotlight to Gulf migrant communities Contract migration schemes make citizenship acquisition nearly impossible for migrant workers in the Gulf, and recent economic and health crises make any imminent changes further unlikely. Legacy: Gulf
Intel: State Department approves $1.4 billion upgrade for Kuwait’s missile defenses The US State Department approved Kuwait’s request for $1.425 billion in upgrades for the Gulf country’s Patriot missile defense systems. Kuwait
Kuwait reduces its lockdown to 12 hours as virus cases continue to climb Kuwait previously instituted a 24-hour curfew to stop the spread of COVID-19. Kuwait
Kuwait threatens jail for flouting face mask order Kuwait will now begin jailing those who leave their homes without a face mask. Kuwait
Gulf’s megaprojects face delays, reassessment Saudi Arabia has cut capital expenditure for a number of Vision 2030 projects amid a drop in oil prices and Chinese investment. Will other Gulf states follow suit? Saudi Arabia
Kuwait sees coronavirus jump as lockdown holds Kuwait has registered 947 coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours as the country continues its total lockdown. Kuwait
Kuwait announces full curfew as other countries ease restrictions Kuwait announced a "total curfew" will start Sunday to fight the coronavirus, but did not yet specify details. Kuwait
Saudi Arabia braces for economic impact Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council states must make dramatic cuts in spending, and not just on megaprojects, as unsustainably large annual deficits have arrived. Legacy: Gulf
Intel: Trump calls on Qatar to work toward resolving Gulf dispute President Donald Trump has asked Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to take steps to resolve the ongoing dispute with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE, which blockaded Qatar in 2017. Legacy: Gulf
Intel: Pompeo and Gulf ministers coordinate on Iran, COVID-19 Secretary of State Mike Pompeo held a flurry of phone calls on Thursday with his counterparts in Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates to discuss Iran and the COVID-19 pandemic. United Arab Emirates