Analysis As Carrefour retreats in Mideast, can new Gulf superstore brand advance? Amid rising competition and consumer boycotts of Western companies, UAE-based Majid Al Futtaim has begun pulling French retailer Carrefour from Middle East markets and rebranding outlets under a new name: HyperMax. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Hong Kong inks agreements with Gulf partners at BRI Summit Some 36 business agreements covering finance, technology, logistics, professional services and education were set to be signed at the event. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Gulf rail boom rumbles on as 2030 deadline for regional network nears From 100 million metro riders in Riyadh to a new Oman-UAE railway, Gulf states are pouring money into train transport — but plans for a regional rail network are still taking shape. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
From Kuwait to Turkey, why are countries cracking down on Roblox? The fast-growing gaming platform has been banned in countries including China, Iran, Oman, Qatar, and Turkey. Kuwait
Newsletter: Gulf Gulf defense spending surges By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Analysis Gulf growth forecast bright but Israel-Iran war threatens to derail outlook By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
As Pompeo pushes for Israel deal, Bahrain reaffirms support for two-state solution Pompeo is trying to persuade Bahrain and other countries in the region to join the United Arab Emirates in recognizing Israel. United Arab Emirates
Oman kicks off ambitious reform project A significant revamp promises to slim down the Omani government, bring in new faces and mark the start of a new era. Oman
Oman says it supports UAE-Israel normalization of ties Israeli officials told the local press they are in talks with Oman to reach a similar normalization in ties. United Arab Emirates
Oman imposes fresh lockdown ahead of Eid al-Adha holiday A ban on travel between the governorates and an 11-hour curfew will run from July 25 through Aug. 8. Oman
Oman to allow residents to take international flights Oman's government also announced it would extend a lockdown on the Dhofar and Masirah regions. Oman
Has China gained an edge on the US in the Gulf? China has upped the ante, but the United States holds the winning hand; Oman weighs risks and benefits of Gulf bailout; will migrant workers return to GCC? Legacy: Gulf
Oman weighs costs of bailout from Gulf neighbors Gulf countries might step up to keep Oman’s public finances afloat, but experts warn strings may be attached. Saudi Arabia
GCC faces possible setback with exodus of skilled professionals The coronavirus pandemic coupled with the oil crisis is pushing foreign workers to exit the Gulf states, perhaps shaping future labor policies. Saudi Arabia
Oman’s state-owned entities change hands As the newly-formed Oman Investment Authority takes over most of the Gulf country’s public assets, questions arise as to whether this is streamlining the administration, economic reform or power consolidation? Oman
Oman will make it easier for expat workers to switch jobs Under a previous order, foreign workers were barred from switching companies without explicit permission from their employers. Oman
Oman’s public sector reform risks brain drain By letting go of thousands of foreign experts, Oman risks losing the know-how central to achieving economic diversification. Oman
In latest spending cut, Oman not renewing majority of foreign consultant contracts Contracts will not be renewed for at least 70% of foreign experts and consultants working for the Omani government. Oman