AL-Monitor Doha: Katara International Arabian Horse Festival

This week in Doha the culture scene is buzzing with the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival, the charm of Qatar’s first floating cafe and a rich lineup of artistic performances.

Qatar

Al-Monitor Doha: Syrian Symphony arrives

Syrian voices bring Doha to life this week with pianist and composer Malek Jandali's Syrian Symphony and singer Assala Nasri’s soulful tunes.

Qatar

Analysis

By hosting Taliban FM, UAE seeks to expand influence in Afghanistan

Abu Dhabi plans to invest up to $400 million in Afghanistan and upgrade the Central Asian country's consulate in Dubai.

By Jennifer Gnana

In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics

Qatar pledges electricity, support for Syria as PM meets Sharaa in Damascus

Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus to discuss bilateral relations, efforts to lift sanctions and Israel’s military actions in Syria.

Syria

Here are main Netanyahu and Hamas compromises in proposed Gaza deal

Details are beginning to surface about a potential deal between Israel and Hamas for the release of hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza.

Israel

Syrian delegation visits Saudi Arabia in first post-Assad trip: What we know

Syrian Foreign Minister Al-Shaibani is on his first foreign visit to Riyadh less than a month since Bashar al-Assad's fall, received by senior Saudi officials including the foreign and defense ministers.

Syria

Analysis

Was 2024 a breakthrough year for the Middle East’s AI ambitions?

Gulf states doubled down on AI in 2024, pouring billions into tech infrastructure and US partnerships.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Analysis

From BRICS to dwindling oil revenues, 2024 was mixed year for Gulf

The ongoing conflict in Gaza, big international investment deals, low oil revenue and increased curtailing of democratic rights dominated Gulf politics and economy in 2024

By Jennifer Gnana

In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics

Analysis

Israel’s Netanyahu sends mixed messages on hostage deal

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the Wall Street Journal he continues to reject as hostage deal that would include ending the war in Gaza.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

From UK to Jordan: Delegations pour into Damascus, meet Syria's al-Sharaa

Officials from the Arab world, Turkey, the US and Europe have sent delegations to Syria since the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad.

Syria

Qatar emir in Turkey on surprise visit as efforts for Syria ceasefire intensify

The Qatari leader's unannounced visit came amid efforts to extend a ceasefire between the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in northern Syria. The two also discussed reconstruction efforts.

Turkey

Analysis

As Qatar looks to modernize navy, Turkey and Italy emerge as dominant players

Qatar's navy ambitions are broad and impressive, but can they be sustained?

By Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance