US eases foreign investment rules days before Trump Gulf visit: What to know Gulf states are estimated to manage 40% of the world’s sovereign wealth and are some of the biggest investors in the United States. Saudi Arabia
Mideast airlines suspend Pakistan flights following Indian strikes Pakistan closed its airspace for 48 hours starting early Wednesday following Indian airstrikes on several locations that left at least 15 people dead. United Arab Emirates
Interview Qatar’s digital future offers opportunities in AI, energy, says head of US-Qatar Business Council Talent, not just capital, is key to sustainable growth, says Sheikha Mayes Al Thani. Sheikha Mayes Al Thani Managing Director, US-Qatar Business Council
State Department shake-up leaves Qatar hanging President Trump’s ouster of Secretary of State Rex Tillerson knocks out a leading champion for resolving the monthslong Qatar crisis in the Persian Gulf. Saudi Arabia
Saudi crown prince comes to Washington Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is coming to Washington to shore up support at a time when the situation at home and in the United States is more complicated than ever. Saudi Arabia
Hamas entangled in regional polarization While Hamas welcomed the recent statements made by Qatari Ambassador Mohammed al-Emadi regarding support for the Gaza Strip, it denounced Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir’s accusation that Hamas is an extremist movement, which shows a new alignment in the region. Saudi Arabia
Qatar claims proposed sanctions on Hamas threaten F-15 sales Qatar lobbyists say the pressure on Doha could jeopardize a $6.2 billion deal signed under President Donald Trump. Qatar
Russia, Qatar move forward on military cooperation The Kremlin tightens its military relationship with Qatar, with Doha finalizing the purchase of S-400 air missile defense systems from Russia. Saudi Arabia
Jordan and Turkey get cozy Jordan and Turkey are boosting political, trade and economic ties amid regional challenges and shared interests in the outcome of nearby conflicts. Saudi Arabia
Egypt invests to curb sports 'game drain' to other states As Qatar and other countries lure Egyptian athletes with lucrative offers, Banque Misr has launched the Egyptian Sports Fund to support its national teams. Qatar
Unpaid Gaza employees lash out at Qatari ambassador Some hospital maintenance workers who haven't been paid in months expressed their frustration while the Qatari ambassador was visiting the Gaza Strip. Qatar
Will the crisis in Gaza finally force Israel to lift its siege? Qatar and the UAE have donated money to ease the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, but such assistance will likely only postpone an implosion in the absence of arriving at a solution to the enclave's isolation and lifting of the Israeli blockade. United Arab Emirates
Conference for Iraq draws investors instead of donors The reported success — and failure — of a fundraising effort for Iraq could become a political football in the May general elections. Saudi Arabia
Will Israel, Qatar cooperate to save Gaza? US Middle East envoy Jason Greenblatt called for Israel and Qatar to cooperate in order to save the Gaza Strip from a humanitarian crisis. Qatar
What’s behind Sisi’s recent trip to Oman? While Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is calling on Tehran and Riyadh to cool their tensions, Egypt is strengthening its ties to Oman, which has become a stable and trustworthy ally. Saudi Arabia