Newsletter: Gulf GCC approves military command center as tensions simmer Gulf states are moving to strengthen their collective military capabilities by establishing a new command center in Kuwait. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Newsletter: FutureVerse Does Middle East have Nvidia problem? Nvidia shares tumbled this week as the company launched an independent investigation, sparking fallout that could reach all the way to the Middle East. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Explainer UAE selling Saudi oil highlights new Gulf energy realities News surfaced on Nov. 10 that the UAE has reportedly marketed 1.87 million barrels of Saudi crude salvaged from a damaged supertanker for sale, marking an exceptional example of energy cooperation between Gulf rivals. United Arab Emirates
GCC to build military command center in Kuwait as region simmers: What to know GCC countries have stepped up their joint defense efforts with the announcement of a new forward command center to be headquartered in Kuwait, as tensions between Iran and the US continue to escalate. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Syria denies sending troops to fight Houthis in return for Saudi loans By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis Gulf’s $3 trillion US investment drive faces post-midterm Trump reckoning By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Newsletter: Gulf Gulf states step up China diplomacy as Trump’s lame-duck session nears By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Saudi GDP quarterly growth rate reaches 10-year high Saudi Arabia is investing in several sectors in its bid to diversify the economy, but oil remains a major driver of growth. Saudi Arabia
Oil prices fall following Saudi-backed OPEC+ production cut The decrease in production could be a message from Saudi Arabia to the US over the Iran nuclear deal. Legacy: Gulf
Culture Gulf states warn Netflix over content that 'contradicts Islamic values' The controversy follows some Gulf states cracking down on rainbow colors due to their resemblance to the LGBTQ pride flag, though the Gulf Cooperation Council did not mention what exactly the issue is with Netflix. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi firm Alfanar to build green hydrogen plant in Egypt Saudi Arabia is helping Egypt boost its renewable energy capabilities. Egypt
Saudi-India economic ties grow closer with mining agreement Saudi Arabia is seeking to boost its mining sector, and India is a natural partner in this endeavor. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi Arabia to invest $1 billion in Pakistan, following UAE and Qatar Pakistan is seeking help from the Gulf amid its foreign currency reserves crisis. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Central Bank approves fintech companies Lean Technologies, Mod5r Saudi Arabia recently launched a fintech strategy with the goal of becoming a regional hub for financial technology. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia strengthens ties with Uzbekistan via wind power, investment deals Uzbekistan’s relations are also improving with the United Arab Emirates and Israel. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi authorities find amphetamine pills in cleaning supplies Smugglers continue to use creative methods to bring drugs into the kingdom, which struggles with amphetamine addiction. Legacy: Gulf
Golf commentator who criticized Saudi-backed LIV Golf sued for defamation The Golf Channel’s Brandel Chamblee has been one of the most virulent critics of LIV Golf and is now being sued by Patrick Reed, who plays for the breakaway tour. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Public Investment Fund acquires shares in Amazon, Google, Uber The sovereign wealth fund led by the crown prince has shown a strong interest in technology such as video games. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia secures funding for electricity interconnection with Egypt Egypt just approved a plan to ration electricity, though the government said there is not a shortage of power. Egypt