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
Shareholder Saudi prince rejects Elon Musk’s bid to buy Twitter Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, one of the largest shareholders of the social media giant, believes Twitter is worth more than Musk is offering. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia finds amphetamines hidden in elevator parts Citizens of Syria, Egypt and two locals were arrested in relation to the incident, according to state media. Saudi Arabia
As dialogue falters, Khamenei says 'no possibility' of Saudi victory in Yemen The comments on Twitter by the supreme leader follow the suspension of talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Iran
Saudi Aramco pursues diversification with artificial intelligence center The Saudi energy giant is flush with cash from oil sales abroad. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia confiscates more Captagon pills at Jordan border Saudi authorities have promised to crackdown on drug smuggling, which they have blamed on Hezbollah. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia announces $600 million in new investment from startups, venture capitalist Foreign direct investment in Saudi Arabia slowed later in 2021 after a promising start, and some entities are reluctant to invest there due to the human rights situation. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia resumes visa on arrival for US, EU visa holders The kingdom greatly relaxed its visa rules before the pandemic in an effort to boost tourism. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabian export stats show mixed results in non-oil commerce Saudi Arabia is working to diversify its economy, but figures from January show it remains dependent on foreign oil sales. Saudi Arabia
Saudi’s future city, NEOM, launches renewable energy project Saudi Arabia has grand plans for the city, but the endeavor’s land use and sustainability plans have faced pushback. Saudi Arabia
Saudi authorities find Captagon in Jeddah, hash in Mecca Saudi authorities have seized Captagon shipments on numerous occasions in recent months. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia, Qatar raise repo rates while Turkey stays put Central Banks in the Middle East are responding to the US Federal Reserve raising interest rates due to rising inflation. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Lawmakers call for probe as arms purchasers target US-based dissidents Democratic lawmakers are seeking a congressional watchdog study on how the State Department is tracking extraterritorial harassment by countries that benefit from US security assistance or arms, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights