Newsletter: City Pulse Dubai Desert dialogues: Ammar Al Attar’s lens Building heights and cultural depths: Dubai’s new landmark, artistic reflections and and Sharjah films in India. By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
China-made flying car makes first test flight in UAE: What to know The Chinese company is facing competition from a US firm that is currently developing an air taxi service in Dubai. United Arab Emirates
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
Saudi firm to pump $700M into economic zone developer in Africa The kingdom's Vision Invest will invest in pan-African developer Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms, which will use the funds to expand across the continent and develop green industrial ecosystems. Saudi Arabia
Newsletter: Business & Tech Revolut makes Middle East entry with UAE approval By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
China calls on BRICS to boost multilateral trade as Iran, UAE eye closer ties The UAE’s and Egypt’s trade with BRICS members is on the rise, while Iran’s efforts to increase economic ties are complicated by sanctions. China
Cyprus courts UAE amid Greek pressure on subsea cable: What to know The project has been beset with delays due to longstanding disagreements between NATO members Greece and Turkey over territory in the Eastern Mediterranean. United Arab Emirates
Trump aims to crack Gulf's armed drone market with looser export restrictions Washington's latest reinterpretation of the 35-nation MTCR agreement is expected to open the door for a potential major sale of advanced aerial weaponry to Saudi Arabia. United States
Middle East internet slows after Red Sea cables cut: What to know Yemen's internationally recognized government accused the Houthi rebels of planning to attack underwater cables in the Red Sea in February 2024. Kuwait
Sudan accuses UAE of hiring Colombian mercenaries in UN complaint Sudan’s complaint claims 350 to 380 Colombian mercenaries were recruited by Emirati security firms to fight alongside the RSF. Sudan
Saudi Arabia, UAE firms sign $18.5B tourism megaproject for Egypt The new deal forms part of Egypt’s Vision 2030 agenda as the government aims to secure $42 billion in foreign direct investment this year. Egypt
Qataris hail Chinese robotaxis as Gulf embraces driverless cars Three Chinese companies have publicly announced plans to roll out the autonomous vehicles in the Gulf. Qatar
From Milan to Dubai: Giorgio Armani's sprawling Middle East legacy The Italian designer's eponymous brand has luxury real estate in the Gulf, as well as North Africa. United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia, UK announce over $445M in investments: What to know The agreements aim to boost bilateral trade and will also support Saudi Vision 2030 reforms to diversify the economy away from reliance on oil by the end of the decade. Saudi Arabia
UAE president meets Saudi crown prince ahead of UN Palestine conference The UAE and Saudi Arabia have strengthened cooperation since the Gaza war began in 2023, though their rivalry over regional influence and economic leadership remains. United Arab Emirates
Etihad half-year profit hits record $306M on strong travel demand The Abu Dhabi airline reported a profit after tax of 1.1 billion Emirati dirhams ($306 million), up 32% from the first half of 2024. United Arab Emirates
UAE says Israel’s West Bank annexation push a ‘red line': What to know There are growing indications that the Israeli government is seeking to annex the Palestinian territory, but the UAE is becoming increasingly critical of the plan. Israel