Exclusive Inside Netanyahu’s relentless push for meeting with UAE’s MBZ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu managed to persuade the Emiratis to receive him a month before Israel’s elections, but like other Arab capitals, Abu Dhabi is also in contact with his political rivals. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
MBS hosts Sheikh Mansour as Saudi-UAE ties thaw: What to know The renewed outreach comes as Saudi Arabia faces mounting attacks from the Iran-backed Houthis. United Arab Emirates
UAE’s Sheikh Mansour to visit Saudi Arabia amid strained ties The two Gulf countries have been at odds over Yemen, where Saudi Arabia backs Yemen’s internationally recognized government, while the UAE has supported the separatist Southern Transitional Council. Saudi Arabia
Ex-Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar to sue Netanyahu over Oct. 7 accusations: What to know Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar of withholding information in the hours before the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, but the former security chief rejected the claim, saying he intends to file a defamation suit. Israel
Newsletter: City Pulse Dubai Christie’s brings first fine art auction to Abu Dhabi By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
Newsletter: Gulf The Gulf's UN agenda By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Gulf’s megaprojects face delays, reassessment Saudi Arabia has cut capital expenditure for a number of Vision 2030 projects amid a drop in oil prices and Chinese investment. Will other Gulf states follow suit? Saudi Arabia
Secret operation brings Israelis stranded in Morocco back home In a complicated operation, Israelis stuck in Morocco because of the coronavirus were finally brought home. United Arab Emirates
Have taxes killed GCC economic integration? Saudi Arabia's recent decision to increase its value-added tax by 200% could spell the end of chances for regional economic integration and policy coordination. Saudi Arabia
Dubai reopens public parks, hotel beaches Mosques, movie theaters, nightclubs and public beaches remain closed. United Arab Emirates
Emirates to resume international passenger flights The Dubai-based carrier will start flying to North America, Europe and Australia on May 21. United Arab Emirates
World’s tallest building in Dubai doubles as coronavirus ‘donation box’ For every light purchased along the Burj Khalifa’s exterior, a meal will be provided to a person in need. United Arab Emirates
Yemeni government vows to confront southern rebellion Yemen's internationally recognized government pledged to respond to any attacks from the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council in the country's south. Saudi Arabia
UAE students stir fashion market demand amid COVID-19 Two UAE students are taking advantage of the lockdown imposed to contain the coronavirus outbreak in order to grow their sustainable fashion line. United Arab Emirates
Coronavirus offers Israel opportunity to strengthen ties with Gulf states Despite recent condemnation by Gulf states of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plans to annex parts of the West Bank this summer, there are signs that Israeli-Gulf ties might benefit from shared concern over COVID-19. Saudi Arabia
Trump blasts Republicans who voted for Iran war powers bill as Senate fails to override veto President Donald Trump laid into some of his close Senate allies for siding with Democrats on an Iran war powers bill even as Congress failed to override his veto. Saudi Arabia
UAE rejects Pakistani claim it is exporting virus The UAE said it tests everyone leaving the country and bars infected individuals from traveling, but Pakistan says up to half of those repatriated on some flights had COVID-19. United Arab Emirates
Report: Private sectors in UAE, Egyptian, Saudi economies suffer dramatic losses IHS Markit, a global information provider, shows how the private sector has suffered major blows in the UAE, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia