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
China looks to boost its influence in Yemen China is capitalizing on its ties with the various actors in Yemen's civil war to play a bigger role in investing in a post-conflict Yemen. Saudi Arabia
US pushes to reintegrate militants after Islamic State fight A senior State Department official told Al-Monitor the administration is working to help Middle Eastern and African countries reintegrate thousands of fighters who joined the Islamic State and its affiliates. Saudi Arabia
Trump condemns Iran protest crackdown, stays mum on Oman, French mediation efforts President Donald Trump, responding to a reporter’s question in London, said the United States does not support the protesters in Iran before he later clarified his answer and castigated the Iranian government. Saudi Arabia
Turkey sees greater partnership with Qatar than is apparent Turkey's commercial gains from its partnership with Qatar have been modest and the media fanfare over fresh bilateral accords is hard to comprehend. Saudi Arabia
Concerns over finances, not Iran, will end Qatar crisis Citizens of Gulf States leading the embargo against Qatar are having to make economic sacrifices while their leaders continue their "ill-advised" and "unsupervised" spending. Saudi Arabia
Palestinian Authority, UAE may be ready to reconcile Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is preparing to visit the UAE after years of estrangement to offer condolences for a death in the ruling family and perhaps to pursue other goals. United Arab Emirates
Riyadh agreement neglects Yemen’s 'manmade' humanitarian crisis Since the Saudi-led coalition intervened against Houthis in Yemen in 2015, both warring sides have deliberately targeted medical facilities, while few if any projects are being carried out to revive the health care system in a country where millions are suffering. Saudi Arabia
East Yemen former ruling dynasty calls to revive Mahra Sultanate Amid Saudi Arabia’s growing military influence over the easternmost corner of Yemen, Al Mahrah’s former ruling dynasty wants independence. Saudi Arabia
Dubai's aviation boom in question as airshow kicks off The profitability of UAE airlines is on the decline as Dubai Airshow 2019 kicks off. United Arab Emirates
Riyadh Agreement divides Yemenis in Sanaa Civilians in Sanaa feel frustrated at the Riyadh Agreement recently signed between the main partners of the Saudi-led coalition that will unite them against the Houthis. Saudi Arabia
Efforts to tie Trump’s hands on Iran, Saudi Arabia hold up key defense bill Congressional efforts to tie President Donald Trump’s hands on Middle East policy have helped stall negotiations as Democrats and Republicans struggle to pass annual spending and defense authorization legislation. Saudi Arabia
Million-dollar lobbying campaign against Kuwait suffers major setback A Kuwaiti court has sentenced a Russian businesswoman to 15 years of hard labor despite pressure from former US officials. Here's who's behind the campaign to release Marsha Lazareva. United Arab Emirates