Analysis

Caught in the Gulf crossfire: Pakistan navigates Saudi-UAE rivalry

Pakistan has to walk a fine line to ensure that it maintains vital economic relations with the United Arab Emirates while sustaining long-standing defense cooperation with Saudi Arabia.

By Sabena Siddiqui

In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran

US-Iran tensions fan oil disruption fears as Gulf states confront retaliation risks

From blocking the Strait of Hormuz and seizing commercial shipping to striking energy infrastructure, Tehran’s retaliation playbook could rattle the region as Gulf states fear red lines have been crossed.

Iran

Abu Dhabi merges ADQ into new wealth fund L'IMAD: What to know

Under the new structure, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, will oversee a broader swath of the emirate’s investment holdings.

United Arab Emirates

Newsletter: City Pulse Dubai

“Urdu Worlds”: Dubai hosts UAE’s first contemporary art exhibition on the Urdu language

Also this week: A bookish new eatery opens in Alserkal, Sikka Art & Design Festival takes over Dubai’s heritage districts and and new exhibitions spotlight emerging voices

By Rebecca Anne Proctor

In Dubai, reporting on culture

UAE President meets Putin in Russia to discuss nuclear energy, trade, Iran

The visit of Emirati President Sheikh Mohammed comes a day after the Kremlin hosted President Ahmed al-Sharaa to discuss the future of Russian military bases in Syria.

Russia

UAE Central Bank approves first US dollar-backed stablecoin: What to know

The approval marks a milestone in the UAE’s development of digital currency infrastructure and positions USDU as the Gulf country’s first USD-denominated currency for digital assets.

United Arab Emirates

Gold hits $5,300 as UAE market adjusts to record prices

Dubai is one of the world's major gold hubs, and higher bullion prices impact jewelry-buying habits.

United Arab Emirates

Newsletter: Gulf

Iran-US row puts Gulf at risk

Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar have intensified quiet diplomacy to discourage US military action, pairing it with stepped-up security coordination.

By Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

UAE launches sovereign open-source AI model K2 Think: What to know

The Gulf state is one of the few countries in the world developing its own sovereign open-source AI model to counter the dominance of the United States and China in the sector.

United Arab Emirates

Analysis

No strings attached: UAE, India deepen defense ties, balk at mutual guarantees

India and the UAE signed a letter of intent on a strategic defense partnership, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s push to diversify security ties and New Delhi’s effort to expand cooperation without deeper regional entanglements.

By Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

Interview

Qualcomm sees growing demand for edge AI in the Middle East

The Middle East's young population is increasingly adopting AI through mobile devices rather than data center-based solutions, Wassim Chourbaji, Qualcomm's president for the Middle East and Africa, told Al-Monitor.

Wassim Chourbaji

Qualcomm president for the Middle East & Africa

Newsletter: City Pulse Dubai

Emirati artist Shamsa Al Omaira returns with first solo show in 12 years

Also this week: Nobu One Za’abeel opens, Quoz Arts Fest returns and Abu Dhabi names a new biennial director

By Rebecca Anne Proctor

In Dubai, reporting on culture