Newsletter: City Pulse Dubai Christie’s brings first fine art auction to Abu Dhabi Also this week: Noren’s Japanese cooking, Sotheby’s new gallery and Dubai Film Festival’s comeback By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
Newsletter: Gulf The Gulf's UN agenda The Gulf states are seeking security and diplomatic gains as the Iran war reshapes the region. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Newsletter: FutureVerse Gulf tech ambitions face Trump-Xi test Gulf tech powers have plenty at stake as Xi and Trump discuss US-China AI competition. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Newsletter: Daily Briefing UAE's Gargash expects 'prolonged' war Turkey, US resume talks on F-16s; China slams US sanctions on Iran airlines as ‘illegal’; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: FutureVerse Middle East confronts AI risks By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
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
Analysis Arid Gulf states pursue global water deals, leveraging desalination expertise After becoming leaders in domestic water desalination, Gulf states are spotting opportunities to generate lucrative returns by exporting their know-how in a world facing growing water pressures. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Gulf rail boom rumbles on as 2030 deadline for regional network nears From 100 million metro riders in Riyadh to a new Oman-UAE railway, Gulf states are pouring money into train transport — but plans for a regional rail network are still taking shape. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Amid Trump tariffs, UAE, Singapore to form trade group of small nations The new group, the Future of Investment and Trade Partnership (FIT-P), is expected to include around 10 countries, with the UAE, Singapore, and New Zealand being founding members. United Arab Emirates