Turkey defense firms break record with $10B in revenues: SIPRI Turkey set a new record with five companies in the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute's Top 100 for 2024, which included nine Middle Eastern countries for the first time amid conflict-driven arms demand. Turkey
Analysis US-Gulf critical minerals ties grow in bid to weaken China’s grip on industry Saudi Arabia and the UAE are emerging as indispensable partners to the United States in its efforts to “friend-shore” a strategic sector and supply chains dominated by China. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis South Korea’s $15B jet offer expands UAE's options as US moves to sell Saudis F-35s By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Newsletter: City Pulse Dubai Abu Dhabi opens Middle East’s largest natural history museum Also this week: Kraken Dubai, Sotheby’s major Collectors’ Week and fresh art openings By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
Feature Saudi Arabia leans on AI for real estate growth as gigaprojects slow By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
UAE breaks ground on 50 MW solar plant in CAR, expanding Africa footprint Abu Dhabi’s financial footprint has expanded across Africa, making the UAE the continent’s fourth-largest source of foreign capital. United Arab Emirates
UAE’s Masdar secures $1.1B for 2 GW Saudi solar megaproject: What to know The Al Sadawi Independent Power Producer (IPP) Project is set to be one of the largest solar plants in the world, according to Masdar. United Arab Emirates
UAE police arrest three suspects in attempted $25M diamond heist Three men were arrested after attempting to smuggle a 21.25-carat pink diamond from Dubai, now a major global diamond hub. United Arab Emirates
Analysis What UAE interest in South Korea’s KF-21 jets signals for Gulf defense strategy A recent “friendship flight” with the KF-21 Boramae gave the UAE a firsthand look at Seoul’s most advanced fighter, highlighting Abu Dhabi’s efforts to diversify its airpower suppliers and expand regional influence. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Diverging Gulf bets: PIF exits US tech stocks as Mubadala reshuffles portfolio During a quarter in which US stocks began surging toward record highs, two of the Gulf's most influential investors took different approaches to the market. United Arab Emirates
Newsletter: City Pulse Dubai Global art masterpieces arrive at Louvre Abu Dhabi Also this week: Mamluk art, light installations, desert dining and live Qawwali. By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
Jordan, UAE military chiefs vow stronger defense ties in Amman meeting Jordan has moved to increase military cooperation with the UAE in recent years, including via joint exercises as the Hashemite Kingdom works to bolster its defenses. Jordan
Dubai Police to host expanded esports event amid UAE gaming push: What to know The UAE wants to grow its esports sector as part of its economic diversification plans, mirroring a similar endeavor in neighboring Saudi Arabia. United Arab Emirates
Landmark $18.7B Santos-ADNOC takeover delayed: What to know Santos said in a statement that the due diligence period, initially set for six weeks, has been extended until Aug. 22. United Arab Emirates
How an Arabic translation firm from Jordan became a Gulf AI player Tarjama, now based in Dubai, recently raised $15 million to accelerate the rollout of an Arabic-language AI platform for businesses in the Middle East. Jordan
UAE looks to boost Russia trade to $23B despite Trump tariff threats The two countries signed a trade agreement focusing on several key sectors, including fintech, health care, logistics, transportation and services. United Arab Emirates
Newsletter: City Pulse Dubai From the UAE to Japan, artists converge for Louvre Abu Dhabi's Art Here 2025 Shadow play at the Louvre, luxe towers and a glimpse into the past By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture