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
Turkey's FM in UAE to discuss Yemen war, Hormuz closure: What to know The top Turkish diplomat was set to stress Ankara's support for a peaceful and “united Yemen” amid renewed Houthi advances. Turkey
On secret UAE visit, Netanyahu asked MBZ to deny pre-Oct. 7 warnings During his trip to Abu Dhabi, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked President Mohamed bin Zayed to deny reports that he had been warned ahead of the Oct. 7 attack that Hamas was preparing a major assault. Israel
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 By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Newsletter: FutureVerse Gulf tech ambitions face Trump-Xi test By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Newsletter: Daily Briefing UAE's Gargash expects 'prolonged' war By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
UAE axes $879m military helicopter deal with Airbus Muammar Abdulla Abushehab, defense and security industry affairs sector chief for the UAE’s Tawazun Council, stressed that the decision was not a political one. United Arab Emirates
In boost to China, UAE and Kuwait become 'dialogue partners' in Shanghai Cooperation Organization The Gulf states made up half of the new partners at the annual Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting in 2023. United Arab Emirates
Analysis In Saudi, Jake Sullivan leans on UAE, India to foster regional integration One analyst said that with this trip, the US looks to include Saudi Arabia into Washington’s new approach of merging South Asia and the Middle East, will discuss rail and minerals projects. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
UAE reprimands cryptocurrency firm OPNX The company, which is planning a transparent crypto platform, allegedly did not receive the necessary regulatory authority from the UAE. Legacy: Gulf
Who are the UK-convicted couriers smuggling $130 million to UAE? The announcement from police of the bust in the UK follows the UAE government's efforts to combat money laundering in the country. Legacy: Gulf
Brazil signs $12.65 billion in deals with UAE, China amid struggling economy Brazil signed agreements worth $2.53 billion with the UAE and $10.12 billion with China. Legacy: Gulf
US targets firms in UAE, Turkey over Russia sanctions evasion The latest tranche of sanctions come as the Biden administration seeks to crack down on Russia’s financial facilitators. Turkey
Russia to add Gulf countries to visa-free travel list Russia stated that it was preparing visa-free travel agreements with a total of 17 countries, which include Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and Syria. Legacy: Gulf
Analysis Qatar-UAE 'fraternal' meetings offer sign of growing rapprochement Although immediate economic partnerships or deals from the UAE and Qatar meetings have yet to be announced, the latest meetings are still a sign that the two Gulf nations are headed into a thaw after years of boycott. By Salim A. Essaid
UAE sends second astronaut to space on longest Arab mission Sultan Saif AlNeyadi will collaborate with NASA and other international space agencies to conduct 19 scientific studies in a wide array of fields. Legacy: Gulf
UAE busts 4.5 million Captagon pills in food cans after smuggler arrest Amphetamine fenethylline, known by its brand name Captagon, has increasingly become the drug of choice among youth in Gulf Arab states. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Ukraine war at year 1: Has Gulf's neutrality on Russia invasion paid off? Gulf countries — mainly the United Arab Emirates, then Qatar — as well as Turkey have been major recipients of Russian real estate investment in addition to direct financial injections. By Salim A. Essaid