Analysis From BRICS to dwindling oil revenues, 2024 was mixed year for Gulf The ongoing conflict in Gaza, big international investment deals, low oil revenue and increased curtailing of democratic rights dominated Gulf politics and economy in 2024 By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
Gulf states reach out to new Syrian leaders ahead of Jordan talks: What we know Bahrain's King Hamad sent a letter to HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, while the UAE has held direct contact with opposition groups. Qatar is set to reopen embassy in Damascus soon. Syria
Bahrain announces UK inclusion in key security pact with US Bahrain signed the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement with the Biden administration in September 2023; Manama plans to turn it into a multilateral agreement with more members amid regional threats. Bahrain
Analysis Beyond congratulations, Trump faces changed, eastward-looking Gulf Gulf states are familiar with Donald Trump and his transactional nature but have also managed to forge their own regional alliances over the last four years. By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
Analysis US lawmakers act to boost Israel-Arab military coordination to counter Iran By Megan Mineiro In Washington, DC, reporting on US Congress
Analysis Will Iran and Bahrain open new chapter in bilateral ties? By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Hamas, Hezbollah lash out at Bahrain as Israeli FM concludes visit Hamas criticized the visit as Israel’s relations with the island kingdom continue to improve, despite historically high tensions with the Palestinians. Israel
Bahraini cryptocurrency firm Rain to operate in UAE Cryptocurrency is growing in both the UAE and Bahrain amid regulatory challenges and market downturn. Gulf
Bahrain, Turkey are Middle East's biggest eaters: Oxford rankings Bahrain and Turkey are listed among the top eaters globally, while daily calorie consumption in war-ridden Yemen stands behind the recommended level. Turkey
Entire UAE, Qatar, Bahrain populations vulnerable to extreme heat, study says The UAE is particularly vulnerable, with more than 80% of its population exposed to extreme heat even after a 1.5 C (34.7 F) rise in global temperatures over pre-industrial levels. Qatar
Bahrain FM Zayani takes shelter during Ukraine visit amid Russia's bombing A senior diplomatic source told Al-Monitor that Zayani “experienced the shelter life” in Kyiv on Wednesday and Thursday nights, a reference to the bomb shelters used by Ukraine to protect from Russian bombing. Gulf
US welcomes Bahrain, Qatar deal to restore relations The State Department applauded the "breakthrough" agreement reached between the two US partners in the Middle East. Qatar
Bahrain launches 'Golden License' to attract major investment, jobs Only companies with major investment and project portfolios will be eligible for the license, with either a $50 million value or a plan to create 500 jobs in the country, according to the Bahrain Economic Development Board. Gulf
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. Gulf
Bahrain hotel to accept cryptocurrency payments Crypto continues to grow in Bahrain despite the global crash. Gulf
Bahrain’s CoinMENA to facilitate real estate payments via cryptocurrency The agreement with Carlton Real Estate only applies to certain coins. Cryptocurrency’s utility is increasing in the Gulf. Gulf
Gulf states changing labor, visa and residency policies to attract foreign wealth, talent Robert Mogielnicki
Explainer: Oman may follow as most Gulf central banks raise rates Inflation in the Gulf has not been as severe as in other parts of the region. Saudi Arabia