Meloni to attend GCC summit in Bahrain as Italy deepens Gulf ties The summit is expected to focus on economic integration in the Gulf, but regional issues will likely loom just as large, including post-war Gaza and the conflict in Sudan. Bahrain
Analysis F-35s, chips but no security guarantees: What MBS achieved — and didn’t — in Washington A Saudi-US defense deal signed by Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House fell short of the de facto Saudi leader's ambitions for a US defense guarantee, but neither side appears in much of a hurry since the US military knocked out Iran's nuclear enrichment in June. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Gulf AI ambitions get boost with US approval of advanced chip exports Washington has been cautious about sending sensitive advanced microchips to Middle East countries with close ties to China, fearing that the technology could end up in Beijing’s hands. Saudi Arabia
US-Gulf critical minerals ties deepen as Saudis strike rare earths deal The Nevada-based producer said the new joint venture will develop a refinery capable of processing raw materials from Saudi Arabia and abroad to supply manufacturing and defense industries in both countries. Saudi Arabia
Analysis UK chases elusive GCC trade deal that could boost exports, economic links By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Wary of Gaza instability, Arab states balk at troop deployment, financing By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Chinese investors skeptical as Gulf pushes for deeper economic ties with Beijing Gulf states are building economic ties with Beijing in non-energy fields, but Chinese investors remain skeptical of ambitious economic diversification plans in the Gulf. By Sebastian Castelier In Dubai, reporting on regional business
UAE-backed RedBird IMI pulls out of Telegraph deal, will sell UK newspaper RedBird IMI effectively took control of Telegraph Media Group in December, when it repaid the owner family’s debts, including a $753 million loan against the media outlets. United Arab Emirates
UAE company agreed to loan $13B to South Sudan in exchange for oil A $13 billion loan to South Sudan, funded by Hamad Bin Khalifa Department of Projects, marks the largest-ever cash deal for the country. United Arab Emirates
Interview Saudi Arabia's giga-projects to offer 'testing ground' for British technology Saudi startups and fintech firms are looking to tap into the United Kingdom's $1 trillion tech market. Matt Jones Saudi British Joint Business Council Project Officer
What does EU visa relaxation for Saudi, Bahraini, Omani citizens mean? Under the new rules, Bahraini, Omani and Saudi Arabian nationals will be eligible for multiple-entry visas, allowing them to visit the Schengen area (the EU’s 27 member states as well as Bulgaria and Romania) and move freely between them. Saudi Arabia
Soaring regional tensions boost Gulf budgets, threaten long-term goals Most of the Gulf’s economic diversification plans still rely heavily on oil and gas revenues, especially in Saudi Arabia, where the most speculative parts of Vision 2030 face a lack of interest by foreign investors. By Sebastian Castelier In Dubai, reporting on regional business
Will China-Arab States Cooperation Forum summit help boost Beijing’s ties with Mideast? The 10th session of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum is due to be held on May 30 in Beijing — will it result in even stronger China-Arab relations? By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
UK-Saudi deal allows kingdom to tap into Britain’s $1T tech market The kingdom spent $5.1 billion on research and development in 2022, a 32.7% from the previous year’s $3.9 billion. Saudi Arabia
Beyond Ethiopia & Somaliland, Turkey-Somalia defense deal fuels UAE rivalry The latest deal between Ankara and Mogadishu emerges as a potential friction point for Turkey and the UAE as they vie for influence in Somalia. Turkey
Qatar to pump nearly $11B into French start-ups, funds until 2030 The new investments will target key areas, including the aerospace, energy, semiconductor, artificial intelligence, digital, health, hospitality and cultural sectors. Qatar
Ukraine’s Zelenskyy in Saudi Arabia to talk prisoners, Russia war Saudi Arabia has taken an increasingly active role in mediating the Ukraine-Russia war while maintaining friendly relations with both states. Legacy: Gulf
US sanctions UAE entities for allegedly violating Russian oil price cap The US Treasury Department also moved to crack down on entities buying diamonds from Russia, a key revenue stream for Moscow amid its war against Ukraine. United Arab Emirates
