UAE's deputy PM holds first call with Ghalibaf amid push to extend US-Iran ceasefire The Emirati vice president and Iran’s parliament speaker talked de-escalation on the phone in the first such contact since the Iran war began. United Arab Emirates
Bahrain, Saudi Arabia summon Iraqi diplomats over militia attacks: What to know The United States and Kuwait have likewise criticized Iraq over actions tied to Iran-backed armed groups in the country. Iraq
China signals bigger Gulf role as UAE crown prince visits Beijing China, which maintains close ties with both Iran and Gulf states, is hosting one of the UAE's top officials this week as a fragile ceasefire in the region holds. China
UAE says no more 'niceties' with Iran, seeks clarity on fragile truce terms The UAE said Iran must pay “compensation” for damages incurred during the conflict. United Arab Emirates
Saudi PIF trims Nintendo stake from 7.5% to 6.3% in second cut of month A filing with Japan’s Finance Ministry said the move follows the sale of more than 17 million Nintendo shares, which concluded in October. Saudi Arabia
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
Saudi-Israel normalization 'off table' until Palestinian statehood, FM says Saudi Arabia's foreign minister has said that normalization with Israel will wait for progress on Palestinian rights. Saudi Arabia
What's significance of UAE's Sheikh Tahnoon third visit to Qatar in a year? Qatar and the UAE are strengthening ties with high-profile meetings and joint investments like the $20 billion Development Road Project. However, differing views on Gaza’s future could challenge their cooperation. United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia pushes for Africa debt relief as private investments set to reach $25B Saudi Arabia is pushing for debt relief for African nations burdened with more than $1 trillion in liabilities. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Saudi naval ambitions get a boost after joint Greece, France exercise The kingdom is modernizing its navy under Vision 2030, replacing outdated vessels while seeking to diversify its military partnerships beyond traditional US reliance — but operational gaps remain. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Qatar to vote on ditching legislative council elections as Gulf states balk at representative rule Qatar's first legislative council election was held in October 2021, a year before it hosted the FIFA World Cup, but the Gulf state now looks poised to roll back citizens' involvement in the legislative process. Qatar
Qatari emir in Germany to boost economic ties According to the German chancellery, Scholz will host the emir at Meseberg Castle, with the meeting focusing on deepening energy, trade and regional security ties. Qatar
Russia's BRICS summit: Gulf states seek influence as Iran, UAE debut as members Saudi Arabia’s crown prince will not be in attendance but has sent his foreign minister. Expansion of the group and adoption of a new currency are on the three-day agenda. United Arab Emirates
WFP to send aid ship to feed displaced in Lebanon The UN food agency is raising the alarm over food insecurity and a harsh winter in the Levant as the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon continue. Israel
As Iran, Israel lurch toward war, Saudi Arabia seeks rapprochement with Tehran Riyadh seeks assurances from Tehran that energy infrastructure in the region is spared amid talks of Israeli retaliation targeting Iranian oil and gas assets. Iran
UAE in 'realignment mode' as Mohammed bin Zayed heads to US The UAE president is set to meet US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on his visit. A top advisor refused to say on Thursday if he will be meeting Donald Trump. United Arab Emirates
