Qatar PM in Beirut as Lebanon seeks economic relief: What to know Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani’s visit to Beirut coincides with the Lebanese authorities’ ongoing efforts to curb Hezbollah’s influence in the country. Lebanon
Iraq’s Zaidi, Saudi crown prince discuss security as Houthi attacks escalate Iraq has moved to improve ties with Saudi Arabia after Iran-backed militias struck the kingdom and amid the conflict with the Houthis in Yemen. Iraq
Who is Abdulrahman Alfozan, Saudi national charged in bugging OpenAI meetings? The Saudi national who was arrested for allegedly planting a covert listening device at OpenAI’s offices has extensive experience working at leading technology companies in the US and serves as a venture partner at a Saudi venture capital firm. Saudi Arabia
Iran offers Saudi-Yemen dialogue as fighting, Houthi attacks escalate The Saudi-backed government in Yemen passed a draft law designating the Iran-backed Houthis as a terror group, as the US considers further action against the group over its attacks against Saudi Arabia. Yemen
Analysis Who are Yemen's Southern Giants Brigades leading the fight against the Houthis? By Giorgio Cafiero
Saudi Arabia licenses charter operator VistaJet as first foreign airline for domestic flights The Dubai-based private airline group looks to capitalize on the kingdom's growing super-rich luxury travel market. Saudi Arabia
US to sell $500 million HIMARS rocket system to Bahrain The short-range artillery system will not alter the basic balance of power in the Gulf region, Pentagon says. Bahrain
Starlink targets Saudi skies as Musk’s Middle East push rolls on The satellite internet service operated by SpaceX had been on an expansion spree in the Middle East in 2025, most recently launching in Israel as it also targets a deal with Saudi Arabia's national airline. Saudi Arabia
UAE president heads to Russia to meet Putin as ties grow: What to know UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan is heading to Moscow on Thursday for an official visit, his second in less than a year as Russian-Emirati relations continue to develop rapidly. United Arab Emirates
UAE, Azerbaijan sign trade deal as officials meet in Abu Dhabi for Armenia peace talks The deal is expected to contribute around $680 million to the UAE’s gross domestic product by 2031, according to UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi. United Arab Emirates
Iran FM visits Saudi Arabia as kingdom makes push for regional diplomacy The meeting in Mecca comes as Saudi Arabia steps up its diplomatic engagement with key global powers with the aim of managing regional tensions. Saudi Arabia
UAE ranks second globally as digital nomad destination: What to know The Gulf country was rated highly for its internet quality, public safety, low tax environment, comprehensive health-care system and overall infrastructure. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Gulf bets on LNG boom power ahead amid regional energy shifts, war risks Gulf oil powers are emerging as key LNG players, leveraging rising consumer demand to justify strategic global gas investments and to scale up their own LNG production at home. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Interview Former French PM says Trump has ‘immense opportunity’ in Mideast Dominique de Villepin, who recently announced a new political party, says in an exclusive written interview with Al-Monitor that France has a vital role to play in promoting regional cooperation. Dominique de Villepin Former French prime minister
EU commission removes UAE, adds Lebanon and Algeria to money laundering list: What to know The changes to the list are still pending approval from EU member states and the European Parliament, likely within the next month. United Arab Emirates
Syria courts Gulf investment with high-level Qatar visit amid $7B energy deal Led by the country’s top diplomat, Syria’s ministers of energy, finance and tourism held a series of meetings in Qatar on Tuesday. Syria
UAE summons Israeli envoy over Jerusalem march, provocations The United Arab Emirates has summoned Israel’s ambassador over recent tensions and violence in east Jerusalem, marking the first such diplomatic protest by the Gulf state since 2022. United Arab Emirates
