China, UAE to hold third air force drills as defense ties warm: What we know China and the United Arab Emirates are further deepening their defense and military ties with a third round of aerial exercises. United Arab Emirates
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
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
Qatar’s move to take control of its airspace comes amid warming regional ties As the United States is gradually retreating from the Middle East to refocus on Russia and China, a new level of cooperation has been witnessed among countries of the region. Legacy: Gulf
Analysis The Takeaway: Israel looks to mediate Saudi, Emirati anger over Iran deal Zelenskyy’s Holocaust comparison unsettles Israelis; Islamic State takes advantage of Russian distraction in Ukraine; Egypt, Sudan deepen military ties; Lebanon embraces cryptocurrency amidst crisis; Jenin becomes model of resistance to Israeli occupation — all in less than 1,100 words! By Elizabeth Hagedorn , Tyler Huffman , Andrew Parasiliti , Joe Snell
Sudan’s military leader turns to UAE to shore up authority Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan made his first official visit to Abu Dhabi mainly a search for economic assistance, but the dubious outcome of his trip has sparked controversy at home. Egypt
Iran on the agenda as Qatar emir meets Biden There is potential Doha could play a role in brokering a US-Iran prisoner exchanging following press reports of Iran-Qatar talks on the topic. Qatar
The Takeaway: Kuwait takes lead in Gulf effort to solve Lebanon crisis Egypt, Iran, Iraq water crises; China and the Horn of Africa; Turkish pop queen under fire; Egypt’s Temple of Millions; and more … in less than 1,300 words. Lebanon
Gulf foreign ministers, GCC chief visit China for talks GCC Secretary General Nayef Falah Al-Hajraf said the five days of meetings will "contribute to enhancing GCC-Chinese relations." Saudi Arabia
Egypt celebrates Qatar’s National Day amid improving ties Egypt’s iconic Cairo Tower lit up with Qatar’s flag colors, in the latest sign of warming relations between the two countries after years of political rift. Egypt
Qatar’s presence in eastern Mediterranean benefits Egypt, Turkey Qatar is enhancing its presence in the eastern Mediterranean that is rich in oil and gas reserves at a time when tensions are ripping through the region over the maritime borders and excavation rights. Egypt
Saudi Arabia's MBS embarks on tour of Gulf states Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will visit Qatar for the first time since Saudi Arabia ended a yearslong blockade on its Gulf neighbor. Saudi Arabia
The Takeaway: Iran nuclear talks resume next week — What you need to know Turkish lira crisis hits Syria; Saudi, Syrian intel chiefs talk; Netflix drama evokes memories for Izmir’s Jews; Oman bets on logistics; Egypt, Tanzania deepen ties; Gaza’s women skateboarders — all in less than 1,500 words. By Andrew Parasiliti , Elizabeth Hagedorn , Joe Snell
Oman invests in ports with eye to becoming Gulf gateway Oman is betting on strategically located ports and container terminals to expand its logistics sector, hoping to serve as a prime gateway to Gulf markets. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi Arabia welcomes multinationals to Riyadh Saudi Arabia's move to license 44 companies to open headquarters has put the kingdom in competition with the United Arab Emirates regional business hub. Legacy: Gulf
