Analysis Libya, Morocco and Israel: Forces powering the Algeria-UAE rupture Algeria’s recent decision to cancel a 2013 air agreement with the UAE signals an escalation in its rift with the Gulf state and reflects long-standing disputes over Libya and the Western Sahara. By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Analysis What’s behind Saudi outreach to Ethiopia amid UAE rift? After Saudi Arabia's foreign minister visited Ethiopia earlier this week, its deputy foreign minister arrived in Eritrea on Friday for talks with the country's president and foreign minister. By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
UAE’s DP World names new leadership after CEO leaves over alleged Epstein ties The Dubai emirate announced the appointments of Yuvraj Narayan as group CEO and Essa Kazim as the new chairman of the board, replacing Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem. United Arab Emirates
Dubai airport tops global ranking again with 95.2 million passengers DXB has been the world’s busiest airport since 2014 and eyes nearly 100 million passengers in 2026. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Why Algeria's nixing of UAE air deal is more diplomatic than economic By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Mideast’s AI startups capture record $858M in funding during 2025, doubling share United Arab Emirates
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
Arab League says talks in Lebanon 'starting point' amid Gulf rift Hossam Zaki, the Arab League’s deputy chief, also offered to travel to Saudi Arabia to help mediate the diplomatic row. Lebanon
Qatari ambassador meets Saudi diplomat in Riyadh The meeting was a further sign of improving relations between the Gulf states, who did not have relations from 2017 to January 2021. News Brief
Will Riyadh's efforts to Saudize workforce reduce unemployment? Saudi Arabia’s quest for regional economic leadership sheds light on the largest reserve of citizens in the Gulf Cooperation Council, reigniting debate over localization policies. Legacy: Gulf
Gulf states call for calm in Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were two of the only three countries to recognize the Taliban the last time the Islamist group ruled Afghanistan. DONT USE - Gulf Pulse
Qatar names Saudi envoy as Gulf ties improve Bandar Mohamed Abdullah al-Attiyah will serve as Qatar's first ambassador to Saudi Arabia since the 2017 Gulf row. Qatar
Egypt, Qatar appoint mutual ambassadors Qatar has appointed an ambassador to Egypt, for the first time since reconciliation efforts started between the two countries earlier this year, setting the stage for better relations with Cairo in the coming period. Egypt