Gulf celebrates Eid al-Adha under shadow of war The holiday marks the first time in decades that Gulf states are observing one of Islam’s holiest celebrations against the backdrop of a regional conflict. United Arab Emirates
Which airlines are cutting flights amid Hormuz fuel disruption? European and Asian airlines have been most impacted by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which is throttling jet fuel supplies. Iran
Jet fuel squeeze exposes Europe’s reliance on Middle East supply Lawmakers on the continent have been told to make "timely preparations in anticipation of a potentially prolonged disruption" in energy flows from the region. Iran
Gulf AI deals continues to lure investors despite US-Iran war Blackstone committed $250 million to a payment infrastructure platform in Abu Dhabi as the US investment firm's president lauded the UAE's strong investment credentials despite the conflict. Saudi Arabia
Analysis India's Modi arrives in Israel as fears grow of US-Iran conflict By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Saudi's PIF downsizes foreign investment, turns to AI, domestic priorities Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund is looking to invest in tourism, real estate and sustainability as its Vision 2030 deadline draws closer. Saudi Arabia
Sri Lanka arrests 3 men in plot to attack Israeli-run Jewish center: What we know Three Sri Lankan nationals were arrested on Thursday after Israel's National Security Council urged Israelis to leave certain areas of the country due to "credible terrorism threats." By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Qatar to join US visa-free travel list in first for Arab country Qatar is set to become the second Middle Eastern country, behind Israel, to join the US Visa Waiver Program. Qatar
Analysis Can Saudi Arabia afford giga-projects with oil prices under $75 per barrel? Riyadh could soon run a current account deficit as oil revenue declines amid huge spending commitments toward ambitious Vision 2030 projects. Saudi-led OPEC has also deferred an output increase plan to allow more time to reach desired oil prices. By Jennifer Gnana , Samuel Wendel
Saudia inks deal for electric flying taxis from Germany amid airline order spree The agreement to purchase 50 jets, with an option for 50 more, was made with Lilium, headquartered outside Munich. Saudi Arabia
Qatar Airways sees annual profit climb by 39% to record $1.67B The Doha-based airline carried more than 40 million passengers over the 2023/2024 financial year, 26% more than over the previous year. Qatar
Turkey: UK issues sex-crime warning for travelers, reports 42 cases in 2023 British nationals were the third-largest group of tourists who visited Turkey last year. Turkey
As Hajj kicks off, Saudi Arabia looks to expand tourism sector While leisure tourism is gaining momentum in Saudi Arabia, religious tourism still dominates the sector. By Sebastian Castelier In Dubai, reporting on regional business
Culture Despite postponement of MBS' visit, Saudi-Japanese ties on upswing The increase in high-level visits and overall mutual visits has been the most notable aspect of the development of Saudi-Japanese relations in recent years.
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
Could Etihad Airways become first Gulf airline to launch IPO? The airline reported on Wednesday that it made a net profit for 2023 and 2022 after a string of substantial losses since 2016. United Arab Emirates
One year after earthquake, Turkey's ancient Antioch still devastated Scars of the quake that killed 53,000 people and displaced millions run deep, and the road to restoration is fraught with political bickering. Turkey
