Analysis Can Gulf states slash costly reliance on Western consultancies? A one-year ban on PwC acquiring work in Saudi Arabia has highlighted the Gulf states' dependency on Western firms and the need to develop local consultancies and talent. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
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
UAE's final unit of Barakah nuclear reactor hooked to grid: What we know The Emirates is the only Gulf country with a nuclear power program, though neighboring Saudi Arabia also has atomic power ambitions. United Arab Emirates
Saudi entity denies its ship hit as Houthis claim attack on Greek tanker Saudi Arabia's national shipping company Bahri denied reports that its tanker Amjad came under attack by the Houthis, the Yemeni armed group that has stepped up attacks on oil tankers in the Red Sea. Yemen
Analysis Telegram CEO's arrest spotlights UAE’s investment-based citizenship laws By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
Three reasons behind rare China-Hamas meeting in Qatar From the location to the timing and the messaging, the China-Hamas meeting on Sunday underscored Beijing's messaging and approach to the Gaza war without, however, elevating its role to a broker in the conflict. Palestine
GCC, Turkey launch talks on free trade agreement According to the Turkish trade minister, the new free trade agreement will create one of the world’s largest free trade areas. Turkey
What’s behind Hezbollah's Wafiq Safa rare UAE visit? Wafiq Safa's visit is the first public trip by a Hezbollah official to the United Arab Emirates. Lebanon
Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, others shower Russia’s Putin with congratulatory messages Several leaders in the region have extended their congratulations to Russia’s President Vladimir Putin over his reelection, as Western countries condemned the Russian elections as unfair. Legacy: Gulf
How Russia seeks to capitalize on US strikes in Yemen, Red Sea tensions Russia has maintained balanced relations in Yemen, while avoiding criticism of the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, even as its trade has been affected. Legacy: Gulf
Gulf players chase data center demand as AI race heats up Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Hungary signs $5.5B deal with UAE firm to develop Budapest neighborhood The new project around the Rakosrendezo freight train station is expected to bring the futuristic, high-rise style of Dubai and other Emirates to the Hungarian capital. United Arab Emirates
Saudi media hosting more Israeli figures since Gaza war Saudi television channels and newspapers have interviewed several Israeli officials since the Israel-Hamas war began in October. Legacy: Gulf
Israel’s NewMed Energy says UAE deal suspended amid Gaza 'uncertainty' Israel-UAE relations have been negatively impacted by the war but still remain intact. Legacy: Gulf
What to know about MGX, UAE’s latest AI investment firm The launch of the AI-focused firm follows the UAE’s largest company appointing an AI bot to its board, as Abu Dhabi seeks to become a world player in artificial intelligence. United Arab Emirates
The tightrope: Saudi Arabia's pursuit of Palestinian state amid Israeli defiance Saudi Arabia wants a comprehensive, regional settlement with Israel that also results in a Palestinian state, which the Netanyahu government has rejected. Legacy: Gulf
A year on, China's Saudi-Iran deal endures by virtue of low expectations Whether China’s involvement symbolizes a rejection of US hegemony in the Middle East remains up for debate, but what matters more is the normalization of Saudi-Iranian relations that has materialized. Legacy: Gulf
