Newsletter: Gulf Gulf states step up China diplomacy as Trump’s lame-duck session nears Oman and Saudi Arabia are deepening diplomatic outreach to Beijing as the outcome of Tuesday’s US midterm elections introduces fresh uncertainty over Washington’s Iran policy. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Turkey’s parliament ratifies Mecca pact in boost to Saudi Arabia Turkey will now decide the scope of military support for Saudi Arabia amid ongoing Iran-backed Houthi attacks on the kingdom. Turkey
Culture What’s next for Cristiano Ronaldo after retirement from Portugal team? The Portuguese superstar is signed to the Saudi side Al Nassr until 2027, but the Yemen war is impacting the sport in the kingdom. Saudi Arabia
Newsletter: City Pulse Riyadh Dana Awartani revives lost mosaics Also this week: Lebanese dining, a new Arab art prize and ‘Girls of Riyadh.’ By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
Newsletter: Business & Tech Democrats’ win: What’s at stake for Gulf business By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Newsletter: FutureVerse US elections spotlight Gulf tech risks By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Saudi Arabia strengthens ties with Uzbekistan via wind power, investment deals Uzbekistan’s relations are also improving with the United Arab Emirates and Israel. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi authorities find amphetamine pills in cleaning supplies Smugglers continue to use creative methods to bring drugs into the kingdom, which struggles with amphetamine addiction. Legacy: Gulf
Golf commentator who criticized Saudi-backed LIV Golf sued for defamation The Golf Channel’s Brandel Chamblee has been one of the most virulent critics of LIV Golf and is now being sued by Patrick Reed, who plays for the breakaway tour. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Public Investment Fund acquires shares in Amazon, Google, Uber The sovereign wealth fund led by the crown prince has shown a strong interest in technology such as video games. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia secures funding for electricity interconnection with Egypt Egypt just approved a plan to ration electricity, though the government said there is not a shortage of power. Egypt
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund acquires stakes in Egyptian state-owned firms The acquisitions help make good on Saudi Arabia’s pledge to invest billions in Egypt. Saudi Arabia
Gulf states changing labor, visa and residency policies to attract foreign wealth, talent Robert Mogielnicki
Saudi Arabia-China relations strengthen with Aramco-Sinopec deal The ties between China and Saudi Arabia are largely based on trade and energy cooperation. Saudi Arabia
Middle East reactions: Al-Qaeda leader Zawahiri killed in US drone strike Saudi Arabia and Israel praised the operation which killed the Al-Qaeda leader; a Syrian jihadist group appeared to offer condolences. Syria
Saudi Aramco acquires lubricant giant Valvoline Aramco has been investing in futuristic technology amid high oil prices and profits. Legacy: Gulf
9/11 victims protest Saudi-funded LIV Golf event at Trump course LIV Golf, which is backed by Crown Prince Salman’s Public Investment Fund, is gaining serious momentum in the golf world. But victims of September 11 oppose the league due to the Saudi government’s alleged role in the attacks. Legacy: Gulf
Analysis Families of Americans held in Saudi Arabia pin hopes on Biden visit US families separated by punitive travel bans hope President Joe Biden will use his visit to secure the release of their loved ones. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights