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
Democratic Party platform criticizes possible Israeli annexation of West Bank, Saudi role in Yemen Parts of the platform approved at the Democratic National Convention this week have been both praised and criticized by Israel- and Iran-focused groups in Washington. Saudi Arabia
Can new mechanism advance stalled Riyadh Agreement in southern Yemen? Neither the Riyadh Agreement nor the mechanism for accelerating it can fundamentally end the conflict in southern Yemen, but will rather help suspend it and control its rhythm, according to analysts. Saudi Arabia
Despite dispute with Riyadh over Kashmir, Saudi-Pakistan ties remain strong Security and economic bonds mean that Islamabad’s recent disputes with Riyadh are unlikely to impact overall bilateral ties. Saudi Arabia
What are vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris' views on the Middle East? Joe Biden's running mate has views on Iran, Israel, Saudi Arabia and Syria that fall in line with the Democratic party establishment. Saudi Arabia
State Department legally skirted Congress freeze on Saudi arms sales, inquiry finds An inspector general's report redacted by the State Department says that while the department found ways to legally bypass congressional restrictions on arms sales to Saudi Arabia, measures that Congress had called for were not taken. Saudi Arabia
Yemen’s southern separatists abandon self-rule to pursue power-sharing plan The news comes three months after the Southern Transitional Council announced self-rule in parts of southern Yemen. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia jails Yemeni blogger over video calling for LGBT rights A Saudi court sentenced Mohamad al-Bokari to 10 months in prison over a social media post encouraging gay rights. Saudi Arabia
Intel: Saudi Arabia backs Egypt on Libya Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister said his government supports Egypt’s calls for a cease-fire in Libya after a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo. Saudi Arabia
16 fined for trespassing on Saudi holy sites ahead of restricted hajj The violators were each fined 10,000 riyals ($2,666), authorities announced. Saudi Arabia
Saudi King Salman hospitalized in Riyadh The 84-year-old monarch suffered from gallbladder inflammation, according to a statement from the royal court. Saudi Arabia
Russia considers Saudi Arabia as trial site for COVID-19 vaccine The two countries are also discussing having Saudi Arabia manufacture the drug. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia permanently cancels license of Qatar's beIN Sports The popular Doha-based sports network had been officially blocked in Saudi Arabia since the 2017 diplomatic row between the two Gulf countries. Saudi Arabia