Iraq reinforces Saudi border security amid militia tensions: What to know Iraq is sending the reinforcements in response to Iran-backed militia attacks and as it looks to build security ties with Riyadh. Iraq
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran sets conditions for reopening Strait of Hormuz Syria, Saudi Arabia to establish joint bank; Lebanon, UAE ink deals, deepen economic ties; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: City Pulse Riyadh AlUla brings Saudi creativity to Paris Also this week: Jeddah flavors, public art and Aseer’s cool escape By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
Newsletter: Business & Tech Iran keeps Hormuz reopening on hold Traffic in the Strait of Hormuz remained low, with only five commodity vessels transiting the waterway on Tuesday, according to data from maritime tracking firm Kpler. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Unfazed by Saudi pressure, UAE unveils solar investment in Somaliland The UAE also has other significant investments in Somaliland, including around $442 million in funding from logistics company DP World to modernize the port of Berbera. United Arab Emirates
UAE’s MBZ appears with Lindsey Graham, dismissing health rumors Graham pushed back against what he called “false narratives” about the UAE leader, making the remarks after days of online rumors regarding the president’s health. United Arab Emirates
Saudi-UAE rift complicates Israel's counter-Iran efforts, normalization Israel fears that the rivalry between the UAE and Saudi Arabia will further push Riyadh toward countries that espouse political Islam policies. Israel
Analysis Turkey courts Saudi Arabia on Kaan, but stealth fighter deal faces hurdles Turkey is pitching Saudi Arabia on a potential role in its Kaan stealth fighter program, but analysts say Riyadh is more likely to deepen cooperation with Ankara on drones, helicopters and air defense. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
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
Meet Fahad Al-Saif, PIF exec and Saudi Arabia's new investment minister Saif previously led investment strategy at the kingdom's sovereign wealth fund and has held senior roles at the Saudi Awwal Bank and HSBC Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia names new investment minister as Vision 2030 funding lags The leadership change comes as slowing megaprojects and weak foreign inflows expose gaps in the kingdom’s ambitious economic overhaul. Saudi Arabia
Newsletter: City Pulse Riyadh Tuwaiq Sculpture returns to Riyadh Also this week: gourmet pizza openings, contemporary Saudi art and Saudi Cup weekend By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
Turkey, Saudi Arabia ink deal for production of Gokbey helicopters The deal comes amid advanced talks on Riyadh joining Ankara’s KAAN fighter jet program. Turkey
Mideast’s AI startups capture record $858M in funding during 2025, doubling share The growth represents a sizable jump from recent years, when local AI companies captured just a sliver of dealmaking, and Magnitt now predicts funding for MENA’s AI startups will easily surpass $1 billion in 2026. United Arab Emirates
Merz courts Gulf as Germany seeks energy alternatives to US, China Berlin is seeking to capitalize on ties with Gulf energy giants as relations with the United States have cooled amid strains over transatlantic defense commitments, Washington’s pursuit of Greenland and tariffs. Qatar
Newsletter: City Pulse Riyadh Movement takes center stage at Diriyah Biennale Also this week: Beirut’s table in Diriyah, AlUla’s Picasso moment and Saudi art By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture