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
Saudi Arabia launches 24-hour women’s sports channel: What to know The launch coincides with the start of the Saudi Women’s Premier League season, which will see the soccer competition broadcast nationally and globally for the first time. Saudi Arabia
Saudi crown prince vows to ground soaring property prices: What to know Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman vowed to implement policies aimed at reducing real estate costs and providing a wider range of housing options. Saudi Arabia
Hong Kong inks agreements with Gulf partners at BRI Summit Some 36 business agreements covering finance, technology, logistics, professional services and education were set to be signed at the event. Saudi Arabia
Newsletter: City Pulse Riyadh From Jeddah to Bukhara: AlMusalla Prize Also this week: Saudi fashion in Venice, opera deals and Riyadh luxury. By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
Saudi firm to pump $700M into economic zone developer in Africa The kingdom's Vision Invest will invest in pan-African developer Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms, which will use the funds to expand across the continent and develop green industrial ecosystems. Saudi Arabia
Newsletter: Business & Tech Revolut makes Middle East entry with UAE approval This week’s newsletter looks at Egypt’s $18 billion Gulf-backed tourism project, Revolut’s entry into the Middle East via the UAE, and a new India-Israel investment pact, alongside fresh moves in the Gulf’s AI race. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Trump aims to crack Gulf's armed drone market with looser export restrictions Washington's latest reinterpretation of the 35-nation MTCR agreement is expected to open the door for a potential major sale of advanced aerial weaponry to Saudi Arabia. United States
Saudi Arabia, UAE firms sign $18.5B tourism megaproject for Egypt The new deal forms part of Egypt’s Vision 2030 agenda as the government aims to secure $42 billion in foreign direct investment this year. Egypt
Analysis Beyond war games: Egypt-Saudi naval deal targets Red Sea, Mediterranean threats A new naval protocol and joint drills underscore Cairo and Riyadh’s bid to institutionalize military coordination amid mounting threats in the Red Sea, Gulf and Mediterranean. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Qataris hail Chinese robotaxis as Gulf embraces driverless cars Three Chinese companies have publicly announced plans to roll out the autonomous vehicles in the Gulf. Qatar
Analysis Inside Israel's Yemen operation that decapitated Houthi leadership Since Israel's intelligence began focusing on the Houthi threat in July, efforts to quell the threat from Yemen have grown much more precise. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Newsletter: City Pulse Dubai Exploring what lies beyond sight with Mohamed Mazrouei Fine dining, frozen frontiers and fresh perspectives in art and literature By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture