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
From Milan to Dubai: Giorgio Armani's sprawling Middle East legacy The Italian designer's eponymous brand has luxury real estate in the Gulf, as well as North Africa. United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia, UK announce over $445M in investments: What to know The agreements aim to boost bilateral trade and will also support Saudi Vision 2030 reforms to diversify the economy away from reliance on oil by the end of the decade. Saudi Arabia
Newsletter: City Pulse Riyadh Saudi Arabia launches global art dialogues Dining delights, pandemic reflections and Riyadh’s light festival returns. By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
UAE president meets Saudi crown prince ahead of UN Palestine conference The UAE and Saudi Arabia have strengthened cooperation since the Gaza war began in 2023, though their rivalry over regional influence and economic leadership remains. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Arid Gulf states pursue global water deals, leveraging desalination expertise After becoming leaders in domestic water desalination, Gulf states are spotting opportunities to generate lucrative returns by exporting their know-how in a world facing growing water pressures. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Gulf rail boom rumbles on as 2030 deadline for regional network nears From 100 million metro riders in Riyadh to a new Oman-UAE railway, Gulf states are pouring money into train transport — but plans for a regional rail network are still taking shape. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
ACWA Power, TAQA among Saudi firms backing Syria's energy comeback Some 14 years of civil war have wiped at least $800 billion from the country’s gross domestic product, according to UN figures. Syria
Newsletter: City Pulse Riyadh Art meets tech at Diriyah exhibition From Greek seaside dining to Riyadh's rising art scene. By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
Newsletter: Business & Tech From oil to investment: Saudi in China Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih arrived in China on Sunday, heading a senior delegation of government officials and leading business figures during a multiday visit. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
US Army trains new Saudi anti-missile THAAD crew as Gulf air defense lags Despite damage from Israel’s June air campaign, Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal continues to threaten Arab states and has in the past limited US military access to regional bases, testing the Pentagon’s ability to manage its global resources. United States
In China, Saudi investment minister looks to build on $100B+ trade ties China is the kingdom’s largest trade partner, with bilateral trade between the two reaching roughly $107.5 billion in 2024. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia escalates Arabic AI race with new state-backed chatbot The app is available only in Saudi Arabia, but the company plans to expand across the region and eventually globally. Saudi Arabia