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
Analysis Middle East demand for US debt soars to $400B in turbulent year The first half of 2025 saw regional investors boost holdings of US Treasuries to record levels, led by the UAE, Israel and Kuwait, as markets digested turbulence from President Trump's trade agenda. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis How Saudi defense shake-up exposes frustration with localization goals As Riyadh struggles to reach its 50% Vision 2030 target, leadership reshuffles signal pressure for faster progress. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Qatari royal expands Africa push with $12B in Botswana after $39B in DRC, Zambia A Qatari delegation began a tour of 10 African countries on Aug. 13 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, to explore investment opportunities. Qatar
Egypt's Sisi, Saudi crown prince discuss Red Sea, Gaza, trade in Neom Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi headed to Saudi Arabia as the two countries continue to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance cooperation on regional and international issues. Egypt
Newsletter: City Pulse Riyadh Art Bridges 2025-26 connects Saudi creatives Fi Galbak cuisine, Rise Tower plans and summer gatherings. By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
Culture Gordon Ramsay chef school heads to Saudi Arabia: What to know Saudi Arabia lacks the plethora of renowned restaurants the neighboring UAE boasts, but the kingdom’s fine dining scene may be on the rise. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia licenses charter operator VistaJet as first foreign airline for domestic flights The Dubai-based private airline group looks to capitalize on the kingdom's growing super-rich luxury travel market. Saudi Arabia
UAE’s Masdar secures $1.1B for 2 GW Saudi solar megaproject: What to know The Al Sadawi Independent Power Producer (IPP) Project is set to be one of the largest solar plants in the world, according to Masdar. United Arab Emirates
Lenovo’s $2B Saudi expansion suggests China to hold ground despite US push Lenovo and Huawei both continue to expand in Saudi Arabia months after US President Donald Trump's landmark Gulf tour delivered tech deals for US giants. Saudi Arabia
Syria, Saudi Arabia sign mutual investments deal: What to know The deal came during a Saudi-Syrian meeting in Riyadh that was held in continuation of the Syrian-Saudi Investment Forum held in Damascus last month that saw the signing of 47 deals worth $6.4 billion. Syria
Diverging Gulf bets: PIF exits US tech stocks as Mubadala reshuffles portfolio During a quarter in which US stocks began surging toward record highs, two of the Gulf's most influential investors took different approaches to the market. United Arab Emirates
Starlink targets Saudi skies as Musk’s Middle East push rolls on The satellite internet service operated by SpaceX had been on an expansion spree in the Middle East in 2025, most recently launching in Israel as it also targets a deal with Saudi Arabia's national airline. Saudi Arabia