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
UAE's MBZ and Putin hold call as Gulf, Russia push diplomacy on Iran-Israel Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to be courting Gulf support for a diplomatic role in the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. Iran
Newsletter: City Pulse Riyadh Rewinding the web: Jeddah’s early internet on display Plus: Mediterranean bites in Riyadh, heritage revived in Dhahran and cross-Gulf museum ties. By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
Culture In photos: Muslims kick off Eid al-Adha across the Middle East The holiday’s arrival cast a spotlight on deepening humanitarian crises, leadership transitions and shifting regional dynamics. Saudi Arabia
Newsletter: City Pulse Riyadh Saudi design takes on water access at London Biennale Saudi Music Commission brings Sadu House to London’s SXSW. By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
Mideast airlines to deliver industry’s highest profit margins in 2025 The region's airlines are forecast to hit a profit margin of 8.7% in 2025, slightly lower than last year's figure of 8.9% but the highest in the industry. Saudi Arabia
Israel blocks Saudi, UAE and other FMs from West Bank visit: What to know The move to block the visit comes amid heightened international pressure on Israel to end its military offensive in Gaza and make progress toward Palestinian statehood, a key condition for normalization with Riyadh. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia releases Iranian cleric who criticized Hajj: What to know Iran-Saudi Arabia relations have improved in recent years, including in Hajj-related cooperation, though tensions remain over Iran’s regional policies. Saudi Arabia
Newsletter: City Pulse Riyadh Star Wars meets Saudi History at Shaweesh’s bold Cologne exhibit From Jeddah to Basel, Saudi creativity shines — plus coffee, crafts and cultural season highlights. By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
Tom Barrack talks Syria aid during Saudi Arabia, Jordan visits: What to know The US and EU recently lifted numerous sanctions on Syria, and the country received a massive wheat shipment on Wednesday. Syria
China expands visa-free policy to Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait During a landmark summit in Malaysia, China announced an exemption for nationals from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait from the need for entry visas. China
Saudi Arabia's flyadeal joins growing list of airlines flying to Syria Several regional airlines have resumed or plan to resume flights to Syria. Saudi Arabia
Gulf states court China, ASEAN at landmark Malaysia summit: What to know The Gulf Cooperation Council’s summit with the Southeast Asia bloc was expanded to include China, bringing the emir of Qatar and Saudi Arabia’s top diplomat to Malaysia. Qatar