Analysis Gulf energy deals face Iran war stress test as global expansion meets oil shock ADNOC, Aramco and QatarEnergy have aggressively expanded their international portfolios in recent years, a strategy facing new constraints as the US-Israel-Iran war impacts Gulf production and exposes structural risks. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Syria’s Sharaa makes fourth visit to Saudi Arabia, first since Iran war: What to know The visit comes in light of the deepening economic relations between Syria and Saudi Arabia post-Assad. Syria
Newsletter: FutureVerse NEOM’s new logistics look Saudi Arabia recasts NEOM as a regional logistics hub amid war disruption. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
MBS hosts Sudan's Burhan in Jeddah as $1.5B Saudi-backed arms deal stalls Sudan’s army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan traveled to Jeddah Monday for a visit that could be aimed at salvaging a $1.5 billion Pakistani arms deal Riyadh has reportedly blocked. Sudan
Analysis Pakistan’s quiet fighter jet deployment to Saudi Arabia signals Gulf anxiety By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
Newsletter: City Pulse Riyadh Saudi creatives in Milan By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
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