Newsletter: Gulf Gulf states step up China diplomacy as Trump’s lame-duck session nears Oman and Saudi Arabia are deepening diplomatic outreach to Beijing as the outcome of Tuesday’s US midterm elections introduces fresh uncertainty over Washington’s Iran policy. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Turkey’s parliament ratifies Mecca pact in boost to Saudi Arabia Turkey will now decide the scope of military support for Saudi Arabia amid ongoing Iran-backed Houthi attacks on the kingdom. Turkey
Culture What’s next for Cristiano Ronaldo after retirement from Portugal team? The Portuguese superstar is signed to the Saudi side Al Nassr until 2027, but the Yemen war is impacting the sport in the kingdom. Saudi Arabia
Newsletter: City Pulse Riyadh Dana Awartani revives lost mosaics Also this week: Lebanese dining, a new Arab art prize and ‘Girls of Riyadh.’ By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
Newsletter: Business & Tech Democrats’ win: What’s at stake for Gulf business By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Newsletter: FutureVerse US elections spotlight Gulf tech risks By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
US reportedly slows AI chip exports to Mideast as Saudi Arabia turns to China Washington has further restricted imports of critical components for AI systems to certain countries, including some undisclosed ones in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia
Middle East economic outlook caught between low growth, high debt convergence Karen Young In Washington, DC, reporting on regional energy
Saudi-Syrian normalization takes off with Hajj flights, return of ambassador Diplomatic relations have resumed between the two countries as Riyadh appointed Faisal al-Mujfel ambassador to Syria — the first since relations were severed in 2012. Syria
Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal invests in Elon Musk’s $24B AI startup Kingdom Holding Company also holds a stake in Elon Musk’s social media platform X, formerly Twitter. Saudi Arabia
Interview Saudi Expo 2030 to offer major opportunities for French businesses, says official In November, the Saudi capital won the right to host the Expo 2030 world trade fair that is expected to attract around 40 million visitors and billions of dollars of inward investment. Axel Baroux French Trade and Invest Commissioner for the UAE and Middle East
Malaysia courts Gulf investment and economic ties, but Saudi relations remain question mark Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Goldman Sachs first Wall Street bank to get green light for Saudi Arabia HQ The US-headquartered investment bank received a license from the Saudi Ministry of Investment to set up its regional headquarters in the capital, Riyadh. Saudi Arabia
Why natural gas supply is critical to Saudi economic transformation Gerald Kepes In Washington, DC, reporting on regional energy trends
India’s Modi ‘deeply concerned’ about Saudi King Salman’s health The 88-year-old king has faced health setbacks in recent weeks, prompting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to cancel a trip to Japan. Saudi Arabia
Behind scenes of Israel-Saudi deal, Pentagon works Arab air defense shield The Biden administration is taking advantage of a lull in regional tensions to advance air and missile defense talks with GCC states, but the danger isn't over yet, as Pentagon officials worry Yemen's Houthi rebels can now reach the Mediterranean. Saudi Arabia
Saudi crown prince cancels Japan trip over King Salman's health concerns The Saudi Press Agency reported Sunday that the crown prince’s 88-year-old father, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz, was suffering from lung inflammation and will be treated at the Al Salam Palace in Jeddah. Saudi Arabia
In Japan, Saudi Arabia's crown prince eyes expansion of energy, defense ties In an upcoming visit to Tokyo, the Saudi crown prince will have an audience with the Japanese prime minister, among others, to discuss a "broad range" of issues. Saudi Arabia