Newsletter: Gulf The Gulf's India strategy The Indian foreign minister's four-country tour reflects how GCC states are increasingly positioning India as a long-term partner for economic resilience, maritime security and strategic diversification after the Iran conflict. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Oil prices ease as OPEC+ increases production, Hormuz traffic rebounds Brent crude, the international benchmark, fell 0.15% to $71.87 a barrel as of 8:07 a.m. EDT after dropping as low as $71.09 earlier in the session, its lowest level since before the US-Israel-Iran war began on Feb. 28. Saudi Arabia
Newsletter: Gulf Oman's Hormuz moment As US and Iranian negotiators continue technical discussions in Doha on implementing last month’s memorandum of understanding, Oman is emerging as Tehran’s principal Gulf counterpart on the future governance of the Strait of Hormuz By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Qatar says no direct Iran-US talks in Doha Saudi FM visits Beijing; Iraq’s premier expands anti-corruption crackdown; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Explainer Gulf states push incentives for investors, expats after war dents image United Arab Emirates
UAE, Oman boost ties with deals on high-speed rail, combating financial crimes The agreements are in line with the UAE’s foreign policy, which prioritizes regional partnerships. United Arab Emirates
Oman to allow foreign ownership for companies on Muscat stock exchange The move will help Oman diversify its economy away from dependency on oil. The country has recently sought investment from its neighbors in the Gulf. Oman
4,000-year-old stone board game discovered at Oman excavation site Archaelogists said the board game appeared similar to other games played during the Bronze Age. Oman
Oman lifts ban on vaccinated travelers from 18 countries Oman is loosening restrictions on travel amid a decline in COVID-19 cases across the Gulf country. Oman
Omani FM voices hope Israel's new leaders will advance Palestinian state Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi told his Israeli counterpart that the Gulf country is hopeful the new government in Israel can take "concrete steps" to establish a sovereign Palestinian state. Israel
The reform challenge: What Oman (and others) might learn from Egypt Parallels in experience may offer guideposts for managing change. Oman
Protests in Oman over job losses, economy Sultan Haitham has attempted to introduce economic and political reforms in the past year. News Brief
Oman bans popular chat app Clubhouse The audio-only phone application is popular throughout the Middle East but could face further restrictions. Oman
Oman closes land border, parks and beaches as vaccine rollout continues The sultanate's anti-virus committee announced several new restrictions on travel and gatherings on Wednesday. Oman
Oman moves ahead with overdue reforms Oman's leadership pushes ahead with reforms, cornered by the COVID-19 crisis and long-standing weaknesses in the local economy. Activists call for a constitutional monarchy. Oman
Oman praises Israel-Morocco relations Oman has yet to recognize Israel officially, despite speculation that the sultanate would do so. Oman
