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
Oman imposes fresh lockdown ahead of Eid al-Adha holiday A ban on travel between the governorates and an 11-hour curfew will run from July 25 through Aug. 8. Oman
Oman to allow residents to take international flights Oman's government also announced it would extend a lockdown on the Dhofar and Masirah regions. Oman
Has China gained an edge on the US in the Gulf? China has upped the ante, but the United States holds the winning hand; Oman weighs risks and benefits of Gulf bailout; will migrant workers return to GCC? Legacy: Gulf
Oman weighs costs of bailout from Gulf neighbors Gulf countries might step up to keep Oman’s public finances afloat, but experts warn strings may be attached. Saudi Arabia
GCC faces possible setback with exodus of skilled professionals The coronavirus pandemic coupled with the oil crisis is pushing foreign workers to exit the Gulf states, perhaps shaping future labor policies. Saudi Arabia
Oman’s state-owned entities change hands As the newly-formed Oman Investment Authority takes over most of the Gulf country’s public assets, questions arise as to whether this is streamlining the administration, economic reform or power consolidation? Oman
Oman will make it easier for expat workers to switch jobs Under a previous order, foreign workers were barred from switching companies without explicit permission from their employers. Oman
Oman’s public sector reform risks brain drain By letting go of thousands of foreign experts, Oman risks losing the know-how central to achieving economic diversification. Oman
In latest spending cut, Oman not renewing majority of foreign consultant contracts Contracts will not be renewed for at least 70% of foreign experts and consultants working for the Omani government. Oman
Oman ending lockdown in capital Restrictions in other parts of the country to remain in place as COVID-19 cases continue to rise. Oman
Gulf’s megaprojects face delays, reassessment Saudi Arabia has cut capital expenditure for a number of Vision 2030 projects amid a drop in oil prices and Chinese investment. Will other Gulf states follow suit? Saudi Arabia
China ramps up COVID-19 diplomacy in Mideast As the Trump administration tries to link the coronavirus to a Chinese laboratory, Beijing is using the pandemic to strengthen ties in the Gulf. Saudi Arabia
