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
Saudi Arabia pushes for Africa debt relief as private investments set to reach $25B Saudi Arabia is pushing for debt relief for African nations burdened with more than $1 trillion in liabilities. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Saudi naval ambitions get a boost after joint Greece, France exercise The kingdom is modernizing its navy under Vision 2030, replacing outdated vessels while seeking to diversify its military partnerships beyond traditional US reliance — but operational gaps remain. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
What to expect at Saudi Arabia's eighth Davos in the Desert This year's Future Investment Initiative focuses on tech, energy and investment as Saudi Arabia steps up efforts to diversify its economy away from hydrocarbons. Saudi Arabia
Analysis How new US AI framework could impact UAE, Saudi ambitions The framework comes as the UAE has deepened its AI ties with the United States in recent months over a series of visits to Washington by senior Emirati officials. By Jack Dutton , Samuel Wendel
What to make of Saudi Arabia's $96B in foreign direct investment in 2023 Driving foreign investment into key sectors is part of Saudi Arabia's efforts to diversify away from an oil-dependent revenue model. Saudi Arabia
Iran eyes naval drills with Saudi Arabia, Egypt amid simmering regional tensions The planned drills come on the heels of a recent joint exercise that Iran hosted in the Indian Ocean, as Tehran seeks to counterbalance Israel and curb US influence in the region's strategic waters. Iran
Russia's BRICS summit: Gulf states seek influence as Iran, UAE debut as members Saudi Arabia’s crown prince will not be in attendance but has sent his foreign minister. Expansion of the group and adoption of a new currency are on the three-day agenda. United Arab Emirates
What's behind Algeria's suspension of Saudi-owned Al Arabiya? Algeria suspended the press license of Saudi state-owned Al Arabiya news channel just one day after Iraq suspended the license of Saudi-owned TV channel MBC. Algeria
Gulf governments silent as Iran, proxies mourn Hamas' Yahya Sinwar Regional governments have not commented on Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar’s killing by Israeli forces in Gaza, but Iran and its proxy groups mourned his death, vowing that the resistance against Israel will continue. Palestine
What are Aramco’s priorities in Asia after cancelation of Saudi chemical project? The Saudi oil giant is showing increasing interest in Asia’s petrochemicals market amid the energy transition. Saudi Arabia
Egypt's Sisi hosts Saudi crown prince as Cairo looks to attract investment Saudi's crown prince met with Egypt's president in Cairo on Tuesday, where the two oversaw the signing of an investment protection agreement and the creation of the Saudi-Egyptian Supreme Coordination Council. Saudi Arabia
Saudi crown prince hosts Iran's FM as Riyadh shields itself from Israel tension Iran’s foreign minister was in Saudi Arabia today amid mounting fears over an Israeli retaliatory strike on Iran. Saudi Arabia