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
GCC’s renewable energy push pays off with Qatar, UAE taking lead Several Gulf states rank relatively high on the World Economic Forum (WEF) Energy Transition Index, reflecting their efforts to transition toward renewable energy and reduce their dependence on fossil fuels. Saudi Arabia
China’s Baosteel ups investment in Saudi steel plate venture to $1B A subsidiary of the world’s largest steelmaker, China Baeowu Steel Group, will have a 50% stake in a major new Saudi-based venture. Saudi Arabia
Why G7's economic policy toward Russia might alienate Saudi Arabia The G7 has seized hundreds of billions of dollars in Russia’s frozen assets in response to Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Saudi Arabia
Middle East cheers Biden’s withdrawal, uncertain about Kamala Harris pick Many people in the region were joyful about President Joe Biden’s decision not to seek reelection, as they blame him for the crises including the war in the Gaza Strip. Palestine
Saudia inks deal for electric flying taxis from Germany amid airline order spree The agreement to purchase 50 jets, with an option for 50 more, was made with Lilium, headquartered outside Munich. Saudi Arabia
Saudi-China energy cooperation strengthened by Uzbek wind project sale Both Saudi Arabia and China are seeking to tap into Uzbekistan's and Central Asia’s energy potential. Saudi Arabia
Tech investment slump reaching critical stage for cash strapped Middle East startups Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Saudi Arabia and Syria resume regular flights as thaw with Assad advances The move signals a new step toward further developing the relations between the two countries. Syria
As Boeing struggles, Airbus inks 4-aircraft deal with Saudi Arabia The kingdom ordered four more of Airbus’ A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft for the Royal Saudi Air Force as Boeing's challenges mount in Gulf over safety issues. Saudi Arabia
Middle East startups see funding fall by 34% in first half of 2024 Although startup funding levels have plateaued globally, MENA reported an increase in early-stage rounds and investor participation. United Arab Emirates
Saudi's latest drug bust: thousands of narcotics tablets, 760 pounds of qat Saudi Arabia is a major destination for the amphetamine Captagon, though seizures have decreased recently due to more enforcement in transit countries like Jordan, according to a recent report. Saudi Arabia
Culture Saudi Arabia's soccer dreams tested as Vision 2030 goal posts move 2023 saw Saudi Arabia take the world of soccer by storm with record-breaking spending on new stars, but those hoping for a repeat performance in 2024 have so far been left disappointed. Saudi Arabia