Analysis Can a UAE-backed Syria-Iraq corridor become Gulf's next trade route? On June 26, Emirati and Syrian officials discussed plans for a logistics corridor connecting Syrian ports to Gulf markets via Iraq. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Analysis How Iran war shaped divergent paths to security among GCC states The Iran war left the Gulf more fragmented than united, with competing security strategies replacing any prospect of a common regional defense. By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
Syria launches gas project with Saudi firm in latest Gulf energy partnership The project is the latest in a series of Gulf-backed investments aimed at rebuilding Syria's energy sector after the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Syria
Newsletter: City Pulse Dubai Abu Dhabi breaks ground on Dar Al Funoon performing arts venue Also this week: Lebanese seafood, Palestinian portraiture and cross-disciplinary art By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
Newsletter: Gulf Oman's Hormuz moment By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Newsletter: FutureVerse No ceasefire in cyberspace By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Intel: Senators move to block US F-35, drone sale to UAE A bipartisan group of US senators say they received no reply from the Pentagon or State Department after inquiring last month about implications of the sale of advanced weaponry to the United Arab Emirates. United Arab Emirates
Gulf oil exporters look past Biden’s green energy platform The possible return of Iranian crude to global markets is a short-term concern for Gulf oil producers, which expect to be the last man standing in a decarbonizing world. Saudi Arabia
UAE narrows search for next Emirati astronauts The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center will select two applicants from a shortlist of 61 potential astronauts. United Arab Emirates
UK opens 'travel corridor' to Gulf states Visitors to the United Kingdom from Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE will not need to isolate upon arrival come Saturday. United Arab Emirates
Emirates reports massive drop in revenue in 2020 The Dubai-based airline's revenues fell billions and it is relying on reserves and support from the government to continue flying. United Arab Emirates
Trump White House proposes sale of 50 F-35s to United Arab Emirates The proposed sale includes 18 MQ-9B weapons-ready drones and air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions. United Arab Emirates
Intel: Trump administration to propose $3 billion drone sale to UAE News of the proposal comes a week after the administration informally notified Congress of its intent to sell F-35 fighter jets to Abu Dhabi. United Arab Emirates
Dubai-based airline announces daily flights to Tel Aviv The budget carrier flydubai will start flying to Israel's largest city later this month in the latest sign of deepening economic ties between Israel and the Emirates. United Arab Emirates
Israel boycott movement furious at UAE over deal to import wine from occupied Golan Heights The United Arab Emirates signed a deal with Israel to buy wine produced in the settlements of the occupied Golan Heights, prompting a wave of anger among Palestinians and the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement. United Arab Emirates
New normal takes shape for Israel, Palestinians, UAE Israelis and Emiratis throw themselves into their new relationship and Palestinians are throwing Gulf visitors out of Al-Aqsa Mosque. United Arab Emirates
After meeting Esper, Gantz says US committed to Israel’s security It took three meetings between US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and Israel’s Defense Minister Benny Gantz to convince the latter to drop his opposition to the F-35 sale to the United Arab Emirates. United Arab Emirates
Intel: Trump administration notifies Congress of proposed F-35 sale to UAE Lawmakers have introduced legislation intended to ensure the sale does not eclipse Israel's regional military edge. United Arab Emirates