Analysis

Turkey strengthens defense, energy ties following Erdogan’s Gulf tour

The Turkish president’s Gulf tour saw the signing of over a dozen agreements to strengthen military ties, diversify energy sources and expand economic partnerships amid regional instability.

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Turkey, Qatar sign defense deal as Ankara eyes Doha’s Eurofighters

The Turkish president’s visit to Qatar during his Gulf tour largely centered on defense ties and Qatar’s little-used Eurofighters, as Ankara moves to quickly rebuild its air power.

Turkey

Erdogan heads to Gulf as Turkey looks to ease energy dependence on Russia

The Turkish president will visit Kuwait, Oman and Qatar to strengthen economic ties, boost regional diplomacy and sign a series of agreements.

Turkey

Analysis

As Carrefour retreats in Mideast, can new Gulf superstore brand advance?

Amid rising competition and consumer boycotts of Western companies, UAE-based Majid Al Futtaim has begun pulling French retailer Carrefour from Middle East markets and rebranding outlets under a new name: HyperMax.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Hong Kong inks agreements with Gulf partners at BRI Summit

Some 36 business agreements covering finance, technology, logistics, professional services and education were set to be signed at the event.

Saudi Arabia

Analysis

Gulf rail boom rumbles on as 2030 deadline for regional network nears

From 100 million metro riders in Riyadh to a new Oman-UAE railway, Gulf states are pouring money into train transport — but plans for a regional rail network are still taking shape.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

From Kuwait to Turkey, why are countries cracking down on Roblox?

The fast-growing gaming platform has been banned in countries including China, Iran, Oman, Qatar, and Turkey.

Kuwait

Chinese company to build Oman's first green hydrogen plant: What to know

The plant in Duqm plans to produce 1 million metric tons of green hydrogen per year by 2030.

China

Newsletter: Gulf

Gulf defense spending surges

The UAE and Saudi Arabia are staging a notable presence at IDEF 2025, Turkey’s major defense industry exhibition taking place in Istanbul. Both nations are leveraging the expo to reinforce regional partnerships and solidify new joint ventures.

By Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

Oman launches $200M clean energy fund with China’s Templewater

China, a major clean energy player in its own right, already has multiple investments in the sector in Oman, particularly in solar and wind.

Oman

Analysis

Gulf growth forecast bright but Israel-Iran war threatens to derail outlook

The World Bank had predicted economic growth among Gulf Cooperation Council states to increase in 2025 and 2026, but experts are skeptical due to the regional conflict.

By Jack Dutton

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

UAE's MBZ and Putin hold call as Gulf, Russia push diplomacy on Iran-Israel

Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to be courting Gulf support for a diplomatic role in the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel.

Iran