Analysis Race for historic Middle East Olympics is on post-Paris Regional players are ready to make their case for the 2036 games but face a crowded field of bidders. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Qatari FM meets Araghchi, Pezeshkian in Iran amid Gaza cease-fire talks The visit is the Qatari premier’s first to Iran since 2022, and it coincides with renewed efforts to reach a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Iran
Analysis Qatar rivalry, security concerns drive UAE thaw with Afghanistan’s Taliban The UAE has formally acknowledged a Taliban-appointed representative, making it only the second country, after China, to do so. By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
Analysis Pessimism prevails as Gaza cease-fire talks resume in Doha By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Qatar to host Gaza cease-fire talks amid Iran-Israel tension: What we know Hamas says it will not attend the talks, which will take place in Doha. Qatar
Qatar's emir visits Turkey amid push for de-escalation, Gaza talks The Qatari emir's visit to Turkey comes as regional countries are ramping up efforts to prevent a broader conflict in the region after the Hamas political chief’s killing. Turkey
From Tehran to Doha, funeral-goers mourn Hamas' Haniyeh Mourners attended mass funeral processions for Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh across the Middle East on Friday. Palestine
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
Qatar Airways sees annual profit climb by 39% to record $1.67B The Doha-based airline carried more than 40 million passengers over the 2023/2024 financial year, 26% more than over the previous year. Qatar
NVIDIA to deploy AI across Middle East amid increasing US-China tech tensions It was reported in August 2023 that Washington planned to curb exports of some AI microchips from NVIDIA, as well as from Advanced Micro Devices, beyond China to some unspecified Middle Eastern countries. Qatar
What's behind Taliban's decision to attend UN conference in Qatar? The attendance in and of itself signals progress and the possibility that the international community might find better ways to deal with the de facto rulers in Kabul. Qatar
RwandAir CEO says Qatar Airways could acquire 49% stake in July For the past five years, Qatar and Rwanda have been working on a deal that would see Qatar Airways take a 49% stake in RwandAir for an undisclosed fee. Qatar
Following Zelenskyy's visit, how can Qatar help Ukraine in Russia mediation? Ukraine has maintained cordial relations with Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE amid the war with Russia, and the three Gulf states have all sought to play the role of mediator in the conflict. Qatar
Blinken to return to Middle East in diplomatic blitz to end Gaza war Washington's top diplomat heads to Israel, Egypt, Jordan and Qatar next week as the Biden administration pressures Hamas and Israel to agree to a last-ditch cease-fire proposal to end the war and defuse a volatile border escalation between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel
In Turkey, Qatar defense chief says no plans to expel Hamas The Qatari minister’s remarks came in response to increasing reports that the Gulf state is considering shuttering Hamas’ political headquarters in Doha. Turkey
