Newsletter: City Pulse Doha Fireworks, feasts and festivals: Doha’s NYE 2026 Also this week: Open-air cinema nights, global sneaker art and festive concerts By Reve Chaaban In Doha reporting on culture
Analysis Gulf finance hubs race to expand as hedge funds flock to Dubai, Abu Dhabi The Gulf’s top financial hubs have posted another strong year in 2025, with the UAE spearheading a regional push to attract hedge funds, asset managers, crypto and fintech firms as regional neighbors target growth of their own. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Trump has upper hand over Netanyahu, but is it enough for Gaza? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been stalling on the implementation of the second phase of President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan, but at the end of the day, Trump has much more leverage over Netanyahu. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Newsletter: City Pulse Doha I. M. Pei’s architectural legacy comes to Doha Also this week: Global marching bands at Katara, Arab Cup celebrations, and National Day festivities By Reve Chaaban In Doha reporting on culture
Newsletter: City Pulse Doha Qatar celebrates heritage at Darb Al Saai By Reve Chaaban In Doha reporting on culture
Newsletter: Gulf Saudi Arabia, Qatar turbocharge strategic coordination By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Iran maneuvers to capitalize on Qatar crisis Iran has so far cautiously stood with Qatar amid the Saudi-led confrontation with Doha, but there are indications of this caution's giving way to more assertive Iranian support. Legacy: Gulf
Erdogan tries to juggle Iran, Saudi Arabia amid Qatar crisis Retired diplomats say Erdogan’s Qatar policy is driven more by his survival instinct than a rational foreign policy and that Ankara has squandered an opportunity to play a positive role in this crisis. Saudi Arabia
Palestinians divided over GCC-Qatar crisis The Palestinians are divided over the recent announcement by four Arab nations to cut ties with Qatar, as Hamas seems to be worried about its relationship with its main backer in the region. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi-Hamas relations on verge of complete rupture Relations between Saudi Arabia and the Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip are witnessing deep tension that risks further escalation in light of the Arab nation's decision to cut ties with Qatar, one of Hamas’ main financial backers. Saudi Arabia
Mixed messages since US-Saudi-Islamic summit prove costly Is the United States missing an opportunity with Iran in the war against the Islamic State? Turkey, Hamas deal with fallout from Qatar dispute; Al-Monitor had the jump on “secret” US-Russia talks on Syria. Saudi Arabia
How Moscow-Riyadh rapport fits into the Mideast scene With all that’s going on in the Gulf right now, some players are re-examining their alliances and shoring up support. Saudi Arabia
Iraq, Qatar grow closer in wake of Gulf crisis Following the tension between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, the relationship between Iraq and Qatar has become strong and many Iraqi politicians support Qatar against Saudi Arabia. Legacy: Gulf
Turkish military will protect Qatari regime if necessary Ankara revealed a hard stance in the Qatar crisis by fast-tracking legislation that sends Turkish troops there to control protests and confront internal security threats. Saudi Arabia
Hamas could lose Qatar's support amid GCC strife Palestinians are concerned that as a result of the Qatar crisis, the Gulf nation might be forced to reduce its financial commitments to Palestine, especially in the Gaza Strip. Saudi Arabia
After rushing to Qatar's aid, Turkey may have to rethink its Mideast ties Ankara, fearing it could be next on the Arab hit list, hastily approves sending troops to Qatar despite Turkey's poor history when intervening in Arab affairs. Qatar
Egypt’s role in the push to cut off Qatar With three Gulf states revolting against Qatar's regional policies, Egypt has found the perfect opportunity to sever ties with Qatar after four years of political bickering. Saudi Arabia
Hamas could be next victim of Qatari-Gulf brawl Qatar politely sent some Hamas leaders packing after several nations, including Saudi Arabia, cut diplomatic ties with Doha. Saudi Arabia