IMF slashes Mideast outlook by nearly 3 points as Iran war hits economies The International Monetary Fund cut gross domestic product forecasts for the Middle East and North Africa, with the fallout from the conflict exposing stark divergences between the region’s energy exporters and importers. Iran
Newsletter: City Pulse Doha The school that shaped a nation Also this week: UV glow shooting at Alhadaf and Qatar Reads at Doha Festival City By Reve Chaaban In Doha reporting on culture
Analysis How fast can Gulf energy production rebound after US-Iran ceasefire? The truce could pave the way for lost oil and LNG supplies to flow back to global markets, but restoring Gulf energy production to normal levels could take months, if not longer. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
EIA hikes 2026 oil price forecasts 22% as Hormuz fuels long-term market fallout In its latest update, the agency said international benchmark Brent crude is now expected to average $96 per barrel in 2026, up from $79 previously, with higher prices now expected to last through 2027. Iran
Newsletter: City Pulse Doha Fire Station reopens with Chung Seoyoung show By Reve Chaaban In Doha reporting on culture
Interview Qatar says 'ambitious' Gaza plan hinges on Trump applying Israel leverage Qatari spokesperson Majed al-Ansari said security assurances are needed following the Israeli strike on Qatari soil, adding that Israel’s “unhinged” prime minister must “be put on a leash.” Majed al-Ansari Qatar Foreign Ministry Spokesperson
Saudi Arabia and Qatar pledge $89M for Syrian public sector: What to know The new Syrian government has struggled to pay public workers sufficiently and is implementing a plan aimed at rooting out “ghost employees" who do not show up to work. Syria
Pentagon had no warning Israel planned to strike Qatar, US general says The top US Air Force commander for the Middle East said early warning systems did not determine that Israeli warplanes had launched ballistic missiles towards Qatar, a US ally, until it was too late, following fresh concerns about the Pentagon's ambitions to build an air defense umbrella for the region. United States
Newsletter: City Pulse Doha Doha puts mental well-being centrestage Also this week: Phoenix Games, Zinatha Fashion and Coldplay by Candlelight. By Reve Chaaban In Doha reporting on culture
Middle East debt issuance near $200B record amid September borrowing surge A borrowing boom driven by Saudi Arabia and Turkey arrives amid a broader wave of issuances in 2025, underlining the Middle East’s status as one of the busiest and most resilient players in international debt markets. Saudi Arabia
Newsletter: City Pulse Doha Doha’s couture meets 12th-century tales From couture to comedy: Doha welcomes Sahar Alanaqa fashion showcase, John Achkar stand-up and more. By Reve Chaaban In Doha reporting on culture
Hamas leader gives first TV interview since Israel’s Doha attack: What to know Ghazi Hamad is the first member of the Palestinian group who was present when Israel bombed their compound to appear in public. Qatar
Rubio pushes mediation in Qatar as Israel launches Gaza City assault The top US diplomat arrived in Doha to meet with Qatari leaders as the country reels from the recent Israeli strike on its soil. Qatar
Arab, Islamic leaders urge 'review' of Israel ties at emergency summit after Doha strikes The meeting comes less than a week after Israel launched airstrikes targeting Hamas’ leadership in Doha, a move Gulf states say poses a serious threat to regional security. Qatar
Analysis Netanyahu scrambles as Gulf states push Trump to sanction Israel over Doha strikes In an unusual move reflecting the difficult position Netanyahu placed the administration in, the United States supported a United Nations Security Council statement on Thursday condemning the Israeli strike. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Newsletter: China-Middle East How Beijing calculates risk in Qatar With major energy contracts and growing commercial ties at play, Beijing’s interests in Qatar give it reason to be wary of escalation. By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Qatari emir attends Hamas members’ funeral in Doha after Israeli strikes The funeral for the Hamas members and the Qatari corporal killed in the Israeli strikes was held at a prominent mosque in Doha. Qatar
