Interview Saudi labor localization will take ‘generation or two': Armada CEO Around 70% of Saudi Arabia's population is 35 years old or younger, according to the kingdom’s General Authority for Statistics, providing ample opportunity for an educated and technology-savvy national workforce in the coming decades. Olivier Badard CEO of Armada Holding
Explainer Gulf states push incentives for investors, expats after war dents image Several Gulf states are working to recover their images as global havens of stability in the wake of the Iran war. United Arab Emirates
Newsletter: Business & Tech Oil falls to prewar levels as Hormuz reopens Oil prices retreat as Gulf shipping stabilizes, Qatar moves to restore LNG output, and regional governments roll out new investment and residency incentives. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Interview Franco-Gulf investment holds firm despite Iran war, French official says French investors are reallocating capital toward strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence and technology rather than pulling out of the region altogether. Axel Baroux France’s trade and investment commissioner for the UAE and Middle East
Newsletter: Gulf Gulf defense giants head to Europe By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Newsletter: City Pulse Riyadh Saudi contemporary art lands at Art Basel By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
Saudis refine blueprint for post-oil economy Establishment of the Public Investment Fund to diversify Saudi Arabia's sources of income must be coupled with a sound strategy to achieve the country's goals. Saudi Arabia
Erdogan, Davutoglu shed tears for Gaza, but do little else Turkey as well as the oil-rich Gulf states have still not fulfilled their pledges to help with the reconstruction and development of Gaza. Legacy: Gulf
Salafi armed groups increase attacks in Syria UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura warns that the cessation of hostilities is in “great trouble.” Saudi Arabia
Why ex-minister’s return to prison may ease Lebanon's political deadlock A court's decision to put Michel Samaha back behind bars might help ease Sunni-Shiite stress, but solving sectarian differences will require everyone's cooperation. Saudi Arabia
Why Egyptians' anger at island handover is misplaced Angry Egyptians decried the return of two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia while ignoring possible economic benefits and returns for Egypt as part of the agreement. Saudi Arabia
Jordan pivots to Saudi Arabia After years of a cool relationship between Jordan and Saudi Arabia, the two Arab kingdoms seem to be united to fight Iran’s regional interference. Saudi Arabia
Were Bibi's Golan comments a 'death blow' to peace? The declaration by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel will hold on to the Golan Heights forever threatens any possibility of an agreement with the Palestinians and Arab states. Saudi Arabia
For some fleeing conflict, even Yemen is a haven Thousands of Africans fleeing the misery in their countries continue to seek refuge in Yemen, which itself is suffering the ravages of civil war. Saudi Arabia
Khamenei warns of 'soft war' between Iran, US After the Organization of Islamic Cooperation condemned Hezbollah and Iran, Iran's supreme leader has indirectly criticized Saudi Arabia and called the condemnation meaningless. Saudi Arabia
Red Sea bridge project resurfaces Backers hope to calm old concerns with new plans for a bridge between Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
How Obama can push the Saudis to talk to Iran As US President Barack Obama is due to visit Saudi Arabia, the UN Security Council should consider acting on its mandate to jump-start dialogue between regional actors on an inclusive security architecture. Saudi Arabia
Iranian-Saudi rivalry claims another victim Jordan recalling its ambassador from Tehran for consultations opens another front in the Iranian-Saudi rivalry, along with conflict over the hajj and oil. Saudi Arabia