Yemen's STC separatists advance in Hadramout as UAE-Saudi rift grows The fighting between the UAE-backed southern separatists and Saudi-aligned tribal forces, nominal allies against the Houthis, has raised concerns about the division of Yemen. Yemen
Newsletter: City Pulse Riyadh Winter at Tantora returns to AlUla Also this week: Desert dining in AlUla, Camel Festival turns 10 and art from Jeddah to Tashkent By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
US approves $1.4B in military sales to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain: What to know An estimated $1 billion in foreign military sales will go to Saudi Arabia, and $445 million will go to Bahrain. United States
Saudi Arabia signs first visa-free travel agreement with Russia: What to know The deal will allow citizens of either country to enter visa-free for 90 days for tourism, business and family visits. Saudi Arabia
Analysis US-Gulf critical minerals ties grow in bid to weaken China’s grip on industry By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis South Korea’s $15B jet offer expands UAE's options as US moves to sell Saudis F-35s By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Newsletter: City Pulse Riyadh Saudi Arabia unveils new Red Sea Museum By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
Newsletter: City Pulse Riyadh Vivienne Westwood debuts at Riyadh Fashion Week Also this week: Red Sea luxury, desert art, Expo countdown and Saudi wellness. By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
Hong Kong exchange expands Gulf presence with new Dubai commodities arm The emirate has positioned itself as a global commodities trading hub, with the UAE ranking second globally after the US in last year’s Commodity Trade Index. United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia grants citizenship to Uber co-founder, Red Sea Global CEO Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick and Red Sea Global CEO John Pagano have been granted Saudi citizenship. Saudi Arabia
Newsletter: City Pulse Dubai From desert to stage: Perform Sharjah returns Also this week: Emirati minimalism, Tunisian calligraphy and Abu Dhabi's cultural ascent. By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
Newsletter: City Pulse Riyadh Filwa Nazer explores the boundaries between body and space Also this week: Riyadh’s homegrown brunch spot, Arabic calligraphy and Italian design. By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
Newsletter: Business & Tech Dar Global, Trump eye Saudi megaprojects Gulf economies saw major moves this week, from new Trump-linked real estate ventures to multibillion-dollar logistics, energy, and consumer investments. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Saudi investment minister visits Morocco, Senegal on Africa trade drive Saudi Arabia has pledged more than $41 billion in investment in sub-Saharan Africa over the next decade. Saudi Arabia
Interview Dar Global hints at Trump real estate deals in Saudi Arabia’s gigaprojects The Dubai-headquartered real estate company has worked with the Trump Organization on luxury property developments across the Gulf. Ziad El Chaar Chief Executive Officer, Dar Global
World Bank ups Middle East 2025 economic outlook as oil, tourism rebound The lender expects gross domestic product growth in the region to average 2.8% this year, up from its April forecast of 2.6%. Iran
Saudi, Chinese companies to develop giant aluminum industrial hub in Riyadh The new industrial base is set to cover 1.5 million square meters and will be developed in two phases, with the first expected to be completed in 30 months and create more than 1,800 jobs. Saudi Arabia
Newsletter: City Pulse Riyadh Traveling show reimagines Saudi museums Also this week: Wolfgang Puck in Riyadh, Saudi artists in Paris and new cultural funds. By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
What’s next for Saudi Arabia’s budget balancing act as deficit doubles? The Gulf state now expects a deficit of $65.3 billion in 2025 — more than double the initial forecast — as the kingdom continues heavy spending amid weak oil prices. Saudi Arabia