Newsletter: Gulf Gulf defense giants head to Europe As Gulf states recalibrate after months of conflict with Iran, defense priorities are shifting from emergency procurement to long-term industrial partnerships. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Saudi Aramco's VC arm sees boom in emerging technologies, retail Anas Alqahtani, CEO of Wa'ed Ventures, expects strong growth in Saudi Arabia’s emerging technology and retail sectors over the coming years. Saudi Arabia
Newsletter: City Pulse Riyadh Saudi contemporary art lands at Art Basel Also this week: Charcoal grills, contemporary art and pilgrimage trails. By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
Who is Fahd Al-Dosari, Saudi Arabia’s new ambassador to Lebanon? Ambassador Fahd bin Abdulrahman bin Hathloul Al-Dosari, a seasoned diplomat, arrives in Beirut as Saudi Arabia seeks to strengthen its ties with Lebanon. Lebanon
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran says no final decision yet on deal By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Le Drian says France keen to help Saudi Arabia transition away from oil France's former top diplomat said that his country was supportive of Saudi Arabia's efforts to diversify its economy. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia sees 477% increase in multinational HQs in first quarter The 127 international companies relocating to Saudi Arabia so far this year follow a Saudi program to attract world businesses. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Can Gulf investors outstrip China in Africa as UAE expands reach? As the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other GCC states boost investments in Africa,Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative could face serious challenges. By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
US reportedly slows AI chip exports to Mideast as Saudi Arabia turns to China Washington has further restricted imports of critical components for AI systems to certain countries, including some undisclosed ones in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia
Middle East economic outlook caught between low growth, high debt convergence Karen Young In Washington, DC, reporting on regional energy
Saudi-Syrian normalization takes off with Hajj flights, return of ambassador Diplomatic relations have resumed between the two countries as Riyadh appointed Faisal al-Mujfel ambassador to Syria — the first since relations were severed in 2012. Syria
Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal invests in Elon Musk’s $24B AI startup Kingdom Holding Company also holds a stake in Elon Musk’s social media platform X, formerly Twitter. Saudi Arabia
Interview Saudi Expo 2030 to offer major opportunities for French businesses, says official In November, the Saudi capital won the right to host the Expo 2030 world trade fair that is expected to attract around 40 million visitors and billions of dollars of inward investment. Axel Baroux French Trade and Invest Commissioner for the UAE and Middle East
Malaysia courts Gulf investment and economic ties, but Saudi relations remain question mark Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Goldman Sachs first Wall Street bank to get green light for Saudi Arabia HQ The US-headquartered investment bank received a license from the Saudi Ministry of Investment to set up its regional headquarters in the capital, Riyadh. Saudi Arabia
Why natural gas supply is critical to Saudi economic transformation Gerald Kepes In Washington, DC, reporting on regional energy trends
India’s Modi ‘deeply concerned’ about Saudi King Salman’s health The 88-year-old king has faced health setbacks in recent weeks, prompting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to cancel a trip to Japan. Saudi Arabia