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
Qatar places major bet on gas as Saudi Aramco scores new find in Jafurah Asian liquefied natural gas prices have fallen to a nearly three-year low as warmer winter temperatures have dampened demand. Qatar
Analysis International law 'cannot be a la carte': UAE, Saudi and Egypt scold Israel at ICJ The presentations at The Hague could further the rift between Israel and the Arab world amid the Gaza war and efforts to expand normalization, though countries in the region are still interested in maintaining relations with Tel Aviv. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Saudi Arabia reports oil export slump after OPEC cuts The dip in exports for the fourth quarter of 2023 was due to Saudi Arabia’s decision to reduce crude output in accordance with the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies — the kingdom has also implemented voluntary cuts. Saudi Arabia
Saudi tech giant expands investments into China, AI as part of $100B plans Alat plans to invest $100 billion by 2030 to coincide with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 plan to wean the kingdom’s economy off of its reliance on oil. Saudi Arabia
Saudi energy minister reveals why Aramco cut oil target by 1m bpd In January, the world's biggest corporate crude producer said it would halt its oil expansion plan and set a minimum sustained production capacity of 12 million bpd, 1 million bpd below its target announced in 2020 to be reached in 2027. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Aramco pivots investment plans as deals beckon in key Asian growth markets Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
US firm mulls stake in Starbucks Middle East franchise as local competition heats up Apollo Asset Management's reported interest comes after the coffee chain said boycotts related to the Gaza war had hurt its regional business. Saudi Arabia
London Metal Exchange to build delivery centers in Saudi Arabia Investors and mining companies are bracing for a wave of exploration licenses awarded in Saudi Arabia after the kingdom nearly doubled its untapped mineral estimate to $2.5 trillion and announced new incentives for miners in January. Saudi Arabia
Saudi inks $3.2B missile defense deal with South Korea as Iran attends expo The World Defense Show has yielded deals between Saudi Arabia and South Korea and may lead to the strengthening of the kingdom’s ties with Iran, the United States and others. Legacy: Gulf
South Africa’s Milkor gets go-ahead to produce drones in Saudi Arabia The Gulf country is bolstering its defense capabilities amid increasing instability in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia
Red Sea attacks push global firms to seek overland shipping alternatives An Israeli company is sending goods overland from the United Arab Emirates through Saudi Arabia and other firms are looking at different arrangements as US strikes fail to deter Houthi attacks. Israel
Kuwait emir travels to Saudi Arabia for first foreign visit Relations with Saudi Arabia are a priority for Kuwait's new emir. Legacy: Gulf