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 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
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran says no final decision yet on deal By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Saudi Arabia’s intelligence chief meets with Syrian counterpart in Damascus The meeting takes place during the first official visit to Damascus by Saudi Arabia since 2012. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia to lift international travel ban on vaccinated citizens Beginning May 17, Saudi citizens who have received the vaccine or have recovered from the virus in the last six months will be allowed to travel abroad. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia seeks 'good' relationship with Iran, says crown prince Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also said Saudi Arabia is "more than 90% in agreement with" the administration of President Joe Biden. Saudi Arabia
Greece to loan Patriot missile units to Saudi Arabia Athens is lending a hand to help defend Saudi Arabia amid continued barrages as the United States moves its assets elsewhere. Saudi Arabia
House Democrats urge Biden to pressure Saudis on 'unconscionable' Yemen blockade The lawmakers called on Biden to use the full weight of US influence to end the sea and air blockade, which aid agencies say is exacerbating Yemen's humanitarian crisis. Saudi Arabia
Could Turkish involvement in Yemen free Saudi Arabia? The Muslim Brotherhood and sources close to the Turkish government are arguing that Saudi Arabia could find a face-saving exit from the Yemen conflict it has been looking for by cooperating with Turkey. Turkey
Yemen's Houthis behind deadly attack on Aden airport, UN report says The Houthis previously denied responsibility for the attack, which came as Yemeni government officials disembarked from Riyadh. Yemen
Saudi official denies threatening UN investigator over Khashoggi killing Awwad Alawwad said he did not make menacing comments toward UN investigator Agnes Callamard after she said an unnamed Saudi official threatened to have her "taken care of" during a meeting. Saudi Arabia
China's top diplomat meets Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed strengthening ties and the controversial detention of Muslims in China's Xinjiang region. China-Saudi relations have strengthened in recent years, despite opposition from the United States. Saudi Arabia
UN investigator in Khashoggi case says she was threatened by Saudi official Agnes Callamard told The Guardian that a UN colleague informed her a visiting Saudi official threatened to have her "taken care of" during a meeting in Geneva in January 2020. Saudi Arabia
Intel: Saudi Arabia announces peace initiative to end Yemen war Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan offered major concessions demanded by the Houthis in a bid to end the Yemen conflict. Saudi Arabia
Intel: Saudi Arabia seeks Turkey’s drones, Erdogan says Riyadh's request could provide an opening for Ankara, which is also seeking to repair ties with Egypt. Saudi Arabia