Iran’s diplomatic surge extends to Gulf

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif is considering an invitation from Bahrain to attend the IISS Manama Dialogue Regional Security Summit, as UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan visits Tehran.

Saudi Arabia

Correcting misconceptions of the Gulf’s modern art movement

Contrary to what some may believe, a vibrant indigenous visual arts tradition does exist in the Gulf.

United Arab Emirates

Turkey’s English proficiency improving

Turkey ranks No. 41 at this year’s English Proficiency Index, but it tops the list of countries that are trending up – which is a fair reflection of its economic achievement.

Saudi Arabia

The Return of Mohammed Dahlan

The UAE and Egypt are pushing for a reconciliation between Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and former Gaza strongman Mohammed Dahlan, who would return to Fatah.

United Arab Emirates

Egypt’s real challenge: reviving the economy

Even after a revolution that called for social justice, Egyptians must balance between legitimate demands to rectify the accumulated effect of years of social injustice, and the treasury’s ability to honor these demands.

Legacy: Gulf

Gulf Cash Gives Jolt of Life To Egypt's Economy

About $12 billion in aid and bank deposits are helping the Egyptian economy in the short term, but structural reforms are needed to sustain the economy in the long term.

Saudi Arabia

Gulf Cities Have Long Way to Go Before Leading Arab World

The author takes issue with Sultan Al Qassemi's article calling the Gulf cities the new centers of the Arab world.

United Arab Emirates

Gulf Cities Emerge As New Centers of Arab World

While historic Arab capitals such as Cairo, Baghdad and Damascus are embroiled in civil strife, Gulf cities are powering ahead as new centers for Arab culture, education and business.

United Arab Emirates

Yemen’s Brotherhood: Early Losses and an Unknown Future

Following the Yemeni revolution, the local Muslim Brotherhood has worked to expand alliances, but often at the expense of their revolutionary partners, which could cost them vital public support.

Saudi Arabia

Abu Dhabi’s Foreign Assistance Steals Spotlight

While Abu Dhabi has developed a reputation for its generous foreign aid, little attention is paid its significant internal aid, which keeps the other emirates afloat.

United Arab Emirates

UAE Professor Challenges Cybercrime Law on Twitter

After a UAE professor published a provocative article online, observers wait to see how the government will implement its updated cybercrime law. 

United Arab Emirates

UAE Needs More Transparency On Human Rights

A string of recent human rights abuses has placed the UAE under international scrutiny.

United Arab Emirates