Oman launches $5 billion 'Future Fund' in sign of economic progress Oman’s economy is improving by some metrics as the Gulf state seeks to diversify. Oman
Al-Qaeda attack in Yemen kills 2 members of southern forces The attack is the first by al-Qaeda in Yemen since its leader on the Arabian Peninsula died. Yemen
Three reasons behind rare China-Hamas meeting in Qatar From the location to the timing and the messaging, the China-Hamas meeting on Sunday underscored Beijing's messaging and approach to the Gaza war without, however, elevating its role to a broker in the conflict. Palestine
What’s behind flurry of Saudi helicopter deals with Airbus, Leonardo? The Saudi sovereign fund’s helicopter firm inked several agreements during a helicopter expo in this week, choosing to partner with Airbus amid concerns about Boeing. Gulf
Beyond Ethiopia & Somaliland, Turkey-Somalia defense deal fuels UAE rivalry The latest deal between Ankara and Mogadishu emerges as a potential friction point for Turkey and the UAE as they vie for influence in Somalia. Turkey
Why did Saudi soccer league suspend Cristiano Ronaldo? Ronaldo’s time in Riyadh has been successful, but the Saudi Pro League is facing some challenges after luring many star players to the kingdom in 2023. Gulf
Analysis US Navy faces down Houthi attacks as Washington signals open-ended effort Saudi Arabia has restricted the US military from launching strikes in Yemen from bases on Saudi territory, leaving a US Navy aircraft carrier to shoulder the campaign in the Red Sea. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Oman jumps 39 places on 2024 Economic Freedom Index, UAE ranks 22 Oman's economic reforms are paying dividends, according to the latest Heritage Foundation index on economic freedom. Gulf
UAE's largest company IHC appoints AI bot to board Several international companies have named AI-based entities to their leadership structures in recent years. The UAE is seeking to become a world leader in artificial intelligence. Gulf
Saudi Aramco’s oil production pivot signals Riyadh’s embrace of fungible fiscal policy Karen Young In Washington, DC, reporting on regional energy
Ukraine’s Zelenskyy in Saudi Arabia to talk prisoners, Russia war Saudi Arabia has taken an increasingly active role in mediating the Ukraine-Russia war while maintaining friendly relations with both states. Gulf
Interview Yemen’s Houthis undeterred by strikes, senior US Navy commander says In an exclusive interview, the US Navy’s top commander in the Middle East leveled with Al-Monitor about what the current campaign against the Houthis has achieved, saying diplomatic pressure could ultimately get the Iran-backed rebels to halt their brazen attacks on international commercial shipping. With George Wikoff Commander of the US Navy’s 5th Fleet
How UAE fits into China’s electric vehicle push The United Arab Emirates’ electric vehicle ambitions and restrictions from the United States make the Gulf state an attractive partner for Chinese firms, but Abu Dhabi has a way to go before it meets its electric vehicle ownership targets. Gulf
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
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