International business development is next challenge for UAE's ADNOC Gerald Kepes In Washington, DC, reporting on regional energy trends
Ukraine sanctions Israeli-Georgian billionaire accused of backing Russia Israeli press reported today that Israeli-Georgian businessman Mikhael Mirilashvili, considered close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was blacklisted by Ukraine several months ago. Israel
Saudi Arabia agrees to produce Turkey’s Baykar drones Riyadh wants to boost its military might, especially with the prospect of its main rival Iran developing its nuclear enrichment capabilities. Saudi Arabia
Iraqi militias continue to use Telegram despite block Iraq’s state media channel switched to the Israeli-founded Viber in response to the ban. Telegram is popular with protesters and militias alike in Iraq. Iraq
Saudi, UAE theaters to screen Barbie this week, despite earlier push to delay The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar have changed the release date of the record grossing film for a second time to Aug. 10, and the film will open in Saudi Arabia Aug. 9. United Arab Emirates
Iran’s foreign minister meets Japanese counterpart in rare Tokyo trip Hossein Amir-Abdollahian's visit to Japan comes amid mounting tensions in the region over Iran’s nuclear activities and attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf. Iran
Why is US sending 3,000 Navy, Marines force to Persian Gulf? The Pentagon has not yet specified the Marines' role in deterring Iran from interfering with commercial shipping and threatening neighboring Arab states. Iran
Grain silo explosion at Turkey's Derince port wounds at least nine The grain silo explosion hit Turkey's northwestern province of Kocaeli. Turkey
Israel to include Gaza Americans in US visa waiver trial After agreeing to facilitate the passage of American-Palestinians in the West Bank, Israel has agreed to similar conditions for those residing in Gaza. Israel
China 'participated actively’ in Ukraine peace talks in Saudi Arabia Pro-Kyiv Western countries had failed to secure China’s presence at previous Ukraine peace talks. Saudi Arabia
Israeli settler kills Palestinian in Burqa, seven arrested After arresting two settlers over the fatal incident at the West Bank town of Burqa, where a young Palestinian was killed, police have detained five Palestinians on suspicion of riots and attacks. Israel
Why are UAE, Saudi, other Gulf countries issuing Lebanon travel warnings? Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar and also Germany and the United Kingdom issued similar travel warnings over the fighting that began July 29 between Fatah and hard-line Islamists at Lebanon's Ain el-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp. Gulf