Saudi Arabia nabs Rafa Nadal as its star tennis ambassador amid criticism Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal has become an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation, leading to criticism from some fans and furthering the kingdom’s tennis ambitions. Gulf
Alarmed over Ethiopia-Somaliland deal, Arab FMs rally behind Somalia, Egypt Somalia denied entry to an Ethiopian flight heading to Somaliland, as a controversial deal signed between the latter and Ethiopia continues to be a source of concern in the region. Egypt
US redesignates Yemen’s Houthis as terror group amid Red Sea attacks The Biden administration stopped short of branding the Houthis with the more severe Foreign Terrorist Organization label, which aid agencies warned would hinder their life-saving work in Yemen. Yemen
Davos 2024: Reaching net zero without space tech 'wishful thinking,' says Saudi minister On the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah bin Amer Alswaha told Al-Monitor that technology will help countries deliver on climate promises. Saudi Arabia
Iraq, KRG leaders cancel meetings with Iran's FM at Davos over missile row Tensions between Baghdad and Tehran have flared since the Monday attack, which Tehran claimed targeted an Israeli "spy cell" in the city. Iraq
Davos 2024: Blinken says Palestinian statehood could help isolate Iran The US secretary of state called former President Donald Trump's withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal "a big mistake." Iran
West Bank violence peaks with 344 killed, nearly 6,000 arrested amid Gaza war Hundreds have been killed in the West Bank since Israel stepped up its raids and arrests in the territory in conjunction with the war in Gaza. Palestine
