UAE Middle East's most economically competitive country in 2024: IMD In the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2024, the UAE climbed three places to seventh in the world, out of 67 countries. Saudi Arabia ranked at 16th, Bahrain at 21st, Kuwait at 37th, Jordan at 48th and Turkey at 53rd. United Arab Emirates
Gulf states reach out to new Syrian leaders ahead of Jordan talks: What we know Bahrain's King Hamad sent a letter to HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, while the UAE has held direct contact with opposition groups. Qatar is set to reopen embassy in Damascus soon. Syria
Qatar to reopen embassy in Syria after 13 years Doha is looking to engage with the Islamist-led government in Syria after severing relations 13 years ago over deposed President Bashar al-Assad's brutal crackdown. Syria
Qatar says ‘renewed interest’ in Gaza talks, wants unified Arab stance on Syria Doha, which had earlier suspended mediation efforts, says it supports a viable Palestinian governance model and is formulating a pan-Arab position on Syria that encompasses diverging Gulf views. Qatar
China embraces debt listings to tap into Gulf’s pool of wealth By Sebastian Castelier In Dubai, reporting on regional business
Analysis Saudi Arabia to pursue two-track approach for Trump presidency By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
WFP to send aid ship to feed displaced in Lebanon The UN food agency is raising the alarm over food insecurity and a harsh winter in the Levant as the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon continue. Israel
As Iran, Israel lurch toward war, Saudi Arabia seeks rapprochement with Tehran Riyadh seeks assurances from Tehran that energy infrastructure in the region is spared amid talks of Israeli retaliation targeting Iranian oil and gas assets. Iran
UAE in 'realignment mode' as Mohammed bin Zayed heads to US The UAE president is set to meet US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on his visit. A top advisor refused to say on Thursday if he will be meeting Donald Trump. United Arab Emirates
Analysis UAE president to visit White House as frustrations mount over Gaza endgame Abu Dhabi has hardened its stance on Israel as Gulf states consider their role in rebuilding Gaza. By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
Trial opens in London for UAE-backed Manchester City: What we know The English Premier League claims Man City breached rules requiring it to provide financial data that "gives a true and fair view of the club's financial position." United Arab Emirates
China's premier in UAE after Saudi Arabia as Beijing deepens Gulf ties Prime Minister Li Qiang’s visit to Abu Dhabi follows a similar trip to Saudi Arabia where he discussed Chinese-Gulf ties. United Arab Emirates
What's behind the UAE's visa amnesty scheme? As part of the United Arab Emirates' large-scale amnesty scheme, migrants in the country illegally who have secured jobs can apply for fresh visas, while others will be allowed to leave without facing penalties. United Arab Emirates
Saudi crown prince meets Russia's Lavrov at GCC meetings in Riyadh Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on the sidelines of GCC ministerial meetings in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia
Pakistan to raise $4B from Middle East banks amid economic turbulence For many years, Pakistan has relied on China and Gulf allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to roll over some of its debt to avoid having to repay it sooner. Saudi Arabia
UK’s new government reboots trade talks with Gulf, Israel, Turkey New British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has made economic growth a priority of his Labour government and has pledged to make the UK the fastest-growing economy in the G20. Saudi Arabia
Gulf investment in UK real estate to hit $4B annually, says BLME Research predicts that demographic trends and supply shortages will make the UK's real estate sector a more popular option for investors in the future. Saudi Arabia
Why G7's economic policy toward Russia might alienate Saudi Arabia The G7 has seized hundreds of billions of dollars in Russia’s frozen assets in response to Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Saudi Arabia
