Analysis Gulf’s citizenship industry poised for growth amid new global uncertainty Flexible visa programs have emerged in the Middle East, fueled by wealthy Gulf states competing to attract foreign investors and skilled professionals as part of their economic diversification strategies. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
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
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
Doha named 2030 Asian Games host, Riyadh gets 2034 Gulf rivals Qatar and Saudi Arabia were both vying for 2030 hosting rights. Saudi Arabia
Is Egypt ready to turn page on Gulf crisis with Qatar? Egypt has welcomed the recent Kuwaiti efforts to end the Gulf crisis pitting a Saudi-led bloc of nations, including Egypt, against Qatar. Qatar
'Seeds of progress' in ending Gulf row with Qatar, UAE envoy says UAE Ambassador to the United States Yousef al-Otaiba signaled the Gulf parties are getting closer to an agreement. United Arab Emirates
Trump's national security adviser says ending Gulf rift 'priority' Qatar has been under a land, sea and air blockade by four regional states since 2017. Qatar
Economic uncertainty looms after Kuwaiti emir's death Kuwait faces a wave of bankruptcies as the COVID-19 crisis wreaks havoc on the emirate’s economy, which is in desperate need of reform. Kuwait
Qatar, UAE battle at the Hague over UN anti-discrimination resolution At the International Court of Justice, Qatar and the UAE are arguing over whether the latter violated the UN resolution when it took various actions against Qatar during the 2017 crisis. Originals
GCC Railway: a train across a fractured Gulf? The repeatedly delayed rail network could boost regional trade and ease mobility. Originals
Qatar Airways sues Saudi Arabia, UAE, others over airspace closure Qatar's flagship airline is seeking billions in damages from the 2017 diplomatic crisis. Originals
UN high court sides with Qatar in aviation dispute The aviation row centers on a years-long air boycott imposed by Qatar's regional rivals. Qatar
Has China gained an edge on the US in the Gulf? China has upped the ante, but the United States holds the winning hand; Oman weighs risks and benefits of Gulf bailout; will migrant workers return to GCC? Gulf
Oman weighs costs of bailout from Gulf neighbors Gulf countries might step up to keep Oman’s public finances afloat, but experts warn strings may be attached. Saudi Arabia
Have taxes killed GCC economic integration? Saudi Arabia's recent decision to increase its value-added tax by 200% could spell the end of chances for regional economic integration and policy coordination. Saudi Arabia
