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
Qatar coup rumors leave trail to regional rivals An apparently doctored video made the rounds on Twitter Monday suggesting a coup was under way in Qatar. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia and the UAE’s diverging regional coronavirus strategy The United Arab Emirates is showing openness to Iran during the coronavirus crisis, which could point to the UAE’s aim to break loose of the policies of its tradition Saudi ally. Saudi Arabia
Jordan, Qatar close ranks following emir’s visit Aside from the economic benefits for Jordan from the full normalization of ties with Qatar, King Abdullah, by hosting Qatar’s emir, is looking for regional allies to confront Trump’s peace plan. Qatar
Are we seeing the calm before the storm in the Gulf? The Gulf states need calm for economic growth and security, but it all depends on what the United States and Iran do next. Saudi Arabia
How Soleimani’s slaying could affect Iran-Saudi ties The US killing of Iran’s revered Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani could pose serious security repercussions for Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
What’s next for Oman following Sultan Qaboos’ death? Oman's new ruler Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said will work to stamp his own imprint on a nation often synonymous with its longtime leader. Originals
Is Turkey about to lose its only ally in the Gulf? As Qatar's crisis with its Gulf neighbors de-escalates, Ankara is concerned about losing its valuable ally. Gulf
Is it time for a historic paradigm shift in the Persian Gulf? Could this be the moment for the countries in the Gulf region to realize they have a lot in common and take steps to reduce conflict? Gulf
Putin's visit draws UAE, Russia closer The UAE's welcoming ceremony for Putin outperformed that of the Saudis but this is not the only reason why the Russian president left Abu Dhabi happy. Gulf
Bahrain would welcome 'new JCPOA' if Iran ends 'toxic' behavior In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, the foreign minister of Bahrain, says his country is "not shy" about working with the United States to support peace and prosperity in the region. Saudi Arabia
Qatar seeks increasing development projects in Africa Qatar is increasing its investments and aid to Somalia, with plans to expand more in West Africa in the future. Saudi Arabia
Putin’s Gulf security plan depends on Trump The Russian president plans to roll out his regional initiative to calm Gulf tensions next month — but are the United States and the EU ready to let Putin step up in the Gulf? Saudi Arabia
