GCC Relations

FADEL SENNA/AFP via Getty Images

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

People chant slogans and wave flags in celebration after performing the first Friday prayer since the fall of the Assad regime at the Umayyad Mosque on Dec. 13, 2024 in Damascus, Syria.

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.

LOUAI BESHARA/AFP via Getty Images

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.

Advisor to the Qatari Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Majed Al-Ansari speaks at the Doha Forum on Dec. 8, 2024.

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.

Latest News

Bahrain announces UK inclusion in key security pact with US

A US Navy Martin UAV drone flies over the Gulf waters as Royal Bahrain Naval Force (RBNF) Abdulrahman Al Fadhel takes part in joint naval exercise between US 5th Fleet Command and Bahraini forces, on October 26, 2021. - The US and Bahrain navies conducted a joint exercise at sea, launching a series of drills integrating unmanned systems into regional maritime operations. (Photo by Mazen Mahdi / AFP) (Photo by MAZEN MAHDI/AFP via Getty Images)

China embraces debt listings to tap into Gulf’s pool of wealth

A man watches stock movements on a display at the Dubai Financial Market stock exchange in the Gulf emirate on April 12, 2022.

Sebastian Castelier

By Sebastian Castelier

In Dubai, reporting on regional business

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Analysis

Saudi Arabia to pursue two-track approach for Trump presidency

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 20: President Donald Trump (R) holds up a chart of military hardware sales as he meets with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Oval Office at the White House on March 20, 2018 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch-Pool/Getty Images)

Jennifer Gnana

By Jennifer Gnana

In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics

After UAE visit, Qatari PM holds talks in Iran as Hamas officials depart Doha

ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images

Trump Tower interior

Trump adds to Gulf portfolio with Dubai tower deal

The Trump Organization and Dar Global have unveiled a new development, adding to others in Oman and Saudi Arabia this year.

United Arab Emirates

An employee of the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) looks on Jan. 25, 2005, the Gathering Center No.1 5 of al-Rawdatain field, 100 kilometers north of Kuwait City.

Why Gulf economies are doubling down on natural gas exploration

As Gulf states increase gas output, some new capacities will be liquefied and exported to consumer markets, while others will be used domestically to meet increased demand for energy.

Sebastian Castelier

By Sebastian Castelier

Exterior view from Trump Tower in New York City, on May 31, 2024. Donald Trump became the first former US president ever convicted of a crime after a New York jury found him guilty on all charges in his hush money case, months before an election that could see him yet return to the White House. (Photo by Kena Betancur / AFP) (Photo by KENA BETANCUR/AFP via Getty Images)

Trump Tower deal announced in Jeddah as Saudi business ties grow

The Trump Organization recently unveiled a development in Oman, while Trump’s golf course is again hosting the Saudi-backed LIV Golf this year.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on June 11, 2024. (Source: KSAmofaEN/Twitter/X)

Kuwait doubles down on Saudi ties driven by economics, counter-Islamism

Kuwait's newly appointed crown prince, Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al Sabah, is expected to advance the already good ties between his country and Saudi Arabia, as the two seek to further their economic prosperity.

Boats are anchored in the Dubai Creek surrounded by high-rise buildings in the Gult emirate, on February 18, 2023. Home to towering skyscrapers and ultra-luxury villas, Dubai saw record real estate transactions in 2022, largely due to an influx of wealthy investors.

How the UAE became a magnet for millionaires

Lax regulation and easy pathways for obtaining visas have helped attract high-net-worth individuals to the United Arab Emirates.

Sebastian Castelier

By Sebastian Castelier

In Dubai, reporting on regional business

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L) speaks with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Indian President Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G-7 summit, June 14, 2024, Apulia, Italy.

Turkey’s Erdogan, UAE president discuss Gaza during G7

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also briefly chatted with US President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the summit.

FADEL SENNA/AFP via Getty Images

As Hajj kicks off, Saudi Arabia looks to expand tourism sector

While leisure tourism is gaining momentum in Saudi Arabia, religious tourism still dominates the sector.

Sebastian Castelier

By Sebastian Castelier

In Dubai, reporting on regional business

YASSER AL-ZAYYAT/AFP via Getty Images

Invest Qatar sees big role for logistics sector, World Cup spurred investments

The Gulf country ranks seventh globally in logistics competence in Agility's Emerging Markets Logistics Index as the Qatar Free Zones Authority brings in top companies in the sector.

Saudi Aramco President & CEO Amin Nasser speaks during the CERAWeek oil summit in Houston, Texas, on March 18, 2024.

Will Saudi Aramco's massive share sale to raise $12B pay off?

Saudi Arabia is selling a 0.64% stake in its state energy company in a bid to offset rising debt and fund its economic diversification plans, but foreign investors remain wary.

Sebastian Castelier

By Sebastian Castelier

In Dubai, reporting on regional business

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian attends the Moldova support conference at the Foreign Ministry, Berlin, Germany, April 5, 2022.

Le Drian says France keen to help Saudi Arabia transition away from oil

France's former top diplomat said that his country was supportive of Saudi Arabia's efforts to diversify its economy.

AYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty Images

Saudi Arabia sees 477% increase in multinational HQs in first quarter

The 127 international companies relocating to Saudi Arabia so far this year follow a Saudi program to attract world businesses.

The Sudanese (L) and Saudi flag are seeing flying on the tarmac during a joint Sudan and Saudi Arabia air force drill at the Marwa air base, near Meroe some 350 kilometres north of Khartoum, on April 9, 2017.

Analysis

Can Gulf investors outstrip China in Africa as UAE expands reach?

As the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other GCC states boost investments in Africa,Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative could face serious challenges.

Sabena Siddiqui

By Sabena Siddiqui

In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran