Raisi: Iran 'never has hope' in Vienna talks Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has struck a pessimistic tone commenting on the nuclear talks between Iran and world powers. Iran
Iraq receives 145% more foreign visitors in 2021 Iraq waived the visa requirements for citizens of many economically powerful countries last year in a bid to attract tourists and businesspeople. News Brief
Saudi Arabia building support for Expo 2030 bid The kingdom wants to host the international cultural forum, which is currently being held in Dubai. News Brief
Saudi IT industry to work with German software firm SAP on cloud technology The memorandum of understanding is the latest to come out of the LEAP technology forum in Riyadh, and reflects the kingdom’s diversification efforts. News Brief
Iran negotiator says goal in Vienna is to undo 'illegal sanctions' Indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran on the latter’s nuclear program will resume on Nov. 29 after a five-month pause. News Brief
US sends envoy to engage Gulf, Israel on cybersecurity A deputy secretary of the US Treasury is heading to the Middle East to talk coordination on maintaining an edge in the digital domain. Israel
Turkey, Georgia run joint drill at border Georgia has grown closer to Turkey and Azerbaijan in the Caucasus. News Brief
Airlines suspend Belarus-bound travel for Middle East migrants Turkish Airlines and Iraqi Airlines restricting flights to Minsk for citizens of Iraq, Syria and Yemen. Turkey
UAE, Israel, Bahrain, US conduct joint naval exercise in Red Sea Fighter jets from Saudi Arabia and Israel flew alongside a US B-1 bomber over the region today in a separate exercise of force. Gulf
Iran deports thousands of Afghan refugees, UN agency says In the last week of October, Iran sent back more than 28,000 Afghans who fled across the border. Iran
Incoming CEO of Israeli NSO Group resigns amid Pegasus scandals Isaac Benbenisti announced he was stepping aside "in light of the special circumstances" involving the Israeli spyware firm. Israel
Syria sends consul-general to Dubai UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus this week. News Brief
Qatar ups funding for UN Palestinian refugees agency Qatar is a major financial supporter of the Palestinian people, and reached a deal with Israel earlier this year to resume assistance to the Gaza Strip. News Brief
Emirates Airlines revenues rise Like other regional carriers, Dubai’s preeminent airline has suffered financially throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. News Brief
EgyptAir opens office in Qatar Egypt and Qatar have resumed normal relations after the end of the Qatar diplomatic crisis earlier this year. Egypt
Iraqi forces arrest Syrians accused of trying to sneak across border An Iraqi military body said a group of Syrian citizens were caught attempting to illegally cross into western Iraq. News Brief
