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
Iranian forces rescue Indian ship The vessel was en route to Oman when it encountered stormy conditions. News Brief
Houthi forces shoot down alleged Emirati spy drone The incident occurred in southern Yemeni terrority controlled by UAE-backed forces. News Brief
Israeli military downs Hezbollah drone The drone crossed into Israel via Lebanon, according to Israel. Hezbollah has not commented on the incident. News Brief
Heavy rain prompts evacuations in Oman Oman’s rainy season occurs in January and February. News Brief
Qatar awards translation prizes in China Qatar’s ambassador to China presented awards for Arabic-Chinese translation to promote the fostering of understanding between the Arab world and China. News Brief
US coalition in Iraq halts second drone attack in two days Coalition forces in Syria also hit back in response to rocket fire near al-Omar oilfield. Iraq
Syria receives vaccine doses from China The move was the latest sign of friendship between Beijing and Damascus. News Brief
Saudi coalition demands Houthis release UAE vessel seized in Red Sea The Houthis claimed the ship was carrying military equipment and conducting "hostile activities" in Yemen's territorial waters. Yemen
Kuwait urges citizens to return from Europe due to omicron Several Middle Eastern states have instituted travel restrictions for Europe and Africa due to rising cases of the COVID-19 variant. News Brief
Iran not ready to recognize Taliban government Shiite-dominated Iran has called for Afghanistan's new Sunni leaders to form a government that reflects the country's ethnic diversity. Iran
Turkey's Erdogan says he'll visit Saudi Arabia in February Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's planned visit to Saudi Arabia comes as Ankara seeks to mend ties with several Gulf countries. Saudi Arabia
Middle East elections had consequences in 2021 Elections in Israel, Iran and Iraq shook up status quo; Syria’s presidential contest a blow to the UN process; Libya and Palestine took a pass on elections, with consequences as well. News Brief
