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
GCC to hold summit in January amid Qatar row, Kuwait says Kuwait, which has acted as a mediator between Qatar and its Gulf neighbors, said the annual summit will be held in Saudi Arabia on Jan. 5. Gulf
Germany to fund alternative energy plant in Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia is focused on developing alternatives to oil as prices remain low amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia seeking 20-year sentence for jailed women’s activist Loujain al-Hathloul's sister said the state prosecutor is seeking the maximum sentence in a trial rights groups say is grossly unfair. Saudi Arabia
Emirates resumes flights to Istanbul The Dubai-based airline recently reported a massive revenue loss for 2020, but continues to rebuild its flight network toward pre-pandemic status. United Arab Emirates
Bahrain's king receives COVID-19 vaccine King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa was vaccinated days after Bahrain approved use of the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine. Bahrain
Turkey won't back down from S-400s despite sanctions, says foreign minister Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Ankara will "take steps" to respond to the US sanctions unveiled this week. Turkey
Erdogan coalition partner calls for outlawing pro-Kurdish party Nationalist Movement Party leader Devlet Bahceli said Turkey's Constitution should be changed to ban the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party. Turkey
British Airways stops flights to several Gulf cities The airline will no longer fly to destinations in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman in 2021 as global air travel continues to take a hit amid the pandemic. Gulf
Iran nuclear deal parties discuss salvaging the accord The nuclear deal's remaining signatories met virtually in an effort to preserve the landmark agreement. Iran
US treasury secretary to tour Middle East in final push for Abraham Accords Steven Mnuchin plans to stop in Israel, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Sudan and Qatar. United Arab Emirates
US sanctions companies in UAE, China over Iranian petrochemical sales A slew of new sanctions in Trump administration's final weeks could complicate Biden's pledge to rejoin the Iranian nuclear agreement. Iran
Lebanese activist sentenced to prison for collaborating with Israel Kinda El-Khatib, a critic of Hezbollah on social media, was sentenced to three years in prison by a military court. Lebanon
