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Saudi Arabia’s GCC tour aims to unite the Gulf vis-a-vis Iran

Saudi leadership is seeking ways to work with its Gulf Arab allies and prepare for scenarios involving Iran, the nuclear deal, and the most delicate regional issues pitting Riyadh and Tehran against each other.

Omani Sultan's first official visit to Qatar highlights growing ties

The visit will help lay the groundwork for further joint economic and strategic agreements between the two countries.

Jordan makes a U-turn to reintegrate Syria into the regional fold

The renormalisation of ties between Amman and Damascus comes after multiple shifts in the Hashemite Kingdom’s foreign policy over the years, with economic rationality playing a crucial factor.

AUKUS puts pressure on Gulf countries trying to balance US and China

The security pact has ratcheted up tensions between the US and China, one a traditional security guarantor in the Gulf, and the other, an ascendant power in the region.

Saudi-Iran dialogue should carry on regardless of the JCPOA’s fate

While the future of the nuclear deal remains unclear, continued diplomatic engagement between Riyadh and Tehran could help bring much-needed stability in the region.

Gulf sovereign wealth funds among world’s least transparent

A study by Global SWF singled out several of the largest entities in the region for insufficient disclosure and lack of trust.

Gulf ownership of UK assets raise questions over undue influence

The UK government has courted investments from the Gulf to help boost its economy, especially after Brexit. But will it come at a cost?

Jordan’s 'malicious' plot and rival narratives

There are still more questions than answers about what happened in Jordan, but the crisis will allow the US to recalibrate its friendship with the Hashemite Kingdom.

Islamic Zakat donations reached millions of refugees in 2020

Compared to four years ago, Zakat funds increased in record numbers last year, helping more than two million refugees across the world, according to UNHCR.

After Khashoggi report, GCC States mostly back Saudi leadership

Saudi Arabia enjoyed a widespread bout of solidarity after the Khashoggi report, but as US-Saudi tensions grow, GCC states may find themselves in a perpetual balancing act.

Turkey rejects 'baseless' Arab League accusations

Ankara's reaction comes after the bloc accused Turkey of forcing intervention "on our Arab brotherland".

UAE dismantles Africa base to avoid US wrath, but policy change unlikely

The UAE signals a shrinking presence by tearing down some military structures in the Horn of Africa, though it continues to expand its military, economic and political footprint in the region.