Arabian Peninsula Media Roundup (17 January 2021 - 31 January 2021)

Taiz - Yemen - 17 July 2020 : A picture of the historic Cairo castle overlooking the city of Taiz, Yemen via Shutterstock Taiz - Yemen - 17 July 2020 : A picture of the historic Cairo castle overlooking the city of Taiz, Yemen via Shutterstock

Arabian Peninsula Media Roundup (17 January 2021 - 31 January 2021)

By : Arabian Peninsula Page Media Roundup Editors

[This is a roundup of news articles and other materials circulating on the Arabian Peninsula and reflects a wide variety of opinions. It does not reflect the views of the Arabian Peninsula Page Editors or of Jadaliyya. You may send your own recommendations for inclusion to ap@jadaliyya.com.]

Regional and International Relations


Bahraini minister criticises Qatar despite accord to end rift
– Qatar has not taken any initiative to solve the problems with Bahrain, despite an agreement to end the rift, Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani said on 21 Jan.

Qatar Says It's Time Gulf Arabs Start Talks with Iran – Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has urged Gulf Arab nations to enter a dialog with Iran, saying the time was right for Doha to broker negotiations now the neighbors have begun to patch up their own differences. The comments come days before Joe Biden moves into the White House with a promise to revive the 2015 nuclear deal.

Egypt and Qatar agree to resume diplomatic ties – Egypt and Qatar have agreed to resume diplomatic relations, the Egyptian foreign ministry said on 21 Jan, making Cairo the first country to officially do so under an Arab deal to end a long-running dispute with Doha.

Qatari bank sees gradual growth in Saudi after end of rift –  Qatar National Bank (QNB), the Gulf’s biggest bank by assets, expects its business in Saudi Arabia will pick up only gradually after reviving its Riyadh branch that was dormant for more than three years due to a diplomatic and economic rift.

Saudi embassy in Doha will reopen 'in days' – Saudi Arabia’s embassy in Qatar will reopen “in days”, according to Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal Bin Farhan on 21 Jan.

Saudi Arabia hosts Israelis for Dakar Rally after diplomatic inroads – Two Israeli teams dashed around the dunes in their cars at the Dakar Rally’s lightweight vehicle and truck categories in Saudi Arabia this month, after a rapprochement between Israel and Arab states, fuelled by Riyadh’s quiet assent.  In total, ten drivers, navigators and support staff entered Saudi Arabia on Israeli passports. However, the rally website listed the teams as Belgian and American - a possible indicator of official reluctance to publicise an Israeli presence.

Iranian Guard drones in drill mirror those in Saudi attacks – Iran’s Revolutionary Guard conducted a drill on 15 Jan that saw “suicide drones” crash into targets and explode, triangle-shaped aircraft that strongly resembled those used in a 2019 attack in Saudi Arabia that temporarily cut the kingdom’s oil production by half. Iran has long denied launching the attack on the sites of Abqaiq and Khurais while Yemen’s Houthi rebels initially claimed the assault.

Saudi Arabia expects 'excellent relations' with Biden administration – Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said the kingdom was optimistic that it would have “excellent relations” with the new US administration of President Joe Biden and that it would continue to talk with Washington regarding the Iran nuclear deal.

Saudi Arabia to get three million AstraZeneca shots in about a week from India – The Serum Institute of India will supply Saudi Arabia with 3 million AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine doses priced at $5.25 each in about a week on behalf of the British drugmaker, according to its chief executive.

Nigeria repatriates hundreds of migrants from Saudi Arabia – Nigeria evacuated hundreds of its citizens from Saudi Arabia on 28 Jan after they overstayed their visas due to coronavirus reducing employment opportunities, and travel restrictions leaving them stranded.

Saudi Arabia in talks with vaccine companies to provide vaccines to Yemen, Africa – Saudi Arabia’s finance minister said that his country is talking to vaccine producers to provide vaccines to low-income countries such as Yemen and countries in Africa. He said some low-income nations would not be able to get enough vaccines through the World Health Organisation’s COVAX initiative.

US exploring new bases in Saudi Arabia amid Iran tensions – The United States military is exploring the possibility of using Yanbu, a port in Saudi Arabia and an additional two airfields in Tabuk and Taif, also located along the Red Sea, amid heightened tensions with Iran. While describing the work as “contingency” planning, the US military said it has already tested unloading and shipping cargo overland from Yanbu. The locations would give the American military more options along a crucial waterway that has come under increased attack from suspected mine and drone boat attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

Expo 2020 unveils key pavilion in Dubai as pandemic surges – Dubai on 16 Jan unveiled its signature “Terra Pavilion” for the upcoming Expo 2020. It features a 130 meter-wide canopy blanketed with thousands of solar panels, devoted to environmental sustainability, as part of the emirate’s push to rally enthusiasm for the high-stakes expo amid the pandemic.

UAE Suspends Visa-Free Travel Agreement for Israelis Until July – The United Arab Emirates has suspended an agreement to inaugurate visa-free travel for Israelis to the Gulf country until 1 Jul, citing the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Until then, Israeli citizens seeking to travel to the UAE will need to obtain a visa, and vice versa.

UAE cabinet approves setting up embassy in Tel Aviv – The United Arab Emirates cabinet approved the establishment of an embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel on 24 Jan, and Israel announced its embassy had opened in Abu Dhabi.

Israel opens embassy in UAE, expanding new relations – Israel on Jan 24 said it has opened its embassy in the United Arab Emirates, establishing full diplomatic ties with the Gulf country. Israel’s Foreign Ministry said the embassy would be in a temporary office while a permanent location is prepared.

Trump lifts tariffs on aluminum imports from UAE effective Feb. 3 – Outgoing President Donald Trump on 20 Jan, a few hours before leaving office, said he would exempt the United Arab Emirates from a 10% tariff imposed on most aluminum imports in 2018, saying the two countries had reached a quota agreement that would restrict aluminum imports.

Denmark suspends Dubai flights amid doubts over virus tests – Denmark has temporarily suspended all flights from the United Arab Emirates for five days after suspicion arose that the coronavirus tests that can be obtained before leaving Dubai are not reliable. The development poses a direct challenge to the mass testing regime that had been the pillar of the country’s coronavirus response and economic reopening.

UK bans direct flights from UAE, shutting world's busiest international route – Britain is banning direct passenger flights from the UAE from 29 Jan, due to worries of spreading the more infectious strain of COVID-19 from South Africa. This shuts down the world’s busiest international airline route from Dubai to London.

Dubai blamed for virus cases abroad; questions swirl at home – After opening itself to New Year’s revelers, Dubai is now being blamed by several countries for spreading the coronavirus abroad, even as questions swirl about the city-state’s ability to handle reported record spikes in virus cases. Mutated strains of the coronavirus have been linked back to Dubai in various countries that have now suspended direct flights.

UAE calls for urgent diplomacy to end conflict in Libya – The United Arab Emirates called for an urgent renewal of diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in Libya on 29 Jan, and said it is ready to work with the new US administration and all other members of the UN Security Council to restore peace in the north African nation.

Human Rights


Saudis vowed to stop executing minors; some death sentences remain, rights groups say
– Five people who committed crimes in Saudi Arabia as minors have yet to have their death sentences revoked, according to Human Rights Watch and European-Saudi Organization for Human Rights, nine months after the kingdom’s Human Rights Commission announced an end to capital punishment for juvenile offenders.

Dramatic drop in Saudi executions after laws changed in 2020 – Saudi Arabia dramatically reduced the number of people put to death last year, following changes halting executions for non-violent drug-related crimes, according to the government’s tally and independent observers. The Saudi government’s Human Rights Commission said it documented 27 executions in 2020. That’s compared to an all-time high of 184 executions the year before as documented by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.

Finance


Bahrain will likely need further Gulf financial support
– Bahrain will likely need further financial support from its Gulf neighbours from 2023 onwards citing Fitch’s oil price assumptions, despite reform measures, according to Fitch Ratings’ lead Bahrain analyst Toby Iles.

Kuwait draft budget foresees narrower deficit for fiscal 2021/22 – Kuwait’s finance ministry has proposed a draft 23.05 billion dinar ($76.2 billion) budget for the fiscal year starting on April 1. The budget forecasts government revenues of 10.9 billion dinars in fiscal 2021/2022, meaning it expects a fiscal deficit of 12.1 billion dinars - 13.8% narrower than the deficit budgeted for the fiscal year ending on March 31.

Qatar Wealth Fund Plans Asia Push to Diversify From Europe, U.S. – Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund is looking east for deals in an effort to diversify an investment portfolio heavily weighted toward North America and Europe. Foreign Minister and chairman of the Qatar Investment Authority, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, manages about $300 billion of assets and ranks as the world’s 11th-largest wealth fund.

In Gulf’s Tug-of-War Over Multinationals, UAE Looks to Keep Edge – The United Arab Emirates can stand its ground against Saudi Arabia’s effort to redraw the Gulf’s corporate map by enticing multinationals to move their headquarters to Riyadh. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has said investment opportunities in the kingdom will amount to $6 trillion over the next decade, half of which represent new projects.

Qatar fund put pandemic bets on distressed debt, high-grade bonds – Qatar Investment Authority is generating strong returns on a multi-billion dollar bet it made on distressed debt and highly rated bonds at the start of COVID-19. This reflected a maturing of the QIA’s strategy under Mansoor al-Mahmoud, a former head of risk management at the fund who became chief executive in 2018.

Qatar's Commercial Bank plans to raise at least $1 bln via bond sales – Qatar’s Commercial Bank is planning to raise at least $1 billion through bond issues in the coming months, as the bank looks to take advantage of positive market conditions to boost its capital.

Saudi wealth fund in talks to lure health and technology companies – Saudi Arabia’s $400bn Public Investment Fund is seeking to use its financial muscle to lure international health and technology companies to set up operations in the kingdom. The sovereign wealth fund is “already in discussion with a number of companies in the health sector”, according to governor Yasir al-Rumayyan.

Saudi Arabia's futuristic city project in talks over cloud computing deal – Saudi Arabia’s futuristic city project NEOM is in talks with companies to pick a lead partner for its first cloud computing deal that will lay the foundation for hi-tech services in its flagship $500 billion business zone.

Saudi Arabia names Fahad al-Mubarak as new central bank governor – Saudi Arabia’s king appointed Fahad al-Mubarak as central bank governor, replacing Ahmed al-Kholifey. Mubarak, who had helmed the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) from 2011-2016, was previously chairman and managing director of Morgan Stanley, Saudi Arabia, and has also served as chairman of the Saudi stock exchange.

Adnoc defies retreat from oil with push to pump up output – Sultan Al Jaber, head of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, is unapologetic for accelerating crude output — and is primed to swoop in. “We see the writing on the wall and see opportunity from decisions being taken from other companies.” Mr Jaber has a singular vision: to raise the output capacity of the UAE from around 3m barrels of oil a day in 2016 to 5m b/d by 2030.” The stance is particularly stark, given Mr Jaber also counts the role of climate tsar among his various government positions.

UAE signs deal with U.S. to buy 50 F-35 jets and up to 18 drones – The  has signed an agreement with the United States to purchase 50 F-35 jets and up to 18 armed drones. Although the UAE and the United States were working to ink a deal before President Joseph Biden took office on.

UAE confirms it inked $23 billion deal to buy F-35 jets, drones from U.S. – The United Arab Emirates confirmed that it signed agreements with the United States on former President Donald Trump’s last full day in office to purchase up to 50 F-35 jets, 18 armed drones and other defense equipment in a deal worth $23 billion. It had finalised the terms of purchase, including costs, technical specifications and anticipated delivery schedules.

Biden Re-Examining U.S. Arms Sales to Saudi Arabia, U.A.E. – The Biden administration has imposed a temporary freeze on US arms sales to Saudi Arabia and is scrutinizing purchases by the United Arab Emirates as it reviews billions of dollars in weapons transactions approved by former President Donald Trump. The review includes the sale of precision-guided munitions to Riyadh, as well as top-line F-35 fighters to Abu Dhabi, a deal that Washington approved as part of the Abraham Accords. US officials said it fairly routine to review arms sales approved by a predecessor, and that despite the pause, many of the transactions are likely to ultimately go forward.

Italy blocks sale of missiles to Saudi Arabia and UAE – Italy has halted the sale of thousands of missiles to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio said on 29 Jan, citing Rome’s commitment to restoring peace in Yemen and protecting human rights.

Gulf's 2021 rebound likely to be slower than previously forecast – Forecasts for economic recoveries in the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council in 2021 have been trimmed while expectations for gross domestic product declines last year were mixed in a quarterly Reuters survey of analysts. Economists in the 11-25 Jan poll maintained that the region’s economic fortunes would turn around this year after it was hammered by the pandemic and historic slide in the price of oil.

Yemen in Crisis


U.S. exempts U.N., aid groups from effort to cut off Yemen's Houthis
– The United States on 19 Jan, exempted aid groups, the UN, the Red Cross and the export of agricultural commodities, medicine, and medical devices from its designation of Yemen’s Houthi movement as a foreign terrorist organization.

Three wounded by projectile fired from Yemen – Three civilians were wounded on 17 Jan by a projectile fired by Yemen’s Houthi movement into a border town in Saudi Arabia’s Jazan region. The injured were a man and two children, two of them stable and one in a critical condition.

Saudi-led coalition in Yemen says it intercepted three Houthi drones – The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen said it had intercepted and destroyed three explosive-laden drones launched by the Houthis from Hodeidah towards Saudi Arabia on 15 Jan.

Saudi TV says missile or drone intercepted over Riyadh – Saudi Arabia said on 23 Jan it intercepted an apparent missile or drone attack over Riyadh launched by the Houthis. However, Yahia Sarei, a military spokesman for the Houthis, said in a statement that the rebels had not carried out attacks on Saudi Arabia in the past 24 hours.

U.S. State Department says working to conclude Houthi terrorist designation review – The US State Department has initiated a review of the terrorist designation of Yemen’s Houthi movement and is working as fast as it can to conclude the process and make a determination.

Yemen aid groups call on U.S. to revoke Houthi terrorism designation – Twenty-two aid groups working in Yemen called on 24 Jan for the new US administration to revoke the designation of the Houthi movement as a foreign terrorist organization, saying it puts millions of lives and the peace process at risk. While the United States has exempted aid groups, the UN, the Red Cross and the export of agricultural commodities, medicine, and medical devices from its designation, aid organisations say the legal implications of the designation are not fully understood, and the exemptions do not cover enough of the commercial sector.

Yemen's Houthis protest against Trump's terrorist label – Tens of thousands of Yemenis marched in Sanaa on 25 Jan, heeding a call by the Houthi movement to condemn the United States for labelling it a terrorist group on 19 Jan, and backing the Saudi-led military coalition that is battling it. The designation is being reviewed by the new Biden administration.

Biden administration suspends some sanctions on Yemen rebels – The Biden administration on 25 Jan suspended some of the terrorism sanctions that former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo imposed on Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The Treasury Department said it would exempt certain transactions involving the Houthis until 26 Feb.

Yemeni security official found dead, day after abduction – A senior Yemeni security official, Brig. Ibrahim Harad, was found murdered on 27 Jan in Aden, a day after unknown armed men abducted him outside his home. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the abduction and killing of Harad, who was head of political security in Hodeida.

U.N. says still concerns about Yemen trade despite U.S. allowing Houthi deals – The UN is still hearing concerns that companies are planning to cancel or suspend business with Yemen despite a US decision to allow all transactions with the Houthi movement “given this move does not resolve underlying uncertainties,” said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric.

U.N. report accuses Yemen government of money-laundering, Houthis of taking state revenue – A UN investigation by sanctions monitors accuse Yemen’s Central Bank of breaking its foreign exchange rules, manipulating the foreign exchange market and laundering a substantial part of a $2 billion deposit from Saudi Arabia that was intended to fund credit to buy food commodities. The sophisticated money-laundering scheme saw traders receive a $423 million windfall. The report also said the Houthis had collected at least $1.8 billion in state revenue in 2019 to help fund its war effort.

Yemen's central bank dismisses UN corruption allegations – Yemen’s central bank dismissed the UN’s allegations that the Yemeni government misused millions of dollars from Saudi Arabia to buy essential commodities for the Yemeni people. The Central Bank of Yemen responded to the report allegations as being based on “misleading claims and information” propagated by “enemies of Yemen.”

UN panel: Yemen’s war being fueled by economic profiteering – Economic profiteering is fueling the catastrophe in Yemen. Experts estimate Houthi rebels diverted at least $1.8 billion in 2019 that was supposed to go to the government to pay salaries and provide basic services to citizens. The report also stated “an increasing body of evidence suggesting that individuals and entities” in Iran supply “significant volumes of weapons and components to the Houthis.” The panel said the government lost strategic territory to both the Houthis and the Southern Transitional Council.

Domestic Affairs


Bahrain clamps down on restaurants and schools to contain COVID-19
– Bahrain will suspend dine-in services at restaurants and cafes and move public and private schools to remote learning for three weeks to contain the spread of the coronavirus, from 31 Jan onwards. The ministry said it had detected a new variant of coronavirus in a number of cases, without specifying which kind.

Kuwait's emir reappoints PM to form new cabinet after parliament standoff – Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmed al-Sabah reappointed Sheikh Sabah al-Khalid al-Sabah as prime minister on 24 Jan after the cabinet resigned in a standoff with parliament over its vote to question the premier on issues including his choice of ministers. The Emir tasked the prime minister with nominating a new cabinet for approval.

Saudi Arabia: Explosion shakes Riyadh – Witnesses have reported hearing a loud explosion over Riyadh on 26 Jan, three days after a missile was intercepted on its way to the city.

Saudi Arabia to allow payment of work permit-related residencies on quarterly basis –  Saudi Arabia will allow payment for the issuance and renewals of work permit-related residencies to be made on a quarterly basis instead of an annual lump sum basis. But it exempts domestic workers and similar jobs. The government had imposed fees on expatriate workers to encourage hiring of citizens.

Dubai airline Emirates offers Pfizer, Sinopharm vaccines to staff – Dubai airline Emirates on 18 Jan began offering employees vaccinations by Pfizer-BioNTech and China’s Sinopharm, against COVID-19 with priority given to cabin crew, pilots and other operational staff.

Dubai orders hospitals to cancel surgeries amid virus surge – The government of Dubai on 20 Jan, ordered all hospitals to cancel nonessential surgeries for the next month as coronavirus infections surge to unprecedented heights in the United Arab Emirates.

Dubai halts live entertainment amid surge in virus cases – Dubai’s tourism department on 21 Jan announced an immediate halt to all live entertainment at hotels and restaurants, a day after suspending non-urgent surgeries at hospitals to deal with an influx of COVID-19 patients. Both decisions come after months of Dubai promoting itself as the ideal pandemic-friendly vacation spot while coronavirus infections skyrocketed.

Dubai pays price for festive parties as coronavirus cases surge – Barely a month since Dubai cemented its reputation as a party city over the festive period that drew revellers from around the world, it is paying a high price as coronavirus cases surge and doctors complain of a shortage of beds. COVID-19 cases have quadrupled since November to almost 4,000 a day. The surge in cases has forced Dubai to introduce some new restrictions, such as increasing testing on arrivals and banning live entertainment, even as the United Arab Emirates’ vaccination drive speeds ahead.

United Arab Emirates accelerates vaccine rollout – The United Arab Emirates is accelerating the rollout of its coronavirus vaccines as the country seeks to overtake Israel as the world’s most inoculated nation. The UAE, which has vaccinated around 20% of the population, is starting to catch up with Israel, which leads with a 29% rate.

Dubai sees surge in private jet movements – Dubai’s private jet terminal recorded a 21% increase in movements during 2020, sparked by a surge of landings in the United Arab Emirates during the fourth quarter. The Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub said movements grew 78% in the last quarter of 2020 compared with a year earlier, as the wealthy sought a winter haven while coronavirus gripped much of the world.

UAE to Open Citizenship to Select Foreigners to Boost Growth – The United Arab Emirates plans to offer citizenship to a select group of foreigners, the first Gulf Arab nation to formalize a process aimed at giving expatriates a bigger stake in the economy. The major policy shift is aimed at attracting talent in a way that will boost growth in the UAE.

Reports and Opinions


The Trump administration is risking famine in Yemen
– Mike Pompeo, the [former] US secretary of state in the Trump administration designated the Houthi rebel movement in Yemen a foreign terrorist organisation. He said it would provide “tools” to counter terrorist activity and “advance efforts” to achieve a peaceful and united Yemen. But the irresponsible act that will complicate UN efforts to broker a resolution and deepen the suffering of millions. It is likely to push them closer to Tehran and risks hardening the stances of both the Houthis and the Saudi-backed government. The humanitarian consequences could be horrific – choking food flows into the import-dependent country and complicate aid agencies’ life-saving work. The best way to negate the Houthi threat and relieve Yemenis’ suffering is to throw US weight behind diplomatic efforts to convince all the protagonists to halt the fighting and reach a political settlement.

Rohingya: Why Bangladesh is in a diplomatic fix over Saudi repatriation – Almost 40 years ago, Saudi Arabia took in tens of thousands of Rohingya refugees who were facing persecution in Myanmar. In September 2020, Riyadh urged Bangladesh to take back some 54,000 Rohingya that are currently in Saudi Arabia, as the kingdom “doesn’t keep stateless people.” But agreeing to this would put Bangladesh on a backfoot in its Rohingya repatriation talks with Myanmar.

The Abu Dhabi royal at the nexus of UAE business and national security – Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed al-Nahyan, the UAE’s national security adviser, rise over the past decade epitomises the nexus between power, business, and national strategic interest in Gulf states, where a younger, tech-savvy and security-minded generation of royals have come to the fore. It also offers a glimpse into the inner workings of Abu Dhabi’s absolute monarchy, where the ruling family and a clique of trusted lieutenants dominate security and key sectors of the economy, blurring the lines between state and private enterprise. He handles the nation’s most sensitive and challenging issues like the UAE’s Iran and Yemen files, as well as security and intelligence co-operation with the US, Russia and the UK. Tahnoon has also been at the forefront of the UAE’s battle against coronavirus. His interests extend across an array of big businesses as chairman of multiple banks, holding companies, and multi-sector conglomerates.

How Saudi Arabia Restored Its U.S. Influence Machine After the Khashoggi Murder – In the two-plus years since Jamal Khashoggi’s murder, Riyadh has managed to largely restore its influence machine in Washington and other parts of the US, hiring at least 16 lobbying firms to help boost US-Saudi trade relations and scrub Riyadh’s image on issues including its devastating war in Yemen and its treatment of women, according to foreign agent registration filings with the Justice Department. The effort will be crucial during the term of President Joe Biden too. Riyadh has also struck deals with companies close to the Republican Party post Trump, in hopes to maintain their influence.

Will Saudi Arabia become a new drone battleground? – An Iraqi militia has claimed responsibility for two suicide drones fired at Riyadh earlier this week — and vowed to do it again. The new group suggested Saudis should be sleeping with "one eye open" from now on.

In Saudi Arabia, Quiet Changes May Ease Tensions With Biden – The new president is a Saudi critic, but he takes office as the kingdom could point to recent progress on a number of issues that have caused longstanding friction with the United States; scaling back beheadings, removes hate speech from text books and limits prison terms for activists.

Is the UAE Bringing the Israelis into Socotra? – Despite the UAE’s official withdrawal from Yemen in 2019, it is no secret that the Emiratis maintain significant influence in Socotra. Throughout 2020, there have been reports of alleged plans for an Emirati-Israeli intelligence base on Socotra. The development could have a significant impact on the country’s explosive political situation. A consequence may be the inflammation of anti-Emirati sentiments. Furthermore, the STC faction, which controls Socotra is the most Israel-friendly force in Yemen. Naturally, Israel’s entry to Socotra would align with Washington’s foreign policy objective of countering the Iran’s foreign policy agenda, and the UAE understands how this could strengthen Abu Dhabi’s partnership with the US. Greater Israeli clout in the Indian Ocean could also facilitate the emergence of an “India-UAE-Israel triangle” that counters not only Iran, but also Pakistan, leading to wider geopolitical standoffs that should be monitored.

Yemen 'Arab Spring' unity torn asunder by hunger and war – Ten years after joining an uprising in Yemen against autocratic rule and an economy in shambles, the same activists find themselves on opposite sides of a war that has pushed the country to the brink of famine with dim prospects for peace.

علاقات إقليمية ودولية


تايمز: واشنطن استولت على نظام صواريخ روسي دعمت به الإمارات حفتر في ليبيا

اشترت الإمارات منظومة الصواريخ من روسيا واستولت عليها أمريكا في ليبيا في عملية خاصة. والجدير بالذكر أن الإمارات زادت من شحنات الأسلحة والإمدادات (ذخيرة) العسكرية إلى حفتر. 

قبل مواجهة الدحيل والأهلي.. شاهد أبرز إنجازات العرب في مونديال الأندية

تسلط هذه المقالة الضوء على تاريخ كرة القدم في شبه الجزيرة وإنجازاتها سواء كانت فرقاً سعودية أو قطرية.

بعد اتهامات أميركية بالتدخل.. الإمارات تبدي استعدادها للتعاون في حل الأزمة الليبية

اتفقت الإمارات على تعاون بشكل وثيق مع الإدارة الأمريكية الجديدة لحلحلة الأزمة في ليبيا فهناك حاجة ملحة لتسوية سلمية.

واشنطن تراجع اتفاقيات التطبيع.. تجميد صفقة إف-35 للإمارات لضمان "أهداف إستراتيجية" ونتنياهو لا يرى ضررا

أعلن البيت الأبيض تجميد صفقة بيع مقاتلات إف-35 إلى الإمارات وذخائر إلى السعودية وكانت هناك مخاوف مشروعة من أن هذه الأسلحة ستسهم في إذكاء الاضطرابات في الشرق الأوسط. 

سماع دوي انفجار ضخم في العاصمة السعودية الرياض

سمع دوي انفجار واحد على الأقل في العاصمة السعودية الرياض، بحسب سكان، بعد ثلاثة أيام على تدمير القوات الجوية السعودية قذيفة فوق العاصمة. ولم يصدر تعليق فوري من السلطات السعودية حتى الآن. 

أميركا تعفي المنظمات الإغاثية من تبعات إدراج الحوثيين بلائحة الإرهاب

أدرجت واشنطن الحوثيين على قائمة التنظيمات الإرهابية الأجنبية بيد أن أمريكا أعفت منظمات الإغاثة والإمدادات الإنسانية من تبعات هذا القرار.

دونالد ترامب: ما الإرث الذي تركه في الشرق الأوسط؟

.غادر دونالد ترامب البيت الأبيض لكن إدارته تركت إرثاً كبيراً ومثيراً للجدل في الشرق الأوسط وسيكون لذلك تأثير كبير على مستقبل المنطقة

اقتصاد


عُمان.. حزمة من الإجراءات والقوانين التصحيحية لدعم سوق العمل

تسعى وزارة العمل العمانية إلى تصحيح القوانين من أجل خلق وزيادة فرص العمل والوظائف للعمانيين ولا تقتصر الإجراءات الجديدة على المناصب الجديدة بل التدريب وتوطين الوظائف في القطاع الخاص.

إستراتيجية لدعم سوق العمل العماني تحت شعار "التوطين يعزز الاستثمار"

أعلنت وزارة العمل العمانية خطوطها العريضة لحل أزمة البطالة، باستراتيجية تمتد لنحو 4 سنوات وبشعار “التوطين يعزز الاستثمار” وقالت إن الإحلال الوظيفي للمواطنين بالقطاعين العام والخاص سيكون من ضمن الحلول. 

سياسة


قرار بحظر إقامة المناسبات الجماعية في السلطنة

شهدت عدة دول التطورات الخطيرة في مكافحة فيروس كورونا في الأيام القليلة المنصرمة ناهيك عن ارتفاع في الإصابات في غرف العناية المركزة لذلك اتخذت السلطات العمانية المختصة قرار تنفيذ حظر إقامة المناسبات الجماعية.

تقرير دولي: لا بديل عن تحلية المياه بالطاقة الشمسية في العالم العربي

كشفت هذه المقالة عن تقدم دول الخليج في مجال تحلية المياه ومن المتوقع أن بقية دول الشرق الأوسط سيتبنى هذا النوع من البنية التحتية بسبب الشح المائي في المنطقة.

السعودية اتخذت موقفا رضي عنه الشاه وسياسة الكويت أغضبته بشدة في النزاع على الجزر - وثائق بريطانية

كشفت وثائق سرية أن الكويت عارضت "صراحة وبإصرار" أية مقترحات لا تضمن السيادة العربية الكاملة على جزر أبو موسى وطنب الكبرى وطنب الصغرى المتنازع عليها مع إيران.

تغييرات في عُمان تطال القيادات العسكرية

أصدر سلطان عمان هيثم بن طارق آل سعيد مراسيم لتعيين عدة مناصب بالدولة من ضمنها أمين عام بوزارة الدفاع وولي عهد للسلطنة وجاءت هذه الإعلانات عقب عدد من التعيينات والترقيات الحكومية والعسكرية.

جمال خاشقجي: فيلم المنشق يجدد النقاش حول مقتل الصحفي السعودي

.يجدد فيلم المنشق النقاش حول ملابسات مقتل الصحفي السعودي جمال خاشقجي ومستقبل العلاقات بين واشنطن والرياض

المصالحة الخليجية: وزير خارجية قطر يحث دول الخليج على إجراء محادثات مع إيران

.قال وزير الخارجية القطري إن الدوحة "ستسهل المفاوضات" إذا رغب جيرانها من دول الخليج العربية في إجراء محادثات مع إيران

أمير قطر يلتقي حميدتي ويبحث معه تطورات الأوضاع في السودان

عقدت قطر والسودان اجتماعا رسميا لبحث عدد من القضايا ذات الاهتمام المشترك والعلاقة الثنائية بين البلدين والوضع السياسي داخل السودان.

بدر الداهوم ينتقد مرزوق الغانم ويذكر بغزو العراق للكويت … فما القصة؟

.كان هناك تداول على مواقع التواصل الاجتماعي ضد نائب كويتي انتقد رئيس مجلس الأمة مرزوق الغانم

فيروس كورونا


السعودية تؤجل رفع قيود السفر للوصول إلى معدلات مناعية مجتمعية مرتفعة

أعلنت السلطات السعودية تعديل موعد رفع تعليق السفر للمواطنين وفتح المنافذ بشكل كامل. 

كورونا.. نوفافاكس تعلن فعالية لقاحها وبريطانيا تمنع الوافدين من الإمارات والسلالات المتحورة تظهر بالولايات المتحدة

اتخذت المملكة المتحدة القرار لتشديد القيود على الرحلات الجوية من الإمارات لمنع وصول السلالات المتحورة الجديدة من جنوب أفريقية والتي تعد الأكثر عدوى.

ثلاثي الرعب.. ما الدول العربية التي وصلتها فيروسات كورونا المتحورة؟

ظهرت الطفرات الجديدة من فيروس كورونا في دول الخليج تحديدا عمان والإمارات، وبحسب التقارير أن هذه السلالات تبدو أكثر فتكا والمجتمع سيكون أكثر عرضة للسعال واحتقان الحلق وناهيك عن فقدان التذوق والشم.

الصحة: ارتفاع الإصابات في معظم مناطق السعودية بسبب المناسبات الاجتماعية

أكد المتحدث باسم وزارة الصحة السعودية الدكتور محمد العبد العالي، اليوم أن هناك ارتفاعاً ملحوظاً في الحالات المصابة بفيروس كورونا في معظم مناطق المملكة، بسبب السلوكيات الخاطئة التي تعد السبب الرئيسي في زيادة عدد الحالات منذ منتصف الشهر الحالي. 

فن وثقافة


دخلت موسوعة غينيس.. عُمان تستقبل أكبر سفينة خشبية في العالم

كان هناك تداول على وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي بشأن استقبال إحدى موانىء عمان أكبر سفينة خشبية في العالم.

ملتقى أول للقصة القصيرة جدا بصنعاء.. 100 مثقف يمني يناقشون فن القص المختصر

عقدت اليمن ملتقى لتسليط الضوء على جنس أدبي وهو القصة القصيرة حيث يعد من الفنون الأدبية المتطورة في اليمن وهذا النوع من القصة يتميز بحجمه القصير واقتضابه.

قانون


الإمارات تسمح بتجنيس فئات من المستثمرين والعلماء والمهنيين

تقر دولة الإمارات العربية تعديلات قانونية تسمح بتجنيس فئات من المستثمرين والعلماء والمهنيين، ممن "يسهمون في دفع مسيرتها التنموية.

بتوجيهات خليفة.. محمد بن راشد يعتمد تعديل اللائحة التنفيذية لقانون الجنسية

أعلنت الحكومة الإماراتية أنها ستعتمد تعديل بعض الأحكام بشأن الجنسية الإماراتية حيث تجيز من خلالها منح الجنسية الإماراتية للمستثمرين وأصحاب المهن التخصصية وغيرها بهدف تقدير الكفاءات وتمكين استقرار البلد.

آراء وتقارير


هل يمكن «السلام» مع النظام الإيراني؟

يطرح هذا المقال قضية مثيرة للجدل ومدى إمكانية تحقيق هدنة مع النظام الإيراني وليس السلام الدائم.

أربع سنوات عربية عجاف قادمة

تستنكر هذه المقالة التطبيع بين إسرائيل وبعض البلدان في دول الخليج، وتدعي أن الاتفاق سيؤدي إلى تدهور في سلوك ومعتقدات المجتمع في الخليج.

قنبلة ترامب الاستباقية في الشرق الأوسط

هذه المقالة تسلط الضوء على التطبيع بين إسرائيل وبعض البلدان في دول الخليج وتدعي أن ترامب قام بالتطبيع بتهور وهذا سيؤدي إلى تقويض الاستقرار في المنطقة وذلك استنادا إلى ما تقوم به إسرائيل من الاستمرار في عملية توسيع المستوطنات.

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Regional and International Relations


Key U.S. allies ease years-long feud as Saudi Arabia lifts blockade of Qatar
– Saudi Arabia has agreed to reopen land, air and sea links with Qatar, de-escalating a feud that has sharply divided the Middle East for more than three years. The borders and the airspace between Saudi Arabia and Qatar would reopen on 4 Jan. The announcement came a day before Saudi Arabia was set to host an annual summit of Persian Gulf states.

Bahrain says it will open airspace to Qatar from Monday – Bahrain will open its airspace to Qatar as of 11 Jan, following a US-backed deal by Arab states last week to end a dispute with Doha.

Breakthrough reached in Gulf dispute with Qatar – A breakthrough has been reached in Qatar’s three-year-old dispute, with an agreement aimed at ending their rift is to be signed in Saudi Arabia on 5 Jan. The development is the latest in a series of Middle East deals sought by Washington to build a united front against Iran. As part of the deal, Saudi Arabia will reopen its airspace and land and sea border to Qatar as of 4 Jan.

Saudi Arabia Deletes Hate Song on Qatar as Gulf Powers Reconcile – Saudi Arabia deleted a hate song against Qatar from YouTube, as the countries prepare to sign a breakthrough agreement aimed at easing a three-year regional rift. The song, “Teach Qatar,” is meant to instruct gas-rich Qatar about the purported error of its ways and the reasons four Arab states chose to boycott it.

Saudi Arabia And Qatar Lower Tensions In U.S.-Backed Agreement – The leaders of Saudi Arabia and Qatar signed a new agreement at the Al Ula summit on 5 Jan, signalling a possible end to longstanding tensions between the two countries since the summer of 2017. The move may also mark a shift for Joe Biden's foreign policy agenda as both countries are US allies in the Gulf region and with the US having a large military base located in Qatar.

From embargo to embrace, Saudi Arabia pushes Gulf detente – Embracing Qatar’s ruler, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince pushed a deal to end a row with Doha at a Gulf summit, to try to strengthen an Arab alliance against Iran, although a final declaration contained only a general pledge of solidarity.

Egypt sends envoy to Gulf summit amid apparent thaw with Qatar – Egypt sent its foreign minister, Sameh Shoukry, to the Gulf Summit on 5 Jan  that produced a pledge towards ending a regional dispute with Qatar, while Qatar’s finance minister made a rare trip to Cairo.

Egypt follows Gulf allies in reopening airspace to Qatar – Egypt reopened its airspace to Qatari flights on 12 Jan and will allow air traffic to resume between the two countries as part of a thaw in relations.

Qatar says deal to end Gulf crisis will not change its ties with Iran – Qatar’s foreign minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, said the country will not alter its relations with Iran and Turkey, signally the few concessions they have made to secure a deal with Saudi Arabia and its allies to end a dispute between the rival Gulf states. Doha had agreed to co-operate on counter-terrorism and “transnational security”, but maintained the stance that “bilateral relationships are mainly driven by a sovereign decision of the country . . . [and] the national interest.

Qatar and Saudi Arabia to resume direct flights – Qatar Airways and Saudi Airlines will resume flights between Doha and Riyadh from 11 Jan in a reopening of airspace as part of a political rapprochement in a three-year-old dispute.

First Qatari vehicles cross border into Saudi after Gulf detente – Qatari vehicles crossed into Saudi Arabia through a land border on 9 Jan for the first time mid-2017, following a deal to restore relations.

Gulf States to Resume Trade, Air Links With Qatar in Days – Gulf states expect to open their airspace to Qatar and resume trade with the natural-gas powerhouse within a week of the 5 Jan signing of an accord ending their rift. Details of the pact weren’t made public but Gargash said it included clauses on respecting each other’s sovereignty and addressing extremism and terrorism.

Qatar Airways flight lands in Saudi Arabia for 1st time in years – A Qatar Airways passenger jetliner flying from Doha to Riyadh on 11 Jan, made it the first direct flight between the two Gulf states in over three years.

No diplomatic ties to Qatar yet, but trade, travel resuming, says UAE – According to UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Anwar Gargash, restoring diplomatic ties requires more time as parties work to rebuild trust, given geopolitical issues such as Iran, Turkey and political Islamist groups regarded by traditional Arab autocrats as an existential threat.

Israel and four Arab states discuss energy sector – Israel’s energy minister, Yuval Steinitz, held a video conference call with his counterparts in the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Sudan and Bahrain for the first time on 14 Jan. They discussed the recently normalised ties and what impact there could be on sectors including oil and gas, renewable energy and research and development. 

Human Rights


UK spent £2.4m to help Saudi Arabia comply with international law
– Since 2016, Britain has spent £2.4m to help Saudi Arabia’s military comply with international humanitarian law – during which time Saudi has been accused of indiscriminately bombing and killing Yemeni civilians. The figures – obtained via parliamentary questions – are the first time the UK has detailed the amount spent via secretive funds to the kingdom.

Australian professor and his son freed after being allegedly tortured in Qatar – After five months of detention in Qatari jail, an Australian public health professor, Prof Lukman Thalib, and his son, Ismail Talib, have been freed after allegedly being tortured and held in secret. No charge or explanation for their detention was offered, though the arrests came three months before the United States named another of Prof Thalib’s sons, Ahmed Luqman Talib, as an alleged “financial facilitator” of al-Qaida.

Bahrain says Qatar freed bodybuilding champ detained while fishing – Qatar has released a bodybuilding champion, Sami Al Haddad, and two other Bahrainis who had been detained during fishing trips.

Finance


MOU to establish an American trade zone in Bahrain
– On 12 Jan, Bahraini minister of industry, commerce and tourism and the US secretary of commerce signed an MOU to establish an American trade zone in Bahrain to boost US-Bahraini trade. The trade zone will be promoted as a regional center for trade, manufacturing, logistics and distribution between American companies in Bahrain and the rest of the GCC countries.

Oman raising up to $2 bln loan with mostly regional banks – Oman is looking to raise up to $2 billion with a loan arranged mostly by local and regional lenders, as international banks tread carefully due to the deterioration of its credit profile, sources said. The banks leading the deal are HSBC, Mashreqbank, Gulf International Bank, Bank Muscat and Bank Dhofar.

Qatar National Bank Passes Asset Milestone of 1 Trillion Riyals – Qatar National Bank said its assets have passed the 1 trillion-riyal ($273.5 billion) mark and it set aside more money in provisions as a “precautionary measure.” The Middle East’s biggest bank booked 5.8 billion riyals in loan-loss provisions. Total assets ended 2020 at 1.025 trillion riyals, an increase of about 9% from the previous year. Profitability for lenders in the Gulf remains under pressure from the coronavirus pandemic as disruptions to trade and travel continue. 

Gulf economy gets a boost from healing of Saudi-Qatar rift – A resolution to Qatar’s three-year-old dispute with Saudi Arabia and three other Arab countries will benefit Qatar and its global airline, and advantages could ripple through the whole region as it recovers from lower oil prices and the coronavirus crisis.

Saudis pledge to cut oil output despite Russian increases – Saudi Arabia has voluntarily pledged to slash an extra 1 million barrels a day of oil output in February and March even as Russia moves to increase production, with the kingdom moving to keep the Opec+ group’s fragile alliance intact in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.

Saudis Curb Oil Supply to Some Buyers Post Pledged OPEC+ Cut – Saudi Arabia’s Aramco reduced crude oil supplies to at least 11 refiners in Asia and most buyers in Europe after the kingdom volunteered to cut its production by 1 million barrels a day for February and March.

Saudi Arabia tries to lure multinationals from Dubai – Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is spearheading a campaign to convince multinationals from Google to Siemens to relocate their regional headquarters from Dubai to Riyadh.  Under the initiative, dubbed “Programme HQ”, authorities are offering incentives to blue-chip companies in sectors such as IT, finance and oil services to move to Riyadh. The aim of the initiative is to bolster foreign investment and support the crown prince’s ambitious vision to establish the kingdom as a regional business hub.

Saudi Arabia steps up domestic investment as low oil prices and coronavirus bite – Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund has committed to spending at least $40bn annually in the domestic economy over the next five years as it prepares to break ground on its latest mega-project of a futuristic, carbon free city in NEOM.

Dubai partner 'very happy' with Trump Org despite Capitol chaos – Donald Trump’s business partner, Dubai developer DAMAC Properties, said he was interested in expanding their commercial relationship despite the storming of the US Capitol last week. DAMAC owns the Middle East’s only Trump-branded golf course located in Dubai, operated by the Trump Organisation. Chairman Hussain Sajwani maintains that they stay away from politics and have no view on any political issues, emphasising the organisation was purposefully intended to be commercial. (Reuters)

UAE's tourism sector gets a shot in the arm as Israelis flock to Dubai – Despite COVID-19, up to 50,000 Israelis have been flying to Dubai since last November. The UAE is adapting to the new clientele as mutual business interests start to take off. The growing number of new tourists and business-oriented visitors from Israel has an impact on Dubai as well, who are also adjusting to a long-term Jewish demographic.

Major security partners: US hails Bahrain, UAE after Israel deal – The United States called Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates “major security partners” on 16 Jan. It was unclear what the designation means for Bahrain, being home to the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, while the UAE’s Jebel Ali port is the busiest port of call for American warships outside of the US. Bahrain hosts some 5,000 American troops while the UAE hosts 3,500. The US uses the designation of “major non-NATO ally” to describe its relationship with Kuwait, which hosts the forward command of US Army Central.

Yemen in Crisis


Pompeo to designate Yemen’s Houthi rebels as terrorist group
–Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has announced that he will designate Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels as a “foreign terrorist organization” as time runs down on the Trump administration. The designation will take effect on 19 Jan, one day before president-elect Joe Biden takes office. The move will impose or re-impose sanctions on the targets and may complicate the incoming Biden administration’s diplomacy. The administration’s effort for this formally designation had been bogged down for months, in internal disagreements over whether sanctions could be effectively enforced without worsening the dire humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

Yemen's Houthis retain right to respond to US terror designation – Mohammed Ali al-Houthi said on 11 Jan that the group reserved the right to respond to any US move to blacklist them, after the Trump administration announced its intent to designate it as a foreign terrorist organization.

US terror designation for Yemen rebels raises famine fears – The Trump administration’s out-the-door decision to designate Yemen’s Iranian-backed rebels as a terror organization on 19 Jan. The United Nations and senior Republicans have also warned that it could have a devastating humanitarian impact as the country is facing the risk of famine. Aid agencies have pleaded for Biden to immediately reverse the designation.

At a Yemen hospital racked by U.S. funding cuts, children are dying of hunger – Aid cuts by the Trump administration and other Western countries, intended to prevent Yemen’s Houthi rebels from diverting or blocking funds, are worsening the country’s humanitarian crisis. Last year’s pledges totaling $1.61 billion were less than half of 2019’s funding, and hundreds of millions of dollars committed by donors have not yet been paid.

U.N. envoy plans trip to Yemen and Saudi Arabia after Aden attack – UN Special Envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths will visit Yemen and Saudi Arabia in the next few days to meet with the Yemeni president and senior Saudi officials following an attack on Aden airport on 30 Dec.

Yemeni boy, ravaged by hunger, weighs 7 kg – Famine has never been officially declared in Yemen, where a six-year war has left 80% of the population reliant on aid in what the UN says is the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. UN warnings in late 2018 of impending famine prompted an aid ramp-up. But coronavirus restrictions, reduced remittances, locusts, floods and significant underfunding of the 2020 aid response are exacerbating hunger.

US 'terror' label on Yemen's Houthis could hit peace talks, aid – The United States has announced it will designate Yemen’s Houthi rebels as a terrorist organisation, a move aid groups and diplomats have long warned will make getting assistance to people stuck in the “world’s worst humanitarian crisis” even harder. The designation will hamper efforts to bring aid to the estimated 80% of Yemen’s 30 million people who live in parts of the country controlled by the Houthis.

Drop Yemen's Houthi terrorist label, UN chief to urge US – United Nations aid chief Mark Lowcock will urge the United States to reverse its plan to designate Yemen's Houthi group as a foreign terrorist organization, in a planned briefing to the UN Security Council. The move would push the country into a "famine on a scale that we have not seen for nearly forty years." A US plan to issue licenses and exemptions to aid agencies will not prevent a famine in Yemen.

Red Cross fears U.S. move against Yemen's Houthis will impede aid – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said it feared that the US designation of the Houthis in Yemen as a terrorist group would lead to a “chilling effect” on delivering vital aid to sick and starving civilians.

Yemenis fear cuts to imports, remittances after U.S. blacklists Houthis – Yemenis fear a US decision to blacklist the Houthis, could further isolate them from the global financial system, further depriving the country of vital remittances and hampering the flow of imports that has also been worsened by the coronavirus pandemic.

Yemen's Houthis won't abandon peace efforts over U.S. designation, says chief negotiator – Yemen’s Houthi movement will not walk away from peace talks with the United Nations and Saudi Arabia despite the US decision to designate the group as a foreign terrorist organisation, according to the Houthi chief negotiator.

U.N. says U.S. blacklisting of Yemen group may hinder bid to avert oil spill – The United Nations is concerned that the US’ plan to blacklist Yemen’s Houthis will hinder its efforts to assess a decaying oil tanker, Safer, that is threatening to spill 1.1 million barrels of crude oil in Ras Issa off the Yemeni coast. UN officials have warned it could spill four times as much oil as the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster off Alaska.

Domestic Affairs


Formula One season to start in Bahrain after Australian Grand Prix postponed to November
– Formula One season to start in Bahrain after Australian Grand Prix postponed to November.

Bahrain airport's new passenger terminal to open January 28 – A new passenger terminal at Bahrain International Airport will begin operations on 28 Jan. The expansion project, part of the country’s Vision 2030 economic program, had been set to open in early 2020.

Pfizer delays Jan. vaccine delivery to Bahrain –  A January shipment of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to Bahrain will not arrive on time, but second doses of the jab already scheduled will not be affected. Bahrain has the third highest rate of vaccinations per capita in the world.

Kuwait government submits resignation en masse to prime minister – Kuwait government ministers submitted their resignation en masse to Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah al-Khalid al-Sabah on 12 Jan, after lawmakers submitted a motion asking to question the premier. Sheikh Sabah must submit the government’s resignation to Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmed al-Sabah, for approval.

Kuwait's cabinet submits resignation in standoff with parliament – Kuwait’s Prime Minister Sabah al-Khalid al-Sabah presented the resignation of his cabinet to the country’s ruler on 13 Jan, days before the premier was due to be questioned in parliament over his choice of ministers and other issues. The resignations come in light of the ongoing developments and tensions in relations in the National Assembly over what national interest dictates.

Omani sultan's eldest son to succeed him under new law – Oman’s new basic law published on 12 Jan established that succession will go from the ruler to the eldest son, creating a new position of crown prince. Sultan Haitham will be succeeded by his eldest son Dhi Yazan. Haitham’s move could strengthen the predictability of Omani politics, following the final years of Sultan Qaboos’ rule when secrecy about the succession raised concerns for stability.

Qatar emerges from Gulf spat resolute and largely unscathed – Qatar’s resolve throughout its ‘isolation’ by the quartet, showed how little the campaign achieved as the country holds firm with its ties to Turkey, Iran and Islamists. Moreover, coupled with an incoming Biden administration in Washington that is expected to take a firmer stance toward Saudi Arabia and re-engage with Iran, put Qatar in a strong negotiating position.

Saudi Crown Prince launches zero-carbon city in NEOM business zone – Prince Mohammed bin Salman unveiled plans on 10 Jan to build a zero-carbon city at NEOM, the first major construction project for the $500 billion flagship business zone aimed at diversifying the economy of the world’s largest oil exporter. The city, to be called “The Line”, would extend over 170 km and be able to house a million residents in “carbon-positive urban developments powered by 100% clean energy”.

UAE to manufacture China’s Sinopharm vaccine locally – The UAE will soon start manufacturing China’s Sinopharm vaccine in the country according to a new agreement.

Party city Dubai becomes escape hatch as Europe locks down – As 2021 began with barely a pop elsewhere, the airport in the UAE’s trade hub has been rammed as British, French and Russian tourists flooded into what has recently become the world’s most open city, where visitors can enjoy restaurants, bars and even socially distanced raves. After a tough lockdown, the city started opening up its economy gradually in May. With the UAE rolling out a fast vaccination programme, bookings for the city’s hotels are buoyant and a moribund property market is resurgent. Dubai, harder hit than the UAE’s capital Abu Dhabi, has adopted easier entry requirements to boost tourism. A more infectious new virus variant is present in the UAE and cases have surged since the new year. The authorities have so far only reminded people to adhere to social-distancing protocols.

Reports and Opinions


Qatar Crisis: A Beginning to the End?
– GCC leaders signed the ‘security and stability’ agreement on 5 Jan. While the GCC has continued to function at a lower level since 2017, the rift exposed existent divergences and competitive dynamics within the bloc. Without acknowledgement or meaningful repair, these issues could easily resurface yet again.

Qatar’s rapprochement restores balance in the Middle East – The rapprochement between Qatar and the blockading quartet looks like a score-draw for Qatar against heavy odds. Qatar seems to have agreed only to drop legal cases against its adversaries at the International Civil Aviation Organization and the World Trade Organization. Both sides say they will de-escalate hostilities in the media. Qatar had already scaled back its commitment to Islamist insurgents from Libya to Syria. Along with Turkey, however, it has maintained support for the pan-Islamist Muslim Brotherhood. Almost all parties involved acknowledge it pushed Qatar further into the arms of Iran and Turkey. Gulf sources have also said Qatar is being asked to mediate between Saudi Arabia and Turkey as part of the deal.

No one comes out on top in end of Qatar stand-off – After more than three years of intransigence, Saudi Arabia has lifted its air, sea and land embargo on Qatar. There is justifiable scepticism over whether last week’s agreement will be sufficient to heal the deep wounds, or will lead to a cold peace in which rivalries fester beneath the surface. The rapprochement should be welcomed, although there are no winners. All sides have paid a human and financial cost – the GCC was undermined as its core tenets were broken. More so, one positive gesture should not ease the pressure over the more nefarious activities that have occurred during Mohamed bin Salman’s leadership.

Has the GCC crisis been resolved? – The Al-Ula declaration signed at the GCC summit in Saudi Arabia brought the blockade of Qatar to a formal end. While the crisis has come to an end, the longer-term impacts of the regional rift are likely to take considerable time to heal and cannot be merely signed away with the stroke of a pen. What has made this crisis different from previous disagreements is the social legacy on families and individuals who endured years of separation and often vituperative finger-pointing and name-calling on social media. It will be the hardest issue to resolve, even after the disruptive effects of the pandemic dissipate and people are able to travel throughout the Gulf again.

Saudi Arabia Ends the GCC Crisis – The positive outcome of the 41st Gulf summit contrasted with the failure of the 40th GCC meeting of December 2019, that was accompanied by promising signals that turned out to be a misplaced hope in resolving the crisis. Qatar has not to complied with the 13 demands outlined in 2017 as it impinges on its sovereignty remained the stumbling block that impeded any progress, and practically the conditions haven’t changed since 2019. It is important to acknowledge King Salman’s decision to resolve the crisis, in order burnish Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s image and prestige, perhaps in preparation for vacating the throne to him. To chart a course for the kingdom independent from the whims of UAE leaders. Only time will tell whether the solidarity and stability accord signed will prevent a recurrence of the conditions that led to the boycott.

How Will GCC Reconciliation Change the Stance of the Libyan Conflict? – Experts say it's unlikely that the GCC patch up will alter the outcome of the Libyan equation, although some changes on other regional issues may occur. Since Libya continues to be one of the hot conflicts of the region, where Saudi Arabia has chosen to side with warlord Khalifa Haftar, the process of reconciliation between Doha and Riyadh may have some ups and downs. Qatar supports Haftar's rival, the UN-recognised Government of National Accord in Tripoli, which has put the country on the wrong side of Saudi.  

What impact could U.S. blacklisting of Houthis have on Yemen's war? – United States’ President Donald Trump’s move to designate Yemen’s Houthi movement as a foreign terrorist organisation could disrupt peace efforts and hamper the delivery of life-saving aid in a country where fears of famine are rising. The possible implications on peace efforts include UN trying to restart political talks between both sides, as well as an escalation in violence. The effect of the humanitarian crisis is equally severe – one in which the US will not be able to cover as US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has planned. This together with the UN’s funding shortage, all inevitably compound to become the world’s biggest famine. Aid agencies worry their work would be criminalised. Moreover, the increased burden on banks’ compliance mechanisms - could also impact Yemenis’ access to financial systems and remittances from abroad, as well as complicating imports and raising goods prices further.

World leaders can still avert famine in Yemen. Here’s how… – Mohamed Abdi, Yemen Country Director for the Norwegian Refugee Council, highlights how given the onslaught of crises; economic, political, war, and now health qua coronavirus – Yemen is not starving, but is being starved. He reemphasises how Yemen is close to the point of no return, but not beyond it – and leaders still have time to prevent famine before its too late. He points to four key actionable policy areas; lift the blockages on vital supplies, restore aid (through funding), so organisations can assist people who need it, end impunity whereby using starvation against civilians is a war crime, and lastly, stop the fighting. 

علاقات إقليمية ودولية


قمة العلا: الإمارات تقول إن العلاقات التجارية مع قطر ستستأنف خلال أسبوع بينما تستغرق العلاقات الدبلوماسية وقتا أطول

أعلنت الإمارات إعادة العلاقات الدبلوماسية مع قطر خلال أسبوع عقب توقيع اتفاق المصالح الخليجي.

قطر تعرب عن استعدادها للوساطة بين تركيا والسعودية 

.أعرب مطلق القحطاني، المبعوث الخاص لوزير الخارجية القطري لمكافحة الإرهاب والوساطة في تسوية المنازعات، عن استعداد بلاده للوساطة بين تركيا والسعودية وكذلك بين الأخيرة وإيران

وسط التوتر مع إيران… قاذفتان أمريكيتان تعبران الأجواء الإسرائيلية إلى “الخليج”

كشفت بعض الجرائد عن تحليق قاذفتين أمريكيتين في منطقة الخليج لأسباب غير معروفة. والجدير بالذكر أن هذه المنطقة شهدت مزيدا من التوتر عقب اغتيال العالم النووي الإيراني في السنة الماضية. 

المصالحة الخليجية: طي صفحة الخلاف وإعادة العلاقات الكاملة بين قطر ودول المقاطعة

أعلن وزير الخارجية السعودية إعادة العلاقات الكاملة بين قطر والدول العربية المقاطعة لها، السعودية والإمارات والبحرين ومصر.

السعودية ترحب بتصنيف أمريكا جماعة الحوثي اليمنية منظمة إرهابية

رحبت وزارة الخارجية السعودية بتصنيف الولايات المتحدة جماعة الحوثي اليمنية منظمة أجنبية إرهابية، وأضافت أن الرياض تأمل أن تمنع هذه الخطوة الجماعة من شن المزيد من الهجمات. 

القمة الخليجية 2021: قادة الوفود يوقعون البيان الختامي لقمة العلا في السعودية بحضور أمير قطر الشيخ تميم

شارك قادة ورؤساء الوفود في قمة مجلس التعاون الخليجي في التوقيع على البيان الختامي في المملكة العربية السعودية بحضور أمير قطر وهذا الإعلان سيؤدي إلى التضامن والاستقرار في دول الخليج. 

سجال بين عثمان الخميس ووسيم يوسف حول البيت الإبراهيمي و"تكفير" الإمارات

.كان هناك تداول على وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي في عدد من الدول الخليجية بسبب فيديو لداعية كويتي

القمة الخليجية 2021: هل تشهد قمة السعودية إعلان إنهاء المقاطعة مع قطر؟

تنعقد قمة دول مجلس التعاون الخليجي في مدينة العلا وسط توقعات بأنها ستشهد إعلان المصالحة وإنهاء المقاطعة مع قطر.

اقتصاد


السعودية تحتضن أكبر متاجر هواوي خارج الصين

أبرمت شركة هواوي الصينية وشركة كادن السعودية اتفاقا سعيا لتوسيع قطاع الاتصالات وتسريع نمو الاقتصاد الرقمي. 

الخطوط الجوية القطرية تعلن استئناف الرحلات إلى مصر في 18 يناير- (تغريدة)

صرّحت الخطوط الجوية القطرية في بيان رسمي أنها ستستأنف الرحلات إلى مصر اعتبارا من 18 يناير. 

.تكشف هذه المقالة عن مشروعنيوم السعودي العملاق الذي أعلنت الرياض عنه في السنة الماضية والذي يغطي مساحة 26 ألف كليو متر مربع ويشمل السعودية ومصر والأردن

بينها المصالحة الخليجية.. تعرف على أسباب ارتفاع بورصة قطر لأعلى مستوى في 4 سنوات؟

ازدهر السوق المحلي القطري في ظل تداعيات انتشار فيروس كورونا الأمر الذي يدل على تماسكها في القطاع الخاص بالرغم من تحديات الحصار.

سياسة


رئيس الوزراء الكويتي يقدم استقالة الحكومة لأمير البلاد

 .قالت وكالة الأنباء الكويتية (كونا) إن رئيس الوزراء الشيخ صباح الخالد الصباح قدم استقالة الحكومة لأمير البلاد الشيخ نواف الأحمد الجابر الصباح 

الأزمة الخليجية: اتفاق على فتح الحدود مع قطر والشيخ تميم يترأس وفد بلاده في قمة السعودية

قررت السعودية والإمارات والبحرين ومصر فتح الحدود البرية والبحرية والجوية مع قطر مقابل أن تتنازل الدوحة عن الدعاوى القضائية ذات الصلة.

ميدل إيست آي:أخبار سيئة للسعودية مع تعيين مينينديز لرئاسة الخارجية في مجلس الشيوخ الأمريكي

حظيت السعودية بفترة ذهبية حيث كانت تسرح وتمرح تحت إدارة ترامب على عدة صُعُد غير أنه عقب نتائج الانتخابات الأمريكية بات هناك تصاعد في التكهنات أن الحزب الديمقراطي سيتخذ موقفاً صارماً ضد السعودية. 

قمة العلا: الإمارات تعلن إعادة فتح المنافذ البرية والجوية والبحرية مع قطر اعتبارا من غد السبت

أعلنت الإمارات أنها ستعيد فتح كافة المنافذ البرية البحرية والجوية أمام القطريين اعتبارا من السبت.

البدون: تعاطف كبير مع شاب صادرت السلطات بقالته في الكويت

.كان هناك تداول على وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي في الكويت بعد انتشار فيديو لشاب من البدون صادرت السلطات الكويتية بقالته 

وزير النقل الأردني يعلن عن اتصالات لعودة الشحن البري مع قطر

أعلنت السلطات الأردنية عن استئناف عمليات الشحن البري مع قطر ويأتي هذا القرار بعد تطورات المصالحة بين دول الخليج لرفع الحصار عن قطر.

الحرب في اليمن: مخاوف من "مجاعة" بسبب قرار واشنطن تصنيف الحوثيين جماعة "إرهابية"

.يحذر مسؤول أممي من مغبة عزم واشنطن تصنيف جماعة الحوثيين في اليمن "جماعة إرهابية"، ومخاوف من تأثير القرار على وصول المساعدات إلى السكان في المناطق التي يسيطر عليها الحوثيون

القمة الخليجية: كيف تفاعل المغردون مع فتح الحدود بين قطر والسعودية والمصالحة المرتقبة؟

كان هناك تداول واسع النطاق على وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي بعد إتمام أولى خطوات المصالحة الخليجية وفتح الحدود والأجواء بين قطر والسعودية.

ذي يزن بن هيثم: تعرف على ولي عهد سلطنة عمان

شهدت سلطنة عمان تعديلات دستورية جديدة تضمنت تعديل نظام الحكم، وقد استحدث بموجبها منصب ولي العهد لذلك هذه المقالة تسلط الضوء على ذي يزن نجل السلطان هيثم بن طارق وليا للعهد. 

وزير الخارجية السعودي: إعادة فتح السفارة في قطر خلال الأيام المقبلة

أعلن وزير الخارجية السعودي أن السعودية ستعيد فتح السفارة في قطر في الأيام المنصرمة القليلة والجدير بالذكر أن السعودية والإمارات والبحرين ومصر قد فرضت حصارا على قطر في 2017. 

الحرب في اليمن 


إدارة دونالد ترامب تعتزم تصنيف جماعة الحوثي منظمة إرهابية قبل تولي جو بايدن السلطة

قال وزير الخارجية الأمريكي مايك بومبيو في بيان: إن جماعة الحوثي المدعومة إيرانيا في اليمن ستضاف إلى قائمة المنظمات التي تصنفها الولايات المتحدة إرهابية.

الحرب في اليمن: لماذا تريد واشنطن تصنيف الحوثيين جماعة "إرهابية"؟

هذه المقالة تسلط الضوء على الاهتمام في صحف عربية بإعلان الولايات المتحدة عزمها تصنيف جماعة الحوثيين في اليمن منظمة "إرهابية" أجنبية.

قانون


بعد التعديل الدستوري.. أي شكل لنظام الحكم الجديد بسلطنة عُمان؟

استحدثت سلطنة عمان بعض التعديلات الدستورية والتي من ضمنها تعيين ولي للعهد، وتتزامن هذه التصريحات مع الذكرى الأولى لرحيل السلطان قابوس بن سعيد.

حملة شعبية واسعة في البحرين لإطلاق سراح معتقلي الرأي ورجال الدين           المسجونين

أصر عدد من الحقوقيين في البحرين على الإفراج عن السجناء المعتقلين والتحقيق في التجاوزات التي ارتكبها النظام البحريني

بعد تعديلات دستورية.. سلطان عُمان يختار نجله وليا للعهد

أعلنت سلطنة عمان تعديلات دستورية لتحديد طريقة انتقال السلطة في البلد حيث قرر السلطان هيثم بن طرق اختيار ابنه الأكبر ذي يزن وليا للعهد. 

هل تأتي خطة ترامب لتصنيف الحوثيين جماعة إرهابية لصالح اليمن أم للتغطية على "جرائم" الحرب؟ - صحف عربية

اعتزام الولايات المتحدة تصنيف الحوثيين في اليمن جماعة إرهابية يثير انقساما في صحف عربية، وكتاب يناقشون دوافع وتبعات هذه الخطوة على اليمن داخليا وخارجيا.

آراء وتقارير


تغير المناخ أدى لانهيار ثروة أشجار المنغروف العمانية قبل 6 آلاف عام

ساهمت التغيرات المناخية في اختفاء "المنغروف" في عمان تحديدا وذلك نتيجة ارتفاع نسبة الملوحة بسبب انخفاض هطول الأمطار ناهيك عن الممارسات الجائرة للإنسان بحسب ما نشر فريق الباحثين في دراسة علمية.

المسارات الخليجية بعد قمة العلا

هذه المقالة تسلط الضوء على نتائج قمة العلا خاصة على الدور المهم الذي لعبته السعودية.