[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.
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.
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.
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.