[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
Bahrain appoints head of diplomatic mission to Israel – Bahrain has appointed Khalid Al Jalahma as head of its diplomatic mission to Israel. Jalahma was previously director of the operations directorate at Bahrain’s foreign ministry and had also served as deputy chief of mission at the kingdom’s embassy in the United States.
Saudi Crown Prince discusses Green Initiative with Arab leaders – Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called the leaders of Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, and Sudan to discuss a regional project to plant 50 billion trees as the largest reforestation program in the world, to reduce carbon emissions and combat pollution and land degradation. The Saudi Green Initiative will see Saudi Arabia plant 10 billion trees in coming decades, as part of the prince’s Vision 2030 plan.
Turkish exporters re-route goods to dodge unofficial Saudi trade blockade – Some Turkish exporters are re-routing food, clothing and other goods to circumvent a months-long unofficial blockade by Saudi Arabia that has reduced trade between the regional rivals to record lows. Production in nearby countries allows exporters to obtain customs documents and ditch “Made in Turkey” product tags, allowing goods to enter Saudi Arabia. Riyadh has never publicly acknowledged the boycott against Turkey, but last year top Saudi businessmen endorsed it as a response to what they called hostility coming from Ankara, particularly since the 2018 murder of Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul.
Saudi Arabia energy minister and U.S. counterpart agree to enforce cooperation in the energy field – Saudi Arabia’s energy minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman and the US counterpart Jennifer Granholm agreed to work closely to enforce cooperation in the energy field.
Abu Dhabi's Etihad starts direct passenger flights to Israel – Abu Dhabi state carrier Etihad Airways began direct commercial passenger flights from the UAE capital to Tel Aviv in Israel - the latest direct air link between the two countries that established diplomatic relations last year.
Iraqi Airways to start direct flights to Abu Dhabi – Iraqi Airways plans to start direct flights to the United Arab Emirates’ capital Abu Dhabi on 1 May. The announcement came ahead of a visit to Abu Dhabi by Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi as part of efforts to forge close ties with the Gulf Arab monarchies.
UAE says it is investing $3 billion in Iraq – The United Arab Emirates will invest $3 billion in Iraq. The initiative aims to strengthen economic and investment relations, create new opportunities for cooperation and partnership, and advance economic, social, and developmental growth in support of the Iraqi people.
Japan, UAE to collaborate on hydrogen technology, supply chain – Japan and the UAE has agreed to work together on technology to produce hydrogen and create an international supply chain, reflecting mounting enthusiasm for investment in hydrogen, which offers potential to help fight climate change.
Abu Dhabi crown prince discusses economic relations with new Libya prime minister – Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed met new Libyan prime minister Abdulhamid Dbeibeh in the UAE and discussed opportunities for developing economic relations. It was Dbeibeh’s first visit to the gulf country after Libya’s government was sworn in on 15 Mar with the task of unifying the country after years of violence and division.
UN experts pull back on corruption claims against Yemen – The UN panel of experts monitoring sanctions against Yemen has pulled back from its claims of corruption and money laundering by the government, central bank and a UAE-based holding corporation, Hayel Saeed Anam Group, saying a preliminary review of new information has found no evidence.
Iraqi PM agreed on Saudi, UAE investment projects in Iraq, with value exceeding $6 billion – Iraq’s prime minister agreed with Saudi Arabia and the UAE on investment projects in Iraq, worth more than $6 billion. Saudi Arabia and Iraq agreed to establish a joint fund, with an estimated capital of $3 billion, as a contribution from the kingdom in promoting investment in Iraq’s economic fields.
Human Rights
COVID Outbreak in Prison Sparks New Protests in Bahrain – Conditions in the country’s main prison, Jau, are notoriously appalling. With an official capacity of 1,201, Jau prison is now conservatively estimated to be holding 2,700 inmates. They are crammed into cells and complain of regular physical and psychological torture. Bahraini authorities said that a COVID outbreak in Jau had been isolated, the virus contained, and that all positive cases were stable and able to receive medical treatment. However, the continued outbreak of COVID in Jau one week on, sparked a wave of protest that could signify a turning point for Bahrainis’ human rights. In street protests across the country, Bahrainis are decrying the dangers their incarcerated sons, husbands, and brothers face from a COVID outbreak at Jau prison. Protestors, mostly women, are demanding the release of their loved ones.
Human Rights Watch calls on Qatar to dismantle male guardianship – Human Rights Watch (HRW) urged Qatar on 29 Mar to eliminate male guardianship rules that prevent women making independent decisions on basic rights such as marriage, travel and accessing reproductive health care. After taking initiatives on women’s rights, including on education and social protection, Qatar was now falling behind Gulf neighbours, after Saudi Arabia in 2019 allowed adult women to travel without permission.
Saudi man arrested as juvenile could face execution despite reforms – Human Rights Watch says Abdullah al-Huwaiti, a Saudi man, who was convicted following a “grossly unfair trial” for crimes committed when he was a minor, risks being executed although the Saudi authorities have said they have scrapped the death penalty for juveniles.
Saudi Arabia says it executes 3 soldiers for ‘high treason’ – Saudi Arabia executed three soldiers 10 Apr it accused of committing “high treason,” without elaborating on which enemy the kingdom believed the men aided. The kingdom said the three men were convicted in court and a later royal order served as a death warrant.
U.N. awaits 'proof of life' for Dubai princess – The United Nations human rights office has asked the UAE for “proof of life” for Sheikha Latifa, one of the daughters of the ruler of Dubai, but has not received one.
Finance
Bahrain's NOGA sells $600 million in 8-year Islamic bonds – Bahrain’s National Oil and Gas Holding Company (NOGA Holding) launched eight-year lslamic bonds to raise $600 million at 5.25%.
Oman to boost VAT exemptions, hike subsidies – Oman plans to widen exemptions to a value-added tax (VAT) it will introduce this month and increase certain subsidies to mitigate the impact on citizens from the planned VAT, which is being introduced to bolster its debt-burdened coffers.
Saudi Aramco role in private investment drive guided by business not state – Saudi Aramco will set strict business criteria for ventures it backs under a new private partnership initiative to help diversify the kingdom’s oil-reliant economy and was not being pushed into projects by the state.
Saudi National Bank buoys Saudi shares; other markets mixed – Major Gulf markets ended mixed on 4 Apr, with the Saudi index boosted by gains in its top lender following a dividend proposal and new board appointees. Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index rose 0.7%, buoyed by a 3.6% jump in Saudi National Bank, previously known as National Commercial Bank.
Saudi bourse Tadawul receives proposals from 10 firms seeking advisory roles for IPO – Saudi Arabia’s bourse Tadawul has received proposals from 10 local and international firms on potential advisory roles for its upcoming initial public offering. Saudi Arabia’s stock exchange has converted itself into a holding company and will be renamed Saudi Tadawul Group ahead of its IPO this year.
Saudi Arabia's SABIC picks HSBC, Morgan Stanley for specialty unit IPO – Saudi Basic Industries Corp (SABIC), the world’s fourth-biggest petrochemicals firm, has selected HSBC and Morgan Stanley to work on the planned initial public offering (IPO) of its specialty chemicals business.
KPMG to convert Saudi unit to closed joint stock company – KPMG said it will convert its Saudi Arabian unit from a professional partnership to a closed joint stock company, enabling the audit and advisory firm to expand across the kingdom and in the regional market. The move, approved by the Saudi Ministry of Commerce, is also aimed at creating job opportunities for Saudi citizens and allowing a new stream of shareholding from investors, who could be from professions outside the service sector.
Saudi calls for restrain as oil market recovery far from complete – OPEC+ oil producers have taken a cautious stance but the market’s recovery is far from complete, Saudi Arabia’s energy minister said.
Indian refiners deepen cuts to Saudi oil purchases in May – Indian state refiners will buy 36% less oil from Saudi Arabia in May than normal, in a sign of escalating tensions with Riyadh even after the Kingdom supported the idea of boosting output from OPEC and allied producers last week. Energy relations between India, the world’s third-biggest oil importer and consumer, and Saudi Arabia have soured as global oil prices spiked. New Delhi blames cuts by the Saudis and other oil producers for driving up crude prices as its economy tries to recover from the pandemic.
Abu Dhabi oil giant ADNOC considers IPO of drilling business – Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) is considering listing its drilling business on the local stock market. The state oil giant says its drilling company is the largest in the Middle East. If the deal goes ahead, it would be the oil company’s second listing of a unit on the Abu Dhabi stock exchange after it listed ADNOC Distribution in late 2017, raising 3.1 billion dirhams ($844 million).
UAE central bank extends $13.6 billion stimulus measure until end of the year – The United Arab Emirates central bank decided to extend until the end of this year a 50 billion dirhams ($13.6 billion) facility introduced to help banks and financial companies.
UAE's Agthia approves 75% acquisition of Egypt's Ismailia Agricultural – Abu Dhabi-listed food and beverage company Agthia Group said its board has approved an indirect acquisition of three quarters of Egypt’s Ismailia Agricultural and Industrial Investment. Agthia’s acquisition of the 75.02% stake would give Ismailia an enterprise value of 3.22 billion Egyptian pounds ($205.6 million).
Emirates Development Bank to allocate $8 billion for vital companies – The state-run Emirates Development Bank plans to allocate 30 billion dirhams ($8.17 billion) in the coming years to support 13,500 new companies in sectors considered as priority for the economy.
UAE March non-oil private sector growth climbs to 20-month high – The United Arab Emirates’ non-oil private sector grew in March at the fastest pace since July 2019, boosted by new business and a sharp rise in the construction sector.
Dubai to develop $1.1 billion energy from waste facility – Dubai Holding, the investment vehicle of Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, said it had partnered with five firms to develop a 4 billion dirham ($1.1 billion) energy-from-waste facility.
IMF raises most Gulf countries' economic growth forecasts – The International Monetary Fund expects most Gulf economies to recover this year at a faster pace than previously estimated, as it raised its 2021 global growth forecast to 6% from 5.5% less than three months ago. Saudi Arabia’s economy, the region’s largest, is expected to grow 2.9% this year, up from the 2.6% forecast in January. The UAE, the Gulf’s second largest economy, will see growth of 3.1% this year, rebounding from a 5.9% contraction in 2020. In October last year it had forecast a 6.6% drop in 2020 and 1.3% growth this year. Oman saw the biggest positive revision of the Gulf countries, from expectations of a 0.5% contraction this year to a forecast of 1.8% growth. Bahrain’s economy is now expected to grow 3.3% this year versus a forecast of 2.3% in October. Forecasts for Kuwait and Qatar remained almost unchanged, with Kuwait expected to post 0.7% growth this year, up from an October estimate of 0.6%. Qatar’s economy is estimated to grow 2.4%, just below the previous 2.5% estimate.
Most major Gulf markets gain after IMF lifts region's economic outlook – Most major Gulf stock markets ended higher after the International Monetary Fund raised its economic forecasts for the region, while the Saudi index closed flat as some stocks traded ex-dividend.
Yemen in Crisis
Oman hopes ceasefire in Yemen is agreed 'very soon' – Oman, a mediator in ceasefire talks between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi group, said it hoped an agreement between the warring parties would be reached “very soon”.
Saudi-led coalition destroys Houthi explosive-laden boat in Red Sea – The Saudi-led coalition foiled an imminent Houthi attack on 3 Apr, destroying an explosive-laden boat in a southern part of the Red Sea. It also quoted the coalition as saying that the Houthis “continue to threaten maritime shipping lines and global trade”.
Battle for Yemen desert city now a key to Iran, US tension –The battle for Marib has become a key to understanding wider tensions now inflaming the Middle East and the challenges facing any efforts by President Joe Biden’s administration to shift US troops out of the region. The battle for Marib likely will determine the outline of any political settlement in Yemen. The fight is also squeezing a pressure point on the most powerful of America’s Gulf Arab allies and ensnarling any US return to Iran’s nuclear deal. It’s even complicating the Biden administration’s efforts to slowly shift the longtime mass US military deployments to the Mideast to counter what it sees as the emerging threat of China and Russia.
Famine Stalks Yemen, as War Drags On and Foreign Aid Wanes – Six years into a war that has killed hundreds of thousands of people, shattered the country and battered much of its infrastructure, Yemen faces rising rates of hunger that have created pockets of famine that aid groups warn are likely to grow, leaving even more malnourished Yemenis vulnerable to disease and starvation. The United Nations says that 3.6 million Yemenis are already in an “emergency” stage of food shortage, and 16,500 have reached “catastrophe.” It estimates that 400,000 children are at risk of dying of hunger. Yemen faced the threat of famine in 2018, prompting large donations from countries including the UA, the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Those measures pulled the country back from the brink, but without solving Yemen’s underlying problems. A UN pledging conference on 1 Mar aimed to raise $3.85 billion to help Yemen avoid famine. But participating countries committed less than half that much, $1.7 billion, forcing UN agencies to scale back their plans.
Saudi Arabia to give Yemeni government $422 million worth of fuel – Saudi Arabia will grant $422 million worth of petroleum products to Yemen’s internationally recognised government for power stations and to support public services as the country grapples with a fuel shortage. Fuel shortages have knocked out water pumps, generators in hospitals and disrupted aid supplies in Yemen, where 80% of the population need help.
Domestic Affairs
Bahrain due to start drilling wells in new shale oilfield at end 2022 – Drilling for the first production wells in the Khaleej al-Bahrain field, Bahrain’s new offshore shale oil discovery, is expected to start at the end of 2022.
Expats struggle to get vaccines in Kuwait, citizens come 1st – Foreigners who power Kuwait’s economy, serve its society and make up 70% of its population are struggling to get coronavirus vaccines. Unlike other Gulf Arab states that have administered doses to masses of foreign workers in a race to reach herd immunity, Kuwait has come under fire for vaccinating its own people first. That leaves legions of laborers from Asia, Africa and elsewhere, still waiting for their first doses, despite bearing the brunt of the pandemic.
Qatar orders private health centres to halt non-urgent services – Qatar’s cabinet ordered a halt to non-urgent medical services at private health facilities as of 2 Apr as coronavirus cases rise.
Saudi Arabia signs agreements for seven new solar projects – Saudi Arabia has signed power purchase agreements with seven new solar projects that will provide electricity more than 600,000 households. The new projects, in addition to the new Sakaka solar and the Dumat al-Jandal wind projects, will have a more than 3,600 megawatt capacity.
Israel advises citizens to avoid UAE, citing Iranian threat – Israel’s National Security Agency advised tourists against travel to the UAE and other countries across the region, citing the threat of attack by Iran. The warning included both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as well as Bahrain.
In Dubai, an art show’s return reflects city’s new normal – After being canceled in March last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, Art Dubai returned, becoming one of the first in-person international art fairs of 2021. The show is part of the city-state’s efforts to reopen to international trade and tourism that power its economy. Signs of the pandemic are still everywhere: Social-distancing signs and hand sanitizer dispensers stand visible in the tents housing the galleries. People attending the fair can book a specific time slot in advance to guarantee their entry. Those worried about being around a crowd can take a virtual tour of the fair from home. The fair features 50 contemporary and modern galleries from 31 countries, specializing in regions that are not main players on the international art scene. It also focuses on artists from the Middle East.
Dubai to deport group detained over nude photo shoot on high-rise balcony – Dubai is set to deport about a dozen Ukrainian women and one Russian man detained after a nude photo shoot they staged on a high-rise balcony sparked outrage.
Dubai to offer COVID-19 shots to country representatives at Expo 2020 – Dubai will offer COVID-19 vaccines to official representatives of countries participating in Expo 2020 Dubai, due to be held from October this year to March 2022, the emirate’s crown prince announced. Regional business and tourism hub Dubai is relying on the global fair, which had been postponed for a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, to give its economy a boost.
UAE replaces central bank governor after one year in role – UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed has appointed Khalid al-Tameemi as governor of the UAE’s central bank. Tameemi, who was appointed central bank vice governor in February, will be replacing Abdulhamid Saeed. Saeed, who was appointed governor a year ago, has decided to retire.
UAE's first nuclear power plant begins commercial operations – The Barakah nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi, the UAE and Arab world’s first nuclear power plant, started commercial operations on 6 Apr.
Yemen, battling a coronavirus surge, receives first batch of vaccines – Yemen on 31 Mar, received its first batch of coronavirus vaccines shipped through the United Nations-backed Covax facility, with some 360,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine arrived in Aden. The shipment was the first of the 1.9 million doses that Yemen is expected to receive through Covax in 2021. The doses arrived with 1.3 million syringes for the safe rollout of the vaccine.
Reports and Opinions
Saudi Arabia has spent at least $1.5bn on 'sportswashing' – Saudi Arabia has spent at least $1.5bn on high-profile international sporting events in a bid to bolster its reputation, a new report reveals. Grant Liberty’s analysis outlines the momentous scale of Saudi Arabia’s investments in “sportswashing,” the practice of investing or hosting sporting events in a bid to obscure the Kingdom’s poor human rights record, and tout itself as a new leading global venue for tourism and events. From chess championships to golf, tennis and $60m alone on the Saudi Cup, the world’s richest horse-racing event with prize money of $20m. The report also details the Kingdom’s $650m ten-year deal with Formula One, whose world championships begin this Sunday and for the first time will include a race in Jeddah.
80% of people sentenced to death as minors in Saudi Arabia still face execution – Anti-death penalty group Reprieve said that 80% of those sentenced to death for crimes in Saudi Arabia while minors still face execution despite reforms announced in 2020. Saudi authorities said last year they would stop sentencing to death any individuals who committed crimes while minors and would apply this retroactively. However, the March 2020 royal decree announcing this was not reported by state media or published in the official gazette as would be normal practice. Human rights groups and western lawmakers have raised concerns about its implementation.
Keep the Pressure on Saudi Arabia – President Joe Biden won't punish Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. And that's a wise decision—even though it comes as a disappointment to human rights activists. This tempered approach is part of a much-needed overhaul of US-Saudi relations. Biden is correctly trying to rebalance relations with Riyadh in a way that bolsters democratic values without compromising America's strategic interests. Saudi Arabia's political and economic clout across the Middle East make it a necessary ally—but a difficult one, given the kingdom's appalling human rights record at home and abroad. The US can help the House of Saud help itself—by adopting a realistic yet "tough love" approach that encourages regional stability, human rights and the rule of law. So far, the White House is on the right track.
How Saudi Arabia Can Thrive in a Post-Oil World – The country has a surprising amount to gain in a low-carbon future, while staying on the current path could become a question of survival. On the face of it, no country has more to lose from the transition away from fossil fuels than Saudi Arabia. One thing to bear in mind is that even a rapid energy transition wouldn’t see petroleum consumption disappear altogether this side of 2050. On top of that, it’s worth remembering not all oil is used for energy. About 10% of the world’s petroleum production — nearly 10 million daily barrels — goes into non-burned products such as plastics, asphalt, lubricants, chemicals and fertilizers. While hydrocarbon fuels release carbon dioxide as an inevitable side-effect of their combustion, non-burned products tend to keep their carbon atoms locked in their chemical matrixes, potentially indefinitely. On paper, the potential for Saudi Arabia to reinvent its role as one of the world’s most important energy hubs in a post-fossil fuels world is substantial. The problem is how to get there.
With stick and carrot, Saudi starts winning over firms in regional race – CSG is among several foreign companies that agreed earlier this year to set up regional offices in Saudi Arabia rather than overseeing operations remotely from Dubai. A Saudi ultimatum in mid-February prompted some firms to rethink their strategy: from 2024, companies seeking state contracts in the Middle East’s biggest economy must have offices in the kingdom. But, alongside this blunt approach, the government has launched sweeping economic and social reforms to attract investors, aiming to make the kingdom an easier place to live and work in and cutting the red tape that long deterred them.
Saudi $7 trillion investment goal puts spotlight on oil prices – In order to wean Saudi Arabia off its dependency on crude the kingdom needs higher oil prices. A multi-trillion dollar spending push designed to diversify the economy’s sources of income will require state companies to cut the dividends they pay the government to boost capital spending. This leaves crude revenues at the centre of the kingdom’s strategy targeting 27 trillion riyals ($7.2 trillion) in domestic spending by 2030. The scale of the investment plan means Saudi Arabia may need to curb supply over the coming years to boost oil prices.
Power play: India wields oil 'weapon' to cut dependence on Saudi – When India’s government last month asked refiners to speed up diversification and reduce dependence on the Middle East - days after OPEC+ said it would maintain production cuts - it sent a message about its clout and foreshadowed changes to the world’s energy maps. It was a move that had been in the works for years, fuelled by repeated comments from Indian Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who in 2015 called oil purchases a “weapon” for his country. When OPEC+ extended the production cuts into April, India unsheathed that weapon. Indian refiners plan to cut imports from the Kingdom by about a quarter in May, dropping them to 10.8 million barrels from monthly average of 14.7-14.8 million barrels. Oil secretary Tarun Kapoor, said that India is asking state refiners to jointly negotiate with oil producers to get better deals, but declined to comment on plans to cut Saudi imports. An oil ministry official said the OPEC+ cuts have created uncertainty and made it difficult for refiners to plan for procurement and price risk. It also creates opportunities for companies in the Americas, Africa, Russia and elsewhere to fill the gap. If India is successful, it will set an example for other countries. As buyers see more affordable choices and renewable energy becomes increasingly common, the influence of big producers like Saudi Arabia could wane, altering geopolitics and trade routes.
The United Arab Emirates and a South Asian Peace Process – Geopolitical developments and mounting domestic challenges for India and Pakistan coalesced to create the right timing for the UAE’s efforts to broker a peace agreement. India and Pakistan have remained at loggerheads since August 2019, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi revoked the special status of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir as enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Yet in a surprising turn of events, the UAE brokered a peace agreement that scaled down the political temperature between the two nuclear powers, as both sides reached an agreement in February to abide by the 2003 cease-fire agreement across the Line of Control. The UAE had previously met resistance when it advanced the very same idea of bilateral dialogue, and the public discourse within Pakistan particularly became quite hostile toward the UAE. However, a mix of regional and international geopolitical developments as well as mounting political and economic challenges on the domestic front for both the Indian and Pakistani governments made the timing right for the realization of this Emirati initiative. For the UAE, this diplomatic initiative with India and Pakistan puts another feather in its soft-power cap after the agreement of the Abraham Accords with Israel, and it offers another positive deflection point from its controversial military interventions in Libya and Yemen. This Emirati venture also helps to impress upon Washington the UAE’s significance as a regional partner in securing important US foreign policy goals that ensure a stable and secure South Asia.
Yemen’s Power-Sharing Cabinet: What’s At Stake? – On December 30, 2020, shortly after the arrival of a Yemenia flight carrying members of the newly-formed government to Aden airport, three missiles struck between the runway and the reception hall in less than a minute, killing at least 26 people and injuring more than 100 others. However, the missiles failed to achieve their goal: the elimination of the members of the newly-formed Yemeni government. Yemen is currently at an inflection point. The new Yemeni government is the first in 20 years to include no female representation in cabinet. It represents the last chance for increased stability in government-controlled areas and a possible step toward more comprehensive stability for the entire country. There is also a recognition that if consensus were to collapse and the government was dissolved, it would be almost impossible to bring parties that had reluctantly put aside differences together again. All chips are currently in and the future of Yemen is at stake. The new government has a long and urgent to-do list. Many of the challenges it faces were left unresolved in past cabinets, while the year-long delay in forming the current cabinet also wasted crucial time.
علاقات إقليمية ودولية
حياد أم مصالح.. إحباط مصري من دور الإمارات في سد النهضة
رغم توالي الوسطاء لمحاولة حل أزمة سد النهضة الإثيوبي، التي توشك على الانفجار؛ إلا أن كل المحاولات فشلت حتى الآن، فيما يتساءل البعض عن غياب الوساطة الإماراتية لما تملكه من علاقات قوية مع مصر وإثيوبيا.
الكاظمي يتحدى ضغوط الموالين لإيران ويتقارب مع واشنطن وحلفائها
يمدّ رئيس الوزراء العراقي مصطفى الكاظمي اليد إلى واشنطن عبر “حوار استراتيجي”، وإلى أطراف خليجية عبر جولة قام بها مؤخراً بين أبو ظبي والرياض، رغم كل الضغوط التي يتعرض لها من الفصائل المقربة لإيران.
الأمير حمزة بن الحسين: هل هناك بعد سعودي في الأزمة الأردنية؟مسؤولون سعوديون ينفون بشكل قاطع وجود أي دور لبلادهم في المحاولة الانقلابية المزعومة في الأردن.
محمد بن زايد يتعهد بدعم الإمارات للحكومة الجديدة في ليبيا
ولي عهد أبو ظبي، الشيخ محمد بن زايد آل نهيان، يؤكد دعم بلاده لحكومة الوحدة الوطنية الليبية الجديدة، ويستقبل رئيس الحكومة الليبية عبد الحميد الدبيبة.
البرهان يؤكد دور قطر الأساسي في سلام دارفور ويدعوها لمواصلة دعمها
قال رئيس مجلس السيادة الانتقالي بالسودان عبد الفتاح البرهان إن قطر لعبت دورا أساسيا في سلام دارفور، وطلب منها مواصلة دعمها. وجاءت هذه التصريحات في أعقاب لقائه أمير البلاد الشيخ تميم بن حمد آل ثاني.
هل تعيد زيارة مصطفى الكاظمي للرياض التوازن للمنطقة؟ - صحف عربية
زيارة الكاظمي للرياض تحظى باهتمام صحف عربية. ويرى البعض أنها خطوة إيجابية على صعيد العلاقات بين السعودية والعراق، بينما يرى آخرون أن صدى الزيارة لن يقتصر على البلدين وإنما سيمتد إلى المنطقة بأكملها.
5 آلاف أنبوب وتقارير سرية وهجمات غامضة.. تعرف على أهم منشأة نووية إيرانية تحت الأرض
بعد ساعات فقط من إشراف الرئيس الإيراني حسن روحاني على افتتاح مصنع لتجميع أجهزة الطرد المركزي، تعرض الموقع لحادث أو عمل تخريبي لم تتضح خلفياته حتى الحين.
وزير الخارجية السعودي: التطبيع سيحقق فوائد كبيرة للمنطقة ونجاحه مرهون بحل القضية الفلسطينية
قال وزير الخارجية السعودي الأمير فيصل بن فرحان إنه “لا يعرف ما إن كانت هناك صفقة تطبيع وشيكة بين بلاده وإسرائيل”، لكنه أكّد أن التطبيع مع إسرائيل سيحقق فوائد كبيرة للمنطقة.
اقتصاد
أسعار النفط تربح بفضل توقعات بمواصلة أوبك وحلفائها كبح الإنتاج
ارتفعت أسعار النفط عشية اجتماع بين منظمة أوبك (OPEC) وحلفائها، في الوقت الذي يراهن فيه مستثمرون على أن المنتجين سيتفقون إلى حد كبير على تمديد قيود على إمداداتهم حتى مايو/أيار المقبل.
استحواذ جديد لقطر للبترول على رخصة استكشاف في ناميبيا
وقعت قطر للبترول اتفاقية مع شركة “شل” (Shell) تصبح بموجبها شريكة في امتياز أعمال الاستكشاف والمشاركة بالإنتاج في منطقتين بحريتين قبالة سواحل جمهورية ناميبيا.
صندوق سعودي بـ3 مليارات دولار للاستثمار في العراق وتنسيق في سوق النفط
أعلن العراق والسعودية -في بيان مشترك- الاتفاق على إقامة صندوق برأسمال 3 مليارات دولار، مساهمة من المملكة في تشجيع الاستثمار بالعراق، كما أكدا على استمرار التعاون وتنسيق المواقف في مجال النفط.
ولي العهد السعودي يعلن ضخ استثمارات بقيمة 12 تريليون ريال في القطاع الخاص لتحفيز النمو وخلق الوظائف
قال ولي العهد السعودي إن مجموع الاستثمارات الجديدة التي سيتم ضخها في الاقتصاد السعودي حتى 2030 ستبلغ 12 تريليون ريال سعودي، أي ما يعادل 3 تريليونات دولار، وهذا لا يشمل الإنفاق الحكومي.
آمال باستقرار إنتاج أوبك بلس ترفع أسعار النفط واستمرار المخاوف من تعطل قناة السويس
قال الخبراء إن أسعار النفط ستزيد في المستقبل القريب بعد تكدس كبير في قناة السويس.
من وسط الألغام ومخلفات الحرب.. شبوة اليمنية تشهد تنمية سريعة
حراك اقتصادي وتنموي تشهده مدينة شبوة اليمنية، إلى جانب ما تنعم به من أمن واستقرار وطفره تنموية مقارنة بغيرها من مناطق اليمن الغارق في أتون الحرب منذ نحو 7 أعوام.
قطر للبترول تعلن امتلاك كامل شركة "قطر غاز 1" اعتبارا من مطلع يناير المقبل
أعلنت قطر للبترول أنها ستصبح المالك الوحيد بالكامل لجميع أصول ومنشآت شركة “قطر للغاز المسال واحد” اعتباراً من مطلع العام المقبل.
سياسة
أمير قطر ورئيس أوكرانيا يبحثان في الدوحة تعزيز التعاون الثنائي
بحث أمير دولة قطر الشيخ تميم بن حمد آل ثاني والرئيس الأوكراني فولوديمير زيلينسكي بالدوحة تعزيز التعاون الثنائي وقضايا إقليمية ودولية. وأكد الزعيمان ضرورة التعاون الدولي للتصدي لتداعيات وباء كورونا.
بعد 15 عاما من اعتبارها كلمة "مسيئة".. شركة تجزئة أميركية تعتذر لحاملي اسم "محمد"
فوجئ أحد المستخدمين العرب الذي يحمل اسم “محمد” من ظهور إشارة “كلمة مسيئة” على اسمه عندما حاول ترك تعليق على منتج اشتراه من شركة بيع التجزئة “نيوإيغ” الأميركية المتخصصة في بيع الإلكترونيات.
وزير الخارجية القطري يبحث مع نظيره الأميركي التطورات في المنطقة
تلقى الشيخ محمد بن عبد الرحمن آل ثاني نائب رئيس مجلس الوزراء وزير الخارجية القطري اتصالا هاتفيا من وزير الخارجية الأميركي أنتوني بلينكن.
إندبندنت: في وضح النهار.. الجالية اليهودية في الإمارات تزدهر بعد اتفاق التطبيع
قالت صحيفة إندبندنت إن ظروف الجالية اليهودية المقيمة في الإمارات تغيرت كثيرا بعد توقيع اتفاق التطبيع مع إسرائيل في أغسطس/آب الماضي.
الحرب في اليمن
معارك عنيفة في مأرب والسعودية تدمر صاروخا وطائرة مسيرة أطلقهما الحوثيون باتجاه جازان وخميس مشيط
تواصلت المعارك العنيفة بين الجيش اليمني والحوثيين بمأرب، في حين قالت وسائل إعلام سعودية إن التحالف دمّر صاروخا باليستيا وطائرة مسيرة أطلقهما الحوثيون اتجاه جازان وخميس مشيط.
السعودية تعترض طائرة مسيرة مفخخة أطلقها الحوثيون باتجاه قاعدة جوية جنوب المملكة
قال التلفزيون السعودي إن التحالف بقيادة السعودية اعترض طائرة مسيرة مفخخة أطلقها الحوثيون صوب مدينة خميس مشيط جنوبي المملكة.
اليمن.. السعودية تحبط هجوما بزورق حوثي ملغم وسقوط ضحايا مدنيين بقصف للجماعة على مأرب
أعلنت وسائل إعلام سعودية اليوم السبت إحباط هجوم بزورق ملغم أطلقته جماعة الحوثي جنوب البحر الأحمر، بينما ذكرت مصادر سقوط ضحايا مدنيين جراء قصف من مقاتلي الجماعة على مدينة مأرب.
الحوثيون يستهدفون مطار جازان بطائرة مسيرة والتحالف يعلن تدميرها
.قال الحوثيون إنهم هاجموا بطائرة مسيرة مرابض طائرات حربية في مطار جازان جنوبي السعودية، في حين أعلنت قيادة التحالف اعتراض الطائرة وتدميرها
غارات للتحالف على مأرب.. قصف حوثي لمطار أبها والسعودية تعلن تدمير مسيرة
.قالت وسائل إعلام سعودية إن التحالف دمر طائرة مسيرة مفخخة أطلقها الحوثيون باتجاه خميس مشيط، في حين أعلن الحوثيون قصف مطار أبها (جنوب غربي السعودية) بطائرة مسيرة
فيروس كورونا
قرار جديد أعلنته السعودية.. هؤلاء فقط من سيسمح لهم بأداء مناسك العمرة في رمضان
أعلنت السلطات السعودية أنها ستسمح فقط للأشخاص الذين تلقوا اللقاح المضاد لفيروس كورونا والمتعافين من الإصابة بالفيروس بأداء مناسك العمرة والصلاة في المسجد الحرام في مكة المكرمة خلال شهر رمضان الفضيل.
فن وثقافة
مسلسل "قارئة الفنجان" بين التكنولوجيا والخرافة والكثير من الرعب
بالرغم من تصنيف المسلسل على أنه عمل لبناني، فإنه يُعد تجربة عربية مشتركة، إذ ضم جنسيات متعددة: مصرية ولبنانية وسعودية وسورية وعراقية.
قانون
السعودية تنفذ حكم الإعدام بحق 3 من جنودها بتهمة الخيانة العظمى
ذكرت وكالة الأنباء السعودية، نقلا عن وزارة الدفاع، أنه تم تنفيذ الإعدام بحق 3 من الجنود بعد إدانتهم بارتكاب جريمة الخيانة العظمى.
شرطة دبي تقبض على مجموعة أشخاص بتهمة التقاط صور عارية
القبض على مجموعة من الأشخاص في دبي بتهمة ارتكاب فعل فاحش في مكان عام بعد التقاطهم صورا لنساء عاريات في الشارع.
فريق الخبراء الأممي الخاص باليمن يتراجع عن اتهاماته للحكومة والبنك المركزي
فريق الخبراء، التابع لمجلس الأمن الدولي الخاص باليمن، يتراجع عن اتهاماته للبنك المركزي اليمني بارتكاب عمليات فساد وغسل أموال في الوديعة الممنوحة من السعودية عام 2018.