Gulf and Red Sea Regions

In an interview with the National News to celebrate the brand's launch at a new Dubai concept store, chief executive of the Azza Fahmy jewellery brand Fatma Ghaly, presented how the brand was forced to get creative and represent an image of the local craft of Egypt.  

Saudi Arabia announced on Thursday, its strategy for the 'Riyadh Vision'. The plan was revealed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and it aims to make Riyadh among the world's top 10 economic cities in order to drive forward the country’s economic, industrial and tourism growth in the upcoming years. 

The UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade affirmed the UAE’s willingness to support joint Gulf action in various priority economic issues. Some of the expected changes is an amended consumer protection system, the adoption of the amended patent system, and continuing to support and encourage small and medium enterprises and institutions.

Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia are taking steps to promote business ties and investment at a time when both countries continue to prioritise economic reform and development.

In light of the health measures and stay home orders imposed by the Coronavirus pandemic, Kuwaitis head outdoors for local picnics known as 'Kashta' (Plural: Kashtat). Camping season is popular in Arabia when temperatures become moderate after the scorching summers.

The demise of the Trump administration and the return of Joe Biden to the White House, this time as president, will have more consequences than usual, with immediate changes expected in both the style and substance of leadership. The incoming administration will have a full in-tray of issues that need to be dealt with urgently. When it comes to the Gulf region and the wider Middle East, there will be five areas where important changes are likely.

A new nuclear deal could address Iran’s aggressive policies in the Middle East, Antony Blinken the Secretary of State designate told his senate confirmation hearings on Tuesday. Blinken told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that the administration of President-elect Joe Biden would seek a “longer and stronger deal.”

Qatar is urging Gulf Arab nations to initiate dialogue with Iran stating Doha's willingness to broker dialogue. The Qatari foreign minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, has been calling for such dialogue for a long time. Sheikh Mohammed said that the government was “hopeful that this would happen and we still believe this should happen.”

Fighting broke out in Hodeidah province on Yemen's west coast between pro-government forces and Houthis forces on Sunday. Sources suggest that fighting started as early on Saturday and escalated the following day with the use of heavy weapons.