Events Email Briefings
rotating globe
Privacy© 2025 Semafor Inc.
  • D.C.
  • BXL
  • Lagos
  • Riyadh
  • Beijing
  • SG
Events Email Briefings
  • D.C.
  • BXL
  • Lagos
Semafor Logo
  • Riyadh
  • Beijing
  • SG
rotating globe
IntelligentTransparentGlobal

Semafor gulf

Drones and air conditioning to keep pilgrims safe during Hajj

Saudi authorities are increasing their use of technology to protect Hajj pilgrims from the heat, with more than 1.8 million expected at the world’s largest annual religious gathering.
Muslims perform morning prayers in the Grand Mosque during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in the holy city of Mecca.Saudi Press Agency/Handout via Reuters

Analysis: Another word for the Trump Doctrine — Pragmatism

President Donald Trump’s Middle East strategy is to abandon the lectures and embrace partnerships that benefit all sides.
President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman pose for a group photo during the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum, in Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaBrian Snyder/Reuters

OPEC+ increases output again, potentially lowering prices

The oil cartel continued to increase output, as what once shocked markets is now becoming routine.
People walk past an installation depicting barrel of oil with the logo of Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) during the COP29 United Nations climate change conference in Baku, Azerbaijan.Maxim Shemetov/File Photo/Reuters

Abu Dhabi residents’ wealth leads to skyrocketing divorce settlements

Recent changes to UAE courts are bringing in a growing number of divorce cases, with more than 1,000 cases involving expats argued in Abi Dhabi in less than five years.
Exterior view of the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court.Emirates News Agency

Gulf countries look east and west for trade agreements

An inaugural summit of Southeast Asian countries, China, and the Gulf was held in Kuala Lumpur as countries look to counter economic volatility and US tariffs.
A group photo of leaders attending the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, May 27, 2025.Hasnoor Hussain/Reuters

Syria signs first reconstruction deal valued at $7B

The deal comes weeks after US President Donald Trump decided to lift sanctions on Damascus, in a signal of a shifting regional order.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa attends the signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Energy and Qatar’s UCC Holding.Yamam Al Shaar/Reuters

Trump bets on Gulf in unconventional Syria policy

Easing sanctions on Syria may pull Damascus into a Gulf-led regional realignment.

Israel accepts Gaza ceasefire proposal now under review by Hamas

Hopes for a pause in the conflict in Gaza have risen after a new ceasefire proposal was accepted by Israeli negotiators.

Analysis: Drones are rewriting the Gulf’s defense doctrine

An economist’s analysis of drone warfare reveals a clear strategy for the Gulf: offense is the best defense.

Ronaldo appears set to exit Saudi club Al Nassr

‘This chapter is over,’ Cristiano Ronaldo posted to X within hours of the Saudi Pro League’s season-ender.

Saudi’s AI company HUMAIN plans $10B venture fund

The firm is also planning to build out data center capacity worth as much as $77 billion, its CEO said.

The Syrian entrepreneur gunning to be Ukraine’s drone king

Khaled Alfaiomi is building a billion-euro factory and pitching combat-tested aircraft to NATO and Gulf buyers.

Qataris will finally get clarity on their holiday calendar

Qatar is the latest Gulf country to scrap the guessing game on when Islamic festivals will fall, releasing a calendar for both the public and private sectors.

Gulf airlines rake in record profits

The Gulf’s top three carriers all had record years in 2024, giving airlines confidence about where business is heading.

SolarWinds eyes Gulf growth in comeback

The Texas-based software company, which counts many government entities among its customers, is retooling for the age of AI.

Saudi Arabia launches global tourism industry event

The tourism business lacks a global platform to study trends and set priorities, Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al Khateeb said during the launch of TOURISE.

Gulf’s first woman-led private equity firm closes debut fund

Aliph Capital, founded by Huda Al Lawati, raised $200 million and plans to invest in mid-sized Gulf companies.

OpenAI plans massive UAE data center project

The project is set to become one of the most powerful AI computing clusters, reaching a capacity of 1 gigawatt.