Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's first-quarter budget figures reflect a steadily diversifying the economy, reducing reliance on oil as the country's main source of income, and boosting opportunities the private sector

To effectively navigate Beijing's encroachment into the Middle East, Washington needs policy clarity and shrewd management of its relations with its regional partners

The deal is an opportunity to build trust between the two countries until it leads to a favourable regional climate that will have positive knock-on effects in Yemen and other troubled states

Power dynamics in Middle East are shifting. After Saudi Arabia's moves to normalise relations with Iran, Syria has choices to make over differing efforts to bring it out of isolation.

From multi-billion dollar contracts to boost port capacity to new shipping lines and logistical parks, maritime transport is at the forefront of Vision 2030 plans to transform the Kingdom's economy

Some observers are speculating that the Chinese decision could spell the end for the dollar's dominance

Countries such as Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco have been traditional magnets for tourists in the region, but now GCC countries are becoming rising competitors

The importance of fully examining structural history above and below ground cannot be overstated and preservation efforts are urgently needed in Khaybar to protect what is there

Three factors that limit optimism over the deal are Iran's radicals, China's unwillingness to play a more significant security role in the region and Israel's fear over Iran's nuclear programme 

With significant and deepening interests in the Middle East, Beijing's growing role in geopolitics is reshaping both the region and China's reputation in global diplomacy, first via Riyadh and Tehran