Our fortnightly round-up of the latest Arabic books covering a wide range of topics, reflecting some of the trends and thinking in the Arab world

In 1511, there were places in Mecca specifically designated for selling and drinking coffee, known as coffee houses. Decades later, the first café opened in Istanbul.

Despite sanctions, Iran is still a big oil producer, with huge refining capacity. It also controls waterways crucial to the flow of Gulf oil. Yet the West has reserves and China's demand is dropping.

Netanyahu is pushing for a 'New Middle East' that erases Palestine from the map. With Trump in the White House, all bets are off. We must act now before it's too late.

Although it was one of the first countries in the region to produce oil, its natural resources proved limited, so it turned to finance, where it was able to carve out a niche role for itself

Our fortnightly round-up of the latest Arabic books covering a wide range of topics, reflecting some of the trends and thinking in the Arab world

As those representing capital fly into Riyadh for the Future Investment Initiative, there are renewed opportunities in a diversifying and more sustainable Saudi economy

The Iranian foreign minister has just concluded a regional tour, working out who is still a friend, who is frosty, and who might help in other ways in its hour of need

Although Gulf states can't give as much as they did before, there is still a huge need, and they will continue to play a key role in helping out

The PIF has been the primary driver for meeting the needs of Vision 2030, attracting foreign investments, and enhancing local content by increasing the private sector's contribution to its portfolio…