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Semafor gulf

ADNOC Gas embarks on $5B expansion

The company plans to double its liquefied natural gas production by 2028 and is pouring capital into operations to support gas self-sufficiency in the UAE.
A LNG tanker is tugged towards a thermal power station in Futtsu.Issei Kato/Reuters

Millions of patient records hacked in Dubai

A hacker group claims to have stolen data from one of Dubai’s leading hospitals, a major breach as health care providers in the region push to digitize records.
American Hospital Dubai.Courtesy of American Hospital Dubai

A Trump deal for Palestine could tame Iran’s regime

By stripping Tehran of its last excuse to confront Israel, Trump could trigger a transformation in an already isolated and economically weakened Iran.
People walk past an anti-US mural on a street in TehranMajid Asgaripour/Reuters

UAE defense firm EDGE lands $2.5B Kuwait ship deal

Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence agreed to buy eight patrol ships from EDGE, marking the first international order for the company.
60-metre FALAJ 3 naval patrol vessel.Courtesy of EDGE

Gulf countries expand their footprint in Africa

The UAE is backing a new economic zone and digital incubator in Ghana, while Qatari businesses are considering investments in Tanzania.
PCFC, Government of Ghana sign MoU to establish economic zone, digital incubator in Accra.Emirates News Agency

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.

OPEC+ increases output again, potentially lowering prices

The oil cartel continued to increase output, as what once shocked markets is now becoming routine.

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.

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.

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.

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.