Sehaj Singh

Ahead of a planned meeting with the U.S., Saudi Arabia emphasised that normalisation with Israel would be conditional on a credible pathway to Palestinian statehood, signalling the Kingdom’s careful diplomatic calculations amid evolving Gulf-Middle East geopolitics. Source: Reuters.

Oil prices edged upward on Monday, driven by optimism that a U.S. government shutdown may soon end, boosting expectations for revived consumer demand and economic activity — factors relevant for Gulf oil-exporting states. Source: Reuters.

A new partnership between Singapore’s commercial court system and Bahrain creates a gateway for regional law and advisory firms to handle construction, energy and banking disputes via arbitration and legal infrastructure centered in the Gulf. Source: The Business Times.

Suliman Gaouda, Regional VP MEA at Sitecore Middle East, outlines how the composable, cloud-native digital-experience platform is helping organisations across the Middle East unify content, data and customer interactions, driving digital transformation. Source: Gulf Business.

Air India Express has announced expanded connectivity that includes a direct service between Nagpur (India) and Abu Dhabi (UAE). This new route strengthens ties between India and the Gulf, offering enhanced passenger flow and trade potential across the region. Source: Tour & Travel World.

Dominic Arel has been appointed Vice President of Operations for the Middle East at United Hospitality Management. The role will oversee the firm’s regional hospitality developments and operations as the Gulf hospitality market expands. Source: Travel & Tour World.

S&P Global has upgraded Israel’s credit-outlook from “negative” to “stable” following a truce in the Gaza conflict. The improvement reflects easing security risks, though the ratings agency noted ongoing fiscal uncertainty and the need for structural reforms. Source: Reuters.

Luxury-hotel developments are being rolled out across the Gulf, with key launches scheduled in Saudi Arabia and the UAE in 2026. These new properties aim to cater to tourism growth, business travel demand and regional diversification strategies. Source: Travel & Tour World.

Ulta Beauty has launched its first store in the Middle East, opening at The Avenues Mall in Kuwait. The ~15,000 sq ft flagship marks the brand’s entry into the region and is part of a broader expansion plan. Source: The Times Of India.

Reliance Industries, India’s major refiner & importer, is reportedly offering Middle Eastern crude grades (e.g., Murban, Upper Zakum) on the spot market — a shift from its usual import-only mode — as geopolitical and sanction dynamics reshape the oil trade. Source: The Financial Express.