Arabic international newspaper based in London, a pioneer of offshore Arabic press
GCC states and Egypt align on security concerns, with Qatar pursuing defence autonomy and Cairo signaling robust support for Saudi security. The shift centers on reducing reliance on external guarantees amid regional tensions, while maintaining alliances.
The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement and a bilateral safeguards pact, but President Donald Trump has said the deal is conditional on Riyadh normalising relations with Israel. Officials and commentators are disputing whether the White House and Energy Department coordinated the announcement. Critics warn the pact weakens non‑proliferation safeguards and could spur a regional arms race.
At TIFF 2026, studios are bypassing fall festivals while markets expand. Major releases skip screenings, while the market and Red Sea Fund-backed projects push Toronto as a hub for sales and international partnerships. TIFF’s evolving role mirrors a broader shift in how studios reach audiences and win awards amid a crowded fall slate.
A blast in Idlib's Sarmada area has killed and injured civilians as authorities investigate a depot storing weapons and unexploded munitions. Civil defense teams are assessing the site and working to secure surrounding areas amid a pattern of explosions linked to stockpiles left from years of conflict.
NAZA, an 80‑minute documentary by Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, has premiered at the Venice Film Festival, won a special jury prize and prompted sustained criticism from Israeli officials. The film presents anonymous testimony from 24 Israeli military and intelligence personnel alleging AI‑assisted targeting and frequent civilian deaths in Gaza; Israel’s defence establishment has rejected the claims and ordered inquiries.
Gulf states and Iran have been negotiating a temporary shipping framework for the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing war-related disruptions. Oman and Iran are coordinating on routes while Bahrain has declined participation. Oil-price volatility remains as markets watch for a regional security framework to emerge.
Eritrea has welcomed the lifting of U.S. sanctions, saying the move removes a political impediment to investment and broader cooperation. Officials cite a shift in U.S. policy and ongoing regional security concerns as drivers for renewed engagement, including talks on trade, Egypt relations, and Red Sea security.
Aid agencies warn that displacement and hunger in Sudan have surged. More than 11 million people are displaced or refugees, with eastern Chad hosting thousands crossing the border as fighting continues. Funding shortfalls threaten relief efforts as conditions deteriorate for those fleeing to safety.
UNIFIL faces a year-end withdrawal as Lebanon strengthens its army deployments in the south. Israeli strikes, Lebanese army positions, and Deir Mimas clashes shape a rapidly evolving security picture amid international talks on a donor conference and future peacekeeping arrangements.
Yemeni government forces have intensified operations against Houthi positions across Taiz and along the Bab al-Mandeb coast. Rashad al-Alimi has called on citizens to mobilise and offered amnesty to defectors, as Houthis push to expand control over western Yemen and threaten shipping lanes through the Bab al-Mandeb strait.
Saudi Arabia has secured the Gulf Cup title at home after a 2-0 win over the UAE, with early goals from Hammam Al-Hammami and Feras Al-Brikan setting the pace. Donis’s side solidified their path to Asian Cup 2027 preparations, while UAE’s Zlatko Dalic era faces a difficult lesson in resilience.
Saudi cinema gains global attention as Taibah’s film, A Matter of Life and Death, is Saudi Arabia’s official submission for Best International Feature Film at the 2027 Academy Awards, while the wider film festival circuit highlights local talent amid new industry initiatives.
The Future Investment Initiative, often dubbed “Davos in the Desert,” has been postponed to 2027. Organizers say the decision aims to deliver the event’s expected scale, quality, and impact, with new dates to be announced soon. Attendees previously expected speakers from Goldman Sachs, Google, BlackRock and others. The postponement follows regional security strains, including Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.