World Powers And Iran Pause Nuclear Talks For Christmas

Experts from the six world powers and Iran have to settle the practical details of the accord.

Saudi King Appoints Son To Head Mecca Province

Prince Mishaal replaces Prince Khaled al-Faisal, who has been made education minister.

Kuwaiti Gets 5-Year Jail Term For Insulting Ruler

The convicted man’s lawyer said the ruling against Kuwaiti Mohammad al-Mikhyal was “harsh” and did not take into account his mental health problems.

UAE Nationals Exempt From EU-Schengen Visa

The decision has been passed by the EU Council of ministers, but requires final approval from the European Parliament.

US, Britain Have Not Helped Syrian Rebels Enough – Saudi Prince

Former Saudi intelligence chief Prince Turki bin Faisal said the two nations did not provide the necessary aid to the rebel unit.

Gulf Leaders Concerned By Iran’s Plans For More Nuclear Plants

Iranian media have said Tehran is in serious talks with Russia to construct new nuclear power stations.

Chuck Hagel Underscores Support For Syrian Moderates

The U.S. Defense Secretary met with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad and Defence Minister Hamad bin Ali al-Attiyah.

Kuwaiti Court Acquits 70 After Parliament Storming

Protesters, including nine former lawmakers, stormed parliament in 2011 demanding it should be sacked.

Saudi Call For Gulf Arab Union Faces Hurdles

Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah proposed two years ago for a stronger union with Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.

Iran, Saudi Strategists Spar, Swap Ideas, Over Gulf Security

A meeting of military officers, diplomats and analysts took place during a security conference in Bahrain last weekend.

Qatar Pushes For Gulf Arab Inclusion In Iran Talks

Qatari foreign minister Khaled al-Attiyah said the GCC deserved a place at the table as essential partners in regional stability.

Iran Eyes Better Ties With UAE After Nuclear Deal With West

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif visited the UAE as part of a regional tour to improve relations with the GCC.

Russia’s Putin, Saudi Prince Bandar Discuss Syria, Iran

The Kremlin said Putin and Prince Bandar discussed plans for a long-delayed international peace conference on Syria.

US Navy To Expand Presence In Bahrain

The Gulf state is currently home to the US 5th Fleet.

Bahrain Court Rejects Jailed Activist’s Request For Release

Nabeel Rajab was sentenced in 2012 to two years in prison for cases related to organising and participating in protests.

Dubai’s Ruler: No Excuse For Delays After Expo 2020 Win

Sheikh Mohammed urges nation to accelerate growth and warns against complacency during his address on the UAE’s 42nd National Day.

Iran Says Seeks Better Cooperation With Saudi Arabia

Iran’s foreign minister said that the nuclear deal reached in Geneva on Nov. 24 should not be seen as a threat.

UAE President Approves Dhs20bn For Development Projects

Sheikh Khalifa also commended Dubai’s Expo 2020 win during his address on the occasion of the UAE’s 42nd National Day.

Saudi Arabia, Kuwait Tighten Controls On Clerics

In Kuwait the authorities have resumed the monitoring of sermons.

Gulf Arab States Say Syrian Opposition Should Attend Geneva

Saudi Arabia and Qatar are the main backers of the Syrian National Coalition and the Free Syrian Army.

UAE Foreign Minister To Make Rare Visit To Iran

UAE’s Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed is expected to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and other officials.

US President Obama Phones Saudi King Abdullah About Iran Nuclear Deal

Iran signed an interim deal with six world powers to curb its nuclear programme.

UAE Welcomes Iran’s Nuclear Deal

As per the deal signed on Sunday, Iran will curb its nuclear programme in exchange for initial sanctions relief

Wary Silence From Arabs Over Iran Deal

Under the deal, signed on Sunday, Iran is being given relief from sanctions in return for curbs to its nuclear programme.

Iran, Six World Powers Clinch Breakthrough Nuclear Deal

The agreement between Iran and the United States, France, Germany, Britain, China and Russia was nailed down after more than four days of negotiations.

US-Arab Strains Hand Russia Chance To Regain Some Mideast Clout

There is a perception that America is an increasingly reluctant regional policeman.

Kuwait To Grant Africa $2bn In Development Loans, Investments

The soft loans will be granted through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, said emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Jaber al-Sabah

Kuwait To Grant Africa $1bn In Development Loans

The loans would come on top of investments by Kuwaiti companies in a number of sectors.

UK PM Cameron Meets Dubai Ruler, Backs 2020 Bid

As part of an official UAE visit, David Cameron also visited Dubai World Central, the venue of the Dubai Airshow.

UAE Urges Iran To Tackle Regional Issues

The UAE and Iran both lay claim to the islands of Abu Musa and Greater and Lesser Tunb at the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz.