June
Idyllic Gulf expat bubble punctured by missiles
Overseas workers moved to an oasis of prosperity and security, then the explosions started. For many, this is their first experience of a Middle East war.
Travel chaos in Gulf as planes divert, turnaround mid-flight
Qatar suspended flights over its airspace and flights in and out of Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest hub, were temporarily suspended.
What happens to global oil if Iran tries to close Strait of Hormuz?
Iran would have no legal authority to order a halt to traffic through the key shipping waterway, but has said it will reserve all options to defend itself.
The vast arsenal Trump could deploy if he strikes Iran
The military assets are huge, but it’s unclear whether the president will deepen US involvement beyond helping Israel defend against Iranian air attacks.
Why Israel attacked Iran, and what to watch for next
After decades of tension, a shift in the conflict between the Jewish state and Islamic Republic to open warfare is now be a real possibility.
Why Saudi Arabia raised oil output before Israel’s attack on Iran
After holding back supply for almost three years to push prices higher, the output curbs are no longer having as much impact, say analysts.
Why cornered Iran could decide to spark a Middle East war
An aggressive counterattack risks escalation. But giving in to US and Israeli demands is an unlikely alternative.
Paris Saint-Germain wins Champions League for first time
The trophy that not even Lionel Messi, Neymar or Kylian Mbappe could deliver to the French club was finally claimed by Luis Enrique, the Spanish coach.
May
Nvidia’s Huang lashes Trump’s China AI ban but spells out chip boom
The technology giant buoyed investors with a bullish outlook for the growth in artificial intelligence, but warned it was ceding markets where it cannot sell.
Middle East’s Nvidia demand could add $1trn to AI market boom
Sovereign AI deals have become key to Nvidia’s strategy to entice customers beyond Silicon Valley and reduce its reliance on big tech companies, and China.
Why is Trump so obsessed with other men’s looks?
The US president has never made a secret of his preoccupation with looks. But what has increased is the amount of time he devotes to the appearance of men.
Nvidia seeks to build its business beyond big tech
The chipmaker is establishing ties with nation states and ‘neoclouds’ in an effort to reduce reliance on Microsoft, Amazon and Google.
Megadeals and hyperbole: Is Trump’s Gulf tour more fiction than fact?
The US president’s visit has been a four-day jamboree of opulent ceremonies and petrodollar-fuelled investment pledges.
Woodside, Aramco sign rare deal to partner on global, US energy projects
President Trump wasn’t the only one doing deals at the US-Saudi investment forum in Riyadh, with Woodside inking a landmark tie-up with energy giant Aramco.
Trump goes for gold in the Middle East
The US president’s visit to the region is focused on the money that’s on offer. Israel and Gaza are not part of the equation for instant returns.
Trump’s Middle East visit is all about the money
When you’ve initiated a trade war with China, snaring foreign investment is like a victory on the battlefield for the US president.
Nvidia, AMD sell chips to Saudi Arabia for AI data centres
The companies are trying to broaden their customer base for artificial intelligence accelerators, a fast-growing field that’s facing tighter regulation in the US.
Trump seeks bromance and billions as he heads to Gulf
The US president expects a flurry of deals on his first official foreign trip, but he’ll still have to discuss the war in Gaza roiling the region.
A dark shadow looms over Trump’s attempt to woo the Middle East
Israel and the Gulf states are watching warily as the US president takes on Iran’s fanatics in a game of nuclear brinkmanship.
April
Piastri on top of the world with a lot more winning to do
It is the first time an Australian has led the drivers’ standings for 15 years, following his manager Mark Webber in 2010.