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The Latest Breaking News from GCC

Over 50% of GCC’s population are expats, with Indians leading at 9.1 million and Bangladeshis at 5 million

A region long seen as a hub of opportunity is now navigating uncertainty as geopolitical tensions escalate. Nearly 62 million people living across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are caught in the broader impact of the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran, with foreign workers forming a significant part of…

The Times of India

Donald Trump's 'Holy War': 'Chinese Nostradamus' Claims US Leaders Believe Iran Conflict Is Armageddon

Beijing-based academic Jiang Xueqin, dubbed 'China's Nostradamus', claims Donald Trump's 'holy war' with Iran could unravel NATO, crush Europe and reorder global power within a decade. His stark eight-point forecast blends unverified reports from the US military with a bleak reading of religious politics in Washington and Tehran.

International Business Times UK

‘Not our war’: Gulf states weigh up options as existential threat from Iran conflict grows

Arab states have so far only acted defensively, but there is growing fear war is entering new, more dangerous phase

The Guardian - UK

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Police planned to disperse Isaac Herzog protest in Sydney if crowd hit 6,000, encrypted messages suggest

Senior public servant wrote ‘police will be dispersing them if numbers exceed capacity’ while premier says protesters confronted after attempting to march

The Guardian - AU

UK calls for allies to keep pressure on Russia after US eases oil sanctions

No 10 said the decision ultimately lay with the US but that Britain remained committed to bringing ‘maximum’ financial strain on Moscow.

Evening Standard

Yvette Cooper continues Saudi visit as Iran threatens to block key oil route

The Foreign Secretary arrived in the country on Thursday in a show of solidarity with Gulf states hit by Iran’s retaliation to US-Israeli strikes.

Evening Standard

Middle East news: HSBC makes bold GCC prediction as Iran vs US-Israel war rattles markets and oil prices surge

Despite escalating Iran vs US-Israel war, HSBC reaffirms strong confidence in GCC economies, signalling global banks are not retreating. The region's diversified economies, fiscal strength and strategic location continue to attract capital, even as markets grapple with conflict-driven volatility and energy price surges. Financial hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi…

The Times of India

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The Middle East conflict has swiftly exposed economic vulnerability in the region

At the end of 2025, the Gulf states received high praise for their economic resilience. According to reports by the World Bank and the World Economic Forum, the region was stable, modern and reliable.

The Conversation

‘We were surprised’: Trump admits one ‘aggressive’ shift in the Iran war changed everything

Trump is open to any help he can get.

We Got This Covered

Saudi Arabia: King Salman orders full hospitality for stranded GCC citizens; 2,500 hotel rooms allocated in Makkah

Saudi Arabia is hosting stranded GCC nationals in Makkah with 2,500 hotel rooms allocated by the Makkah Chamber of Commerce. This initiative, a directive from King Salman, ensures comfort and facilitates safe return, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to regional unity and hospitality during travel disruptions.

The Times of India

Gulf states on verge of acting against Iran over ‘reckless’ strikes across region

Meeting of six-country cooperation council says option to respond to attacks by Tehran remains on the table

The Guardian - UK

Middle East tensions surge: Saudi Arabia summons Iran envoy in escalating Gulf crisis amid US-Israel attacks

Saudi Arabia has summoned Iran's ambassador. This action follows Iranian attacks on Saudi territory and neighbouring Gulf states. The move escalates tensions linked to the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran. Other Gulf nations like Kuwait and Qatar have also protested Iranian actions. Saudi Arabia vows to defend its sovereignty and…

The Times of India

Why was Oman spared as Iran targeted Gulf states after US–Israel strikes

Missile strikes rocked the Gulf following US-Israeli actions against Iran, hitting Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. Oman, however, remained untouched. This neutrality, coupled with its crucial role as a diplomatic intermediary between Tehran and Washington, likely protected it from retaliation, preserving a vital, albeit fragile, communication line…

The Times of India

Driving into Saudi Arabia? New 90-day rule for GCC vehicles explained

Vehicles bearing Gulf plates will soon face a firm time limit inside Saudi Arabia. Under new rules approved by the Saudi government, cars registered in any Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country can no longer remain in the Kingdom beyond 90 days within a 365-day period.

The Times of India

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The Times of India

'Rebellious younger sibling': How Saudi-UAE split is reshaping the Middle East

Saudi Arabia and the UAE, once close allies, are now locked in open rivalry, impacting the Yemen war, cross-border trade, and regional flashpoints. This strategic split challenges core assumptions about Gulf stability and investor confidence. The dispute, fueled by economic competition and differing regional visions, is escalating with potential for…

The Times of India

How to apply for GCC Unified Visa 2026: Step-by-step guide, documents checklist for single entry to 6 Gulf countries with Schengen-style visa

The GCC is launching a unified tourist visa, allowing entry to all six member states with a single online application. Travellers can expect a streamlined digital process, requiring essential documents like a valid passport, itinerary and proof of funds. This initiative aims to simplify multi-country travel across Saudi Arabia, UAE,…

Euronews

EU courts Gulf countries for free trade deal as Brussels seeks to counter tariffs

The EU's special envoy to the Gulf told Euronews it's high time to get a deal done as Brussels looks to bolster business ties with wealthy Arab nations. Free trade talks have stalled for two decades over political disagreements and conditions for market access.

The Times of India

GCC Unified Visa 2026 explained: Launch date, eligibility, fee, validity of Schengen-style visa for Gulf

Travellers will soon experience easier journeys across Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman. A unified tourist visa is set to launch in 2026. This single permit will allow visitors to explore all six Gulf nations without applying for individual visas. The initiative aims to boost tourism and economic…

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Newslaundry

In Chennai’s affluent lanes, pavements are eaten up by cars, ramps and debris

A pedestrian walking through 5th Cross Street in Shastri Nagar, an upscale neighbourhood in south Chennai, would find the going hard. Out of 20 buildings TNM surveyed, 10 had ramps encroaching on the pavement, and eight had cars parked on them. Debris was found dumped in three places, and in…

Evening Standard

Reeves signals tax rises being considered at Budget during Saudi Arabia visit

In an indication some form of tax rises could be on the table, the Chancellor suggested the Government needed to ensure its fiscal rules are met.

The Independent UK

Rachel Reeves hints at tax rises in Budget as she heads to Riyadh in search of trade deal

The chancellor is widely expected to use the Budget to increase taxes once again, with the Institute for Fiscal Studies estimating she needs to find £22bn via tax rises or spending cuts to meet her self-imposed fiscal rule

The Guardian - UK

Reeves to lead trade mission to Saudi Arabia amid human rights concerns

Ministers hope to secure a deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council that could add £1.6bn to the UK economy

Tom’s Hardware

China releases 'UBIOS' standard to replace UEFI — Huawei-backed BIOS firmware replacement charges China's domestic computing goals

Support for chiplets, heterogeneous computing, and a step away from U.S.-based standards are key features of China's BIOS replacement.

Al Jazeera

What are the GCC’s air defence capabilities?

Six-nation group in the Middle East reaffirms joint military system in light of Israeli attack on Qatar.

The Guardian - UK

Gulf leaders call on Trump to rein in Israel after Qatar emergency summit

Arab states say US should use its leverage and influence as they promise to ‘activate joint defence mechanisms’

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