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Saudi social reforms will create economic openings

Location:

SAUDI ARABIA

The rapid social changes under way, such as letting women drive and reopening cinemas, largely focus on creating new economic opportunities. They also serve a political purpose…

Gulf states’ internal security crackdown may intensify

Location:

GULF STATES

Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states have in recent months stepped up regulation on cyber issues: Bahrain arrested six people on March 31 over "defamatory" tweets. The wider…

Saudi women will struggle to dictate pace of reform

Location:

SAUDI ARABIA

The measures represent a milestone in the ongoing process of easing restrictive rules which make women legally dependent on husbands or male relatives. However, several leading…

A Gulf human rights pushback worsens EU dilemmas

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GULF STATES/EU

Riyadh reacted to Ottawa’s criticism of the arrests by breaking diplomatic ties and immediately withdrawing investments, trade, students and medical patients, demanding support…

Saudi power centralisation faces medium-term risks

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SAUDI ARABIA

Those freed include senior prince Walid bin Talal and other heads of large companies: it is unclear whether they handed over economic assets in exchange. Crown Prince Mohammed bin…

Saudi social change will lag, especially for women

Location:

SAUDI ARABIA

Nearly a year into the ‘Vision 2030’ strategic plan, Riyadh is also seeking to boost the economy and combat boredom among Saudi youth through some cautious steps towards social…

Gulf states may co-opt US policy agenda

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GULF STATES

In a packed, high-profile programme, Trump will meet Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders, attend bilateral Saudi talks and address a summit of Muslim rulers. This comes four…

Saudi crown prince will see Biden visit as vindication

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SAUDI ARABIA

The visit signals that the Biden administration accepts that it must deal with the crown prince and is reconciled to him becoming king. Bin Salman was worried that Washington…

United Arab Emirates will maintain strong stability

Location:

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

UAE politics and internal security.

As G20 host, Saudi Arabia might ease its alcohol ban

Location:

SAUDI ARABIA

Following the high-profile end to the female driving ban in mid-2018, the Riyadh leadership launched a slew of social reforms, including new entertainment opportunities. Most…