Gulf States

Dubai's economy is experiencing a pronounced boom in real estate, aviation, and precious metals. Major real estate deals and a strategic expansion of Dubai Silicon Oasis are underway, while Emirates is on a hiring spree and gold prices have reached record highs. The period also saw a silver shortage with a 15% premium and the resumption of Red Sea shipping after a ceasefire.

• 6Dubai sees major real estate deals and Emirates hiring spree
• 5Dubai gold prices reach record highs as buyers seek flexible payments
• 3Silver shortage in Dubai: Buyers pay 15% premium as demand rises
• 3Mohammed bin Rashid launches Dh12.8 billion strategic expansion projects for Dubai Silicon Oasis
• 3Dubai: Gold prices slip on profit-taking; 24K continues to trade above Dh550

The UAE is firmly positioned as a key mediator in international conflicts, hosting the first trilateral Russia-Ukraine-US talks in Abu Dhabi. Gulf states are also actively engaging in new multilateral initiatives, with the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar joining Trump's 'Board of Peace' alongside Israel and Turkey. Bilateral ties are being strengthened, as seen in defense and energy deals with India.

• 28Russia, Ukraine and US hold first trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi
• 9UAE, Bahrain, and Belarus join Trump's new 'Board of Peace' initiative
• 5UAE Bars Use of Its Airspace for Attacks on Iran
• 2Egypt, Qatar, Oman urge intensified de-escalation efforts, resumption of Iran-US talks
• 2UAE President to discuss trade, investments and energy with Putin

Gulf states are publicly distancing themselves from potential US-led military action against Iran, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia explicitly barring the use of their territory, airspace, and waters for such attacks. This recalibration occurs alongside continued US arms sales to regional allies like Saudi Arabia and a reduction of the security alert at a Qatar air base after Iran reopened its airspace.

• 3Yemen separatist leader fled to UAE: Saudi-led coalition - Region - World
• 2UAE bars use of its airspace for strikes against Iran
• 2Bengaluru police arrest 12 in Dubai-linked mule account scam, seize assets worth ₹1 crore
• 1Nine jailed for seven years in gambling and money laundering website case in Kuwait
• 1USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group currently deployed to Middle East: U.S. Central Command

The dominant societal tension revolves around media freedom and geopolitical alignment, highlighted by Al Jazeera's public denunciation of YouTube's compliance with an Israeli ban on the network. This conflict over narrative control is set against a backdrop of states emphasizing cultural tolerance, humanitarian leadership, and public health reassurance.

• 1Travelling amid Nipah scare? UAE doctors say no need to panic
• 1Qatar’s Sheikha al-Mayassa: ‘We’re a very conservative society, but we’re tolerant’
• 1YouTube’s compliance with Israel ban violates press freedoms, Al Jazeera says
• 1Huda Kattan faces boycott calls over pro-Iran video
• 1Qatar participates in Arab meeting on draft law to protect children from recruitment in armed conflicts

Who covers Gulf States most

Outlets by number of headlines in January 2026, with their stance toward the country.

• Khaleej Times110 titles

  +1ConstructiveDomestic

  consistently positive and promotional

• Gulf Times61 titles

  +1ConstructiveDomestic

  consistently positive and promotional

• Al-Ahram33 titles

  From Egypt
• Gulf News32 titles

  +1ConstructiveDomestic

  broadly positive and neutral framing

• Al Arabiya30 titles

  From Saudi Arabia
• Jerusalem Post26 titles

  From Israel
• TASS (EN)19 titles

  From Russia
• Arab News17 titles

  From Saudi Arabia

Sources from Gulf States

• Al Jazeeraar
• Al Jazeeraen
• Khaleej Timesen
• The Nationalen
• Gulf Newsen
• Gulf Timesen