5 Top Points
- The UAE deepened its energy and investment ties with Greece and Austria.
- Saudi Arabia expanded its industrial ties with France during a ministerial visit.
- Qatar rejected Israeli criticism of its mediation efforts between Hamas and Israel.
- Oman and Algeria agreed to establish a $300 million joint investment fund.
- Azerbaijan and Kuwait revived their Joint Commission to boost economic and diplomatic ties.
‘Round and About the Gulf
Kingdom of Bahrain
Monday, 5 May—The Ministry of Finance and National Economy released the Bahrain Economic Report 2024, confirming GDP growth of 2.6%, driven by a 3.8% expansion in non-oil sectors, which now comprise 86% of the national economy. The ICT sector recorded the highest growth at 12.3%, while oil-related activities declined by 4%. Inward foreign direct investment rose by 5.7%, reaching BHD 17.3 billion (EUR 42.5 billion).
State of Kuwait
Friday, 2 May—Kuwaiti authorities launched a crackdown on illegal cryptocurrency mining, attributing the activity to a worsening electricity crisis that has caused power outages ahead of the summer. While cryptocurrency trading is banned and mining remains unregulated, officials cited mounting pressure on the energy grid and growing public safety concerns, noting that the crackdown specifically targets high-consumption households used for illegal mining activities.
Sultanate of Oman
Thursday, 1 May—Omani Foreign Minister, Badr bin Hamad Albusaidi, announced the postponement of the planned 3 May 2025 meeting between the United States and Iran due to logistical reasons. While no new date has been officially set, reports suggest the weekend of 11 May in Oman.
State of Qatar
Sunday, 4 May—Qatar rejected recent criticism from Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, regarding its mediation efforts between Hamas and Israel, labelling his remarks “inflammatory” and inaccurate. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Majed Al-Ansari, reaffirmed Qatar’s neutrality and commitment to facilitating dialogue, while reiterating support for international humanitarian and legal frameworks amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Sunday, 4 May—During his upcoming trip to the Gulf (13–16 May), US President, Donald Trump, is expected to meet with the heads of state of all six GCC countries in Riyadh. This will mark Trump’s first official foreign trip of his second term, excluding his attendance at the Pope’s funeral in Italy.
United Arab Emirates
Sunday, 4 May—The UAE Ministry of Education announced that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will become a formal subject in public schools from kindergarten through Grade 12, starting in the 2025–2026 academic year. Developed in partnership with national AI and education institutions, the curriculum will cover seven core areas and aims to equip students with foundational skills, ethical understanding, and applied knowledge in support of the UAE’s digital transformation agenda.
EU Corner
Wednesday, 30 April
—The European Union expressed deep concern over the execution of five individuals in Kuwait on 28 April, following previous executions in January 2025 and September 2024. Reaffirming its principled opposition to the death penalty under all circumstances, the EU reiterated its commitment to advocating for its universal abolition.
—Oman’s Foreign Ministry Undersecretary for Political Affairs, Khalifa Al-Harthy, met with Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis, Commander of the EU Maritime Security Operation Aspides, to discuss enhancing cooperation between Oman and the EU in maritime security. The meeting also addressed broader regional stability and the importance of coordinated efforts to safeguard critical maritime routes.
Key Official Visits & Contacts
Wednesday, 30 April
—Bahrain’s Minister of Finance and National Economy, Salman bin Khalifa Al-Khalifa, led a high-level delegation to Italy to enhance economic ties and promote cooperation in investment, infrastructure, and sustainable development. Meetings were held with senior Italian officials, including Minister of Economy and Finance, Giancarlo Giorgetti, and Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, along with key investment stakeholders.
—The UAE lifted its travel ban on Lebanon following a meeting in Abu Dhabi between UAE President, Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, and Lebanese President, Joseph Aoun. The two leaders agreed to elevate diplomatic representation and establish a joint UAE–Lebanon Business Council, marking a step towards restoring bilateral relations after the 2021 diplomatic rift and aligning with similar measures taken by Saudi Arabia.
—Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister, Jeyhun Bayramov, began an official visit to Kuwait for bilateral talks with Foreign Minister, Abdullah Ali Al Yahya, and other senior officials, aimed at strengthening economic and diplomatic ties. The visit included the third session of the Joint Commission on Cooperation between the two governments, held for the first time since 2013. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in agriculture, trade, infrastructure, and other key areas. President Ilham Aliyev extended an invitation to Emir Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to visit Azerbaijan later this year.
Thursday, 1 May—Saudi Foreign Minister, Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, met in Riyadh with Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi, to discuss bilateral relations and coordinate preparations for a joint Saudi–French conference on the Palestinian issue, scheduled for June. The talks also covered regional developments, particularly the situation in Gaza, and the work of the Ministerial Committee formed by the Joint Arab–Islamic Extraordinary Summit in support of a two-state solution.
Friday, 2 May—UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC CEO, Sultan bin Ahmed Al-Jaber, led a high-level delegation to Greece for meetings with senior officials, including Prime Minister Mitsotakis and National Defence Minister Dendias. The talks focused on strengthening economic cooperation, advancing the €4 billion Joint Investment Fund, and supporting renewable energy initiatives in Southeastern and Central Europe following Masdar’s full acquisition of Terna Energy. Two days earlier, he visited Vienna for meetings with Austrian officials and witnessed the signing of a non-binding agreement between Masdar and OMV on collaboration in Austria, the UAE, and across Central and Northern Europe.
Sunday, 4 May
—Oman’s Sultan, Haitham bin Tariq Al-Said, conducted a two-day state visit to Algeria, where he met with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to advance bilateral cooperation in key sectors, notably food security, mining, energy, justice, and pharmaceuticals. The visit included a preliminary agreement to establish a $300 million Algerian-Omani Investment Fund and a term sheet between Algeria’s state energy company, Sonatrach, and Oman’s Abraj Energy Services to explore a joint oil services venture.
—UAE Minister of Economy, Abdulla bin Touq Al-Marri, met with ministers in Spain and Croatia to expand cooperation in sustainable tourism and strategic sectors, including renewable energy, logistics, infrastructure, and creative industries. He held meetings with Croatian Minister of Tourism and Sports, Tonči Glavina, Economy Minister, Ante Šušnjar, and Spanish Secretary of State for Tourism, Rosario Sánchez Grau, among others.
—Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, and Secretary-General of the Ministry, Ahmed bin Hassan Al-Hammadi, held separate meetings in Doha with Italy’s Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Riccardo Guariglia. Discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation and addressing regional developments, including the situations in Gaza, Syria, and the Mediterranean.
Monday, 5 May—Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Alkhorayef, began a three-day official visit to France to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the industrial sector and promote joint investment opportunities, particularly in aircraft manufacturing, mining, and food industries. The visit included high-level meetings with Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty, Eric Lombard, and senior executives from Airbus, Safran, and Orano, with expected agreements on joint investments, technology transfer, and expertise exchange.
Tuesday, 6 May—UAE President, Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, received Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, in Abu Dhabi for discussions on strengthening UAE–Türkiye strategic relations. The meeting included an exchange of views on regional and international developments, notably Gaza and Syria, with both sides underscoring the importance of promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.