5 Top Points
- Oman announced it helped to mediate a ceasefire between the US and the Houthis in Yemen.
- The UAE mediated the 15th prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, bringing the total number of exchanged prisoners to 4,181.
- The US President began his Gulf tour in Saudi Arabia, where he is scheduled to attend the US-GCC Summit.
- The Iranian Foreign Minister toured Gulf countries amid the 4th round of US-Iran talks hosted by Oman.
- Qatar launched a major five-year infrastructure plan worth $22.2 billion.
‘Round and About the Gulf
Kingdom of Bahrain
Thursday, 8 May—Bahrain and the UAE announced the entry into force of their Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, following the completion of legal procedures. The agreement provides a comprehensive legal framework to protect investments, enhance investor confidence, and support cooperation in digital trade, reflecting both countries’ commitment to sustainable development and economic integration.
State of Kuwait
Wednesday, 7 May—The 47th Extraordinary GCC Ministerial Council, chaired by Kuwaiti Foreign Minister, Abdullah Al-Yahya, addressed maritime border issues with Iraq, urging Baghdad to respect Kuwait’s sovereignty and comply with United Nations Security Council Resolution 833 (1993). The Council affirmed that the Al Durra gas field lies entirely within Kuwaiti maritime territory and is jointly owned with Saudi Arabia, rejecting any claims by third parties.
Sultanate of Oman
Wednesday, 7 May—Oman announced it helped mediate a ceasefire between the United States and the Houthis (Ansar Allah) in Yemen. This would include halting US airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen and Houthis halting of attacks on ships in the Red Sea.
Sunday, 11 May—Oman hosted the fourth round of negotiations between Iran and the United States to address disputes over Tehran’s nuclear programme. Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, reiterated Iran’s refusal to end uranium enrichment, while US Envoy, Steve Witkoff, stressed Washington’s position that any deal must include full dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear facilities. Despite major differences, both sides agreed to continue negotiations.
State of Qatar
Monday, 12 May—Qatar’s Public Works Authority (Ashghal) launched a major QR81 billion ($22.2 billion) five-year infrastructure plan, the largest in its history, focusing on transportation, urban development, water infrastructure, and public services, with a strong emphasis on human-centric design, climate resilience, and increased public-private partnerships to support national growth and sustainability.
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Thursday, 8 May—The Federation of Saudi Chambers of Commerce announced the launch of the Saudi-Dutch Business Council, following approval from the General Authority of Foreign Trade, aiming to strengthen economic ties and facilitate investment opportunities between Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands, following an agreement signed in April 2024.
Thursday, 8 May—Saudi Arabia dispatched Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Cabinet Member, and Climate Envoy, Adel Al-Jubeir, to India and Pakistan to support diplomatic efforts to reduce military tensions
United Arab Emirates
Wednesday, 7 May—The UAE announced the successful mediation of the 15th round of prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia, involving 410 prisoners of war and bringing the total exchanged through UAE efforts to 4,181. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to supporting peaceful resolution efforts in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and mitigating its humanitarian impacts.
EU Corner
Wednesday, 7 May—The 3rd Senior Officials’ Meeting between the European External Action Service and Oman’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs was held in Brussels to review bilateral cooperation under the 2018 Cooperation Arrangement. Discussions focused on bilateral trade, fisheries and market access, green energy and the clean transition, education, research and innovation, economic diversification, and sustainable tourism. The meeting provided an opportunity to take stock of progress since the last meeting held in Muscat in February 2022.
Sunday, 11 May—Kuwait’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdullah Al-Yahya, met with EU Special Representative for the Gulf Region, Luigi Di Maio, in Kuwait to discuss strengthening the strategic partnership between Kuwait and the European Union. The meeting addressed bilateral cooperation across key sectors and reviewed regional and international developments.
Key Official Visits & Contacts
Thursday, 8 May—Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman Al-Saud, received the new Palestinian Vice President, Hussein Al-Sheikh, in Jeddah to discuss recent developments in Palestine. The meeting focused on coordinating efforts to support the Palestinian cause as Saudi Arabia prepares to co-host an international conference with France focused on the two-state solution. It coincided with Saudi Arabia’s rejection of Israel’s announced incursion into and control of the Gaza Strip and other Palestinian territories. Al-Sheikh also visited Qatar for similar discussions with Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani.
Thursday, 8 May—Kuwait’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdullah Al-Yahya, received Javier Colomina, NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for the Southern Neighbourhood, to review bilateral ties and discuss regional and international developments as well as the NATO-Istanbul Cooperation Initiative cooperation. Both sides explored joint efforts to enhance regional security and stability.
Saturday, 10 May—Syria’s President, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, visited Bahrain, where he held talks with King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa on enhancing bilateral relations and supporting Syria’s security and stability. This visit is part of Al-Sharaa’s regional and international diplomatic engagements since taking office in January, which included visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE and France.
Saturday, 10 May—Between 10 and 13 May, Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, held a series of meetings with senior Gulf officials as part of a regional diplomatic tour. In Doha, he met with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, to discuss bilateral relations, the Gaza crisis, and the resumption of Iran–US talks via Omani mediation. In Mecca, he was received by Saudi Foreign Minister, Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, for discussions on strengthening ties and reviewing ongoing diplomatic efforts. In Abu Dhabi, Araghchi met with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, to explore avenues for enhancing bilateral relations and addressing regional and international developments.
Monday, 12 May—Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince, Khaled bin Mohamed Al-Nahyan, held official talks in Astana with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to enhance UAE-Kazakhstan strategic cooperation. The meeting resulted in multiple agreements and memoranda of understanding worth $5 billion covering sectors including renewable energy, artificial intelligence, healthcare, infrastructure, finance, and logistics.
Monday, 12 May—Bahrain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, held talks in Manama with Azerbaijan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeyhun Bayramov, to expand cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, digital technology, and tourism. The Ministers also discussed regional issues, including Gaza, and emphasised their commitment to coordination in international forums.
Monday, 12 May—Qatar’s Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, met in Brussels with Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation, Maxime Prevot. Discussions covered bilateral relations and regional developments, notably Qatar’s mediation in Gaza and between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Monday, 12 May—A UAE delegation led by Omran Sharaf, Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology, concluded a series of visits to to the Nordic countries —Finland, Denmark, and Sweden — focused on expanding cooperation in advanced technologies, innovation, and research and development, as well as exploring joint strategic opportunities.
Monday, 12 May—Qatar’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson and Advisor to the Prime Minister, Majed bin Mohammed Al-Ansari, held meetings in Stockholm with Swedish Deputy Foreign Minister, Dag Hartelius, Director General for Global Affairs, Mikael Lindvall, and Members of Parliament, including Arin Karapet, Chairman of the Gulf-Swedish Friendship Committee. The talks focused on Gaza, Syria, and enhancing Qatari-Swedish cooperation across political and humanitarian fields.
Tuesday, 13 May—US President, Donald Trump, arrived in Riyadh, where he was welcomed by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman Al-Saud. The visit marks the start of a regional tour that includes the GCC-US Summit attended by all six GCC leaders, with subsequent bilateral visits to Qatar and the UAE focused on economic cooperation and investment. On the occasion, the US and Saudi Arabia signed a strategic economic partnership agreement, alongside several bilateral agreements including in energy and defence.