5 Top Points
- Saudi Arabia and Syria sign investment protection agreement: Saudi Arabia and Syria inked a new Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement designed to safeguard and encourage bilateral capital flows across multiple sectors. Hosted in Riyadh, the signing was led by Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih and Syrian Economy Minister Mohammad Nidal Al-Shaar.
- Oman launches digital portal to compensate road infrastructure damage: Oman introduced a new e-service that allows drivers and vehicle owners to pay for public road infrastructure damage, such as streetlights or barriers created in traffic accidents through an online portal. This initiative enhances efficiency, reduces administrative burden and signals a push towards digital transformation in Oman’s public services.
- UAE launches 1 GW solar project in Indonesia: the UAE’s clean energy company Masdar signed an agreement with Indonesia’s PLN Nusantara Power to develop a 1 gigawatt solar power project in Java. Valued at over 1.2 billion USD, the project will be Southeast Asia’s largest solar installation to date.
- Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) reported that overall real estate prices rose by 3.2% year-on-year in Q2 2025, driven primarily by a sharp 11.7% increase in commercial real estate prices, including a 12.7% rise in commercial land values. Residential land prices were stable, while villa prices rose modestly.
- Malta reaffirmed its recognition of Palestinian statehood amid the Gaza war – the first EU member to formally take such a step during the current conflict. Although several EU states had already recognised Palestine earlier (or pledged to do so in future), Malta’s timing gives fresh momentum to Europe’s shift toward supporting Palestinian self-determination.
‘Round and About the Gulf’
Kingdom of Bahrain
Friday, 15 August – The Bahraini Royal Charity Organisation dispatched a relief flight carrying medical supplies and food to Egypt’s Al-Arish airport for onward delivery into Gaza. The aid, sent under directives from Bahrain’s leadership, marks Manama’s first direct humanitarian contribution during the current war and was coordinated with Egyptian and Palestinian authorities. It demonstrates Bahrain’s solidarity with the Palestinian people as Gaza’s needs become ever more acute.
Monday, 18 August – The Bahrain Ministry of Labour confirmed 99.96% compliance with the nationwide summer midday work ban, which prohibits outdoor labour between 1200 and 1600, thanks to rigorous enforcement and employer cooperation. The Ministry hailed the result as a regional benchmark in occupational safety and public health policy, reflecting Bahrain’s
commitment to protecting worker welfare during the hottest months.
Tuesday, 19 August – Bahrain’s Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning awarded an O&M contract worth approximately 13.6 million USD to Indian firm VA Tech Wabag. The five-year agreement covers maintenance of the 40 MLD Madinat Salman sewage treatment plant and its associated long-sea outfall. This repeat order reflects Bahrain’s emphasis on sustaining essential water infrastructure under high technical standards.
State of Kuwait
Sunday, 17 August – A second Kuwaiti Air Force transport plane departed for Egypt’s Al-Arish, carrying another 30 tonnes of relief supplies bound for Gaza. Organised by Kuwait’s Red Crescent with government support, the flight delivered food parcels, water filters and generators to help alleviate Gaza’s catastrophic humanitarian conditions. Kuwaiti officials affirmed that the air bridge will continue in coordination with Egyptian authorities to sustain life-saving aid deliveries.
Sultanate of Oman
Wednesday, 13 August – The Omani Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources announced a two-month ban on all kingfish fishing, trading, and export activity across Oman’s coastal zones (effective from 15 August to 15 October 2025). The measure, mandated under Ministerial Decision No. 230/2014, is designed to sustain ecological balance and ensure long-term sustainability within the country’s vital marine ecosystems. All industry stakeholders were directed to comply strictly or face legal penalties.
Tuesday, 19 August – Oman launches tourism promotion drive in India. Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism led a four-day promotional workshop in Jaipur, India. The event brought together 25 Omani tourism institutions and 150 Indian travel companies to showcase Oman’s cultural, natural and leisure attractions, targeting partnerships to boost inbound tourism from India.
State of Qatar
Monday, 18 August – Doha intensified its diplomatic role in ceasefire negotiations, hosting parallel talks with US and Egyptian envoys aimed at bridging remaining gaps between Israel and Hamas. Qatari officials emphasised that any agreement must include guarantees for sustained humanitarian access and post-war reconstruction. While no breakthrough was announced, mediators described ‘measurable progress,’ underscoring Qatar’s central role as both a humanitarian donor and diplomatic broker in the Gaza crisis.
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Tuesday, 12 August – Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released its Saudi Family Statistics Report 2024, revealing that over 70% of Saudi citizens are under the age of 35. The report provides fresh insight into household structures, housing trends, and the Kingdom’s youthful population, key for policymakers adapting to Vision 2030’s social and economic goals.
Wednesday, 13 August – Saudi security authorities conducted a nationwide crackdown on residency, border, and labour law violations, resulting in 21,997 arrests (between 7 and 13 August). The coordinated enforcement campaign, led by the Ministry of Interior with other government agencies underscores Riyadh’s commitment to upholding legal standards and enforcing compliance to support economic and social stability.
United Arab Emirates
Saturday, 16 August – Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy firm Masdar signed a landmark agreement with PLN Nusantara Power to build a 1 GW solar power project in Java, set to be Southeast Asia’s largest solar facility. The deal, valued at over 1.2 billion USD, will provide clean electricity to more than a million homes and help Indonesia meet its target of 23% renewable energy by 2025. For the UAE, the project demonstrates its global strategy of leveraging energy partnerships to reinforce diplomatic and economic influence, while showcasing leadership ahead of hosting COP30 in Abu Dhabi later this year.
Monday, 18 August – UAE launches newborn genetic screening programme. Abu Dhabi rolled out a nationwide newborn genetic screening initiative, screening Emirati infants at birth across multiple hospitals to expedite detection of congenital and genetic disorders. The programme positions the UAE at the forefront of preventive healthcare in the region and reflects a broader push in using early diagnostics to reduce long-term costs and improve public health outcomes.
EU Corner
Tuesday, 12 August – The European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) issued a statement on behalf of 27 partners, condemning restrictions on NGOs in Gaza and demanding immediate, unhindered humanitarian access.
Friday, 15 August – Malta officially recognised the State of Palestine, becoming the first EU member to do so since the Gaza war began. Valletta’s announcement fulfilled the pledge it made at the Riyadh summit and was applauded by Gulf states as a courageous stance. The move adds momentum to a broader shift in Europe’s Middle East policy, increasing pressure on larger European countries to follow suit if the conflict continues.
Key Official Visits & Contacts
Wednesday, 13 August – Doha: Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, met Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The talks focused on Gaza ceasefire efforts, humanitarian access, and broader regional coordination, alongside deepening strategic ties between Doha and Ankara. The visit underscores Qatar-Türkiye alignment on mediation and post-conflict stabilisation.
Sunday, 17 August – Riyadh/Abu Dhabi (phone): Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held a call with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, reviewing Saudi-Emirati relations and regional developments, including coordination on Gaza and upcoming diplomatic engagements. Both sides reaffirmed close consultation on security and humanitarian priorities.