Saudi Arabia has begun scaling back some of its entertainment projects, including the Neom stadium, and is reportedly considering canceling the 2027 Joy Awards, one of the kingdom’s biggest events, often compared to the Oscars and Grammys.

While Gulf capitals welcomed the U.S.-Iran ceasefire as a chance to ease tensions, their statements showed they see it not as the end of the crisis, but as a test of Iran’s regional behavior amid fears their security concerns could be sidelined.

Months after the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and the resulting strikes weakened the UAE’s image as a safe hub for business and investment, Abu Dhabi launched a nationwide campaign urging citizens, residents, and institutions to sign a document expressing support for President bin Zayed al-Nahyan.

Africa is trying to move past decades of economic strain by strengthening cooperation between neighbors, with Zimbabwe and Botswana now planning to allow passport-free travel using only national ID cards.

In a long-awaited move, Libya has announced an agreement to unify the public budget, a step that, while significant on paper, has done little to quiet doubts over whether it can be implemented amid the country’s entrenched political divisions.