Lebanon votes in first general election for nine years

Getting the new government in place quickly would reassure investors of Lebanon’s economic stability

US secretary Pompeo calls for Gulf unity to combat Iran

“Gulf unity is necessary and we need to achieve it,” he said

Houthi’s second in command killed in coalition airstrike

The rebel group’s number two Saleh Al Sammad was killed on Thursday, according to Houthi-affiliated media

Arab leaders call for probe into Syria chemical attacks, condemn Iran

The communique called for more international sanctions on Iran

GCC states discuss “common vision” to manage domestic workers

Working conditions of domestic staff in the region have been in the spotlight recently after a maid was found dead in Kuwait

US, UK, France launch air strikes in Syria

The allies struck three of Syria’s main chemical weapons facilities

Yemen’s Houthis claim drone attack on Saudi Aramco facility

There was no immediate Saudi comment on the report

Somalia parliament speaker quits as Gulf rivalries boil

The resignation came the day after the seizure of $9.6m in cash from a plane that had landed from the UAE

US postpones planned Trump summit with Gulf leaders

“This was entirely our decision,” one US official said

81% of Middle East job seekers think market will get better – survey

The Michael Page survey revealed general optimism despite some concerns regarding the oil price

Israeli forces kill 16 Palestinians in Gaza border protests

Palestinian health officials said Israeli forces used mostly gunfire against the protesters

Trump’s meetings with Gulf leaders deemed unlikely to resolve Qatar dispute

Washington is keen to end the standoff

Yemen’s Houthis and Saudi Arabia in secret talks to end war

Diplomats said the Saudi-Houthi dialogue had been going on for about two months

UAE, Saudi, Qatar climb Bahrain, Kuwait fall in happiness ranking

The study also ranked countries’ expatriate populations for happiness for the first time this year

Nestle Middle East extends maternity leave

The company has increased paid maternity leave to 14 weeks

Saudi, Bahrain, Egypt, UAE study plans to relax Qatar restrictions – report

The four countries closed land, air and sea links as part of a boycott that began last June

Revealed: Top 5 most powerful Arabs in Egypt

The highest ranking entries originating from Egypt in Gulf Business’ annual Arab power list

Trump discusses Iran in calls with Saudi, UAE leaders

Saudi, UAE and Qatari leaders are planning to visit Trump for bilateral meetings in March and April

Lebanon’s Hariri to visit Saudi for first time since resignation

The premier last travelled to the kingdom on November 3 and resigned in a televised statement a day later

Saudi, UAE, Qatar leaders to visit Trump

The UAE, along with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt, cut off travel and trade ties with Qatar last June

Philippines delegation to visit Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi to demand worker protection

The Philippines has banned its citizens from going to Kuwait for work

UN group mulls condemning Iran over missiles in Yemen

A Saudi-led coalition intervened in Yemen in 2015

Trump wants progress on Qatar rift before hosting GCC leaders

The presidential retreat of Camp David is being considered as a venue, according to reports

Gulf, allies promise Iraq $30bn, falling short of Baghdad’s appeal

UN secretary general Antonio Guterres called the conference “an enormous success”

Man shot in Iran after trying to break into presidential office

Many Iranians are frustrated by the slow pace of economic recovery

US sanctions six people, seven firms linked to Hezbollah

The six sanctioned individuals included five Lebanese and one Iraqi

South Yemen clashes cease as separatists cede bases

The detente followed mediation by a Saudi-led military coalition

US officials call for calming of tensions in Gulf dispute

The UAE, along with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt, cut off travel and trade ties with Qatar last June

Deadly clashes split ranks of Gulf allies in Yemen

The worst clashes yet between separatists and forces loyal to the government risk crippling their once united war effort

Philippines’ Duterte threatens Middle East work ban

The president’s comments come less than a week after he banned Filipinos from working in Kuwait