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His Excellency the Minister of State for Interior Affairs, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Faisal bin Mohammed al-Thani, has honoured senior officials overseeing the joint tactical exercise of the security agencies of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) states, “Arabian Gulf Security 4”, along with several commanders from participating US forces. Those recognised included Major General (Staff) Abdullah bin Mohammed al-Suwaidi, head of the exercise’s supreme committee, as well as chairmen of the corresponding committees from GCC member states.**media[413015]**The honours were presented on the sidelines of the closing ceremony of the exercise, in recognition of the professional and organisational efforts that contributed to its success. The drill featured advanced field co-ordination, integrated procedures and the exchange of expertise between GCC security agencies and the United States, aimed at strengthening collective security and regional stability.  

The Secretary-General of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC), Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi, affirmed that the Arabian Gulf Security 4 joint tactical exercise for security agencies in the GCC countries reinforces Gulf security integration and embodies the GCC states’ unity and their shared destiny. During his participation in the closing day of the exercise, AlBudaiwi stated: “This fourth edition of the drill, conducted by the GCC ministries of interior with the participation of specialised units from the friendly United States of America, is of paramount importance in supporting the collective Gulf security framework.” The secretary-general added that the Arabian Gulf Security 4 exercise embodies the mutual commitment to developing security work mechanisms, exchanging expertise and best practices, as well as unifying efforts in confronting cross-border risks and threats. He pointed out that such exercises constitute a fundamental pillar for strengthening institutional integration and activating security co-operation avenues among member states. The GCC secretary-general commended the efforts of the Qatari Ministry of Interior in hosting and organising this exercise, and the resources it provided that contributed to its success, as well as the efforts of the participating forces from the Ministries of Interior. He expressed his hope that the exercise would achieve its strategic objectives, fulfilling the aspirations of the leaders of the GCC states, and ensuring sustained security and stability to the peoples of the GCC countries. 

Qatar officially launched the fourth edition of Arabian Gulf Security — a large-scale joint tactical exercise bringing together security forces from across the Gulf Cooperation Council — in a ceremony Sunday under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Interior and Commander of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani. The exercise, which runs until 4 February, features comprehensive participation from all six GCC member states — Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates — alongside specialised security units from the United States. His Excellency Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Abdullah bin Khalaf bin Hattab al-Kaabi attended the opening ceremony, along with Assistant Secretary-General for Security Affairs at the GCC General Secretariat Brigadier-General Hamad Ajlan al-Amim, Their Excellencies the heads of the exercise's higher committees from across GCC nations, and senior officers and representatives of the participating security agencies. Arabian Gulf Security 4 comprises over 70 advanced training scenarios, amassing more than 260 hours of intensive field drills aimed at sharpening tactical preparedness and boosting operational efficiency. Officials have underscored the exercise's core objectives: to elevate security readiness among participating forces, strengthen integration and field co-ordination across multiple agencies, and assess and refine operational plans, response protocols, and joint interoperability. The drills are designed to reflect the advanced professionalism and evolving capabilities of Gulf security agencies in facing contemporary security challenges. The scenarios are built around real-world situations, spanning from counterterrorism and emergency response to complex field operations, enabling participating forces to critically evaluate and enhance collective strategies. Arabian Gulf Security 4 forms part of a wider series of periodic joint tactical exercises, initiated by GCC Interior Ministers, with the goal of reinforcing collective regional security and fostering a unified operational command structure. The first edition was held in Bahrain in 2016, followed by the second in the United Arab Emirates in 2019, and the third in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province in 2022. The ongoing fourth edition now highlights Qatar's pivotal role as a strategic host and active contributor to regional stability. This continued collaboration supports the GCC's broader mission of developing an integrated and agile security framework, as laid out in the Joint Security Agreement and in line with the GCC's collective security principles. 

Under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, Minister of Interior and Commander of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), Qatar is launching one of the region’s most significant joint security events — the Arabian Gulf Security 4. This large-scale tactical exercise brings together security agencies from across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and strategic partners from the United States, underscoring a shared commitment to collective defense, preparedness, and regional stability. Hosted by Qatar for the first time, the 11-day exercise officially begins this morning and marks a new chapter in regional security co-operation. Participating forces include security apparatuses from the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait, alongside specialised US units. The event highlights the integration of Gulf expertise, the strengthening of operational partnerships, and the advancement of joint readiness across multiple security domains. Designed to address the evolving landscape of security challenges, Arabian Gulf Security 4 aims to enhance coordination mechanisms, unify response strategies, and reinforce the GCC’s capacity for effective crisis management. Over 70 complex scenarios will unfold across 260 hours of intensive field exercises, testing operational measures, decision-making frameworks, and communication across command levels. The exercise covers a wide spectrum of simulations—including counter-terrorism, civil unrest, cyber threats, border security, and natural disaster response — allowing participating forces to test and refine both tactical capabilities and command-and-control structures. Aligned with international standards and best practices, the drill places strong emphasis on interoperability, information sharing, and rapid deployment readiness. Extensive preparations throughout 2025 saw a series of coordination meetings held in Doha, during which Qatar played a leading role in operational planning and logistical alignment. This leadership further underscores Qatar’s growing stature as a regional hub for security innovation and coordination. “Qatar has once again proven its ability to serve as a hub for high-level coordination and security innovation in the Gulf,” a regional analyst, reflecting widespread recognition of the country’s organisational capacity and strategic vision, said. Arabian Gulf Security 4 will conclude on February 4, with participating states conducting joint evaluations and sharing outcomes to refine collective security frameworks and sustain long-term cooperation among GCC partners. 

Qatari men's team defeated Saudi Arabia 2-1 in the second round of the Arabian Gulf Padel Championship, which Qatar is currently hosting on the Padel Inn courts until September 19.The tournament, which kicked off Tuesday and is organised by the Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel and Badminton Federation, will see the participation of various Gulf teams: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman. The tournament will be held in a league format, with each team playing three matches against the opposing team.The Qatari men's national team succeeded in achieving victory in two of the three matches it played against its Saudi counterpart, as the duo consisting of Rashid Nawaf and Hassan Wali won the first match in two sets to none, with a score of 6-2 and 6-2.In the second match, the duo consisting of Mohammed Saadoun and Meshari Nawaf won in two sets to none, with a score of 6-0 and 6-0. Meanwhile, the duo consisting of Ali al-Saadi and Khaled Saadoun lost the third match in two sets to one, with a score of 5-7, 6-2 and 0-6.This is the second consecutive victory for the Qatari team, having defeated Oman 3-0 in the first round.The Qatari national team is scheduled to meet its Kuwaiti counterpart Wednesday, in the third round of the tournament.For his part, Rashid Nawaf, a player on the Qatari padel team, expressed his happiness with the team's victory over Saudi Arabia.Nawaf said in a statement following the match: "We performed well against the Saudi team, and our performance reflected the team's readiness to achieve the best possible results during the tournament."He added, "Our goal is to continue our strong performance in the upcoming matches, and our ambition is to represent Qatar in the best possible way in this Gulf Cup."Nawaf called on Qatari fans to attend the Padel Inn courts to support the team, saying, "Fan support makes a difference, and we hope to see fans in large numbers at upcoming matches to push us toward continued victories and our quest to compete for the title."

Qatar will host the Arabian Gulf Padel Championship Qatar 2025 from September 15 to 19, organised by the Qatar Padel Federation at the Padel courts in Aspire.Tariq Zainal, Secretary General of the Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel and Badminton Federation, confirmed at a press conference on Wednesday that the tournament will feature competitions in three categories: men's, women's and juniors. The draw is scheduled to be held on September 14.During the conference, the Qatar Padel Federation announced the signing of a platinum sponsorship agreement with Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) for the championship. The agreement was signed by Zainal and Qatar Rail’s Director of Communications and Public Relations Abdullah al-Mawlawi.Zainal expressed the Qatari Federation's pride in Qatar Rail's joining as a platinum partner of the Arabian Gulf Padel Championship, given its significant support for sports, athletes, and community work in Qatar.Zainal emphasised that this partnership reflects the integrated efforts of national institutions and the sports sector, which will give the federation greater momentum to continue developing padel and strengthening its presence in the Gulf, regionally, and internationally.Zainal also welcomed all participating delegations and players, stressing his full readiness to host this Gulf event and organize it according to the highest standards, thus consolidating Qatar's position as a leading sports destination in the region and the world.For his part, al-Mawlawi said: “We are delighted to co-sponsor this important event. Our participation as a platinum sponsor of the Arabian Gulf Padel Championship, hosted by the Qatar Padel Federation, is in line with our corporate social responsibility strategy and our constant commitment to supporting sporting events that contribute to spreading the culture of exercising and promoting a healthy lifestyle among community members.”He added that Qatar Rail believes in the pivotal role sports play in developing communities by improving the quality of life and ensuring the health and safety of its members. Through this sponsorship, "we reaffirm our commitment, particularly to padel, as well as supporting the development of Gulf sporting talents and efforts aimed at consolidating Qatar's position as a leading regional destination for hosting major sporting events."Al-Mawlawi continued, "We, in turn, look forward to contributing to providing the best possible conditions for organizing a successful tournament and enjoying the unique Gulf talent and competitions that the tournament will witness. We wish all the best to the participating teams and players."

Saudi Arabia’s battered stock market is looking increasingly attractive to foreign investors because of rock-bottom valuations and bets that the oil price won’t drop much further.Investors from beyond the Arabian Gulf accounted for 41% of total Saudi equities buying in the week ended August 28, one of the highest ratios on record, according to Saudi stock exchange data compiled by Bloomberg Intelligence.The flows signal that a rush of reforms making it easier for foreigners to buy Saudi stocks is working. For the time being, however, risks still have the upper hand with the Tadawul All Share Index down 11% year to date and domestic investors on the retreat, along with crude prices.Nishit Lakhotia, head of research at SICO Bank, said stock investors are currently pricing in a “worse-case scenario” for the Saudi market, which he expects to bottom out shortly, unless oil drops below $60 a barrel — which would amount to a roughly 10% drop from current levels.“We believe the momentum is still there in the economy, which does not warrant such depressed valuations,” he said. “While it’s hard to predict when exactly the market can turn, there will likely be a point — sooner than later — when smart investors will start buying.”The slump has made Saudi stocks look relatively attractive, with the benchmark index near the lowest price-to-earnings multiple in more than five years. Junaid Ansari, director of investment strategy and research at Kamco Investment Co, expects a sharp turnaround in sentiment from the fourth quarter, when investors start making allocations for 2026.“The Saudi market is an oversold market,” said Ansari. While foreigners have largely been net buyers, “the sellers are mainly institutions in Saudi Arabia which we believe are selling to focus on other investment opportunities in the Kingdom,” he said.Nevertheless, the weak oil market is weighing down Saudi assets. Brent crude is trading around $66 per barrel, well below the nation’s fiscal breakeven price of $94, according to Bloomberg Economics. If domestic investments by the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund are included, the figure rises to $111.While foreigners accounted for about 35% of all Saudi stock purchases in August, continuing a strong trend, daily turnover on the market has dropped to the lowest level since 2023. This means that international investors are grabbing a bigger slice of a smaller pie.Still, the gloom over the kingdom’s stocks may be over-hyped, especially as a negative perception of earnings is in large part based on giants, such as Saudi Arabian Oil Company and Saudi Basic Industries Corp.Excluding Aramco and Sabic, Saudi stocks are showing roughly 7% profit growth, Kamco’s Ansari said. Even as the Tadawul index has declined, owners of Saudi National Bank and Saudi Telecom Co shares have seen 11% and 13% returns, respectively, so far this year.“Although earnings growth for 2025 and 2026 is among the lowest across emerging markets, valuations have become more attractive,” said Nenad Dinic, an emerging-markets equity strategist at Bank Julius Baer & Co Ltd.