Independent journalist I Covering the Gulf for the BBC I Previously BBC Middle East Correspondent & India Correspondent | Avid follower of ⚽️ & 🏏 | Love 🧳& ☕️
Dubai/Riyadh
Joined July 2009
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This is massive. That’s 1 in 4 employees working at Microsoft.
Microsoft will offer buyouts to about 60,000 workers, part of the company’s efforts to trim costs and retool its workforce for the artificial intelligence era bloomberg.com/news/articles/…
A significant four-way meeting has started in Tehran, bringing together senior officials from Iran and the three members of the Mecca pact - Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye. The meeting was initiated by Pakistan.
Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman, Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir and Türkiye’s intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalın are among those attending the meeting.
Egypt's parliament is expected to vote today on sending troops to help defend #SaudiArabia against #Houthi attacks. But why is Cairo considering getting involved? Beyond security, there are significant economic interests at stake. My explainer on what's driving the proposal. #Egypt
Sameer Hashmi retweeted
Top security officials from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey are set to meet Iran’s leaders on Monday in an effort to defuse tensions and breathe new life into talks aimed at preventing a broader war in the Middle East bloomberg.com/news/articles/…
The US has updated its travel advisories for several Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq, Lebanon and Israel, warning of increased regional aggression by the Iran-backed Houthis, according to security alerts issued by US missions.
Sameer Hashmi retweeted
.@StateDept updated 13 travel advisories throughout the Middle East to "reflect an increase in potential armed attacks by the Iranian-supported Houthis and Iranian efforts to target U.S. government officials in the region."
A State Department Official adds that "The possibility of regional effects [of Houthi attacks], including the potential for flight disruptions, makes a region-wide advisory update important and prudent."
The Official also notes ongoing warnings about Iranian drones and missiles, and says "We have consistently messaged to Americans on the threat from Iran and will continue to do so."
travel.state.gov/en/internat…
Sameer Hashmi retweeted
Saudi forces launched deadly airstrikes on Yemen's Houthi-controlled capital Sanaa city and its surrounding governorate on Saturday, media associated with the Iran-backed group said, while also reporting around 20 strikes on Mocha.
Read more: u.afp.com/SyZz
Truly heartwarming!
“Your legacy is every life you've touched."
- Maya Angelou
World-leading cardiac surgeon Asif Hasan was surrounded by the children who received the gift of life thanks to his unerring skills at the emotional climax of another memorable Pride of Britain ceremony. 🥹
Now 70 years old, Mr Hasan has just retired after 35 years of service at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle upon Tyne, but just after receiving his Lifetime Achievement Award, he had an extra special surprise: a cast of patients who would not be alive without him. ❤️
The Houthis say they are rescuing 14 Indian nationals aboard a yacht that they claim was struck by Saudi forces in the Red Sea. According to a Houthi spokesperson, the boat was hit near Zuqar Island, close to the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
Sameer Hashmi retweeted
Aramco staff at the firm’s headquarters in Dhahran were ordered to evacuate the HQ and WFH this morning
An Indian national was killed during an attack carried out by the Houthis targeting Dammam airport. The attack killed two people and left eight people injured. At least 21 people have been killed in Houthi attacks on Saudi airports since the beginning of October.
Saudi authorities have informed that one Indian national was among two people who unfortunately lost their lives in the attack on Dammam airport yesterday night and two Indian nationals were injured. We are ascertaining further details and contacting the affected families. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of the deceased and we wish speedy recovery of the injured.
@MEAIndia
Oil prices surge, with Brent touching $112 a barrel its highest since May 2026. In the last 24 hours -
Houthi carried out deadly attacks in Saudi Arabia, including a drone strike on an Aramco oilfield, fuel fears of supply disruptions.
Iran says four vessels involved in illegal oil transfers were hit in the Gulf.
The US has also ordered non-emergency staff and their families to leave Saudi Arabia.
Sameer Hashmi retweeted
UPDATE: Lana Nusseibeh, senior UAE diplomat, enters race for next UN Secretary General. If elected, she’d be
- first woman
- first of Palestinian descent
- second Arab in position. More al-monitor.com/originals/202…
Sameer Hashmi retweeted
#BREAKING US embassy staff and families ordered to leave Saudi Arabia, with families of embassy staff in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Qatar and Bahrain also ordered to leave, diplomatic source tells AFP
Macron lands in Saudi Arabia for a surprise visit. France has deployed troops to protect oil facilities.
Sameer Hashmi retweeted
🚨 Saudi Arabia to postpone in-person #FII10 after Houthi attacks
Egypt has significant economic interests at stake. Sisi has said that Egypt had lost around $20bn in Suez Canal revenues in recent years due to regional conflicts. Suez Canal revenues depend heavily on shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, now disrupted by Houthi attacks.
Egypt’s National Defence Council, chaired by President Sisi has approved deploying troops to Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks. Egypt’s parliament is set to hold an emergency session today to authorise defensive measures in support of the kingdom.
Sameer Hashmi retweeted
Here is it.. @TheNationalNews full interview with flydubai doctor Smit Machchhar, with never-before told details of the 30 September foiled attack
youtu.be/1MsLWFqaJmk?si=GR42…
