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Gas privatisation: Shares in state energy firm OQ’s gas pipelines business OQ Gas Network (OQGN) began trading on the Muscat Stock Exchange on 24 October. OQGN had raised OR288m ($750m) in its initial public offering of 49% of its shares, making it Oman’s largest IPO, ahead of previous front-runner Oman Telecoms Company, which floated in 2005.

China's People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy has used a routine rotation of its ships based in Djibouti to double its presence in the region, just as the United States Navy is preparing to deploy its first aircraft carrier strike group (CSG) to the region for two years.

The UAE set up a field hospital in Herat, western Afghanistan to help locals injured during a wave of severe earthquakes that killed more than 1,000 people. The UAE has also sent at least five aircraft with a total of 140 tonnes of aid, including food and tents.

UAE minister of state Sheikh Shakhbout Bin Nahyan Al-Nahyan and his Qatari counterpart Mohammed Bin Abdelaziz Bin Saleh Al-Khulaifi led their countries' delegations at the fourth meeting of the Quint Group on Somalia, held in Ankara. Others in the meeting included representatives of Somalia, Türkiye, the UK and the US.

Iran's parliament issued a report recommending that possession of equipment for the satellite internet service Starlink should be made a criminal offence. Deputies have also called for Iran to develop its own low-orbit internet satellite system, in co-operation with China and Russia.

Saudi state Public Investment Fund (PIF) has agreed a joint venture with South Korea's Hyundai Motor Company to set up a $500m vehicle manufacturing plant in Saudi Arabia. PIF will hold 70% of the venture, with Hyundai taking the other 30%. 

Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al-Baker announced his retirement after 27 years at the helm – during which time the national carrier has been transformed beyond recognition. He will be replaced by Hamad International Airport chief operating officer Badr Mohammed Al-Meer.

QatarEnergy has signed a series of long-term agreements with European partners on the North Field expansion projects in recent weeks. Separately, QatarEnergy's agents were also in London agreeing LNG deliveries with brokers. 

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohammed Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan opened the eighth World Investment Forum, organised by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (Unctad) at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

Sheikh Mubarak Bin Fahad Bin Jassim Bin Mohammed Al-Thani was named as Qatar's ambassador to Oman. Mubarak has previously served as ambassador to Azerbaijan (2008-14) and Serbia (2015-21).

Dubai Deputy Ruler and federal finance minister Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum opened the Expand North Star 2023 exhibition and conference at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

A Dubai-based company backed by a well-connected but relatively low-profile member of Dubai's ruling Al-Maktoum family has been signing deals across Africa to generate carbon credits – while generating some controversy in the process.

Dubai-based port operator DP World signed a 30-year concession with Tanzania Ports Authority to operate and modernise Dar Es Salaam Port. DP World plans to invest $250m to upgrade the port, a figure it said could rise to $1bn alongside related projects.

Emirati Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Juma Al-Maktoum has been involved in a number of business deals around Africa. During the Covid pandemic, he was connected to efforts to sell Russia's Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine in several countries in Africa and Asia. 

There appeared to be limited interest from the Gulf region in China's third Belt and Road Forum for International Co-operation.  The UAE was the most notable Gulf presence, sending Ras Al-Khaimah Ruler Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al-Qasimi to lead its delegation.