Qatar's emir makes controversial visit to Saudi Arabia

Qatar's emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, is visiting Saudi Arabia's Jeddah today and will meet the Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman. The two Gulf leaders will discuss bilateral ties and regional and international matters of common interest.

Qatar's Emir visit comes after Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan handed Sheikh Tamim an invitation from King Salman to visit the Kingdom.

In recent days, news emerged of a number of moves to restore the severed relations between Saudi Arabia and Qatar. 

Since the reconciliation, there have been cautious steps towards normality, including the resumption of air travel between the former adversaries and the reopening of Qatar’s sole land border with Saudi Arabia.

Observers also recorded the existence of an unusual flurry of diplomatic activity in the region, noting that this could signal a regional push for launching a dialogue between Tehran and Riyadh.

Iraq hosted the first meeting held on April 9 between Saudis and Iranians. The Baghdad talks have been facilitated by Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi.

Regional observers wondered whether Prince Tamim's visit was aimed at completing the Qatari-Saudi reconciliation process, which began at the Al-Ula Gulf summit hosted by the Kingdom last January, or was in fact meant to pave the way for a possible mediation between Riyadh and Tehran.

Tehran and Riyadh cut ties in 2016 after Iranian protesters attacked Saudi diplomatic missions following the kingdom’s execution of Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr.

In recent years, Saudi Arabia and Iran have backed opposite sides of several regional conflicts, from Syria to Yemen, where a Saudi-led coalition is fighting the Houthi militias.

Iran supports the Houthis, who have launched several rocket and drone attacks against Saudi targets.

Concerned about Iran’s regional influence, Riyadh has repeatedly accused Tehran of interfering in the affairs of Arab countries such as Syria, Iraq and Lebanon. Riyadh also remains apprehensive about Iran’s nuclear program and missile capabilities.