Doha this week hosted three days of informal Arab-Iranian dialogue. The conference, held largely behind closed doors, acquired a special significance as it came shortly after new developments indicated that we may be on the cusp of a new beginning.

Many were surprised when Iran accepted China’s mediation and appeared to seek peace and reconciliation with Saudi Arabia. Without discounting China’s diplomatic achievement, Iran had its own reasons.

The unemployment rate of Saudi nationals dropped to 8 percent during the last quarter of 2022, a remarkable achievement not seen in decades, bringing the country close to achieving the 7 percent target of Vision 2030.