Al-Qalam 
Does this move signal a thaw in relations between Saudi Arabia, the United Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain which broke ties with Qatar after the three neighbouring countries accused Qatar of “supporting terrorism”, asks Al Jazeera.
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain have confirmed they will take part in this year’s Arabian Gulf Cup football tournament in Qatar, reversing an earlier decision to boycott the event.
The UAE Football Association said in a statement that it has decided to participate in the 24th edition of the tournament, which has traditionally featured all the gulf nations, “after receiving a new invitation from the Arab Gulf Cup Federation”.
Similar statements were issued by the Saudi and Bahraini football associations, announcing their participation after receiving new invitations.
In light of the new development, the Gulf Cup Federation will have to redraw group matches to reflect the participation of the three countries, which had previously said they would boycott the event starting later this month in line with their more than two-year-old land, air and sea blockade against Qatar.
Along with Egypt, the three countries in June 2017 accused Doha of “supporting terrorism”, an allegation Qatar has consistently and vehemently denied.
Qatar’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani told reporters there had been “some discussion about the ongoing Gulf dispute”.
“There are American efforts, which Qatar appreciates, to preserve the unity of the GCC and to return it back to what it is used to be,” he said, referring to the Gulf Cooperation Council comprising Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman.
“Qatar is always open to dialogue and has expressed its readiness to engage in an unconditional dialogue based on mutual respect, non-intervention in the international affairs of other states, and respecting for the sovereignty of other states,” he added.
The previous Arabian Gulf Cup, two years ago, was originally scheduled to be held in Qatar but was moved to Kuwait in the aftermath of the blockade.
The tournament will take place from November 24 to December 9 at the Khalifa International Stadium, a 40,000 capacity air-conditioned venue in the Qatari capital, Doha.
This is the fourth time Qatar will be hosting the regional event.
In 2017, Oman won its second title by beating the UAE in the final on penalties – Al Jazeera News
