Saudi Arabia and Qatar ink high-speed rail deal advancing Gulf integration Saudi Arabia is seeking to boost its railway infrastructure, and longstanding efforts to connect Gulf states by train are finally gaining momentum. Saudi Arabia
China, UAE to hold third air force drills as defense ties warm: What we know China and the United Arab Emirates are further deepening their defense and military ties with a third round of aerial exercises. United Arab Emirates
Meloni to attend GCC summit in Bahrain as Italy deepens Gulf ties The summit is expected to focus on economic integration in the Gulf, but regional issues will likely loom just as large, including post-war Gaza and the conflict in Sudan. Bahrain
Analysis F-35s, chips but no security guarantees: What MBS achieved — and didn’t — in Washington A Saudi-US defense deal signed by Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House fell short of the de facto Saudi leader's ambitions for a US defense guarantee, but neither side appears in much of a hurry since the US military knocked out Iran's nuclear enrichment in June. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Will Saudi Aramco's massive share sale to raise $12B pay off? Saudi Arabia is selling a 0.64% stake in its state energy company in a bid to offset rising debt and fund its economic diversification plans, but foreign investors remain wary. By Sebastian Castelier In Dubai, reporting on regional business
Le Drian says France keen to help Saudi Arabia transition away from oil France's former top diplomat said that his country was supportive of Saudi Arabia's efforts to diversify its economy. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia sees 477% increase in multinational HQs in first quarter The 127 international companies relocating to Saudi Arabia so far this year follow a Saudi program to attract world businesses. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Can Gulf investors outstrip China in Africa as UAE expands reach? As the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other GCC states boost investments in Africa,Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative could face serious challenges. By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal invests in Elon Musk’s $24B AI startup Kingdom Holding Company also holds a stake in Elon Musk’s social media platform X, formerly Twitter. Saudi Arabia
Goldman Sachs first Wall Street bank to get green light for Saudi Arabia HQ The US-headquartered investment bank received a license from the Saudi Ministry of Investment to set up its regional headquarters in the capital, Riyadh. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia looks to Japan to hedge exposure to China Expanding economic ties with Japan is a focus of Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification plan as it looks to venture into new industries, including auto manufacturing and gaming. By Sebastian Castelier In Dubai, reporting on regional business
Saudi crown prince cancels Japan trip over King Salman's health concerns The Saudi Press Agency reported Sunday that the crown prince’s 88-year-old father, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz, was suffering from lung inflammation and will be treated at the Al Salam Palace in Jeddah. Saudi Arabia
In Japan, Saudi Arabia's crown prince eyes expansion of energy, defense ties In an upcoming visit to Tokyo, the Saudi crown prince will have an audience with the Japanese prime minister, among others, to discuss a "broad range" of issues. Saudi Arabia
Gulf consolidates stature as sovereign wealth hub, lags on per capita holdings A frenzy of recent initial public offerings has again highlighted Gulf states' statuses as global wealth hubs. By Sebastian Castelier In Dubai, reporting on regional business
Arab League calls for 'immediate' Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, deployment of international force The statement further expresses the Arab nations' “firm position for a just and comprehensive peaceful settlement of the Palestinian issue” and their support for an international peace conference on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Palestine
As Saudi Arabia pushes socioeconomic change, arrests show limits to reform Riyadh has been heavily investing in its economic diversification agenda but a slate of recent arrests over citizens' social media posts and other alleged state violations highlight the limits of Saudi Arabia's socioeconomic reforms. By Sebastian Castelier In Dubai, reporting on regional business
