Saudi Arabia taps China’s MiniMax for Arabic AI model The development signals that the kingdom continues deepening AI ties with China while simultaneously pursuing major US technology partnerships, keeping the Gulf state at the center of an intensifying technology race between the superpowers. Saudi Arabia
Newsletter: Business & Tech Oil rises amid renewed US-Iran fighting Iran launched a wave of attacks on US sites across the Middle East on Wednesday after an extensive American bombardment. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Saudi oil exports hit nine-year low as tanker attacks threaten recovery The country’s oil exports were around 3 million barrels per day in August. Saudi Arabia
Newsletter: FutureVerse LEAP’s comeback The fifth edition of the gathering offers a temperature check for the Gulf’s AI ambitions amid fallout from the US-Israel-Iran war. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran sets conditions for reopening Strait of Hormuz By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: City Pulse Riyadh AlUla brings Saudi creativity to Paris By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
Netanyahu's delusions on Saudi Arabia The Arab League has provided Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a path to peace if he so chooses, but he instead is deluding himself in thinking he can have better relations with Arab countries like Saudi Arabia while enforcing harsh policies against the Palestinians. Saudi Arabia
Congress seeks to exert more control over Middle East wars Lawmakers want more of a say in US military activity in the wake of last weekend’s Syria strikes. Saudi Arabia
Saudi king uses Arab Summit to adjust Riyadh's stance toward Trump In response to a growing rift between Riyadh's regional policies and some actions by President Donald Trump, King Salman has reaffirmed long-held alliances while distancing the kingdom from Washington. Saudi Arabia
Saudi leadership offers Israel a chance Open declarations alongside discreet talks indicate that Saudi Arabia is ready to engage with Israel, in parallel with a two-state solution process. Saudi Arabia
Russia might not be ready for long-term OPEC commitment Saudi Arabia seems to think Russia is on board with a lengthy OPEC deal, but Moscow has a lot of factors to consider. Legacy: Gulf
Qatar hires Trump-linked lobbyist ahead of emir’s visit Doha is turning to well-connected Republican operatives amid an intra-Gulf spat. Saudi Arabia
Beirut renames seaside avenue after Saudi benefactor Will King Salman Avenue bring Lebanon more Saudi tourists, or does it just represent the failures of the Lebanese political system? Saudi Arabia
How Mohammed bin Salman unites usually divided Iranians The Saudi crown prince’s harsh words against the Islamic Republic seem to have a unifying effect among Iranians. Saudi Arabia
Jordan, Turkey mending fences over trade agreement dispute During a time of shifting alliances, Ankara views Jordan as an important potential ally — which no doubt has been a factor in Turkey's decision to renegotiate a free trade pact that Amman says favors Turkey. Saudi Arabia
Russia, Qatar explore partnership potential Qatar and Russia both stand to benefit in the Middle East from closer relations: Russia needs Arab street cred and Qatar needs all the friends it can get. Saudi Arabia
Pentagon: US refueling cuts civilian deaths in Yemen US Defense Secretary James Mattis defended the Pentagon’s refueling role in Yemen on Tuesday, saying the plan helps the Saudi-led coalition cut down on civilian casualties in the war-torn country. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia looks to sports investments to score influence in Egypt Saudi Arabia has expanded its investment in the sports sector in Egypt by pumping millions into financing clubs and youth sports activities, a move that has triggered public resentment among some who see it as a means of gaining influence. Saudi Arabia