Saudi Arabia - AL-Monitor: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012

Saudi Arabia cover image

Saudi Arabia

June 9, 2025

Riyadh 11:19 am

39°C

Muslim worshippers make their way towards the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque complex in in the holy city of Mecca to take part in morning prayers on the first day of Eid Al-Adha, the feast of the sacrifice, early on June 6, 2025.

In photos: Muslims kick off Eid al-Adha across the Middle East

The holiday’s arrival cast a spotlight on deepening humanitarian crises, leadership transitions and shifting regional dynamics.

GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images

Mideast airlines to deliver industry’s highest profit margins in 2025

The region's airlines are forecast to hit a profit margin of 8.7% in 2025, slightly lower than last year's figure of 8.9% but the highest in the industry.

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud (R) receives his French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot, prior to their meeting in Riyadh on April 25, 2025.

Israel blocks Saudi, UAE and other FMs from West Bank visit: What to know

The move to block the visit comes amid heightened international pressure on Israel to end its military offensive in Gaza and make progress toward Palestinian statehood, a key condition for normalization with Riyadh.

Latest News

Saudi Arabia releases Iranian cleric who criticized Hajj: What to know

The pilgrims' convoy departs from the city of Al-Dana, Syria, to Damascus Airport in order to set off to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj rituals on May 21, 2025.

Tom Barrack talks Syria aid during Saudi Arabia, Jordan visits: What to know

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan meets with United States special envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack.

China expands visa-free policy to Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait

JAM STA ROSA/AFP via Getty Images

Samuel Wendel

Senior Market Research Analyst

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

Adam Lucente

News and Business Correspondent

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Jack Dutton

Chief Business Correspondent

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

Sabena Siddiqui

In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran

Sebastian Castelier

In Dubai, reporting on regional business

Delegates chat near a robot during the Future Investment Initiative (FII) forum at the King Abdulaziz Conference Centre in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh, on Oct. 30, 2019.

Analysis

Was 2024 a breakthrough year for the Middle East’s AI ambitions?

Gulf states doubled down on AI in 2024, pouring billions into tech infrastructure and US partnerships.

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

OMAR HAJ KADOUR/AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

From BRICS to dwindling oil revenues, 2024 was mixed year for Gulf

The ongoing conflict in Gaza, big international investment deals, low oil revenue and increased curtailing of democratic rights dominated Gulf politics and economy in 2024

Jennifer Gnana

By Jennifer Gnana

In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics

This picture shows a construction site for Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) in Riyadh on April 16, 2023.

Mideast merger and acquisition activity hits $36B in 2024 led by UAE, Saudi Arabia

For the first 10 months of the year, merger and acquisition deals in the region reached $36 billion, up by 88% from a year earlier, a Bain & Company report said.

Saudis celebrate World Cup announcement

Saudi Arabia bets 2034 World Cup will bring foreign investment, reduce reliance on debt

Hosting the 2034 World Cup will give fresh impetus to Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification plans as tournament-linked construction and developments open new investment opportunities.

A Union flag flies above a hangar as a British Airways operated Airbus A747 passenger jet is moved by an aircraft tractor at Heathrow Airport, west of London on April 2, 2020, as life in Britain continues during the nationwide lockdown to combat the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

Saudi Public Investment Fund takes 15% stake in London's Heathrow Airport

Spanish construction giant Ferrovial said it had closed the sale of a 19.75% stake in the UK capital’s busiest airport for 2 billion euros ($2.1 billion) to the PIF and French investment firm Ardian.

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - DECEMBER 11: A drone show is seen displaying the words "Welcome to Saudi 34" as Saudi Arabia is announced as the host nation for the FIFA World Cup 2034 on December 11, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Christophe Viseux/Getty Images for Saudi Arabian Football Federation)

Saudi Arabia wins bid to host 2034 FIFA World Cup: What we know

Saudi Arabia has poured billions into developing sporting infrastructure and buying up top global football talent as part of its Vision 2030 diversification strategy.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump leaves after addressing members of the media following the verdict in his hush-money trial at Trump Tower on May 31, 2024 in New York City. A New York jury found Trump guilty Thursday of all 34 charges of covering up a $130,000 hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels to keep her story of their alleged affair from being published during the 2016 presidential election. Trump is the first former U.S. president to be convicted of crimes.

Trump Organization to build luxury housing in Saudi capital: What we know

The two companies this week will also launch the Trump Tower in Jeddah, the third project between Dar Global and the Trump Organization.

Bpifrance, Saudi PIF sign $10B financing agreement

The five-year agreement will increase collaboration between PIF and Bpifrance Assurance Export, focusing on projects to support Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s plan to diversify the economy away from reliance on oil.

SAM PANTHAKY/AFP via Getty Images

Airbus becomes latest multinational to open regional HQ in Saudi Arabia

The European plane maker aims to develop local talent and technological expertise in the fast-growing Gulf market.

Dania Akeel

Saudi Dania Akeel’s Baja Cup win inspires Arab women in motorsports

The Jeddah-born driver is the first Saudi woman to win that cup and among an increasing number of Arab women drivers to achieve success in the traditionally male-dominated sport in recent years.

[2/7]Syria's President Bashar al-Assad meets with President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Presidential Airport in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates March 19, 2023. Abdulla Al Neyadi/UAE Presidential Court/WAM

Analysis

Syrian rebel offensive worries Gulf states as they rally around Assad

Most Arab Gulf states have quickly expressed solidarity with Damascus, but the ongoing rebel offensive has caught many by surprise and adds a layer of uncertainty over Arab normalization with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Giorgio Cafiero

By Giorgio Cafiero

LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP via Getty Images

France's Macron eyes defense deals, Lebanon support on Saudi state visit

French President Emmanuel Macron will meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for a one-on-one dinner on Tuesday.