Heat, old age, heart conditions blamed for over 1,000 deaths at Hajj

Many of those who died were unregistered users who suffered from the intense heat in Saudi Arabia, according to regional authorities.

Saudi Arabia

14 Jordanian, 5 Iranian pilgrims die at Saudi Hajj from extreme heat

Last month was the hottest May on record, according to scientists, and rising temperatures are particularly concerning for the Gulf.

Saudi Arabia

Analysis

Why Uzbekistan is increasingly looking to Turkey, Saudi Arabia for investment

Tashkent is trying to diversify energy sources and bring in fresh foreign investment, turning to both Turkey and Saudi Arabia to accomplish this.

By Sabena Siddiqui

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

Why is Saudi Arabia cutting funding, reducing costs on ambitious projects?

Saudi Arabia is reevaluating its financial priorities under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ambitious Vision 2030 plan to diversify the nation away from a reliance on oil.

Saudi Arabia

From Israel to Iran, Modi 3.0 eyes deepening of India's Middle East ties

India refuses to be restricted by its former Cold War commitments; as with any other power or wannabe power, only self-interest matters, and the oil monarchies of the Gulf top India's list of friends in the region.

Iran

Saudi Arabia holds investment summit in Brazil, plans to invest $15B

Brazil’s energy minister said Saudi Arabia plans to invest $15 billion in the South American country, bolstering already strong economic relations based largely on mining, meat and oil.

Saudi Arabia

UAE, Saudi leaders expected at Italy's G7 summit as Meloni boosts Gulf ties

Italy is seeking Saudi investments and closer gas ties with the UAE, all while it focuses on migration and energy-related interests in North Africa.

Saudi Arabia

Analysis

How Saudiwood’s power play is reshaping Middle East film industry

While the country's first entry at Cannes didn’t win, its inclusion in the festival was another step toward Saudi ambitions to become a film industry powerhouse.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Saudi Arabia poised to raise $11.2B in Aramco's second IPO

Aramco had set a price range of its shares between 26.7 and 29.0 riyals ($7.12 and $7.73) but said on Friday it ended up pricing them at 27.25 riyals ($7.27).

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia joins China, UAE in digital currency project

The kingdom is joining the Switzerland-based Bank for International Settlements' central bank digital currency platform.

Saudi Arabia

Qatar National Bank says GCC banks have more liquidity than global rivals

An executive at the Qatari lender said that Gulf countries will have to compete with the rest of the world for billions of dollars in equity to finance infrastructure projects, of which there is a higher demand than supply.

Saudi Arabia

Jordan seizes 9.5 million Captagon pills at Saudi border

Much of Jordan’s efforts to counter drug smuggling focus on the Syrian border, but Saudi Arabia remains a major destination for Captagon.

Jordan