Saudi Arabia signs first visa-free travel agreement with Russia: What to know The deal will allow citizens of either country to enter visa-free for 90 days for tourism, business and family visits. Saudi Arabia
Analysis With Saudi normalization off table, MBS visit to Trump 'a defeat for Israel' Israelis are searching for answers for the shift in US policy, some pointing to Saudi promises to invest trillions in the US, while others point to members of Trump's circle. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
US-Gulf critical minerals ties deepen as Saudis strike rare earths deal The Nevada-based producer said the new joint venture will develop a refinery capable of processing raw materials from Saudi Arabia and abroad to supply manufacturing and defense industries in both countries. Saudi Arabia
MBS pledges Saudi investment of $1T in Trump meeting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said the move is in line with Saudi Arabia's investment strategy, particularly its desire to increase computing capabilities and develop an artificial intelligence sector. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Trump’s Saudi F-35 deal jolts Israel’s security elite, weakens Netanyahu By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Ahead of MBS visit, Saudis link Israel normalization to 3 asks from Trump By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
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
India’s Modi ‘deeply concerned’ about Saudi King Salman’s health The 88-year-old king has faced health setbacks in recent weeks, prompting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to cancel a trip to Japan. 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
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
Biden’s grand bargain between Saudi Arabia and Israel hangs by a thread Diplomatic sources briefed on the discussions suggest it would likely fall short of Article 5 of the United States’ 1960 treaty with Japan, but would likely go beyond the benefits of major non-NATO ally. Saudi Arabia
Soaring regional tensions boost Gulf budgets, threaten long-term goals Most of the Gulf’s economic diversification plans still rely heavily on oil and gas revenues, especially in Saudi Arabia, where the most speculative parts of Vision 2030 face a lack of interest by foreign investors. By Sebastian Castelier In Dubai, reporting on regional business
Saudi PIF-owned company, tourism fund partner on new downtown for Riyadh Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is working with the kingdom’s Tourism Development Fund to create "the world’s largest downtown" in the capital. Saudi Arabia
Ukraine’s Zelenskyy in Saudi Arabia to talk prisoners, Russia war Saudi Arabia has taken an increasingly active role in mediating the Ukraine-Russia war while maintaining friendly relations with both states. Legacy: Gulf
Analysis What MBS' latest sports reforms mean for soccer in Saudi Arabia Talk of privatization of the sports sector is nothing new in the kingdom, but experts believe the changes might help the Saudi Pro League lure in more big names. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Palestinian President Abbas visits Saudi Arabia to ‘strengthen’ relations Abbas’ visit follows reports in regional media that a Hamas delegation was going to visit the kingdom. Palestine
Iranian Embassy reopens its gates in Saudi Arabia after 7 years of closure The move comes as Saudi Arabia and Iran advance their deal to normalize full relations, while Washington scrambles to maintain its relations with the Gulf kingdom. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi Arabia invests $51 billion in first wave of Shareek diversification The Shareek investment and diversification strategy is set to create more than 64,000 jobs by 2040. Saudi Arabia
