Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia football supporters wave flags

China-Saudi stadium deal puts Saudi World Cup ambitions in focus amid attacks

The project is a vote of confidence to Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030 agenda to diversify the economy away from oil, despite an uptick in attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on the kingdom in recent weeks.

Vehicles move along a main street in Saudi Arabia's holy city of Mecca on Sept. 16, 2026.

Explainer

Indonesia first foreign country to own property in Saudi Arabia's Mecca

Indonesia's sovereign wealth fund Danantara has received ownership certificates for the 2-billion-riyal ($531.4 million) acquisition of a hotel and 14 adjoining development plots.

Russia's Ekaterina Alexandrova returns the ball to Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina during their WTA Finals tennis tournament in Riyadh on November 5, 2025. (Photo by Fayez NURELDINE / AFP via Getty Images)

Explainer

From Six Kings Slam to FIFAe finals, Saudi Arabia's events derailed by war

Some of Saudi Arabia’s flagship events — across sectors including culture, entertainment and sports — have been canceled or postponed following deadly Houthi attacks over the weekend.

LIV Golf

Explainer

After $5B in Saudi backing, what’s next for bankrupt LIV Golf?

Saudi Arabia is likely to focus on hosting key sporting events and developing the esports scene after the failures of LIV Golf.

Latest News

Analysis

Iran war tests Gulf's theme park ambitions

The entrance to the city of Qiddiya, south of the capital Riyadh, April 25, 2019.

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

France, Saudi Arabia announce more than $10B in deals on MBS visit

France's President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman shake hands

Culture

Iran war hits Saudi gaming drive as Esports Nations Cup pushed to 2027

People attend the international esports gamers Next World Forum in Riyadh, Sept. 7, 2022.

Interview

Saudi labor localization will take ‘generation or two': Armada CEO

A student attends a training seminar at the Tourism Ministry Training center in the city of Riyadh on August 30, 2022.

Olivier Badard

CEO of Armada Holding

Yasser Hassan

Exclusive

'Cloud First' policies give Saudi Arabia, UAE edge in AI race: Amazon exec

In March 2024, AWS announced plans to invest $5.3 billion in Saudi Arabia to launch a cloud infrastructure region in the kingdom by 2026.

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

EU-GCC summit

Saudi PIF, Italy sign $3B export deal as ties grow under Meloni: What to know

The agreement will help the kingdom's many giga projects as well as Italian exporters.

Delegates arrive for the opening session of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, UNCCD COP16, in the Saudi capital Riyadh on December 2, 2024. Saudi Arabia is hosting the COP16 UN conference on land degradation and desertification as the top oil exporter pitches itself as an environmental defender despite criticism of its role at climate talks. (Photo by Fayez Nureldine / AFP) (Photo by FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty Images)

Saudi Arabia markets Middle East's first euro green bond: What to know

The kingdom, currently the world’s top oil exporter, looks to have half of its electricity powered by renewable energy by 2030.

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

Saudi Arabia’s non-oil private sector grows at fastest rate in over a decade

Saudi Arabia's General Authority for Statistics said last week that the kingdom's non-oil GDP growth rate was up 4.3% from 2023, while oil activities declined by 4.5%.

AFP via Getty Images

Saudi Arabia eases foreign investment laws for Mecca, Medina real estate

Foreign investors will have access to limited shares of companies listed on the Saudi capital market, convertible debt instruments or both, the Saudi Capital Markets Authority said in a statement.

Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed al-Jadaan attends a session on the closing day of the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, on Jan. 19, 2024.

Exclusive

Saudi finance minister hints kingdom could meet 2030 renewables target early

On Monday, the kingdom commissioned its largest battery energy storage system to its grid, with a capacity of 500 megawatts and the ability to store 2,000 megawatt hours of electricity.

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

MBS

Analysis

New Saudi-Greek strategic council: Boost for defense, energy, EU ties

Riyadh and Athens are steadily expanding their ties to include military, political and economic dimensions, driven by a shared commitment to regional stability and economic diversification.

Sabena Siddiqui

By Sabena Siddiqui

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

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.

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.

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 20: President Donald Trump (R) holds up a chart of military hardware sales as he meets with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Oval Office at the White House on March 20, 2018 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch-Pool/Getty Images)

Analysis

Saudi Arabia to pursue two-track approach for Trump presidency

Riyadh is likely to compartmentalize business dealings with incoming President Donald Trump separately from its foreign policy engagements, where there is likely to be disagreement.

Jennifer Gnana

By Jennifer Gnana

In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics

NEOM CEO Nadhmi Al-Nasr speaks during the last day of the Future Investment Initiative conference, Riyadh, Oct. 25, 2018.

Analysis

Why did Saudi Arabia replace Neom's CEO amid budget concerns?

The change in leadership comes at a pivotal time for the $1.5 trillion green, megacity project central to the ambitious agenda of Saudi Vision 2030.

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

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin welcomes Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman to the Pentagon in Washington, DC, on November 1, 2023. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP) (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

In military reshuffle, Saudi Arabia seeks efficiency, closing gap with regional rivals

Saudi Arabia has recently undertaken a significant reorganization of its top military leadership, with new senior appointments to the kingdom’s joint, land and naval forces — a step that could mark a pivotal shift in the country's defense strategy and domestic balance.

Francesco Schiavi

By Francesco Schiavi

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