Culture

Saudi Arabia bans new Spider-Man movie that features transgender flag

A few issues of censorship of LGBTQ content have occurred in the Gulf recently, though Saudi authorities did not say exactly why “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” will not be shown.

Legacy: Gulf

Saudi Arabia's MBS heads to France to meet Macron, attend business summits

The two leaders will meet Friday and discuss bilateral relations as well as Middle Eastern and international issues including the war in Ukraine.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi soccer team secures N’Golo Kante move from Chelsea

The transfer would mark an increasing Saudi influence in the world of sport, with Al-Ittihad recently buying French superstar Karim Benzema from Real Madrid.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's Arab-China business conference inks over $10B in deals

The Arab-China Business Conference yielded billions of dollars worth of deals on electric vehicles, mining, technology and more.

Legacy: Gulf

Analysis

Saudi-funded LIV Golf merger with PGA Tour changes US sports landscape

The Saudi Public Investment Fund now holds a major stake in a US sports competition, leading to both economic and political ramifications. Criticism of the Saudi investment in professional golf is continuing, including in Congress.

By Adam Lucente

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

Analysis

Blinken, Saudi FM back away from ‘zero sum’ approach to China

The US secretary of state advanced a reset in Saudi policy in his visit to the kingdom, as nuclear negotiations may define a new phase of energy and security ties.

By Week in Review , Andrew Parasiliti

Saudi FM: China cooperation ‘likely to grow,' but US security ties robust

Saudi Arabia is a longstanding partner of the United States but it is rapidly building ties with China, its largest trading partner and biggest purchaser of Saudi oil.

Saudi Arabia

MBS holds call with Putin, talks oil prices as Blinken visits Saudi Arabia

The IMF projected that Saudi Arabia’s economic growth will slow to 2.1% in 2023 from its 3.1% forecast in May, after the kingdom cut more oil production on Sunday.

Saudi Arabia

Culture

Lionel Messi confirms move to Inter Miami over Saudi Arabia

The Argentine World Cup champion was rumored to be headed to the Saudi club Al Hilal, but has opted to play in the US instead.

Saudi Arabia

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

US remains invested in Gulf partnerships, Blinken tells diplomats

Agence France-Presse

Blinken meets with Saudi Arabia's MBS, US cites 'convergence' on issues

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Al-Monitor that he and the crown prince discussed "a lot" during their meeting.

Saudi Arabia