Houthis seize Red Sea city, tighten grip near strategic Bab al-Mandeb: What to know Taking control of the towns bordering the Bab al-Mandeb Strait deals a significant blow to Saudi Arabia, which has relied heavily on the key waterway to keep its exports afloat. Yemen
Saudi Arabia’s oil production slumps to lowest in 36 years as war bites The kingdom reported to OPEC that crude output fell by 1.9 million to 6.238 million barrels per day in August. Saudi Arabia
Newsletter: City Pulse Riyadh Saudi National Day takes shape Also this week: AlUla’s young artists take over, Kayzo lands in Jeddah and Saudi design meets heritage. By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
Analysis How Saudi Arabia seeks to contain Yemen's Houthis without provoking Iran Riyadh is balancing pressure on the Houthis with efforts to keep Iran from widening the conflict, as attacks threaten Saudi energy exports through the Red Sea. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Newsletter: FutureVerse China holds its ground in Middle East AI race By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Iran war tests Gulf's theme park ambitions By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
US Budget Woes Compound Differences with GCC Despite security and commercial ties with the United States, there is a growing trust deficit between Washington and Arab states on the Persian Gulf that fear the spread of Arab democratic movements and worry that the U.S. will sacrifice their interests for a deal with Iran. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Youth Question Traditional Approach to Islam Saudi youth are seeking Islamic guidance that speaks to the issues they face in their lives, writes Caryle Murphy. Saudi Arabia
Prince Muqrin and the Question Of Saudi Succession The appointment by Saudi King Abdullah of his half-brother Prince Muqrin bin Abdul Aziz to the key position of second deputy prime minister raises new questions about who will succeed the Saudi monarch and the next generation of Saudi rulers, writes Thomas Lippman. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Conservative Women Feel Marginalized by Shura Council Snub Saudi Arabia was hailed this month for appointing 30 women to its Shura Council, but leading conservative women have expressed disappointment at not being included in the royal list, Ahmed al-Omran writes. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Execution of Sri Lankan Maid Exposes Vulnerability of Foreign Workers The execution of a Sri Lankan maid, who was charged as a minor with killing a 4-month-old Saudi baby, has drawn attention to the plight of foreign workers in the kingdom, reports Caryle Murphy. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia Faces New Challenge From Its Restive Youth A new book by a veteran American journalist Caryle Murphy predicts that Saudi Arabia faces an “increasingly bumpy” two decades as its youth — who make up more than 60% of the population — demand jobs, economic justice and greater individual freedom. Saudi Arabia