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Saudi Arabia

September 4, 2026

Riyadh 4:10 pm

41°C

Guests stand at the booth of Saudi artificial intelligence company Humain during the Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference in Riyadh, on Oct. 29, 2025.

Saudi Arabia taps China’s MiniMax for Arabic AI model

The development signals that the kingdom continues deepening AI ties with China while simultaneously pursuing major US technology partnerships, keeping the Gulf state at the center of an intensifying technology race between the superpowers.

A commercial vessel passes through an international shipping lane off Yemen's Hanish Island in the Red Sea on July 27, 2026.

Saudi oil exports hit nine-year low as tanker attacks threaten recovery

The country’s oil exports were around 3 million barrels per day in August.

Latest News

Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan set Mecca Alliance into motion

Mecca Alliance

Iraq reinforces Saudi border security amid militia tensions: What to know

Iraqi army troops patrol the Iraq-Saudi Arabia border

Samuel Wendel

Senior Analyst, Middle East Business & Tech

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Adam Lucente

News and Business Correspondent

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

Jack Dutton

Chief Business Correspondent

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

Francesco Schiavi

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

Sabena Siddiqui

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

Vanessa Ghanem

In Dubai, reporting on business, energy and politics

The Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces graduated the third class of THAAD anti-ballistic missile operators after its members completed the stages of specialized individual training at Fort Bliss military base in the United States.

US Army trains new Saudi anti-missile THAAD crew as Gulf air defense lags

Despite damage from Israel’s June air campaign, Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal continues to threaten Arab states and has in the past limited US military access to regional bases, testing the Pentagon’s ability to manage its global resources.

Saudi Investment Minister Khalid al-Faleh speaks during the fourth edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference at the capital Riyadh's Ritz-Carlton hotel on Jan. 27, 2021.

In China, Saudi investment minister looks to build on $100B+ trade ties

China is the kingdom’s largest trade partner, with bilateral trade between the two reaching roughly $107.5 billion in 2024.

Employees man their terminals at the control room for traffic and crowd management for pilgrims at the General Transport Centre at the Royal Commission for Mecca and Holy Sites in Mecca on June 3, 2025.

Saudi Arabia escalates Arabic AI race with new state-backed chatbot

The app is available only in Saudi Arabia, but the company plans to expand across the region and eventually globally.

A man watches stock movements on a display at the Dubai Financial Market stock exchange, United Arab Emirates, April 12, 2022.

Analysis

Middle East demand for US debt soars to $400B in turbulent year

The first half of 2025 saw regional investors boost holdings of US Treasuries to record levels, led by the UAE, Israel and Kuwait, as markets digested turbulence from President Trump's trade agenda.

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Saudi Defense Minister and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrives for a press conference in Riyadh, on April 25, 2016.

Analysis

How Saudi defense shake-up exposes frustration with localization goals

As Riyadh struggles to reach its 50% Vision 2030 target, leadership reshuffles signal pressure for faster progress.

Francesco Schiavi

By Francesco Schiavi

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

Botswana Qatar

Qatari royal expands Africa push with $12B in Botswana after $39B in DRC, Zambia

A Qatari delegation began a tour of 10 African countries on Aug. 13 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, to explore investment opportunities.

HRH the Crown Prince welcomes President of Egypt upon arrival in Neom, Saudi Arabia, on Aug. 21, 2025.

Egypt's Sisi, Saudi crown prince discuss Red Sea, Gaza, trade in Neom

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi headed to Saudi Arabia as the two countries continue to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance cooperation on regional and international issues.

British Chef Gordon Ramsey shouts instructions from his kitchen at his Chelsea restaurant Jan. 12, 2001.

Culture

Gordon Ramsay chef school heads to Saudi Arabia: What to know

Saudi Arabia lacks the plethora of renowned restaurants the neighboring UAE boasts, but the kingdom’s fine dining scene may be on the rise.

VistaJet Bombardier Bombardier Global 6000 is landing at Milano Malpensa international airport.

Saudi Arabia licenses charter operator VistaJet as first foreign airline for domestic flights

The Dubai-based private airline group looks to capitalize on the kingdom's growing super-rich luxury travel market.