Saudi Arabia - AL-MONITOR: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012

Saudi Arabia cover image

Saudi Arabia

September 5, 2026

Riyadh 12:26 am

32°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

US President Donald Trump (C-L) is welcomed by Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (C) upon arrival at King Khalid International Airport, followed by First Lady Melania Trump (R), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 20, 2017.

Trump heads to Gulf as markets surge on US-China tariff deal

China and the United States said on Monday they agreed on a deal to cut reciprocal tariffs by 110% from May 14 as they seek to end the trade war that has upended global markets.

President Donald Trump shakes hands with Saudi Arabia's crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, in the Oval Office of the White House on March 20, 2018.

Analysis

Will Trump's push for Gulf investment align with regional economic realities?

During his May 13-16 trip, Trump aims to unveil trillions of dollars in Gulf investment and trade commitments in the United States.

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

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks to AFP during an interview at the Iranian consulate in Jeddah on March 7, 2025.

Analysis

Iran's counterbalancing act: Araghchi in Saudi Arabia ahead of Trump tour

The Iranian foreign minister's visit is seen as Tehran's effort to rally Saudi support behind its position in the US-Iran nuclear talks amid escalating threats from American officials, which have fueled uncertainty about the fate of the fragile diplomatic initiative.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

US eases foreign investment rules days before Trump Gulf visit: What to know

Gulf states are estimated to manage 40% of the world’s sovereign wealth and are some of the biggest investors in the United States.

Palestine Vice President Hussein Sheikh meets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah on May 8, 2025.

Saudi crown prince hosts Palestinian VP Sheikh days before Trump visit

The trip comes ahead of President Donald Trump's visit to the kingdom, as the Palestinian Authority eyes a role in postwar Gaza and Arab states push for a technocratic government in the enclave.

new delhi

Iranian, Saudi officials in India as more airlines halt service amid Pakistan row

Iranian and Saudi officials headed to New Delhi in separate visits following Indian airstrikes in Pakistan that raised fears of war between the neighboring countries.

Israeli army tanks are deployed at a position near Israel's border with the Gaza Strip, on May 5, 2025. Israel was issuing orders to call up tens of thousands of reservists ahead of an expanded offensive in Gaza, Israeli media reported on May 3, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attacked truce mediator Qatar. (Photo by Menahem KAHANA / AFP) (Photo by MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

As Trump heads to Gulf, Israeli security cabinet split over plan to 'conquer' Gaza

Some associates of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu campaign for a limited Gaza operation to increase military pressure on Hamas, while the extreme right ministers call for retaking the entire Strip.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

U.S. President Donald Trump arrives in the Cross Hall of the White House to deliver remarks during an event on "Investing in America" on April 30, 2025 in Washington, DC

Wall Street, Silicon Valley executives to join Trump in Saudi Arabia as US courts Gulf funds

US President Trump is visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates on May 13-15 in his first foreign visit since returning to the White House for his second term in January.

Nodding donkey rig pumping crude oil up from the ground of an oil field in the desert.

Goldman Sachs lowers oil forecast after OPEC+ boosts production: What to know

Saudi Arabia, Russia and other members of OPEC+ announced another major production increase, sending oil prices below $60 a barrel.

Brandon Bell/Getty Images

OPEC+ moves up meeting as oil prices continue to drop: What to know

Saudi Arabia has signaled it is willing to live with lower oil prices as US President Donald Trump calls for more production.