Analysis Why Saudi Arabia, Egypt are wary of Turkey’s proposed 4-way defense pact with Pakistan The proposed framework faces major hurdles and fault lines, ranging from NATO constraints to Israeli opposition and weak military integration. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
In Lebanon, Saudi Arabia pursues quiet diplomacy as Trump pushes Israel normalization Saudi Arabia has been engaged in intense diplomacy in Lebanon in recent days, leading up to the extension of a ceasefire with Israel. Lebanon
Why did the Met Opera lose its Saudi funding deal? The deal, announced as a nonbinding memorandum of understanding last September, would have seen the PIF inject up to $200 million into the opera institution over the next eight years. Saudi Arabia
Newsletter: City Pulse Riyadh Ithra brings MENA design to Milan Also this week: Lana Khayat at Art Dubai and Najdi dining in Diriyah By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
Analysis Gulf energy deals face Iran war stress test as global expansion meets oil shock By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Newsletter: FutureVerse NEOM’s new logistics look By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
NEOM’s ambitious concept-to-project transition presents funding, feasibility challenges Robert Mogielnicki
Saudi crown prince unveils national strategy for esports, video games Investment in video games is officially forming part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative for economic diversification. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia plans new AI center The agreement between the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence and King Abdullah University was made on the sidelines of an artificial intelligence summit in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia
Culture Yemeni man arrested for dedicating pilgrimage to Queen Elizabeth Saudi authorities said the Yemeni man seen in a video dedicating his umrah to the English queen was arrested simply for bringing a banner to a holy site. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi GDP quarterly growth rate reaches 10-year high Saudi Arabia is investing in several sectors in its bid to diversify the economy, but oil remains a major driver of growth. Saudi Arabia
Oil prices fall following Saudi-backed OPEC+ production cut The decrease in production could be a message from Saudi Arabia to the US over the Iran nuclear deal. Legacy: Gulf
Culture Gulf states warn Netflix over content that 'contradicts Islamic values' The controversy follows some Gulf states cracking down on rainbow colors due to their resemblance to the LGBTQ pride flag, though the Gulf Cooperation Council did not mention what exactly the issue is with Netflix. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi firm Alfanar to build green hydrogen plant in Egypt Saudi Arabia is helping Egypt boost its renewable energy capabilities. Egypt
Saudi-India economic ties grow closer with mining agreement Saudi Arabia is seeking to boost its mining sector, and India is a natural partner in this endeavor. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi Arabia to invest $1 billion in Pakistan, following UAE and Qatar Pakistan is seeking help from the Gulf amid its foreign currency reserves crisis. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Central Bank approves fintech companies Lean Technologies, Mod5r Saudi Arabia recently launched a fintech strategy with the goal of becoming a regional hub for financial technology. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia strengthens ties with Uzbekistan via wind power, investment deals Uzbekistan’s relations are also improving with the United Arab Emirates and Israel. Legacy: Gulf