Italy's FM in Saudi Arabia to talk energy partnerships, investments as ties grow

The far-right government of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has worked to strengthen ties with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, Russia to extend voluntary oil cuts to tighten supply

The announcement from the two most powerful members of the OPEC+ group came hours before ministers from the cartel of oil-producing nations were set to meet virtually on Wednesday.

Saudi Arabia

Interview

'A lot of work' remains on Saudi-Israel deal, says Abraham Accords adviser

In an interview with Al-Monitor, the State Department’s Senior Adviser for Regional Integration Daniel Shapiro said there's no question Israel's normalization with Saudi Arabia would “radiate out” to other countries looking to join the Abraham Accords.

Daniel Shapiro

US Senior Adviser for Regional Integration

Culture

Saudi-Iran soccer match canceled over Qasem Soleimani statue row

Iran and Saudi Arabia resumed diplomatic relations in March. Soleimani, who was killed in a US airstrike in 2020, is a polarizing figure in the region.

Legacy: Gulf

Second Israeli minister 'received warmly' in Saudi Arabia amid normalization push

After the first Israeli official delegation and then a trip by Tourism Minister Haim Katz, Israel’s Communications Minister Shlomi Karhi is the latest Israeli minister to visit Saudi Arabia.

Israel

Targeting Tesla factories, Turkey and Saudi Arabia tempt Elon Musk with compelling offers

The Middle East could help fuel Tesla’s global expansion as countries race to become the next destination producing electric vehicles for the world’s most valuable automaker.

Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Saudi Arabia projects $21 billion deficit as economy diversifies from oil

The kingdom was among the world’s fastest-growing economies last year with almost 9% GDP growth after a petrodollar boom amid a global rise in energy prices due to inflation and the Ukraine war.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi sovereign fund takes on fighting world with investment in MMA

The Professional Fighter League's founder and chairman, Donn Davis, told Al-Monitor that the Middle East offers an opportunity to grow mixed martial arts.

Legacy: Gulf

Analysis

Iran may be last stop for Saudi-Israel normalization 

Negotiations continue in multiple capitals to address the many obstacles to establishing diplomatic relations.

By Week in Review , Andrew Parasiliti

Analysis

Will Israel’s opposition back Netanyahu on Saudi peace deal?

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu knows that his far-right coalition partners oppose a Saudi deal requiring concessions to the Palestinians, but can he gain the support of the opposition instead?

By Ben Caspit

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

Saudi Arabia and China to hold joint naval training as ties deepen

With energy and business ties rapidly improving between Saudi Arabia and China, the two countries have agreed to a second joint naval exercise.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Aramco makes first global LNG investment with US MidOcean stake 

MidOcean Energy is in the midst of buying interests in four LNG projects in Australia as part of its growth strategy.

Saudi Arabia