In Saudi Arabia, Sharaa hails 'historic opportunity' for Syria investment

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa touted investment opportunities in his country as he addressed business leaders and officials at the 9th Future Investment Initiative Conference in Riyadh.

Syria

Newsletter: Gulf

Saudi FII becomes stage for global diplomacy

Riyadh’s high-profile investment forum set the stage for global diplomacy this week, as Gulf states deepened ties from Tehran to Bogotá and expanded their reach across Africa and Asia.

By Francesco Schiavi

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

Humain’s $3B deal sets tone as Riyadh’s FII summit spotlights AI, private credit

At the 2025 edition of Saudi Arabia's flagship investment conference known as “Davos in the Desert," AI is stealing the spotlight from megaprojects.

Saudi Arabia

Delta to launch first direct US-Saudi flight as business ties deepen

Beginning in October 2026, Delta will fly from its Atlanta hub to the Saudi capital three times a week on an Airbus A350-900 — a route that will span more than 7,000 miles.

Saudi Arabia

Newsletter: City Pulse Riyadh

BIENALSUR brings global art to Diriyah

Also this week: Peruvian flavors, Islamic artistry and Saudi light art.

By Rebecca Anne Proctor

In Dubai, reporting on culture

Analysis

Saudi Arabia diversifies with new China naval drills, but military remains Western-centric

Expanding Saudi-Chinese defense cooperation mirrors the broader deepening of Saudi-Chinese diplomatic and economic relations.

By Francesco Schiavi

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

Interview

Gulf real estate investors choose UK over US amid political instability

The London-based lender is seeing an increase in demand from Gulf investors in UK real estate as US markets have become less predictable.

Khaled Alanani

Head of real estate finance and investments, Bank of London and The Middle East

Newsletter: China-Middle East

China's inroads in Saudi defense industry

Saudi Arabia and China kicked off their third bilateral naval drill this week, a move that demonstrates Beijing’s growing role not only as an economic partner, but as a defense one as well for Riyadh.

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Singapore's DBS Group, Banque Saudi Fransi ink Asia-Gulf trade deal

Trade between Southeast Asia and the GCC reached about $130.7 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow by another $50 billion by 2027, according to the Singaporean lender.

Saudi Arabia

Newsletter: City Pulse Riyadh

Vivienne Westwood debuts at Riyadh Fashion Week

Also this week: Red Sea luxury, desert art, Expo countdown and Saudi wellness.

By Rebecca Anne Proctor

In Dubai, reporting on culture

Hong Kong exchange expands Gulf presence with new Dubai commodities arm

The emirate has positioned itself as a global commodities trading hub, with the UAE ranking second globally after the US in last year’s Commodity Trade Index.

United Arab Emirates

Saudi Arabia grants citizenship to Uber co-founder, Red Sea Global CEO

Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick and Red Sea Global CEO John Pagano have been granted Saudi citizenship.

Saudi Arabia