Saudi Arabia advances gas ambitions as $100B Jafurah plant comes online The Finance Ministry reported that initial output at the massive Jafurah gas field has begun, with a capacity of 450 million cubic feet per day. Saudi Arabia
Yemen's STC separatists advance in Hadramout as UAE-Saudi rift grows The fighting between the UAE-backed southern separatists and Saudi-aligned tribal forces, nominal allies against the Houthis, has raised concerns about the division of Yemen. Yemen
Newsletter: City Pulse Riyadh Winter at Tantora returns to AlUla Also this week: Desert dining in AlUla, Camel Festival turns 10 and art from Jeddah to Tashkent By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
US approves $1.4B in military sales to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain: What to know An estimated $1 billion in foreign military sales will go to Saudi Arabia, and $445 million will go to Bahrain. United States
Analysis US-Gulf critical minerals ties grow in bid to weaken China’s grip on industry By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis South Korea’s $15B jet offer expands UAE's options as US moves to sell Saudis F-35s By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Saudi-China energy cooperation strengthened by Uzbek wind project sale Both Saudi Arabia and China are seeking to tap into Uzbekistan's and Central Asia’s energy potential. Saudi Arabia
Tech investment slump reaching critical stage for cash strapped Middle East startups Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Saudi Arabia and Syria resume regular flights as thaw with Assad advances The move signals a new step toward further developing the relations between the two countries. Syria
As Boeing struggles, Airbus inks 4-aircraft deal with Saudi Arabia The kingdom ordered four more of Airbus’ A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft for the Royal Saudi Air Force as Boeing's challenges mount in Gulf over safety issues. Saudi Arabia
Middle East startups see funding fall by 34% in first half of 2024 Although startup funding levels have plateaued globally, MENA reported an increase in early-stage rounds and investor participation. United Arab Emirates
Saudi's latest drug bust: thousands of narcotics tablets, 760 pounds of qat Saudi Arabia is a major destination for the amphetamine Captagon, though seizures have decreased recently due to more enforcement in transit countries like Jordan, according to a recent report. Saudi Arabia
Culture Saudi Arabia's soccer dreams tested as Vision 2030 goal posts move 2023 saw Saudi Arabia take the world of soccer by storm with record-breaking spending on new stars, but those hoping for a repeat performance in 2024 have so far been left disappointed. Saudi Arabia
In navigating return of Taliban, will Saudi reopen embassy in Afghanistan? If the reported push to reopen materializes, it could help provide some legitimacy to the Taliban government. Saudi Arabia
What’s behind Saudi Public Investment Fund’s $17.2B profit? The sovereign wealth fund’s turnaround following the loss in 2022 is due in large part to the stock market rebounding. Saudi Arabia
Saudi defense chief in Turkey, meets Erdogan as drone sales grow Turkey and Saudi Arabia signed a major drone deal last year in one of several recent demonstrations of strengthening defense cooperation between the two countries. Saudi Arabia
Is Saudi Arabia’s $100B foreign investment drive starting to yield results? Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Trump Tower deal announced in Jeddah as Saudi business ties grow The Trump Organization recently unveiled a development in Oman, while Trump’s golf course is again hosting the Saudi-backed LIV Golf this year. Saudi Arabia