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Saudi Arabia

September 21, 2026

Riyadh 7:15 am

28°C

LIV Golf

Explainer

After $5B in Saudi backing, what’s next for bankrupt LIV Golf?

Saudi Arabia is likely to focus on hosting key sporting events and developing the esports scene after the failures of LIV Golf.

Saudi-backed Yemeni government fighters

Analysis

Despite Mecca pact, Turkey rules out direct military role in Yemen

A Turkish official told Al-Monitor that Turkey will not directly intervene in the unfolding conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia.

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

A man uses a pole to navigate a boat

Explainer

From Maysan to Saudi Arabia, drone attack puts Iraqi province under scrutiny

Officials have been removed but worsening problems need to be addressed in militia stronghold bordering Iran, local residents and observers say.

Saudi Arabia's Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz Bin Salman

Analysis

Houthi attacks pressure Saudi Arabia’s splashy economic overhaul

Riyadh faces the prospect of having to divert more resources away from noncritical Vision 2030 projects toward defense and economic support as the US-Iran war hits the kingdom more directly.

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Latest News

Saudi Aramco curbs Europe crude exports to support Asia supplies

AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

How Netanyahu is leveraging Houthi threat in secret Saudi normalization push

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman looks on as he attends a trade agreement signature ceremony at the Elysee Palace in Paris on August 24, 2026. (Photo by LOU BENOIST / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)

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

Trump administration approves $24B sale of F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia

A US Air Force F-35 fifth-generation jet fighter takes off during the NATO's Ramsteign Flag 2025 exercise at Leeuwarden Air Base on April 8, 2025.

Explainer

How soon can Saudi Arabia restart its key oil pipeline?

FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty Images

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

Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia (2nd L) is escorted by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) through Statuary Hall as they head to a meeting at the U.S. Capitol on Nov. 19, 2025 in Washington, DC.

Explainer

Why US-Saudi nuclear deal could encounter hurdles in Congress

The agreement is likely to face questions in Congress over whether its nonproliferation safeguards are sufficient, as well as over Riyadh’s stated interest in acquiring nuclear weapons if Iran does, concerns over its human rights record and its ties with China.

Win McNamee/Getty Images

Explainer

How US bid prevailed over China, France, Russia in Saudi nuclear deal

The Trump administration has made American nuclear technology a major priority with an $80 billion investment in the sector, including nearly $18 billion in loans to Westinghouse Electric Company to develop its AP1000 reactor lines.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

US, Saudi Arabia set to sign nuclear agreement: What to know

The agreement could allow US companies to build uranium enrichment facilities in Saudi Arabia for its civilian nuclear program.

A pickup truck carrying a turret is pictured as fighters supporting the Aden-based and internationally recognized Yemeni government gather along the Red Sea shore in Khokha, in Yemen's western Hodeidah province on July 20, 2026.

Houthis warn shipping firms to avoid Saudi ports or face attack: What to know

The Houthi militia reportedly emailed multiple shipping companies on Tuesday, warning them of the consequences of visiting Saudi ports.

A ship sails off the coast of Ajman on July 10, 2026.

Interview

Why Strait of Hormuz no longer rattles oil markets as much: IMF

The fund's Middle East director, Jihad Azour, told Al-Monitor that the big Gulf energy producers now have more capacity to absorb the shock.

Jihad Azour

Jihad Azour

Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the International Monetary Fund

Mohammed HUWAIS / AFP via Getty Images

Yemen’s Houthis accuse Saudi Arabia of striking Sanaa airport: What to know

The Yemeni government claimed that its armed forces struck the Sanaa International Airport to prevent an Iranian plane from landing, while the Houthis accused the government's ally, Saudi Arabia, of carrying out the strikes.

A man crosses a street while returning home from work, in Dubai on June 23, 2026. (Photo by FADEL SENNA / AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

Saudi-UAE payment blocks could imperil billions in trade: What to know

Delayed bank transfers from Saudi Arabia to accounts in the United Arab Emirates could suggest the rivalry between the region's largest economies is entering a new financial phase.

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech