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 ADNOC, Aramco and QatarEnergy have aggressively expanded their international portfolios in recent years, a strategy facing new constraints as the US-Israel-Iran war impacts Gulf production and exposes structural risks. 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
Analysis Pakistan’s quiet fighter jet deployment to Saudi Arabia signals Gulf anxiety By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
Golf commentator who criticized Saudi-backed LIV Golf sued for defamation The Golf Channel’s Brandel Chamblee has been one of the most virulent critics of LIV Golf and is now being sued by Patrick Reed, who plays for the breakaway tour. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Public Investment Fund acquires shares in Amazon, Google, Uber The sovereign wealth fund led by the crown prince has shown a strong interest in technology such as video games. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia secures funding for electricity interconnection with Egypt Egypt just approved a plan to ration electricity, though the government said there is not a shortage of power. Egypt
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund acquires stakes in Egyptian state-owned firms The acquisitions help make good on Saudi Arabia’s pledge to invest billions in Egypt. Saudi Arabia
Gulf states changing labor, visa and residency policies to attract foreign wealth, talent Robert Mogielnicki
Saudi Arabia-China relations strengthen with Aramco-Sinopec deal The ties between China and Saudi Arabia are largely based on trade and energy cooperation. Saudi Arabia
Middle East reactions: Al-Qaeda leader Zawahiri killed in US drone strike Saudi Arabia and Israel praised the operation which killed the Al-Qaeda leader; a Syrian jihadist group appeared to offer condolences. Syria
Saudi Aramco acquires lubricant giant Valvoline Aramco has been investing in futuristic technology amid high oil prices and profits. Legacy: Gulf
9/11 victims protest Saudi-funded LIV Golf event at Trump course LIV Golf, which is backed by Crown Prince Salman’s Public Investment Fund, is gaining serious momentum in the golf world. But victims of September 11 oppose the league due to the Saudi government’s alleged role in the attacks. Legacy: Gulf
Analysis Families of Americans held in Saudi Arabia pin hopes on Biden visit US families separated by punitive travel bans hope President Joe Biden will use his visit to secure the release of their loved ones. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Middle East poised for breakthrough in European energy markets Gerald Kepes In Washington, DC, reporting on regional energy trends
Saudi fast food giant ready to challenge KFC in Egyptian market The introduction of Saudi fast food chain Albaik to Egypt is part of the $7.7 billion investment package announced during the recent visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Cairo. Saudi Arabia