The new mutual defence pact signed by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia this month surprised many and came just days after the Gulf region was rattled by Israeli strikes on a Hamas compound in Qatar.

Saudi Arabia has spent months courting Syria's new leaders, aiming to draw closer a country long dominated by Iran and Russia.

Tabuk, Saudi Arabia - Red Sea Global announced the opening of the first resorts and attractions on Shura Island, which will begin welcoming guests in the coming weeks. This milestone marks a pivotal step toward realizing Saudi Vision 2030, diversifying the national economy, and strengthening the Kingdom's position on the...

Paris, France -- Global oil supply hit a record high in August as OPEC+ and other countries ramped up production, with a looming surplus keeping prices in check, the International Energy Agency said Thursday. Eight key members of OPEC+ group, including Saudi Arabia and Russia, have been gradually increasing production...

Saudi Arabia announced on Sunday humanitarian projects for Syria including the removal of wartime rubble around Damascus, weeks after inking investment deals worth billions to help rebuild the country's infrastructure.

Damascus, Syria -- Saudi Arabia announced on Sunday humanitarian projects for Syria including the removal of wartime rubble around Damascus, weeks after inking investment deals worth billions to help rebuild the country's infrastructure. The oil-rich Gulf kingdom has been a major backer of the new Syrian government, which came to...

The League said that "the failure to reach a just solution to the Palestinian cause and the hostile practices of the occupying power" remain major obstacles to "peaceful coexistence" in the region.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports rose by 17.8 percent in the second quarter of 2025, according to official data. The increase included a 46.2 percent rise in re-exports, while national non-oil exports excluding re-exports grew by 5.6 percent, the General Authority for Statistics of Saudi Arabia reported....

Buraidah, Saudi Arabia -- The Buraidah Date Carnival witnessed growing economic and tourism activity, making it a key destination for thousands of visitors from across the Kingdom, the Gulf, and the world. The event combined morning date auctions with a variety of cultural and entertainment activities held in the evening...

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- First, deeply religious Saudi Arabia opened its doors to Western raves and music festivals. Now it's turning to long-neglected Saudi traditions as it seeks to draw tourists and reshape its national identity. In "Terhal", a lavish stage show in Riyadh, an actor in a red-and-white headdress...

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Baker Eid Ahmed just can't get away from Saudi Arabia's notorious heat: he makes bread next to a sweltering oven for 13 hours a day, only to step outside into summer temperatures that can soar past 45C. Armed with an ice-cold water bottle and a wet...

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- The Saudi Falcons Club has dedicated an interactive pavilion titled "Falconer of the Future" as part of the International Falcon Breeders Auction 2025, taking place at the club's headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh, until August 25. This pavilion aims to introduce the younger generation to...

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Neo Space Group (NSG), a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, has announced the launch of the Earth Observation (EO) Marketplace, the Kingdom’s first dedicated EO data marketplace, powered by UP42 – a company fully owned by NSG. The platform is designed to meet the growing demand...

Iraq, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria and Oman, along with the Saudis and Russians currently produce about 41-42 mbd.

With the goal of becoming one of the world’s top 10 countries in AI research and application by 2030, Saudi government aims to attract USD 20 billion in AI investments while creating 200,000 high-tech jobs

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Portuguese forward Joao Felix has signed a two-year deal with Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr, where he will join Cristiano Ronaldo, the club announced Tuesday. Felix, now 25, made a blockbuster move from Benfica to Atletico Madrid in 2019, but has since seen his fortunes decline. "I'm...

The Harburg Group -- led by American Ben Harburg -- said it had "officially completed the 100 percent acquisition of Al Kholood Club, of the Saudi Pro League, as part of the groundbreaking privatization initiative of Saudi Vision 2030."

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- A Saudi delegation of over 100 investors arrived in Damascus on Wednesday ahead of a conference aimed at securing billions of dollars in deals to help rebuild war-battered Syria. The kingdom has been one of the major backers of the new Syrian government that seized power...

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia retained the top spot across the Middle East and North Africa region in terms of Venture Capital (VC) funding in the first half of 2025, according to the “H1 2025 MENA Venture Investment Report”. A total of $860 million was deployed during the period, surpassing...

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia continues to cement its position as a global hub for gaming, esports, and entertainment by hosting the largest-ever edition of the Esports World Cup (EWC), setting new records and attracting unprecedented international participation. The event marks a historic milestone in the esports industry, underscoring...

Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman said his country hoped the truce would contribute to regional stability, and emphasised Riyadh's position "in supporting dialogue through diplomatic means as a path to resolving disputes."

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- On the World Chocolate Day, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Commerce announced that the total number of existing commercial records for cocoa and chocolate manufacturing activities in Saudi Arabia reached 3,532 by the end of the second quarter of 2025. Riyadh leads the Kingdom in chocolate manufacturing,...

Rome, Italy -- Next season's Italian Super Cup will be played for the fourth time in Saudi Arabia but in December instead of January, the president of the Italian League announced on Tuesday. "The dates for the Super Cup are December 18 and 19 for the semi-finals, and the 22...

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Cristiano Ronaldo inked a two-year extension with Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr, the club announced Thursday, following months of speculation over which team he would sign for next season. "Cristiano Ronaldo is staying at @AlNassrFC until 2027," the club wrote in a post on X. Minutes before the...

"No radioactive effects were detected on the environment of the Kingdom and the Arab Gulf states as a result of the American military targeting of Iran's nuclear facilities," the kingdom's Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission wrote in a post on X.

Oil prices steadied Wednesday after Trump’s demand for Iran’s ‘unconditional surrender’ roiled markets and revived supply fears, as regional diplomacy and major Gulf business deals unfolded alongside.

The DMCC Crypto Centre welcomed Bitcoin.com, which is setting up its first MENA office in Dubai. The Arab Coordination Group announced it had disbursed $19.6 billion in 2024 across 90+ countries.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia -- Saudi Arabia and Qatar will host the Asian qualifying playoffs for the 2026 World Cup, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said Friday. Six teams, the third and fourth-placed sides from the recent Asian qualifiers, namely Indonesia, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates,...

In the financial sector, Fitch Ratings has projected a notable uptick in mergers and acquisitions within Saudi Arabia’s insurance industry. In Jordan, tourism revenue rose 17.5% in May to $630 million, bringing total earnings for the first five months of 2025 to $3.06 billion.

Regional tensions, high-stakes defence deals, and new innovation-led collaborations defined the Middle East and North Africa landscape on Wednesday. Here’s your quick briefing:

China has extended visa-free entry for up to 30 days to citizens of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain—boosting bilateral tourism and commerce from June 9, 2025, through June 8, 2026.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia’s first quarter real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 3.4 percent year-on-year, according to the latest report from the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), primarily driven by a 4.9 percent surge in non-oil activities and a 3.2 percent rise in government activities. GASTAT’s data...

Dubai, UAE -- The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has kicked off 2025 with a record-breaking first quarter in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), as deal value soared to $46 billion—a 66% increase year-on-year (YoY). According to Saudi M&A Consulting, this robust growth reflects rising investor confidence, favorable regulatory...

Qatar's foreign reserves rise 3.6 percent year-on-year despite a dip in bonds and treasury holdings, Iraq releases Australian and Egyptian engineers and other developments.

Mina, Saudi Arabia -- Near the holy city of Makkah, men in white robes stand quietly in a long queue, waiting for the next important act of their hajj pilgrimage: a haircut. Shaving or cutting the hair comes near the end of the hajj, and marks the moment when pilgrims...

Saudi Arabia records the lowest Hajj attendance in three decades—outside the pandemic years—triggered by tighter visa restrictions; Special Envoy Zhai Jun meets Egypt’s Foreign Minister to discuss the Gaza crisis and broader Middle East peace efforts.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Former Inter boss Simone Inzaghi was revealed as the new coach of Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal on Thursday, days before they take part in the new-look Club World Cup. The Italian, who led Inter to a heavy defeat in Saturday's Champions League final, had earlier played...

As the region pivots toward a post-oil future, recent developments across the Middle East and North Africa suggest an accelerating shift—driven by policy ambition, digital reform, and investment recalibration.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised upwards its forecast for Saudi Arabia's economic growth to 6 percent in 2025, an increase from the earlier prediction of 5.5 percent. This adjustment from earlier estimates reflects the impact of extended oil production cuts and a slower-than-expected rebound...

About 1.4 million pilgrims arrived in Saudi Arabia ahead of the multi-day hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam that must be performed at least once by all Muslims with the means.

Makkah, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi authorities have asked pilgrims performing the hajj to remain in their tents for several hours during the high point of this week's pilgrimage, citing high temperatures. According to a report in Saudi media, Hajj Minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah has requested that pilgrims refrain from leaving their...

Ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and Bahrain, along with the Arab League chief, had planned a trip to the Palestinian territory, but Israel said Friday that it would not cooperate.

The ministers condemned "Israel's decision to ban the delegation's visit to Ramallah (on Sunday) to meet with the president of the State of Palestine, Mahmud Abbas", the Jordanian foreign ministry said.

On a visit to Riyadh earlier this month, US President Donald Trump said he would lift US sanctions on Syria, a move that should help pave the way for economic recovery in the war-torn country.

Prince Faisal will head a delegation to Ramallah, the first such trip since Israel first occupied the Palestinian territory in 1967. Saudi Arabia sent a lower-level delegation to Ramallah in September 2023.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia is ramping up a crackdown on unregistered worshippers at next week's hajj pilgrimage, a year after hundreds perished in scorching conditions. Regular raids, drone surveillance and a barrage of text alerts are aimed at rooting out unauthorized visitors hoping to mingle among the crowds...

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- With artificial intelligence, more shade and misting machines, Saudi authorities are preparing to welcome more than a million hajj pilgrims amid punishing summer heat that has a deadly history in the holy city of Mecca. Saudi Arabia's hajj minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah told AFP on Thursday that...

The 22-nation group began a series of cuts in 2022 to prop up crude prices, but Saudi Arabia, Russia and six other members surprised markets recently by sharply raising output for May and June.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia's tourism sector is poised for an unprecedented summer season, with the official launch of the "Saudi Summer 2025" program, themed "Colour Your Summer." The initiative, unveiled today by Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA),...

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia announced on Tuesday that the annual Muslim hajj pilgrimage to Mecca would begin on June 4 after astronomical observatories spotted the crescent moon, marking the start of the lunar month. The date was announced by the supreme court in a statement carried by the...