LIV Golf in danger of shutting down after emergency meeting The Saudi Arabia-backed tour is facing a potential shutdown with investors rumoured to be considering their options The Independent UK · Apr 15
Trump’s Iran war has left Gulf leaders keen to see the back of the US president ANALYSIS: Donald Trump has tried to woo the Middle East with high-profile visits and profitable business deals, but his chaotic Iran war has undone any good work, leaving Gulf leaders keen to see the end of the conflict and the US president’s meddling, writes world affairs editor Sam Kiley The Independent UK · Apr 15
$30m an hour: big oil reaping huge war windfall from consumers, analysis finds Exclusive: Climate action blockers including Saudi Arabia, Russia and major fossil fuel firms set to make extra $234bn by end of 2026 The Guardian - UK · Apr 15
Saudi Arabia announces tough penalties for Hajj 1447 permit violations: Fines up to SAR 100,000 and 10-year entry ban As preparations intensify for Hajj 1447 AH, Saudi Arabia has laid out a stringent penalty framework aimed at regulating pilgrim movement and preventing unauthorised participation. The Ministry of Interior’s latest announcement makes it clear that both individuals and facilitators who bypass permit rules will face steep fines, deportation, and even… The Times of India · Apr 15
Why is Pakistan desperate for US-Iran truce? Leaked details about pact with Saudi Arabia expose reason The disclosures, obtained by Drop Site News, show that the defense agreement between Riyadh and Islamabad, formally signed in 2025 as the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement, has already been activated amid escalating regional war. The revelation comes after Saudi Arabia publicly announced on Saturday that Pakistani military forces, including aircraft,… The Times of India · Apr 14
US Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker leaves for role with Saudi Arabia as World Cup looms Crocker hired Emma Hayes and Mauricio Pochettino to their respective roles as national team coaches The Guardian - US · Apr 14
Saudi Arabia Reportedly Pressing Trump Admin To Drop Blockade On Strait Of Hormuz As It Could Disrupt Other Shipping Lanes Saudi Arabia is pressing the Trump administration to drop the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, now entering its second day, fearing it could lead to the disruption of other shipping routes, according to a new report. International Business Times · Apr 14
How saudi arabia is using wastewater to build a green corridor in the desert In Saudi Arabia, there have been attempts to redefine the utilisation of water in such regions, whereby the use of treated water has been employed as an innovative way of restoring the environment. The Times of India · Apr 13
Business Brief (April 13): U.S. to Blockade Iranian Ports Courier firms raise fuel surcharges amid surging oil prices, while Saudi Arabia reports damage to key energy facilities Caixin Global · Apr 13
Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif to visit Saudi Arabia after US-Iran talks fail; focus on defense, economy Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will visit Saudi Arabia following an invitation from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The trip occurs amidst a fragile ceasefire and follows talks that concluded without a formal agreement. Sharif's delegation will discuss regional developments and financial cooperation, with Pakistan also deploying military forces to… The Times of India · Apr 13
Hajj 2026: Saudi Arabia halts Makkah entry, suspends Umrah visas and sets strict rules for pilgrims Saudi Arabia has implemented strict entry restrictions into Makkah ahead of Hajj 2026, suspending Umrah visas to manage crowds and ensure safety. Only those with valid Hajj permits or official work/residency documents will be allowed entry from April 13. This move aims to prevent overcrowding and unauthorized participation during the… The Times of India · Apr 13
Vision 2030 Cannot Outrun Saudi Arabia's Limiting Ideological Foundations For years, Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 was touted as one of the most ambitious wholesale economic development projects in the world, looking to break the Kingdom away from its dependence on hydrocarbons and create a futuristic hub of innovation, tourism and productivity. International Business Times · Apr 13
Cash-strapped Pakistan to receive $5bn from Saudi, Qatar as debt mounts Pakistan is set to receive $5 billion in financial support from Saudi Arabia and Qatar, easing pressure on its external position and foreign exchange reserves. This crucial aid comes as Islamabad prepares to repay $3.5 billion to the UAE this month, with Finance Minister Aurangzeb engaging in economic outreach at… The Times of India · Apr 12
Kenyans are encouraged to work abroad, but protection rights remain weak – new research Labour migration from Kenya was oriented towards Africa, North America and Europe until the 1990s. Kenyans then started moving to the Gulf countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Oman. Most Kenyan labour migrants to the Gulf perform low-waged work, the women in domestic occupations and… The Conversation · Apr 12
The Times of India · Apr 12 Saudi Arabia launches 5 rail routes to cut cargo time and costs, linking Gulf ports faster Saudi Arabia has launched five new rail logistics routes to accelerate cargo movement and reduce transport costs, connecting Gulf ports with key economic hubs. This initiative aims to enhance supply chain efficiency, ease highway congestion, and position the Kingdom as a vital link in global trade under Vision 2030.
The Times of India · Apr 12 Saudi Arabia weather alert: Heavy rains, torrential floods hit Riyadh and other areas; classes suspended in schools and universities Saudi Arabia's weather authorities have warned of severe conditions to persist across parts of the Kingdom. Heavy flooding and torrential rains swept through Riyadh, Najran, Makkah, Eastern Province and other parts of the emirate on Sunday, disrupting daily life.
The Guardian - AU · Apr 10 Australia urged to offer to host 2027 Asian Cup amid uncertainty over Saudi Arabia event Former Socceroo Craig Foster calls for government to support FA bid after AFC postpone the tournament draw as Middle East conflict spreads
The Guardian - UK · Apr 10 Gulf states rethink security in light of US-Israel war on Iran Whatever outcome of ceasefire talks, the region will have to live with a continuing threat from the regime in Tehran
Autosport · Apr 9 What the Bahrain and Saudi cancellations reveal about how F1's money works The Bahrain and Saudi GP cancellations offer a rare look at the sport’s financial structure
Newslaundry · Apr 9 No ‘Dalali’, no voice: Jaishankar’s snark can’t steal Islamabad’s ceasefire limelight Israel has bombed Lebanon despite a temporary ceasefire between the US and Iran, putting a fragile Pakistan-brokered truce in West Asia at risk. After the no-holds-barred Israeli bombing that killed over 100 people, Iran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz once more.
The Conversation · Apr 9 In mediating the US-Iran peace talks, Pakistan is flexing its geopolitical muscles When news of the fragile ceasefire between the United States, Israel and Iran first broke, it came via a post on X by Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif.
The Times of India · Apr 9 Saudi Arabia’s Hajj Ministry unveils discount initiative for pilgrims via Nusuk Card Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah launched the Nusuk Card initiative, offering pilgrims deals and discounts across various sectors like retail, transport, and hospitality. This official identification card enhances pilgrim experience by providing access to special offers and ensuring smoother movement throughout the holy sites, reflecting a commitment to…
Evening Standard · Apr 8 Starmer to meet Middle East leaders amid fragile Iran ceasefire The Prime Minister continued his two-day visit to the Gulf region after meeting the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed Bin Salman, on Wednesday.
The Guardian - UK · Apr 8 Starmer says UK wants to help with opening of Hormuz strait on Gulf visit PM meets Mohammed bin Salman in Saudi Arabia before further visits to regional allies, who may see him as more reliable than Trump
Autosport · Apr 8 The pros and cons of F1's enforced break and cancelled races The loss of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian grands prix gives F1 a chance to have a rare break - but the consequences aren't all positive