Riyadh

Yemen’s Houthis are creating a threat in the Red Sea, forcing Saudi Arabia to overhaul its oil logistics plans. This difficulty makes it harder for Riyadh to use a backup route that has been vital to the global economy since the Iran war began.

The article attributes Saudi Arabia's misfortunes to missed opportunities and strategic blunders, highlighting internal factors as the primary cause.

Operations at Najran Airport near Yemeni border have been suspended indefinitely after an attack claimed by the Houthis, which caused radar damage. The conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed rebels is escalating.

Oil prices remained stable despite renewed US-Iran attacks and a drone strike in Egypt that damaged two ships. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb is severely disrupted, with Qatar scrambling to secure LNG supplies and the Houthis considering transit fees.

Zaidi canceled a trip to Riyadh following US and Saudi strikes on Iran-backed militias in Iraq. The move is seen as a setback for Baghdad's efforts to strengthen relations with Gulf Arab states.

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has 10,018 active businesses, a 30% increase over the past year, with regulated financial services firms rising 16% and AI/fintech/innovation firms growing 39%. Despite regional competition and disruptions from the Iran war, the DIFC's workforce reached 50,200, with new office developments like the Zabeel District planned for 2040.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq denied carrying out drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities. Riyadh accused Iranian-backed militias of the strikes, and the group responded by accusing Saudi Arabia of hostility towards Iraq and deflecting from Yemeni strikes.

Houthis aim to replicate Iran's control of Hormuz in the Red Sea, according to Yemen's Foreign Minister. Yemen's internationally recognised government warns that global complacency has emboldened the Houthis.

Saudi Arabia intercepted drones from Iran-backed militias in Iraq targeting oil facilities and Riyadh, while Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed separate attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure. The incidents occurred despite a recent lull in U.S.-Iran tensions.

The Houthis accused Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh of a 'dangerous escalation' after it struck their military targets in the Red Sea. The rebels had previously announced a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia and attacked its ships in the region.

Cornell, Northwestern, and other universities are planning to offer classes at their Middle East campuses. The University of New Haven is also preparing to inaugurate a new campus in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

President Trump conditioned a nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia on Riyadh joining the Abraham Accords and normalizing relations with Israel. The deal is now subject to Saudi Arabia meeting these requirements.

The US and Saudi Arabia have agreed to a civilian nuclear deal allowing Saudi Arabia to build nuclear reactors for civilian purposes.

Iranian strikes on CIA facilities have raised questions about potential Russian involvement, with sources citing the attacks' precision as evidence of possible Moscow data sharing. Analysts suggest a strike in Riyadh was conducted using Russian-enhanced drones.

Lucid, an electric-car maker, is receiving financial backing from Saudi Arabia's Riyadh, which may help the company navigate its current financial challenges.

The US is set to announce a deal with Saudi Arabia allowing the latter to enrich uranium, as reported by US media. Saudi Arabia claims its right to a civilian nuclear program, while Israel and experts warn of regional nuclear proliferation risks.

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis announced a maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia in response to recent Saudi-led attacks on a Houthi-held airport, vowing to retaliate with a 'blockade with a blockade' approach. The rebels cited an 'eye for an eye' principle in their statement.

A nurse from Gadag died in a road accident in Riyadh. The incident occurred in Saudi Arabia, involving an individual from the Indian state of Karnataka.

Cathay Pacific Airways has delayed resuming direct flights to Dubai and Riyadh until October 25 and 26, respectively, due to the rekindling Iran crisis. The airline had previously planned to restart services on September 1 following earlier de-escalation efforts.

President Herzog expressed a desire for peace with Saudi Arabia and mentioned Israel's interest in normalizing relations with Syria and Lebanon. He also praised Trump and Vance's efforts to curb Iran and expressed concern for innocent Gazans.

The Knesset voted to extend mandatory army service to 32 months, up from the current 30 months, though the IDF had requested a 36-month extension. Israeli President Herzog expressed a desire for peace with Saudi Arabia.

Business executives are creating contingency plans amid a growing feud between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which includes economic competition and logistical challenges. The article highlights border delays, payment holdups, and legal firms avoiding work that could antagonize either nation.

Saudi Arabia's first ultra-luxury train, Dream of the Desert, will launch at year-end with cabins priced at $8,000 per night. It offers a two-day non-stop desert trip from Riyadh and three-day tours to AlUla, Jubbah, and Qassim with themed activities.

Saudi tech firm NourNet is reportedly selecting Goldman Sachs and HSBC to underwrite its initial public offering. The firm will list on the Saudi Exchange in Riyadh.

The article argues that the yuan's global adoption hinges on market-driven factors rather than political efforts. It highlights that practical usage by entities like treasurers in Jakarta or banks in Riyadh, through funding and investment at predictable costs, will determine its international success. Current progress appears stronger in policy discussions than in actual financial operations.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani is engaging in diplomatic efforts across multiple regions to advance President Ahmed al-Sharaa's initiatives, but faces challenges in a volatile Middle East. His travels to cities like Riyadh, Beirut, Washington, and Moscow highlight his role in reshaping regional dynamics.

The US conducted strikes on Iran targeting air defenses, missiles, and drone launch sites, revoking an oil sanctions waiver following attacks on tankers in Hormuz. Iran threatened a 'decisive' response, while Saudi Arabia condemned Tehran for attacking Saudi and Qatari ships.

Saudi Arabia’s Flyadeal has launched daily non-stop flights between Hyderabad and Riyadh, marking its debut in India. The route is part of the airline’s expansion efforts.

DarGlobal's sales in Saudi Arabia and Spain are offsetting a Gulf property slowdown caused by the Iran war, with the company reporting strong demand for luxury residences in Jeddah and Riyadh. The developer, which partners with brands like Trump Organization and FENDI, is expanding its portfolio and plans to tokenize assets to improve liquidity.

Yemen’s Houthis, backed by Tehran, threaten Saudi Arabia for allegedly blocking an Iranian plane landing. The rebels recently completed a prisoner exchange with the Riyadh-backed Yemeni government and warn of escalating tensions to break a 'Saudi-American siege'.

Cathay Pacific Airways will resume Middle East passenger flights in September, six months after suspending services due to the war. The airline will start with freighter flights to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from August 1, followed by daily passenger flights to Dubai and four-times-weekly services to Riyadh from September 1.

Airlines are partially resuming flights to the Middle East amid ongoing suspensions due to diplomatic efforts to end conflict with Iran. Air Canada, Air France, KLM, Delta, and others have extended or maintained flight suspensions to destinations like Tel Aviv, Dubai, and Riyadh, while Lufthansa and ITA Airways restarted Tel Aviv services in July.

The UAE will launch its passenger rail network next week, connecting Abu Dhabi to Fujairah for 55 dirham ($15) trips. The route is part of the stalled GCC Railway project, aiming to link Gulf countries by 2030, with economic projections highlighting potential $40 billion gains from a high-speed Abu Dhabi-Dubai line and a planned Doha-Riyadh airport connection by 2031.

Saudi contractor MGC has postponed its $799 million initial public offering (IPO) in Riyadh. The IPO was intended to be listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange.

Saudi Contractor’s owners are seeking up to $800 million in an IPO in Riyadh. The city's metro system, part of modernization efforts, is set to open, aiming to reduce traffic congestion.

Kuwait has approved a 500-kilometer high-speed rail line to Riyadh, set to open by 2030, aiming to bypass the Strait of Hormuz for trade. Similar projects include a Riyadh-Doha rail line and the Gulf Cooperation Council railway connecting all six Gulf states, with Saudi Arabia Railways tendering for a 672-kilometer coastal section.

Thousands of Iranians traveled to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage despite ongoing regional tensions. Tehran and Riyadh are working to ease diplomatic relations as pilgrims visit holy sites in Mecca and Medina.

The University of Cambridge is facing opposition to its proposal to run staff training courses for Riyadh's defence ministry, with families of jailed Saudi scholars urging the university to drop the plans. The proposal has been met with internal opposition within the university due to concerns over Saudi Arabia's human rights record. The training courses would focus on leadership development and innovation management.

Saudi venture firms continue fundraising efforts despite ongoing war. The King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh is a hub for financial activity. Venture firms press ahead with investments and growth plans.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a mutual defense pact in September 2025, formalizing decades of cooperation. The agreement represents Pakistan's continued strategic positioning as a key broker in regional security affairs despite economic challenges and military inferiority compared to India.