Riyadh

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.