Saudi Arabia
Saudi airport closure disrupts life in kingdom's capital
Riyadh's airport has been closed for over a week following multiple attacks by Yemen's Houthis. This situation has forced the cancellation of major events, including the Future Investment Initiative. Domestic airlines are struggling to reroute flights for residents amid growing safety concerns. Western embassies are tightening travel advisories due to the ongoing threat. Saudi officials continue to reassure citizens and investors about their safety during these turbulent times.
Government staff in Saudi capital told to work from home
The Kingdom Centre, a 99‑storey tower in downtown Riyadh that houses the regional office of the International Monetary Fund, has also requested workers in its offices to stay away until further notice.
Mohammed bin Salman faces most consequential test yet as Saudi Arabia comes under Houthi fire
Mohammed bin Salman is currently grappling with increasing Houthi attacks that threaten Saudi infrastructure and international stability. The Crown Prince's appeals for support from the United States have not succeeded in securing intervention. Increased tensions have led to major airlines suspending flights to Saudi Arabia, impacting travel plans. Efforts to forge alliances with Pakistan and Turkey have yielded limited results in countering the Houthi threat.
Saudia says employee killed, aircraft damaged in Riyadh airport incident
Saudia airlines confirmed that an incident occurred at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The incident led to the death of one employee and damage to an aircraft while on the ground. Fortunately, there were no passengers on board the aircraft at the time of the incident. Flights and operations at the airport resumed normal operations as of 6 p.m. on Thursday.
Saudi Arabia launches air safety probe into flydubai incident, sources say
Safety probes designed to keep flights safe are normal after accidents but are not mandatory when a deliberate act is involved, such as the suspected attempt by a co-pilot to bring down the Israel-bound flydubai jet on September 30.
Saudi Arabia ramps up Gulf oil exports after pipeline attack, data shows
Saudi Aramco recently loaded approximately fourteen million barrels of crude oil onto seven tankers, marking a boost in its Gulf export activities after earlier attacks caused shipment interruptions. This increase suggests a cautious recovery in Saudi oil exports, which has led to Brent crude prices dipping below $100 due to anticipated higher supply levels.
Saudi oil pipeline hit in strikes will be mostly out of service for several weeks for repair
A key Saudi oil pipeline will remain out of service for weeks following a drone attack. The East-West Pipeline is crucial for Saudi Arabia's oil export strategy. Damage repairs are expected to take three to five weeks to complete. This incident highlights ongoing regional shipping security concerns. The Saudi oil company Aramco has not yet commented on the situation.
Saudi downs drones fired by Iran-backed militias in Iraq amid US-Tehran lull
Saudi Arabia intercepted drones launched by Iran-backed militias in Iraq. Mediators are pushing to revive diplomacy and restore an interim ceasefire arrangement. Commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen to its lowest level. Concerns have spread to the Bab al-Mandeb Strait after Houthi rebel threats. Diplomatic efforts continue as major disagreements over Iran's nuclear program remain unresolved.
Saudi Arabia mulls big new plan, eyes post-war oil route reset to bypass volatile Hormuz
Saudi Arabia is considering expanding its crude oil pipeline capacity. This move aims to bypass the Strait of Hormuz for exports. Neighbouring countries like Kuwait are also in talks for pipeline access. The expansion could accommodate an additional two million barrels daily.
Saudi Arabia makes August crude oil cheaper for Asian buyers
Saudi Arabia has significantly slashed its August Arab Light crude oil price for Asia, setting it at $1.50 a barrel below the Oman/Dubai average, the lowest since June 2020. This substantial reduction, far exceeding market forecasts, follows a sharp decline in spot crude markets amid increased Middle Eastern supplies. The previous month's price stood at a $9.50 premium.
Must Watch
Oil slide deepens as Saudi exports reach 90% of pre-war level
Brent futures slipped to near $70 a barrel in London, hitting their lowest since the week before the Iran war began on Feb 28. Saudi Arabia managed to load crude at almost 90% of previous levels after restarting shipments late last week from its giant Ras Tanura terminal, according to vessel-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate dipped to near $67 a barrel.
The City of Gold starts coming back to life after its darkest hour
Dubai's economic landscape is tested after regional conflict. Aviation, hotels, and real estate see impacts. Luxury retail also faces pressure. The city's recovery hinges on geopolitical stability and traveler confidence. Dubai's long-term fundamentals remain strong, but cautious resilience guides its path forward.
Pilgrims kick off hajj as war's trajectory hangs in the balance
Over 1.5 million Muslims have converged in Mecca for the annual hajj pilgrimage. This significant religious event unfolds against a backdrop of regional conflict and hopes for peace. Pilgrims from across the globe are participating, with Saudi Arabia enhancing security measures. The hajj rituals are underway, drawing worshippers to holy sites despite geopolitical tensions and high temperatures.
Saudi Arabia March crude exports drop to lowest on record, JODI says
Saudi Arabia's oil exports and production reached historic lows in March. The ongoing Iran war has severely impacted global energy markets. This conflict disrupted key shipping routes, affecting oil flows from the Gulf. Saudi Arabia is facing challenges in delivering its crude to international markets. Global oil demand forecasts have been revised downwards.
Saudi to focus $925 billion fund on domestic economy under new 5-year plan
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund is shifting focus to domestic growth. A new five-year strategy prioritizes six key themes including tourism, urban development, and clean energy. The fund aims for 80% of investments to be local. This move signals a pivot away from costly giga-projects like The Line, which is no longer a top priority for the NEOM project.
Some firms in Saudi extend work from home ahead of Iran ultimatum
Western and Saudi firms in Riyadh have extended work-from-home advisories due to concerns over a looming U.S. deadline for Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz. This follows Iran's threats to target U.S. tech firms amid ongoing regional attacks. The advisories affect major business districts in the Saudi capital.
