Saudi Arabia’s NEOM Futuristic City Looks Like an Impending Disaster
The futuristic city of NEOM may never be completed, as cost overruns and engineering difficulties are piling up.
saudi vision 2030
Saudi National Oil Company Signs Deal with China’s Electric Vehicle Giant BYD
Saudi Aramco, the huge national oil company of Saudi Arabia, on Monday signed a joint development agreement with Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD to collaborate on “new energy vehicle technologies.”
Saudis Buy $3.2 Billion Missile Defense System from South Korea, Shop for Chinese Weapons
The South Korean Ministry of National Defense on Tuesday announced Saudi Arabia has agreed to purchase a $3.2 billion surface-to-air missile defense system, while China gushed that its weapons “attracted great interest” from the Saudis at a defense show in Riyadh over the weekend. The Saudis are also making strides with indigenously produced military systems, perhaps marking the definitive end of the Kingdom’s dependence upon the United States for defense products.
Saudis Planning $10B Investment in Texas
Saudi oil executives inked multi-billion dollar deals with companies to explore building petrochemical facilities along the Texas Gulf Coast. Essentially, they hope to capitalize on the U.S. oil and gas boom, largely fueled by shale drilling in the Permian Basin.
Saudi Crown Prince Meets with U.S. Entertainment and Tech Executives
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrived in New York City on Monday for the beginning of a U.S. tour that will take him through Seattle and Silicon Valley to Hollywood, as he meets with media and tech leaders to talk up Saudi investments and follow up on at least one recent massive purchase: his acquisition of a $400 million stake in Hollywood talent agency WME/Endeavor.
Divorced Mothers Can Now Retain Custody of Children in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s reform program continued on Monday with a statement from the Information Ministry that women will now be allowed to retain custody of their children after a divorce.
Saudi Prince Alwaleed’s Fate Remains Uncertain as Corruption Probe Enters Critical Stage
Two months after a sweeping series of arrests and temporary detentions made in connection with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s corruption probe, the fate of perhaps the biggest fish caught in the net remains uncertain: Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, one of the most wealthy, famous, and well-connected men in the world.
Workers Burn Saudi Bin Laden Group Buses Amid Economic Crisis
JAFFA, Israel – Saudi authorities have launched an inquiry into the burning of seven buses owned by the Bin Laden family’s company, one of the biggest contractors in the kingdom.
Saudi Arabia’s Ambitious Development Plan Lacks Progress On Women’s Rights
JAFFA, Israel – The Saudi heir to the throne has launched a 14-year plan in which the kingdom will reduce its dependency on oil and invest in other industries.
Saudi Arabia Approves Plan for ‘Post-Oil’ Economy
On Monday, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz addressed his nation by television, announcing cabinet approval for the “Saudi Vision 2030” plan — in essence, the Kingdom’s plan to decouple its economy from oil.
