A spectacular display of drones and fireworks illuminate Riyadh in December, celebrating Saudi Arabia’s confirmation as the host of the 2034 Fifa World Cup. AFP

Saudi Arabia raises $12bn from bonds to meet future funding needs

The kingdom continues borrowing spree amid heavy spending in new projects as it plans to host 2034 Fifa World Cup and Expo 2030

Economy

Oman resumes copper exports after 30 years

Markets

Syria's FM holds talks with Saudi officials in Riyadh

MENA

UAE President meets Saudi Defence Minister in Abu Dhabi

UAE

Best photos of December 22: Vietnam's lotus-shaped skylight to Romania's 'The March of Heroes'

News

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to visit the UAE as part of first official Gulf visit

UK

Sultan of Oman ends two-day state visit to Belgium

Europe
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets with President Emmanuel Macron and CEOs of several French companies on the sidelines of the OneWaterSummit in Riyadh. Tuesday December 3, 2024. SPA

France targets Saudi PIF's 'colossal' investment power

President Macron, who faces a bitter fight over budgets at home, looks to edge into market dominated by US companies

Economy

Britain 'best place to invest' says Starmer, seeking to seal Gulf trade deal

UK

Saudi Arabia forecasts budget deficit of $27bn in 2025

Economy

Riyadh's driverless metro to open three lines this week

MENA

How UmrahCash aims to fix money issues for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims

Money

UK's Defence Secretary in Turkey and Saudi Arabia for talks on Middle East tensions

UK

What the Gulf's population boom means for illegal migration

Gulf
Millions of people from across the world travel to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj and Umrah every year. EPA

How UmrahCash aims to fix money issues for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims

Generation Start-up: The FinTech firm is streamlining access to Saudi riyals, with an emphasis on pilgrims from developing markets

Money

UK's Defence Secretary in Turkey and Saudi Arabia for talks on Middle East tensions

UK

What the Gulf's population boom means for illegal migration

Gulf

King Charles hosts Bahrain's King Hamad at Windsor Castle to mark silver jubilee year

UK

Dubai World Cup fashion: Stylish attendees at the 2025 horse races

Ronaldo not focusing on 1,000-goal mark

Lebanese artist Tarek Atoui opens a door to musical heritage of Atlas Mountains

Can Turkey's 'Steel Dome' deter Israel in Syria?

Shipping industry sinks into crisis as Trump's tariffs disrupt global trade flows

Tens of thousands protest against Trump administration at rallies across US

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