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Neom, Saudi's $500B mega-city, grapples with financial woes and project delays. Sindalah costs balloon, with management changes amid financial scrutiny.

Challenges Loom Over Saudi's Neom Mega-City

Neom project's financial challenges and delays raise concerns. Sindalah's budget issues and management changes highlight deeper project complexities.

Financial and project delays cloud Saudi Arabia's $500B Neom City

Saudi Arabia's Neom project faces financial strain and delays, with costs surging and management changes amid reports of financial misdeeds.

Saudi Arabia recently inaugurated a portion of its highly ambitious $500 billion mega-city, Neom, drawing a star-studded attendance and private yachts to the event aimed at highlighting the kingdom's forward-looking vision. However, significant challenges loom over the project.
A Wall Street Journal investigation revealed that the first phase of Neom, named Sindalah, is significantly delayed and has exceeded its budget. Initially estimated at $1.3 billion, the luxury resort's costs have surged to almost $4 billion.
Conspicuously, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is the driving force behind Neom, did not attend the event. This development was swiftly followed by the replacement of Neom's CEO, Nadhmi al-Nasr.
Since its inception in 2017, Neom has absorbed more than $50 billion. Nevertheless, its most daring concepts&mdash;such as a floating business district, a desert ski resort, and a 170-kilometer linear city&mdash;remain unrealized.
The Wall Street Journal also uncovered evidence of extensive financial manipulation within Neom's management structure.
An internal audit pointed to financial mismanagement by executives, in collaboration with the consulting firm McKinsey.

Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, despite human rights criticisms. This decision follows Saudi's sole bid as others stepped out. FIFA concurrently announced the 2030 tournament in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.

CONFIRMED! Saudi Arabia to host FIFA World Cup 2034

There was immediate condemnation from rights groups who insisted that handing the organisation of the tournament to the country puts the lives of construction workers at risk and "marks a moment of great danger".

FIFA on Wednesday confirmed that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup, underlining the Gulf kingdom's growing influence in world sport despite criticism of the country's human rights record.
At the same time, a virtual Congress of world football's governing body confirmed that Morocco, Spain and Portugal will be joint hosts of the 2030 World Cup, in which three games will also be played in South America.
The Saudi bid was waved through by acclamation during the meeting of FIFA's 211 national member associations, with no rivals standing in its way.
"It is a proud day, a day of celebration, a day that we invite the entire world to Saudi Arabia," said Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal al Saud, the Saudi Minister of Sports.
"We intend to have an extraordinary version of the World Cup in our kingdom."
However, there was immediate condemnation from rights groups who insisted that handing the organisation of the tournament to the country puts the lives of construction workers at risk and "marks a moment of great danger".
FIFA had invoked its principle of rotating the World Cup between continents, which meant only bids from Asia or Oceania were welcome for 2034.
The unprecedented organisation of the 2030 tournament will involve three continental confederations in Europe, Africa and South America, while the next World Cup in 2026 -- the first involving 48 teams -- will take place across North America.
Controversially, the body gave potential bidders barely a month last year to submit candidacies, and Australia and Indonesia abandoned their interest.
That left Saudi Arabia as the sole candidate, clearing the way for the World Cup to return to the Gulf region so soon after Qatar hosted in 2022.
The kingdom's de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has been using sport for some time to amass influence and improve its global image -- critics say he is effectively "sportswashing" by diverting attention from Saudi Arabia's rights record.
&nbsp;
- 'Moment of great danger' -
The awarding of the World Cup to Saudi will make the issue of human rights a major talking point again, just as it was two years ago.
"We are inclusive and we are non-discriminatory, and we want to obtain positive social impact," FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in closing remarks.
"We are of course aware of critics and fears, and I fully trust our hosts to address all open points from this process and deliver a FIFA World Cup which meets expectations."
He added that "social improvements and positive human rights impacts" are "responsibilities of hosting a World Cup."
Rights groups highlight mass executions in Saudi Arabia and allegations of torture, as well as restrictions on women under the conservative country's male guardianship system. Free expression is severely restricted too.
FIFA's decision to award the tournament to Saudi Arabia "despite the well-known and severe risks to residents, migrant workers and visiting fans alike, marks a moment of great danger," Amnesty International and 20 other organisations said in a joint statement.
"Based on clear evidence to date, FIFA knows workers will be exploited and even die without fundamental reforms in Saudi Arabia, and yet has chosen to press ahead regardless," said Steve Cockburn, Amnesty's Head of Labour Rights and Sport.
England's Football Association meanwhile said it had received assurances from Saudi Arabia that LGBTQ fans would be "safe and welcome" at the tournament.
&nbsp;
- 'Centenary celebration' -
The 2030 tournament will mark a century since the first World Cup was held in Uruguay, and as a result the unrivalled joint bid by Morocco, Spain and Portugal will also see the South American nation handed one game along with Argentina and Paraguay.
FIFA confirmed over a year ago that the joint proposal led by Morocco, Spain and Portugal was the sole contender for 2030, with all other potential candidacies having fallen by the wayside.
Four South American countries launched a joint bid in 2019, convinced that the centenary World Cup should entirely take place on the continent where it all began.
Meanwhile, Morocco replaced Ukraine as a partner for Spain and Portugal, while South America agreed to step aside in exchange for hosting three games.
Following these "centenary celebrations" in the southern hemisphere winter, the six teams involved will cross the Atlantic to play the rest of the tournament.
Spain, which hosted the 1982 World Cup, should be the main host as it boasts 11 of the 20 proposed stadiums.
Morocco -- after failing in five previous bids -- will become the second African nation to host the competition after South Africa in 2010.
Potential venues for the July 21 final include the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid and Barcelona's renovated Camp Nou as well as the planned Hassan II stadium between Casablanca and Rabat, set to boast a 115,000 capacity.

Temperatures hit 51.8 degrees Celsius at the Grand Mosque in Mecca on Monday, as climate change increasingly affects the desert nation.

550 pilgrims die during hajj in Saudi Arabia's deadly heatwave

Temperatures hit 51.8 degrees Celsius at the Grand Mosque in Mecca on Monday, as climate change increasingly affects the desert nation.

Diplomats on Tuesday said at least 550 pilgrims died during the hajj, underscoring the gruelling nature of the pilgrimage which again unfolded in scorching temperatures this year.
At least 323 of those who died were Egyptians, most of them succumbing to heat-related illnesses, two Arab diplomats coordinating their countries' responses told AFP.
"All of them (the Egyptians) died because of heat" except for one who sustained fatal injuries during a minor crowd crush, one of the diplomats said, adding the total figure came from the hospital morgue in the Al-Muaisem neighbourhood of Mecca.
At least 60 Jordanians also died, the diplomats said, up from an official tally of 41 given earlier on Tuesday by Amman.
The new deaths bring the total reported so far by multiple countries to 577, according to an AFP tally.
The diplomats said the total at the morgue in Al-Muaisem, one of the biggest in Mecca, was 550.
The hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and all Muslims with the means must complete it at least once.
The pilgrimage is increasingly affected by climate change, according to a Saudi study published last month that said temperatures in the area where rituals are performed were rising 0.4 degrees Celsius (0.72 degrees Fahrenheit) each decade.
Temperatures hit 51.8 degrees Celsius (125 Fahrenheit) at the Grand Mosque in Mecca on Monday, the Saudi national meteorology centre said.
<h3>Heat stress</h3>
Earlier on Tuesday, Egypt's foreign ministry said Cairo was collaborating with Saudi authorities on search operations for Egyptians who had gone missing during the hajj.
While a ministry statement said "a certain number of deaths" had occurred, it did not specify whether Egyptians were among them.
Saudi authorities have reported treating more than 2,000 pilgrims suffering from heat stress but have not updated that figure since Sunday and have not provided information on fatalities.
At least 240 pilgrims were reported dead by various countries last year, most of them Indonesians.
AFP journalists in Mina, outside Mecca, on Monday saw pilgrims pouring bottles of water over their heads as volunteers handed out cold drinks and fast-melting chocolate ice cream to help them keep cool.
Saudi officials had advised pilgrims to use umbrellas, drink plenty of water and avoid exposure to the sun during the hottest hours of the day.
But many of the hajj rituals, including the prayers on Mount Arafat which took place on Saturday, involve being outdoors for hours in the daytime.
Some pilgrims described seeing motionless bodies on the roadside and ambulance services that appeared overwhelmed at times.
Around 1.8 million pilgrims took part in the hajj this year, 1.6 million of them from abroad, according to Saudi authorities.
<h3>Unregistered pilgrims</h3>
Each year tens of thousands of pilgrims attempt to perform the hajj through irregular channels as they cannot afford the often costly procedures for official hajj visas.
This places these off-the-books pilgrims at risk as they cannot access air-conditioned facilities provided by Saudi authorities along the hajj route.
One of the diplomats who spoke to AFP on Tuesday said that the Egyptian death toll was "absolutely" boosted by a large number of unregistered Egyptian pilgrims.
"Irregular pilgrims caused great chaos in the Egyptian pilgrims' camps, causing the collapse of services," said an Egyptian official supervising the country's hajj mission.
"The pilgrims went without food, water, or air conditioning for a long time."
They died "from the heat because most people had no place" to take shelter.
Earlier this month, Saudi officials said they had cleared hundreds of thousands of unregistered pilgrims from Mecca ahead of the hajj.
Other countries to report deaths during the hajj this year include Indonesia, Iran and Senegal.
Most countries have not specified how many deaths were heat-related.
Saudi Health Minister Fahd bin Abdul Rahman Al-Jalajel said on Tuesday that health plans for the hajj had "been successfully carried out", preventing major outbreaks of disease and other public health threats, the official Saudi Press Agency reported.
Health officials "provided virtual consultations to over 5,800 pilgrims, primarily for heat-related illnesses, enabling prompt intervention and mitigating the potential for a surge in cases," SPA said.

More than a million foreign Muslims have arrived in Saudi Arabia's Mecca for the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

4,200 Palestinians among 1.5 million foreign Muslims in Saudi Arabia for Hajj pilgrimage

More than a million foreign Muslims have arrived in Saudi Arabia's Mecca for the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

Muslim pilgrims have been streaming into Saudi Arabia's holy city of Mecca ahead of the start of the Hajj later this week, as the annual pilgrimage returns to its monumental scale.
Saudi officials say more than 1.5 million foreign pilgrims have arrived in the country by Tuesday, the vast majority by air, from across the world.
More are expected, and hundreds of thousands of Saudis and others living in Saudi Arabia will also join them when the pilgrimage officially begins on Friday.
Saudi officials have said they expect the number of pilgrims this year to exceed 2023, when more than 1.8 million people performed Hajj, approaching pre-pandemic levels. In 2019, more than 2.4 million Muslims made the pilgrimage.
The pilgrims included 4,200 Palestinians from the occupied West Bank who arrived in Mecca earlier this month, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs.
Palestinians in the Gaza Strip were not able to travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj this year, because of the 8-month war between Israel and Hamas.
On Tuesday, pilgrims thronged the Grand Mosque in Mecca, performing a ritual circuit walking seven times around the Kaaba, the cube-shaped structure inside the mosque that is considered Islam's holiest site. They wore ihrams, two unstitched sheets of white cloth that resemble a shroud.
Many were seen carrying umbrellas against the sun, in temperatures reaching 42 degrees Celsius (107 Fahrenheit) during the day on Tuesday.
&ldquo;I was relieved when I arrived at the Al-Masjid Al-Haram and saw the Kaaba,&rdquo; said Rabeia al-Raghi, a Moroccan woman who came to Mecca for Hajj along with her husband and their daughter. &ldquo;I am very happy.&rdquo; At night, the vast marble court around the Kaaba was packed with the faithful, walking nearly shoulder to shoulder and often jostling with barricades set up by security forces to direct the giant flows of people in and around the Grand Mosque.
Pilgrims do the circumambulation, known as &ldquo;Tawaf&rdquo; in Arabic, upon arriving in Mecca. The large crowds circling the Kaaba will last into the Hajj's first day.
On Friday, pilgrims will move to the Mountain of Arafat for a daylong vigil, then to Muzdalifah, a rocky plain area a few miles away. In Muzdalifa, pilgrims collect pebbles to be used in the symbolic stoning of pillars representing the devil back in Mina.
One of the world's largest religious gatherings, the Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. All Muslims are required to undertake it at least once in their lives if they are physically and financially able to do so.
Those in the Hajj view the pilgrimage as an opportunity to strengthen their faith, wipe out old sins and start new.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/hezbollah-rains-rockets-on-israel-after-strike-kills-commander-1718194123552">Hezbollah rains rockets on Israel after strike kills commander</a>

Moroccan designer Yasmina Qanzal showcased her swimwear collection at Saudi Arabia's first swimwear fashion show, making history. Read on to know more!

Historic moment! Saudi Arabia hosts first-ever swimsuit fashion show at Red Sea Fashion Week | Watch

<h2>Moroccan designer Yasmina Qanzal showcased her swimwear collection at Saudi Arabia's first swimwear fashion show, making history. Read on to know more!</h2>

In a historic turn of events, Saudi Arabia has hosted its first swimsuit fashion show, leaving netizens across the world clapping and cheering. This is a giant step as less than a decade ago women were required to wear body-covering abaya robes. Moroccan designer Yasmina Qanzal showcased her swimwear collection at the event.
<h3>Saudi Arabia hosts first swimsuit fashion show</h3>
The fashion show took place on Day 2 of the inaugural Red Sea Fashion Week at the St Regis Red Sea Resort, situated off Saudi Arabia's western coast. The resort is part of Red Sea Global project.
Speaking about the historic moment, designer Yasmina Qanzal told the media, "When we came here, we understood that a swimsuit fashion show in Saudi Arabia is a historic moment, because it is the first time to have such event."
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Yasmina Qanzal's brand was launched in 2020 and is based out of London and Jeddah.
Prince Mohammed, who became first in line to the throne in 2017, has initiated a series of dramatic social reforms in a bid to soften Saudi Arabia's austere image stemming from its historical championing of a purist form of Islam known as Wahhabism. 
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/lifestyle-news/fashion-and-beauty/cannes-2024-fashion-influencer-nancy-tyagi-makes-debut-in-self-stitched-gown-fans-are-mighty-impressed-1716019623490">Cannes 2024: Fashion influencer Nancy Tyagi makes debut in self-stitched gown, fans are mighty impressed</a> &nbsp;

Reem Al Aboud's electric car surged from a standstill to 100 kilometres per hour in an astonishing 2.49 seconds, surpassing the 2.6-second FIA single-seater benchmark set by current Formula 1 machinery.

Watch: Saudi Arabian female racer Reem Al Aboud breaks world record in Formula E car | Formula 1

Reem Al Aboud's electric car surged from a standstill to 100 kmph in just 2.49 seconds, making a new acceleration record.

Tap to watch.

#Formula1 #F1 #FormulaE

Watch: Saudi Arabian female racer Reem Al Aboud breaks world record in Formula E car

<h2>Reem Al Aboud's electric car surged from a standstill to 100 kilometres per hour in an astonishing 2.49 seconds, surpassing the 2.6-second FIA single-seater benchmark set by current Formula 1 machinery.</h2>

In an unparalleled display of skill and speed, Reem Al Aboud, the trailblazing female racer from Saudi Arabia, has rewritten the history books in the world of motorsport. Achieving a groundbreaking feat, Al Aboud took the helm of the GENBETA electric racing car, marking a significant moment not only in her career but also for the future of women in racing and the evolution of electric motorsports.
This remarkable achievement came just in time for International Women's Day, casting a spotlight on the strides being made towards inclusivity and diversity in the traditionally male-dominated realm of racing. Al Aboud's performance didn't just break records; it shattered the pre-existing FIA single-seater acceleration benchmark, previously held by the pinnacle of motorsport technology - Formula 1 cars.
The GENBETA race car, a symbol of Formula E's dedication to pioneering new technologies and promoting environmental sustainability, served as the perfect vehicle for this historic moment. With Al Aboud at the controls, the car surged from a standstill to 100km/h (approximately 60mph) in an astonishing 2.49 seconds. This feat eclipsed the previous benchmark of 2.6 seconds by F1 car, underscoring the potential and power of electric vehicles in competitive racing.
Reem Al Aboud's latest accomplishment is more than just a personal victory; it is a testament to the progress being made towards gender equality in sports and the relentless pursuit of innovation in electric motorsport. By setting a new FIA single-seater acceleration record, Al Aboud has not only showcased the capabilities of the GENBETA race car but has also highlighted Formula E's commitment to innovation and its role in pushing the boundaries of what's possible on the racetrack.
As the world moves closer to International Women's Day, Al Aboud's success story serves as an inspiring reminder of the ongoing journey towards diversity and inclusivity in all spheres, including the high-speed, adrenaline-fueled world of motorsport.

Saudi Arabia, frequently known to serve death penalty to convicts, executed 7 people in a single day on February 27.

Saudi Arabia executes 7 in a day, highest since March 2022

Saudi Arabia, frequently known to serve death penalty to convicts, executed 7 people in a single day on February 27.

Saudi Arabia announced the execution of seven people in a single day on February 29, marking the highest single-day tally since 81 people were put down in March 2022.
The Kingdom explained that the 7 people were linked to &lsquo;creating and financing terrorist organisations and entities.&rsquo; A total of 29 confirmed executions have been carried out in the gulf state this year.
The individuals were convicted of disrupting the security and stability of society by &ldquo;adopting a terrorist approach that calls for bloodshed, establishing and financing terrorist organisations and entities, and communicating and dealing with them,&rdquo; as per a report from Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s press agency.
The nationalities of those executed this week were not revealed in the report. However, NDTV reported their names and titles, indicating they were from Saudi Arabia.
Only China and Iran carried out more executions than Saudi Arabia in 2022, according to the Death Penalty Information Centre.&nbsp;
In 2022, Saudi Arabia executed 81 people attracting global condemnation. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachele had sharp words for the Kingdom.
The executions did not conform to &ldquo;international human rights and humanitarian law and may amount to a war crime,&rdquo; Bachele said.
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Saudi Arabia will open its first alcohol store in Riyadh in the coming weeks, as it seeks to attract more tourists and businesses 

Saudi Arabia to open its first alcohol store in Riyadh: report

Saudi Arabia will open its first alcohol store in Riyadh in the coming weeks, as it seeks to attract more tourists and businesses&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia, where alcohol consumption is barred, will reportedly open its first booze store in the capital Riyadh City that would be sold exclusively to non-Muslim diplomats.
Reuters news agency quoting sources said that tipplers will have to register via a mobile app, get a clearance code from the foreign ministry, and respect monthly quotas with their purchases.
The move comes as the ultra-conservative kingdom vies to position itself as an attractive destination for tourists and businesses. It is also part of wider plans known as Vision 2030 to build a post-oil economy.&nbsp;
Reuters report, quoting the documents which has details of the plan, states that the new store would be located in Riyadh's Diplomatic Quarter, a neighbourhood where embassies and diplomats reside and it will be "strictly restricted" to non-Muslims.
However, it was unclear if other non-Muslim expatriates will have access to the store. Millions of expatriates live in Saudi Arabia but most of them are Muslim workers from Asia and Egypt. &nbsp; A source familiar with the plans told Reuters that the store is expected to open in the coming weeks.
Though banned since 1952 under Islamic laws, the sale and consumption of alcohol have been flourishing through the black market.&nbsp;
If found violating the rule, the perpetrator would be punished with hundreds of lashes, deportation, fines, or imprisonment. Expatriates also face deportation. As part of the reforms, whipping has largely been replaced by jail sentences.
(With inputs from Reuters)

Saudi Arabia is following US and British air strikes on neighbouring Yemen with "great concern", a foreign ministry statement said on Friday, urging against escalation.

Saudi Arabia voices 'great concern' over US airstrikes on Yemen

Saudi Arabia is following US and British air strikes on neighbouring Yemen with "great concern", a foreign ministry statement said on Friday, urging against escalation.

Saudi Arabia has expressed 'great concern' over the airstrikes conducted by the US and the US on Houthi sites in Yemen.&nbsp;
"The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is following with great concern the military operations taking place in the Red Sea region and the air strikes on a number of sites in the Republic of Yemen," a statement by Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry said, calling &nbsp;for "self-restraint and avoiding escalation".
Amid the Houthi attacks that disrupted the global shipping services in the Red Sea, The US and British forces on January 11 bombed dozens of locations reportedly used by the armed group. &nbsp;
The US army officials said that they had hit the logistical hubs, air defense systems and weapons storage location of the rebel group.&nbsp; This is first US attack on Houthi locations on land after the Yemeni rebels started targeting ships in the Red Sea.&nbsp;
US-led forces were so far conducting retaliatory strikes on Houthi ships.&nbsp;
The coordinated military assault comes just a week after the White House and a host of partner nations issued a final warning to the Houthis to cease the attacks or face potential military action.&nbsp;
President Joe Biden said Thursday that US and British forces had launched air strikes against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen in "defensive action" after attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.
In a statement, Biden said he "will not hesitate" to order further military action if needed.
The strikes involved fighter jets and Tomahawk missiles, several US media said. US officials did not immediately confirm the reports when contacted by AFP.
"Today, at my direction, US military forces -- together with the United Kingdom and with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands -&mdash; successfully conducted strikes against a number of targets in Yemen used by Houthi rebels to endanger freedom of navigation in one of the world's most vital waterways," Biden said.
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He called the strikes a "direct response" to "unprecedented" attacks by the Houthis, "including the use of anti-ship ballistic missiles for the first time in history."
"These attacks have endangered US personnel, civilian mariners, and our partners, jeopardized trade, and threatened freedom of navigation," he said, stressing that Washington and its allies "will not tolerate attacks on our personnel or allow hostile actors to imperil freedom of navigation."
"I will not hesitate to direct further measures to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce as necessary."
The Houthis have carried out a growing number of attacks on the key international sea route since the Gaza war erupted with Hamas's unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7.
(with AFP inputs)
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Saudi Arabia has halted talks on normalisation with Israel: AFP

News that normalisation discussions are now on hold comes as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is due to meet with his Saudi counterpart on Saturday, the latest stop on a six-nation tour of the region.

Saudi Arabia has suspended talks on potentially normalising ties with Israel, a source told AFP on Saturday, amid the war raging between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel on October 7 which killed 1,300 people, sparking a retaliatory bombing campaign that has killed at least 1,900 in the Gaza Strip ahead of a potential Israeli ground invasion of the territory.
"Saudi Arabia has decided to pause discussion on possible normalisation and has informed US officials," a source familiar with the discussions told AFP.
The Gulf kingdom, home to the holiest sites in Islam, has never recognised Israel and did not join the 2020 US-brokered Abraham Accords that saw its Gulf neighbours Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates as well as Morocco establish formal ties with Israel.
US President Joe Biden's administration had been pushing hard in recent months for Saudi Arabia to take the same step.
Under de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, son of the ageing King Salman, Riyadh had laid out conditions for normalisation including security guarantees from Washington and help developing a civilian nuclear programme.

Saudi Arabia's Al Ittihad abstained from playing due to the presence of the statue and other political banners related to Soleimani, who commanded Iran's elite Quds Force before he was killed in a U.S. drone strike in neighboring Iraq in 2020.

Saudi Arabia's Al Ittihad's AFC Champions League game in Iran cancelled due to Soleimani statue: Reports

Saudi Arabia's Al Ittihad football team refused to play their AFC Champions League tie against Sepahan in Iran, citing the presence of a statue honoring the late Iranian general, Qassem Soleimani, on the sidelines.

#AlIttihad #AFCChampionsLeague

<h2>Saudi Arabia's Al Ittihad abstained from playing due to the presence of the statue and other political banners related to Soleimani, who commanded Iran's elite Quds Force before he was killed in a U.S. drone strike in neighbouring Iraq in 2020.</h2>

Saudi Arabia's Al Ittihad refused to play a match in Iran on Monday because of the presence of a statue of a slain Iranian general placed on the sideline, according to Saudi state media.
Al Ittihad and their star striker Karim Benzema were scheduled to play Iran's Sepahan in the AFC Champions League, one of several matches made possible by a recent diplomatic rapprochement between the longtime Middle East rivals.
But the Saudi team did not take to the field because of a bust of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who commanded Iran's elite Quds Force before he was killed in a U.S. drone strike in neighbouring Iraq in January 2020, and other political banners, Saudi Arabia's Al Ekhbariya TV reported.
Soleimani was seen as playing a key role in arming, training and leading armed groups across the region, including fighters from the Houthi rebel group in Yemen.
Saudi Arabia has been at war with Iran-aligned rebels in Yemen since 2015.
The AFC Champions League said the Group C match was cancelled &ldquo;due to unanticipated and unforeseen circumstances," without elaborating.
&ldquo;The AFC reiterates its commitment towards ensuring the safety and security of the players, match officials, spectators, and all stakeholders involved. This matter will now be referred to the relevant committees,&rdquo; it said in a statement.
There was no official comment from Saudi Arabia or Iran.
Iran's ruling clerics and their supporters hail Soleimani as a hero because of his leading role in military operations against the United States, the Islamic State group and other perceived enemies. Iran launched a barrage of missiles at U.S. bases in Iraq after he was killed, and has vowed to take further actions to avenge his death.
As well as the insurgents in Yemen, Soleimani also aided Shiite militias in Iraq, the Lebanese Hezbollah, and fighters in Syria and the Palestinian territories.
Western nations considered Soleimani a terrorist who had sown instability across the region.
Also read: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/sports-news/cricket/virat-kohli-uncertainty-over-star-indian-batter-s-availability-for-practice-match-against-netherlands-1696261659601">Uncertainty over Virat Kohli's availability for practice match against Netherlands</a>

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said Riyadh would seek nuclear weapons if foe Iran acquired them.

Saudi Arabia discusses nuclear plans, reveals Riyadh’s condition

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said Riyadh would seek nuclear weapons if foe Iran acquired them.

On the back of its recovering relations with Israel, Saudi Arabia explained its plan to acquire nuclear weapons. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said Riyadh will seek nuclear weapons if archrival Iran acquires one.
<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/saudi-arabian-crown-prince-to-hold-talks-with-pm-modi-co-chair-strategic-partnership-council-meeting-1694395106218">The Crown Prince</a> also reaffirmed his kingdom&rsquo;s solidifying ties with Israel, saying that the two former enemies were getting closer every day.
Mohammed bin Salman&rsquo;s statement on nuclear weapons has worried nuclear nonproliferation experts, news agency Associated Press reported. Experts said the US is granting the kingdom the ability to enrich uranium itself could fuel a regional arms race, the report added.
&ldquo;For us, the Palestinian issue is very important. We need to solve that part,&rdquo; Saudi Arabi&rsquo;s de facto leader told Fox News in an interview while addressing the Israel-Palestine conflict.
&ldquo;We got to see where we go,&rdquo; the Crown Prince said. &ldquo;We hope that will reach a place, that it will ease the life of the Palestinians, get Israel as a player in the Middle East,&rdquo; he added in the Fox News interview.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/countries-with-new-nuclear-weapons-in-last-one-year-as-per-sipri-1686543067233">Countries with new nuclear weapons in last one year, as per SIPRI</a>
Prince Mohammed has given very few interviews to Western media outlets, particularly since the 2018 killing of Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi dissident and Washington Post columnist, in an operation by Saudi agents that US intelligence says was likely approved by the prince. The prince has denied any involvement.
(With AP inputs)

While speaking at the India-Saudi Arabia Investment Forum meet, the Saudi minister Khalid A. Al Falih had said that the country would invest in Indian startups that would cater to the needs of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia to invest in Indian startups through venture capital

While speaking at the India-Saudi Arabia Investment Forum meet, the Saudi minister Khalid A. Al Falih had said that the country would invest in Indian startups that would cater to the needs of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is planning to invest in Indian startups through venture capital. The country is also considering setting up an office for its Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) in India to facilitate investments here.
Saudi Arabia's investment minister Khalid A. Al Falih on Monday has said that a delegation would visit India within the next few weeks to explore the opportunities. He further added that his delegation would explore GIFT City in Ahmedabad along with Mumbai and Delhi. GIFT City in Gujarat is a multi-purpose special economic zone for financial services
Also Read: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/business-news/india-uk-fta-both-countries-keen-on-concluding-the-deal-as-soon-as-possible-says-fm-sitharaman-1694437881426">India-UK FTA: Both countries keen on concluding the deal as soon as possible, says FM Sitharaman</a>
"I will match your offer and commit today that we will open an office in India for investment facilitation. We are talking about bi-directional (facilitation)", said Khalid A. Al Falih.
While talking at the India-Saudi Arabia Investment Forum meet, the Saudi minister also highlighted Saudi's interest in investing in Indian startups that would cater to the needs of Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal also mentioned that India would set up an office in Riyadh which will be partnered by FICCI and Invest India and some officials of the commerce and industry ministry.
Between April 2000 to June 2023, Saudi has invested $3.22 billion. These investments have been made by government-owned Public Investment Fund (PIF) in Indian companies that are beyond their start-up stage

The Crown Prince arrived in New Delhi on Sept 9 for 3-day long state visit. 

Saudi Arabian Crown Prince to hold talks with PM Modi, co-chair Strategic Partnership Council meeting

The Crown Prince arrived in New Delhi on Sept 9 for a 3-day long state visit.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who arrived in New Delhi for his 3 day-long state visit which also coincided with the G20 Summit will continue his stay on September 11.
According to PTI, he will engage in crucial discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. Their agenda includes co-chairing the first leaders' meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council, aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations.
This trip marks the Crown Prince's second state visit to India, emphasising the significance of their bilateral relationship.
&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia managed to sign some of the biggest names in the world of football this summer, with their spending spree reaching close to $1 billion.

Saudi Arabia's summer spree: Looking back at the biggest football transfers this window

Saudi Arabia managed to sign some of the biggest names in the world of football this summer, with their spending spree reaching close to $1 billion.

Take a look at their biggest transfers.

#SaudiArabia #SaudiProLeague

<h2>Saudi Arabia managed to sign some of the biggest names in the world of football this summer, with their spending spree reaching close to $1 billion.</h2>

Some the biggest names in the world of football made the move to Saudi Arabia this summer, with the Middle East nation spending over a whopping $978m in the transfer window.
This financial football frenzy has been primarily driven by four clubs - Al Hilal, Al Ahli, Al Ittihad, and Al Nassr, all owned by the Public Investment Fund, also the owners of Newcastle United.
Cristiano Ronaldo was the league's biggest addition in its history. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner joined Al Nassr in December 2022 on a two-and-a-half-year contract with a total salary of $221m.
And then the bonanza continued in the summer with Neymar's arrival at Al Hilal, his transfer from Paris Saint-Germain costing an eye-popping $108 million. Neymar joins forces with newly signed stars like Ruben Neves, Kalidou Koulibaly, Aleksandar Mitrovic, and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
Karim Benzema, fresh from his Ballon d'Or win and a storied career at Real Madrid, made his way to Al Ittihad. He was accompanied by renowned players such as Fabinho, N'Golo Kante, and Celtic's Jota.
Former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane, after a brief stint with Bayern Munich, reunited with Ronaldo at Al Nassr. He was flanked by talents like Aymeric Laporte, Alex Telles, Marcelo Brozovic, and Seko Fofana.
Riyad Mahrez, part of Manchester City's treble-winning squad, made a move to Al Ahli, where he now shares the field with Roberto Firmino, goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, Allan Saint-Maximin, Franck Kessie, and Gabri Veiga.
Meanwhile, Steven Gerrard assumed the role of head coach at Al Ettifaq, bolstering his squad with former Liverpool midfielders Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum, along with signings like Moussa Dembele, Jack Hendry, and Demarai Gray.
This summer, Saudi Arabia's football landscape transformed into a playground for some of the world's greatest talents, reshaping the global football map.
Also read: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/sports-news/football/afc-champions-league-neymar-to-play-in-india-on-this-date-mumbai-city-fc-vs-al-hilal-1694093208489">Neymar to play in India on THIS date in AFC Champions League</a>

BRICS will have 11 members starting 2024 as the bloc voted in favour of expansion.

6 new countries to join BRICS as full members

6 new countries to join BRICS as full members
Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Argentina, UAE, Saudi Arabia to join BRICS
6 countries to join BRICS from January 1, 2024

BRICS will have 11 members starting in 2024 as the bloc voted in favour of expansion.

The BRICS grouping will have 11 members starting in 2024, as Iran, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Egypt and Argentina have been sent invitations.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is the current chair of BRICS, made the announcement alongside leaders from India, China and Brazil. Russian President <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/brics-summit-2023-all-you-need-to-know-1692686926688">Vladimir Putin</a> did not travel for the summit.
The BRICS group last expanded in 2010, a year after its formation. South Africa was added to the diplomatic bloc.
UAE leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed the BRICS&rsquo; invitation. &ldquo;We look forward to a continued commitment of cooperation for the prosperity, dignity and benefit of all nations and people around the world,&rdquo; he said.
China&rsquo;s Xi Jinping also hailed the bloc&rsquo;s decision and said the &ldquo;expansion is historic.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Also see: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/watch-pm-modi-picks-up-tricolour-from-floor-at-brics-summit-video-goes-viral-1692792198021">PM Modi picks up tricolour from floor at BRICS summit, video goes viral</a>
The inclusion of Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates together in the same economic or political organization would have been unthinkable in recent years amid escalating tensions following the collapse of Tehran&rsquo;s 2015 nuclear deal and a series of attacks attributed to the country since.
(With AP inputs)

The two are scheduled to meet again in May on the sidelines of the Quad Summit in Australia.

Ajit Doval meets US NSA Jake Sullivan in Saudi Arabia

The two are scheduled to meet again in May on the sidelines of the Quad Summit in Australia.

India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met his American counterpart Jake Sullivan in Saudi Arabia on May 7, 2023.
US officials said that Doval Sullivan discussed their "shared vision of a more secure and prosperous Middle East region interconnected with India and the world".
The two are scheduled to meet again in May on the sidelines of the Quad Summit in Australia.

Saudi and UAE have promised India practical support on the ground.

Sudan civil war: India coordinating with Quartet of US, UK, Saudi, UAE for Indians' safety, say reports

Sudan civil war: India coordinating with these 4 nations for Indians' safety


Saudi and UAE have promised India practical support on the ground.

Amid growing worry over the fate of Indians stranded in Sudan during a civil war, Indian government sources spelt out what the Narendra Modi administration is doing regarding the problem.
Delhi is coordinating with the Quartet grouping of USA, UK, Saudi Arabia, and UAE to ensure the safety of Indians, sources said on April 19, 2023.
Saudi and UAE have promised India practical support on the ground.
Specific details cannot be released due to concerns regarding the safety of Indians in Sudan, the sources said.

saudi arabia

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