Saudi Arabia

The economy is advancing its diversification agenda through major AI investments and financial market liberalization. The PIF-backed firm Humain secured up to $1.2bn for AI infrastructure, while Saudi Arabia announced it will open its financial market to all categories of foreign investors. Red Sea ports also saw increased shipping activity following a Gaza ceasefire.

• 4Black Eagles to Make Stop in Japan on Way to World Defense Show in Riyadh
• 2PIF-backed Humain secures up to $1.2bn to expand AI infrastructure
• 2Saudi Arabia leads in ESG sukuk and office property investment
• 2Aramco CEO says AI has generated billions in value
• 1Makkah Construction secures 880 million riyal bridge financing from Al Jazira Bank

Politics is dominated by regional diplomacy aimed at containing conflict and engaging with US initiatives. Saudi Arabia, alongside Iran, warned of 'dangerous consequences' of regional escalation and explicitly stated it would not allow its airspace or territory to be used for military actions against Iran. The kingdom also joined seven other Muslim countries in announcing a joint decision to join a US-backed 'Board of Peace' for Gaza.

• 78 Muslim countries, including Saudi Arabia, announce joint decision to join Board of Peace
• 3Egypt, Oman reiterate support for Yemeni dialogue in Riyadh - Foreign Affairs - Egypt
• 2FM Dar to head to Saudi Arabia for extraordinary meeting of OIC Council of Foreign Ministers
• 1Saudi defense minister discusses regional peace in Washington
• 1US allies in Middle East push to avoid conflict with Iran

Security is characterized by a major US arms influx and a firm public stance against being drawn into a US-Iran conflict. The US State Department approved the possible sale of Patriot missiles to Saudi Arabia, part of billions in new arms sales. Concurrently, the Crown Prince declared Saudi Arabia would not allow attacks on Iran from its territory, a position echoed in analysis after the UAE took a similar step.

• 2F-35C factor? The US has 11 aircraft carriers, why Trump chose USS Abraham Lincoln for the Persian Gulf
• 1Mohammed bin Salman closes airspace for action against Iran
• 1Trump says Iran wants to talk after US fleet arrives in Gulf
• 1US fighter jets deliver strikes against 35 Islamic State locations in Syria — Al Arabiya
• 1Yemeni minister accuses official of breaking promises by fleeing Riyadh

Society is in a phase of routine religious and royal observance, with preparations for Ramadan and the King's health as focal points. The Supreme Court called on Muslims to sight the Ramadan moon, and King Salman left the hospital after 'reassuring' medical tests. A secondary theme of international engagement is present, marked by the Crown Prince congratulating a Saudi scientist on a Nobel win.

• 1King Salman Relief Center launches 2026 plans
• 1Red Crescent sends 7,000 tons of aid to Gaza