Saudi Arabia

Saudi economy shows strength as Aramco Q1 profit rises 25% and OPEC+ agrees to increase output despite Hormuz tensions, but the UAE's shock OPEC exit challenges Saudi oil leadership. Three Saudi firms reported higher quarterly profits, and Aramco signed a deal with Petronas for a Malaysian project.

• 11Saudi Aramco profit rises 25% in Q1 despite Middle East conflict
• 8OPEC+ agrees to increase oil output amid Hormuz tensions
• 5Saudi oil prince’s iron grip faces ultimate test with UAE’s shock OPEC exit
• 4The silent treatment: Saudi Arabia’s long game for managing Opec
• 3Saudi Aramco and Petronas sign deal to transfer shares in Malaysian project

Crown Prince MBS faces a French judicial investigation into the Khashoggi murder complaint, while Saudi Arabia floats a non-aggression pact with Iran and denies opening airspace for US strikes. The UAE condemns drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, and Yemen ex-president Hadi dies in the kingdom.

• 7French judge to investigate Khashoggi murder complaint against MBS
• 6Saudi Arabia floats Middle Eastern non-aggression pact with Iran
• 5UAE condemns drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, expresses solidarity
• 2Yemen ex-president Hadi dies in Saudi Arabia: Source in presidency - Region - World
• 2Saudi Crown Prince MBS Scores Unexpected Wins During Iran War

Saudi Arabia launched covert attacks on Iran as the regional war widened, and the US paused Hormuz naval escorts after Saudi denied airspace use. The IRGC downed a US drone over the Persian Gulf, and Iraq rejects use of its territory for attacks on Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

• 7Exclusive: Saudi Arabia launched covert attacks on Iran as regional war widened, sources say
• 4Trump reportedly paused Hormuz naval escorts after Saudi Arabia denied use of its airspace
• 3US weighs reviving Hormuz 'Project Freedom' as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait reopen military access
• 2IRGC downs US MQ-9 Reaper drone over Persian Gulf, warns against truce violations
• 1Saudi Arabia uses drones and AI for Hajj security

Hajj dominates society as millions of pilgrims converge on Mecca, with Saudi Arabia ramping up heat protection and medical services. Thousands of Iranians attend despite the war, and the kingdom uses drones and AI for security.

• 3Saudi Arabia announces start of Dhul Hijjah; Eid Al Adha dates confirmed
• 3Pakistan religion minister to arrive in Saudi Arabia today to inspect Hajj arrangements
• 2Muslims leave Mecca after completing Hajj pilgrimage
• 2Vision program in Mecca aims to treat 1,000 pilgrims from 20 nations
• 1Mecca residents flock to Grand Mosque on Arafat Day