Pakistan has suffered a setback after the United Arab Emirates reportedly stepped away from talks to operate Islamabad International Airport, discussions that had been ongoing since August 2025. The development surfaced shortly after Sheikh Nahyan’s brief three-hour visit to New Delhi. According to Pakistan’s The Express Tribune, sources said that the proposal stalled because the UAE was unable to secure a suitable local partner to manage airport operations, despite early enthusiasm for the project.&nbsp;While the report stopped short of assigning political motives, the timing aligns with a period of visible strain between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh. Once tightly aligned, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are now openly backing opposing factions in Yemen, marking a rare public rift between the two Gulf powers. This shift comes as Pakistan has moved closer to Saudi Arabia, signing a defence pact in September 2025 that treats an attack on either country as an attack on both.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-khamenei-s-sons-take-charge-if-iran-s-supreme-leader-is-forced-to-exit-who-are-they-and-what-do-reports-say-iran-us-tensions-news-1769414466602">Will Khamenei’s sons take charge if Iran’s Supreme Leader is forced to exit? Who are they and what do reports say?</a>&nbsp;In contrast, the UAE has recently deepened its strategic engagement with India. During the UAE president’s visit to New Delhi earlier this month, both sides endorsed a Letter of Intent aimed at establishing a Strategic Defence Partnership, signaling a significant upgrade in military cooperation. As Saudi Arabia increasingly leans on Pakistan’s defence expertise, Abu Dhabi appears to be recalibrating its priorities toward India through new security agreements and political gestures. Historically, the UAE was one of Pakistan’s key economic partners, employing large numbers of Pakistani workers and maintaining strong ties in trade, defence, and energy.&nbsp;&nbsp;Over time, however, the relationship has been weighed down by concerns over safety standards, regulatory disputes, and Pakistan’s ageing infrastructure. Experts have also pointed to weak governance and political interference as factors behind mounting losses at Pakistan’s state-owned enterprises, many of which have been pushed toward privatisation. Pakistan International Airlines was sold off last year under this pressure.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-confirms-covert-operation-along-myanmar-border-1769423736590/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-confirms-covert-operation-along-myanmar-border-1769423736590/embed</a><h2>India-UAE relations</h2>Meanwhile, India-UAE relations continue to gain momentum. Following the recent New Delhi visit, the UAE president approved the release of 900 Indian prisoners, a move widely interpreted as a goodwill gesture. The joint statement issued after the talks underscored the breadth of cooperation between the two countries and outlined a long-term vision for strategic and economic alignment.

UAE pulls back from Pakistan airport deal. Here's what reports are saying

Pakistan has suffered a setback after the United Arab Emirates reportedly stepped away from talks to operate Islamabad International Airport, discussions that had been ongoing since August 2025. The development surfaced shortly after Sheikh Nahyan’s brief three-hour visit to New Delhi. According to Pakistan’s The Express Tribune, sources said that the proposal stalled because the UAE was unable to secure a suitable local partner to manage airport operations, despite early enthusiasm for the project. While the report stopped short of assigning political motives, the timing aligns with a period of visible strain between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh. Once tightly aligned, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are now openly backing opposing factions in Yemen, marking a rare public rift between the two Gulf powers. This shift comes as Pakistan has moved closer to Saudi Arabia, signing a defence pact in September 2025 that treats an attack on either country as an attack on both. Also Read: Will Khamenei’s sons take charge if Iran’s Supreme Leader is forced to exit? Who are they and what do reports say? In contrast, the UAE has recently deepened its strategic engagement with India. During the UAE president’s visit to New Delhi earlier this month, both sides endorsed a Letter of Intent aimed at establishing a Strategic Defence Partnership, signaling a significant upgrade in military cooperation. As Saudi Arabia increasingly leans on Pakistan’s defence expertise, Abu Dhabi appears to be recalibrating its priorities toward India through new security agreements and political gestures. Historically, the UAE was one of Pakistan’s key economic partners, employing large numbers of Pakistani workers and maintaining strong ties in trade, defence, and energy. Over time, however, the relationship has been weighed down by concerns over safety standards, regulatory disputes, and Pakistan’s ageing infrastructure. Experts have also pointed to weak governance and political interference as factors behind mounting losses at Pakistan’s state-owned enterprises, many of which have been pushed toward privatisation. Pakistan International Airlines was sold off last year under this pressure. https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-confirms-covert-operation-along-myanmar-border-1769423736590/embed India-UAE relations Meanwhile, India-UAE relations continue to gain momentum. Following the recent New Delhi visit, the UAE president approved the release of 900 Indian prisoners, a move widely interpreted as a goodwill gesture. The joint statement issued after the talks underscored the breadth of cooperation between the two countries and outlined a long-term vision for strategic and economic alignment.

According to reports, the UAE has withdrawn from plans to run Islamabad Airport, as its strategic and defence ties with India deepen amid shifting Gulf alliances

A potential fall of the Iranian regime following US strikes could significantly benefit Saudi Arabia. Analysts point to increased security, the collapse of hostile proxy networks, and a boost for Vision 2030. Such a shift would likely cement Riyadh’s dominance in the region.

How Saudi Arabia could benefit from US strikes if they lead to the fall of the Iranian regime

On Saturday, the Interior Ministry of Saudi Arabia announced that the journalist had been executed in Riyadh on charges of ‘high treason by communicating with and conspiring against the security of the Kingdom with individuals outside it.’

Another Jamal Khashoggi? This Saudi journalist was executed for his tweets! All about Turki al-Jasser

Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler told Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas he was working to prevent "an expansion" of conflict after the surprise Hamas attack on Israel, Saudi state media said early Tuesday.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also told Abbas the Gulf kingdom continued "to stand by the Palestinian people to achieve their legitimate rights to a decent life, achieve their hopes and aspirations, and achieve just and lasting peace," the official Saudi Press Agency reported.

Reeling from the Palestinian Islamist group's unprecedented ground, air and sea attacks, Israel has counted 800 dead and launched a withering barrage of strikes on Gaza that have raised the death count there to 687.

The spiralling violence kicked off amid speculation that Saudi Arabia, which has never recognised Israel, would agree to normalise ties as part of a deal in which it would obtain security guarantees from the United States as well as assistance developing a civilian nuclear programme.

However, Prince Mohammed told Fox News last month that the Palestinian issue was "very important" for Saudi Arabia, home to the holiest sites in Islam in Mecca and Medina.

"We need to solve that part. We need to ease the life of the Palestinians," Prince Mohammed said.

Analysts say any progress towards normalisation has now been dealt a heavy blow by the ongoing fighting.

Prince Mohammed has also spoken about the crisis by phone with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan's King Abdullah II, SPA reported.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler told Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas he was working to prevent "an expansion" of conflict after the surprise Hamas attack on Israel, Saudi state media said early Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler told Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas he was working to prevent "an expansion" of conflict after the surprise Hamas attack on Israel, Saudi state media said early Tuesday. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also told Abbas the Gulf kingdom continued "to stand by the Palestinian people to achieve their legitimate rights to a decent life, achieve their hopes and aspirations, and achieve just and lasting peace," the official Saudi Press Agency reported. Reeling from the Palestinian Islamist group's unprecedented ground, air and sea attacks, Israel has counted 800 dead and launched a withering barrage of strikes on Gaza that have raised the death count there to 687. The spiralling violence kicked off amid speculation that Saudi Arabia, which has never recognised Israel, would agree to normalise ties as part of a deal in which it would obtain security guarantees from the United States as well as assistance developing a civilian nuclear programme. However, Prince Mohammed told Fox News last month that the Palestinian issue was "very important" for Saudi Arabia, home to the holiest sites in Islam in Mecca and Medina. "We need to solve that part. We need to ease the life of the Palestinians," Prince Mohammed said. Analysts say any progress towards normalisation has now been dealt a heavy blow by the ongoing fighting. Prince Mohammed has also spoken about the crisis by phone with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan's King Abdullah II, SPA reported. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman says 'Saudi stands by Palestinians'

Building on G20 momentum, the never-tiring Indian PM Narendra Modi will today host Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman with the objective of turning the Middle-East corridor project into reality and cementing bilateral ties with a rapidly rising West Asian global power. To know more watch this interview with former Indian Diplomat, AMB Anil Trigunayat.

PM Modi to have a bilateral meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman

Building on G20 momentum, the never-tiring Indian PM Narendra Modi will today host Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman with the objective of turning the Middle-East corridor project into reality and cementing bilateral ties with a rapidly rising West Asian global power.

MBS in New Delhi: Saudi Crown Prince to meet with Indian President Droupadi Murmu

Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman is on his second state visit to India. This visit follows a highly successful 2019 visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Saudi Arabia during which the two countries established the Strategic Partnership Council. Here's all you need to know about the India-Saudi ties and the rapidly evolving global geopolitical dynamics.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman in New Delhi as he embarks on a state visit to India

Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman is on his second state visit to India. This visit follows the highly successful 2019 visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Saudi Arabia, during which the two countries established the strategic partnership council. Here's all you need to know about the India-Saudi ties and the rapidly evolving global geopolitical dynamics.

PM Modi-Mohammed Bin Salman meet: Saudi Arabia going all out to move away from oil profits | Details

Saudi Crown Prince in India: Trade between both nations reached all-time high in 2022-23

Saudi crown prince MBS is on a whirlwind Gulf tour, adding to a flurry of diplomacy seeking to resolve long-simmering regional tensions. This comes as leaders in West Asia are on a diplomatic spree. They are ending regional rifts that have defined the region for over a decade. On The West Asia Post, Ghadi Francis tells you what this tour means for West Asia.

The West Asia Post | Saudi MBS on a gulf tour | Beirut blast probe resumes

Saudi&nbsp;Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said the kingdom offers investment opportunities worth $6 trillion over the next decade, with new projects representing half of this value, the state news agency reported, citing his speech at the World Economic Forum on Wednesday.

The opportunities are part of the young prince's Vision 2030, aimed at ending the kingdom’s dependence on oil and transforming it into a global investment power.

The prince, known in the West as MbS, plans to create new sectors and develop domestic projects that would create jobs for millions of&nbsp;Saudis, through the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the kingdom's sovereign investment fund that acts as the main vehicle boosting investments at home and abroad.

PIF will finance 85 per cent&nbsp;of these opportunities along with the&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;private sector, while the remaining financing will come from capital investments from investors in the Gulf and globally,&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Press Agency said, quoting the prince's speech.

The PIF is the cornerstone investor in a number of mega projects including a high-tech economic zone dubbed NEOM planned for an area close to the size of Belgium, an entertainment park outside Riyadh called Qiddiya being built on a site 2-1/2 times larger than Disney World, and a luxury tourist resort off the Red Sea coast that will span 50 islands.

This week, Prince Mohammed unveiled plans to build a zero-carbon city at NEOM, with infrastructure costs of $100 billion to $200 billion.

The world’s top oil exporter is expected to borrow tens of billions of dollars this year to fill state coffers hit by lower oil prices and to boost liquidity at the PIF.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said the kingdom offers investment opportunities worth $6 trillion over the next decade, with new projects representing half of this value, the state news agency reported, citing his speech at the World Economic Forum on Wednesday.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said the kingdom offers investment opportunities worth $6 trillion over the next decade, with new projects representing half of this value, the state news agency reported, citing his speech at the World Economic Forum on Wednesday. The opportunities are part of the young prince's Vision 2030, aimed at ending the kingdom’s dependence on oil and transforming it into a global investment power. The prince, known in the West as MbS, plans to create new sectors and develop domestic projects that would create jobs for millions of Saudis, through the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the kingdom's sovereign investment fund that acts as the main vehicle boosting investments at home and abroad. PIF will finance 85 per cent of these opportunities along with the Saudi private sector, while the remaining financing will come from capital investments from investors in the Gulf and globally, Saudi Press Agency said, quoting the prince's speech. The PIF is the cornerstone investor in a number of mega projects including a high-tech economic zone dubbed NEOM planned for an area close to the size of Belgium, an entertainment park outside Riyadh called Qiddiya being built on a site 2-1/2 times larger than Disney World, and a luxury tourist resort off the Red Sea coast that will span 50 islands. This week, Prince Mohammed unveiled plans to build a zero-carbon city at NEOM, with infrastructure costs of $100 billion to $200 billion. The world’s top oil exporter is expected to borrow tens of billions of dollars this year to fill state coffers hit by lower oil prices and to boost liquidity at the PIF.

Saudi crown prince says kingdom offers $6 trillion investment opportunities over next decade

Pakistan has issued special permits to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and two other members of the royal family to hunt the internationally protected houbara bustards during the hunting season 2020-21, according to a media report on Friday.

Sources said the two other hunters are governors and one of them is a defaulter as he has not paid the hunting fees for last year.

The hunters had been allocated certain hunting areas in two provinces&nbsp;Balochistan and Punjab, the Dawn newspaper reported.

They said that though the foreign ministry was expected to maintain the protocol and official hierarchy, the name of the most powerful person and ''real''&nbsp;ruler of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman has been mentioned at the bottom of the list of hunters sent to the Saudi Embassy in Islamabad.

The houbara bustard is a resident of the colder Central Asian region. It migrates southwards every year to spend its winters in a relatively warmer environment in Pakistan. 
Arab hunters are specially invited by the Pakistan government to hunt houbara bustards.

Owing to its dwindling population, the houbara is not only protected under various international nature conservation treaties but is also protected under local wildlife protection laws. Pakistanis are not allowed to hunt it.

The sources told the newspaper that earlier Prime Minister Imran Khan, when he was in the Opposition, used to criticise the then federal government for issuing houbara hunting permits and had not allowed houbara hunting in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where his Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf ruled, but now has issued the permits to hunters from Saudi Arabia.

The sources said that the hunting permits issued by the foreign ministry's deputy chief of protocol (P&amp;I) on October 16 were delivered to the Saudi Embassy to be sent to the hunters.

Pakistan has issued special permits to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and two other members of the royal family to hunt the internationally protected houbara bustards during the hunting season 2020-21, according to a media report on Friday.

Pakistan has issued special permits to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and two other members of the royal family to hunt the internationally protected houbara bustards during the hunting season 2020-21, according to a media report on Friday. Sources said the two other hunters are governors and one of them is a defaulter as he has not paid the hunting fees for last year. The hunters had been allocated certain hunting areas in two provinces Balochistan and Punjab, the Dawn newspaper reported. They said that though the foreign ministry was expected to maintain the protocol and official hierarchy, the name of the most powerful person and ''real'' ruler of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman has been mentioned at the bottom of the list of hunters sent to the Saudi Embassy in Islamabad. The houbara bustard is a resident of the colder Central Asian region. It migrates southwards every year to spend its winters in a relatively warmer environment in Pakistan. Arab hunters are specially invited by the Pakistan government to hunt houbara bustards. Owing to its dwindling population, the houbara is not only protected under various international nature conservation treaties but is also protected under local wildlife protection laws. Pakistanis are not allowed to hunt it. The sources told the newspaper that earlier Prime Minister Imran Khan, when he was in the Opposition, used to criticise the then federal government for issuing houbara hunting permits and had not allowed houbara hunting in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where his Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf ruled, but now has issued the permits to hunters from Saudi Arabia. The sources said that the hunting permits issued by the foreign ministry's deputy chief of protocol (P&I) on October 16 were delivered to the Saudi Embassy to be sent to the hunters.

Pak issues special permit to Saudi Crown Prince, two others to hunt rare houbara bustards: Report

The US court of the District of Columbia has issued summons for the Saudi Crown Prince&nbsp;Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) for a case filed against him with charges of&nbsp;attempted assassination.

An ex-Saudi intelligence official, Saad al-Jabri, has alleged that MBS sent an assassination team, also known as Tiger Squad, to kill him. He claimed the attempted assassination was a result of his awareness about MBS' activities and his relations with several organisations.

Jabri is currently in hiding somewhere in Canada with high-level security, including the local police and private bodyguards.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-did-not-break-law-by-selling-arms-to-saudi-concludes-us-ig-319593">Also read:&nbsp;Pompeo did not break law by selling arms to Saudi, concludes US IG</a>

The summons served to the Prince also name 12 other people, including&nbsp;former Saudi royal court adviser Saud al-Qahtani, former deputy head of military intelligence Ahmed al-Asiri, top aide of MBS Bader al-Asaker, and two American citizens&nbsp;Layla Abuljadayel (Massachusetts)&nbsp;and Yousef al-Rajhi (Virginia).

"Few alive know more about Defendant bin Salman than Dr Saad," the lawsuit read.

"Few places hold more sensitive, humiliating, and damning information about Defendant bin Salman than the mind and memory of Dr Saad—except perhaps the recordings Dr Saad made in anticipation of his killing," the lawsuit read.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-gcc-call-for-tehran-arms-embargo-extension-is-unrealistic-319423">Also read:&nbsp;Iran says GCC call for Tehran arms embargo extension is 'unrealistic'</a>

Jabri filed the case after his two children, Sarah and Omar, were arrested, and later disappeared,&nbsp;in March, which was followed by Jabri's brother's arrest in May.

The US court has warned the prince that if he does not appear in the court at the mentioned date and time, the&nbsp;"judgment by default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint."

A State Department of thee&nbsp;US has backed Jabri saying,&nbsp;"Saad al-Jabri was a valued partner to the United States on countering terrorism. Saad's work with the United States helped save American and Saudi lives."

The US court of the District of Columbia has issued summons for the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) for a case filed against him with charges of attempted assassination.

The US court of the District of Columbia has issued summons for the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) for a case filed against him with charges of attempted assassination. An ex-Saudi intelligence official, Saad al-Jabri, has alleged that MBS sent an assassination team, also known as Tiger Squad, to kill him. He claimed the attempted assassination was a result of his awareness about MBS' activities and his relations with several organisations. Jabri is currently in hiding somewhere in Canada with high-level security, including the local police and private bodyguards. Also read: Pompeo did not break law by selling arms to Saudi, concludes US IG The summons served to the Prince also name 12 other people, including former Saudi royal court adviser Saud al-Qahtani, former deputy head of military intelligence Ahmed al-Asiri, top aide of MBS Bader al-Asaker, and two American citizens Layla Abuljadayel (Massachusetts) and Yousef al-Rajhi (Virginia). "Few alive know more about Defendant bin Salman than Dr Saad," the lawsuit read. "Few places hold more sensitive, humiliating, and damning information about Defendant bin Salman than the mind and memory of Dr Saad—except perhaps the recordings Dr Saad made in anticipation of his killing," the lawsuit read. Also read: Iran says GCC call for Tehran arms embargo extension is 'unrealistic' Jabri filed the case after his two children, Sarah and Omar, were arrested, and later disappeared, in March, which was followed by Jabri's brother's arrest in May. The US court has warned the prince that if he does not appear in the court at the mentioned date and time, the "judgment by default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint." A State Department of thee US has backed Jabri saying, "Saad al-Jabri was a valued partner to the United States on countering terrorism. Saad's work with the United States helped save American and Saudi lives."

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman summoned by US court for attempted assassination

Omar al-Bashir received $90 million in cash from Saudi royals, an investigator told a court at the opening Monday of the deposed Sudanese strongman's corruption trial.

Omar al-Bashir received $90 million in cash from Saudi royals, an investigator told a court at the opening Monday of the deposed Sudanese strongman's corruption trial. The former president, who was forced from power by months of protests in April after 30 years in power, sat in a metal cage wearing a traditional white gown. His relatives chanted "Allahu Akbar" (God is greatest) as proceedings got underway in the Khartoum court where he arrived in a huge military convoy. Bashir faces a raft of charges of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide from the International Criminal Court over his role in the Darfur war but Monday's trial is over graft allegations. Large amounts of cash were found at this residence after he was toppled and the investigator said the case brought forward to the court probed some of that money. "The accused told us that the money was part of a sum of $25 million sent to him by Prince Mohammed bin Salman to be used outside of the state budget," investigator Ahmed Ali said. According to him Bashir had said he also received two previous payments of $35 million and $30 million from Saudi King Abdullah, who died in 2015. "This money was not part of the state budget and I was the one who authorised its spending," the investigator quoted Bashir as saying. Bashir had said the Saudi money was exchanged and spent and that he could not remember how nor did he have documents providing further details, he added. Bashir looked calm during the nearly three-hour session, which an AFP photographer and correspondent attended. The next hearing was scheduled for August 24. Darfur crimes In May, Sudan's prosecutor general also said Bashir had been charged over killings during the anti-regime protests which eventually led to his ouster. London-based rights watchdog Amnesty International has warned however that the corruption trial should not distract from his Darfur indictments. "While this trial is a positive step towards accountability for some of his alleged crimes, he remains wanted for heinous crimes committed against the Sudanese people," Amnesty said. Amnesty urged the country's new transitional institutions to ratify the ICC's Rome Statute, a move that would allow for his transfer to the international tribunal. The Hague-based ICC has for years demanded that Bashir stand trial, and has renewed its call since his fall. The head of Bashir's defence team, Ahmed Ibrahim al-Tahir, said in July that the ousted leader's trial had no "political background". "It is an absolute criminal case with a baseless accusation." It was the sudden tripling of bread prices in December that sparked the mushrooming protests which led to the toppling of Bashir by the army in April. Sovereign Council The trial comes as the composition of the joint civilian and military sovereign council that will steer the country of 40 million through a 39-month transition was due to be unveiled on Monday. The line-up had been expected to be announced on Sunday but it was delayed after one of the five nominees put forward by the opposition alliance representing protest leaders turned down the job. The ruling sovereign council will be composed of 11 members including six civilians and five from the military. It will be headed by a general for the first 21 months and by a civilian for the remaining 18 months. The council will oversee the formation of a transitional civilian administration including a cabinet and a legislative body. The transition's key documents were signed on Saturday at a ceremony attended by a host of foreign dignitaries, signalling that Sudan could be on its way to shedding the pariah status the Darfur atrocities and Bashir's international arrest warrant had conferred on it. Amidst the euphoria celebrating the promise of civilian rule, unease was palpable however within the protest camp that brought about one of the most crucial changes in Sudan's modern history. One of its main causes is the omnipresence in the transition of General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, a paramilitary commander and one of the signatories of the documents, whose forces are blamed for the deadly repression of the protests. And it remains unclear how the transitional institutions will tackle the daunting task of pacifying a country plagued by several conflicts, including in the regions of Darfur, Kordofan and the Blue Nile.

Sudan ex-president Bashir got $90 million from Saudi royal family: Investigator tells court

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman says his country "won't hesitate" to tackle any threats, as tensions continue to rise in the region. On Thursday, two tankers were attacked in the Gulf of Oman, a month after four others were targeted off the coast of the United Arab Emirates.

Gulf of Oman: Saudi Arabia blames tanker attacks on rival Iran

Indonesia will host <a href="http://www.wionews.com/pakistan/cash-strapped-pakistan-to-host-saudi-crown-prince-197175">Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman</a> for a state visit next week, Jakarta said Thursday, part of an Asian tour that includes stops in Pakistan, India and Malaysia.

His two-day visit to the world's biggest Muslim majority country kicks off Monday, the prince's second official visit to the archipelago, but Jakarta supplied few details about his itinerary.

"He will arrive in Indonesia on February 18, and meet the president on February 19," presidential spokesman Johan Budi told AFP.

The crown prince is scheduled to visit Pakistan and Malaysia before arriving in Indonesia and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-saudi-crown-prince-india-visit-cabinet-gives-nod-for-mous-on-investment-tourism-with-riyadh-197257">then he heads to India</a>.

Salman last visited Indonesia with his father King Salman in 2017 as part of an Asian tour seeking investment opportunities.

At that time, Jakarta and Riyadh signed a range of agreements from trade and aviation to boosting cooperation in science, health and fighting crime.

They also inked an agreement involving state-owned energy firms Aramco and Indonesia's Pertamina to expand a multi-billion-dollar oil refinery in the Southeast Asian nation.

Next week's trip comes as the crown prince continues to be tarnished by his alleged links to the brutal murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

The CIA has concluded the Saudi operation was likely directed by the powerful crown prince, but the White House has sidestepped that finding amid strenuous denials by Riyadh.

Indonesia will host Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for a state visit next week, Jakarta said Thursday, part of an Asian tour that includes stops in Pakistan, India and Malaysia.

Indonesia will host Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for a state visit next week, Jakarta said Thursday, part of an Asian tour that includes stops in Pakistan, India and Malaysia. His two-day visit to the world's biggest Muslim majority country kicks off Monday, the prince's second official visit to the archipelago, but Jakarta supplied few details about his itinerary. "He will arrive in Indonesia on February 18, and meet the president on February 19," presidential spokesman Johan Budi told AFP. The crown prince is scheduled to visit Pakistan and Malaysia before arriving in Indonesia and then he heads to India. Salman last visited Indonesia with his father King Salman in 2017 as part of an Asian tour seeking investment opportunities. At that time, Jakarta and Riyadh signed a range of agreements from trade and aviation to boosting cooperation in science, health and fighting crime. They also inked an agreement involving state-owned energy firms Aramco and Indonesia's Pertamina to expand a multi-billion-dollar oil refinery in the Southeast Asian nation. Next week's trip comes as the crown prince continues to be tarnished by his alleged links to the brutal murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The CIA has concluded the Saudi operation was likely directed by the powerful crown prince, but the White House has sidestepped that finding amid strenuous denials by Riyadh.

Saudi crown prince Salman to visit Indonesia next week

Saudi Arabia's King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/who-gave-the-order-to-kill-jamal-khashoggi-turkey-president-erdogan-demands-to-know-172995">slain journalist Jamal Khashoggi</a>'s family in Riyadh Tuesday, state media reported.

The Saudi rulers met with Khashoggi's son Salah and brother Sahel at the royal palace, state-run news agency SPA reported.&nbsp;

Khashoggi went missing on October 2 when he entered the consulate in Istanbul. After weeks of denying knowledge of his fate, Saudi officials said the prominent journalist was killed in a "rogue operation".

Yesterday, Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman made a condolence call to murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi's son.&nbsp;

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has demanded to know who gave the order to kill Saudi journalist.

Erdogan also demanded to know where Khashoggi's corpse is. In a speech to Turkey's ruling party lawmakers, he asked how Saudi Arabia cannot know where Khashoggi's body is if it has admitted to killing him?

Saudi Arabia's King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with slain journalist Jamal Khashoggi's family in Riyadh Tuesday, state media reported. The Saudi rulers met with Khashoggi's son Salah and brother Sahel at the royal palace, state-run news agency SPA reported.

Saudi Arabia's King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with slain journalist Jamal Khashoggi's family in Riyadh Tuesday, state media reported. The Saudi rulers met with Khashoggi's son Salah and brother Sahel at the royal palace, state-run news agency SPA reported. Khashoggi went missing on October 2 when he entered the consulate in Istanbul. After weeks of denying knowledge of his fate, Saudi officials said the prominent journalist was killed in a "rogue operation". Yesterday, Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman made a condolence call to murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi's son. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has demanded to know who gave the order to kill Saudi journalist. Erdogan also demanded to know where Khashoggi's corpse is. In a speech to Turkey's ruling party lawmakers, he asked how Saudi Arabia cannot know where Khashoggi's body is if it has admitted to killing him?

Saudi king, Crown Prince Salman meet Khashoggi family

Saudi Arabia's crown prince travels Sunday to France on the next leg of his global tour, extending his diplomatic charm offensive as he seeks to project a new liberal image of his conservative kingdom.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman's two-day official visit, which starts Monday, comes after a weeks-long tour of the United States, Britain and Egypt, where the self-styled moderniser courted business leaders and signed a host of multimillion-dollar deals.&nbsp

French President Emmanuel Macron treads a delicate line as he hosts the king-in-waiting in a visit expected to focus on cultural ties and investments, as well as the long-running war in Yemen, dubbed the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.

"This is not a traditional state visit," a source close to the crown prince's delegation told AFP.&nbsp

"It is about forging a new partnership with France, not just shopping for deals."

More than a dozen memorandums of understanding in tourism, energy and transportation are set to be signed between French and Saudi organisations, another source close to the delegation told AFP.&nbsp

A Franco-Saudi cooperation deal to develop Al Ula, a Saudi city richly endowed with archaeological remnants, is also expected to be a central highlight of the visit, he added.&nbsp

Enduring scepticism&nbsp

Prince Mohammed's first visit to France as the heir to the Saudi throne comes after a tumultuous period at home that saw a major military shake-up and a royal purge as he consolidates power to a level unseen by previous rulers.&nbsp

His global tour is meant to "garner recognition and acceptance as the de facto leader and next king of Saudi Arabia," Bernard Haykel, a professor at Princeton University, told AFP.&nbsp

"This is a signal both to domestic as well as international observers that he is in charge and can leave the country for several weeks without any challenge to his authority," he added.

The 32-year-old prince, well-known as MBS, has used his global tour to project his dazzling reforms including the historic lifting of a ban on women driving, cinemas and mixed-gender concerts, following his public vow to return the kingdom to moderate Islam.

"There is little genuine affection for Saudi Arabia across the West," Kristin Diwan, of the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, told AFP.&nbsp

"MBS's clear break with Saudi taboos on women and religious tolerance have been welcomed, but with a fair amount of enduring scepticism."

Underlying tensions

Saudi officials project strong ties between Prince Mohammed and Macron, both young leaders undertaking the difficult task of reforming their countries, but the trip follows a period of underlying tensions.&nbsp

Macron waded into a regional crisis last November when Lebanon's Prime Minister Saad Hariri tendered his resignation on live television from Riyadh, apparently under pressure from the crown prince.&nbsp

Macron invited Hariri to Paris for talks and he has since rescinded his resignation.&nbsp

"There were tensions when MBS reportedly attempted to challenge Macron in his role in the Hariri episode, but later MBS had to back down," said Abdullah Alaoudh, a Saudi scholar at Yale Law School.&nbsp

"It's never easy for an authoritarian like him to accept that."&nbsp

In another embarrassment, a French arrest warrant was issued in December against the crown prince's sister for allegedly ordering her bodyguard to beat up a worker at her Paris apartment in 2016.&nbsp

Macron also faces the challenge of bolstering ties with the world's top crude exporter while managing other regional relationships in the Middle East.&nbsp

The crown prince has emphasised closer ties with US President Donald Trump just as Macron has sought to improve relations with Iran, Saudi Arabia's arch-nemesis.

Trump has threatened to abandon the 2015 nuclear cooperation deal with Iran unless improvements are proposed by May 12.

The challenge for Macron is to convince the crown prince that "it is better to have the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran than no deal at all," Denis Bauchard, of the &nbspFrench Institute of International Relations, told AFP.

Macron also faces seething criticism from over the export of arms to Saudi Arabia, including Caesar artillery guns, sniper rifles and armoured vehicles despite the kingdom's role in the Yemen crisis.&nbsp

Three out of four French people believe it is "unacceptable" to sell weapons to Saudi Arabia, according to a poll last month by independent research group YouGov.

And this week, 10 international rights groups implored Macron to pressure Prince Mohammed over the Saudi-led bombing campaign in Yemen.&nbsp

But there are several areas of convergence, including anti-terrorism cooperation as France mourns the latest jihadist rampage in the towns of Carcassonne and Trebes last month where a 25-year-old Islamist killed four people.

The incident triggered a new debate in France over radical Salafist interpretations of Islam which originated in Saudi Arabia.&nbsp

Macron's office said the trip would also focus on investment in the digital economy as well as renewable energy, as the oil-rich kingdom invests billions of dollars in the sector in a bid to diversify.

Saudi Arabia's crown prince travels Sunday to France on the next leg of his global tour, extending his diplomatic charm offensive as he seeks to project a new liberal image of his conservative kingdom

Saudi Arabia's crown prince travels Sunday to France on the next leg of his global tour, extending his diplomatic charm offensive as he seeks to project a new liberal image of his conservative kingdom. Prince Mohammed bin Salman's two-day official visit, which starts Monday, comes after a weeks-long tour of the United States, Britain and Egypt, where the self-styled moderniser courted business leaders and signed a host of multimillion-dollar deals. French President Emmanuel Macron treads a delicate line as he hosts the king-in-waiting in a visit expected to focus on cultural ties and investments, as well as the long-running war in Yemen, dubbed the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. "This is not a traditional state visit," a source close to the crown prince's delegation told AFP. "It is about forging a new partnership with France, not just shopping for deals." More than a dozen memorandums of understanding in tourism, energy and transportation are set to be signed between French and Saudi organisations, another source close to the delegation told AFP. A Franco-Saudi cooperation deal to develop Al Ula, a Saudi city richly endowed with archaeological remnants, is also expected to be a central highlight of the visit, he added. Enduring scepticism Prince Mohammed's first visit to France as the heir to the Saudi throne comes after a tumultuous period at home that saw a major military shake-up and a royal purge as he consolidates power to a level unseen by previous rulers. His global tour is meant to "garner recognition and acceptance as the de facto leader and next king of Saudi Arabia," Bernard Haykel, a professor at Princeton University, told AFP. "This is a signal both to domestic as well as international observers that he is in charge and can leave the country for several weeks without any challenge to his authority," he added. The 32-year-old prince, well-known as MBS, has used his global tour to project his dazzling reforms including the historic lifting of a ban on women driving, cinemas and mixed-gender concerts, following his public vow to return the kingdom to moderate Islam. "There is little genuine affection for Saudi Arabia across the West," Kristin Diwan, of the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, told AFP. "MBS's clear break with Saudi taboos on women and religious tolerance have been welcomed, but with a fair amount of enduring scepticism." Underlying tensions Saudi officials project strong ties between Prince Mohammed and Macron, both young leaders undertaking the difficult task of reforming their countries, but the trip follows a period of underlying tensions. Macron waded into a regional crisis last November when Lebanon's Prime Minister Saad Hariri tendered his resignation on live television from Riyadh, apparently under pressure from the crown prince. Macron invited Hariri to Paris for talks and he has since rescinded his resignation. "There were tensions when MBS reportedly attempted to challenge Macron in his role in the Hariri episode, but later MBS had to back down," said Abdullah Alaoudh, a Saudi scholar at Yale Law School. "It's never easy for an authoritarian like him to accept that." In another embarrassment, a French arrest warrant was issued in December against the crown prince's sister for allegedly ordering her bodyguard to beat up a worker at her Paris apartment in 2016. Macron also faces the challenge of bolstering ties with the world's top crude exporter while managing other regional relationships in the Middle East. The crown prince has emphasised closer ties with US President Donald Trump just as Macron has sought to improve relations with Iran, Saudi Arabia's arch-nemesis. Trump has threatened to abandon the 2015 nuclear cooperation deal with Iran unless improvements are proposed by May 12. The challenge for Macron is to convince the crown prince that "it is better to have the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran than no deal at all," Denis Bauchard, of the &nbspFrench Institute of International Relations, told AFP. Macron also faces seething criticism from over the export of arms to Saudi Arabia, including Caesar artillery guns, sniper rifles and armoured vehicles despite the kingdom's role in the Yemen crisis. Three out of four French people believe it is "unacceptable" to sell weapons to Saudi Arabia, according to a poll last month by independent research group YouGov. And this week, 10 international rights groups implored Macron to pressure Prince Mohammed over the Saudi-led bombing campaign in Yemen. But there are several areas of convergence, including anti-terrorism cooperation as France mourns the latest jihadist rampage in the towns of Carcassonne and Trebes last month where a 25-year-old Islamist killed four people. The incident triggered a new debate in France over radical Salafist interpretations of Islam which originated in Saudi Arabia. Macron's office said the trip would also focus on investment in the digital economy as well as renewable energy, as the oil-rich kingdom invests billions of dollars in the sector in a bid to diversify.

Saudi crown prince to visit France in whirlwind global tour

Saudi Arabia&#39;s crown prince Mohammed bin Salman said his country will &quot;wipe out terrorists from the face of the earth&quot; at the first meeting of the Islamic counter-terrorism alliance in Riyadh.

In past years, terrorism has been functioning in all of our countries... with no coordination, this ends today, with this alliance,&quot; Prince Mohammed bin Salman said.

The Islamic counter-terrorism alliance called the &nbsp;Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition(IMCTC) formed in 2015 by Prince Salman sees itself as a &quot;pan-Islamic unified front&quot; with as many as 41 member countries in its fold.

The alliance, however, excluded Saudi Arabia&#39;s &quot;enemies&quot; - &nbsp;Iran, Syria and Iraq.

Qatar stayed away from the coalition as Saudi Arabia cut ties with the country two months ago.

At the post-meet press conference Lt. General&nbsp;Abdulelah Al Saleh said the coalition will establish its headquarters in Riyadh where defense ministers of member countries will meet every year.

Saleh stressed that the common goal of the countries is to &quot;combat terrorism and not at creating a Sunni bloc&quot;. 
&nbsp;

Lt. Gen. Abdulelah Al Saleh said the coalition will establish its headquarters in Riyadh where defense ministers of member countries will meet every year.

Saudi Arabia's crown prince Mohammed bin Salman said his country will "wipe out terrorists from the face of the earth" at the first meeting of the Islamic counter-terrorism alliance in Riyadh. In past years, terrorism has been functioning in all of our countries... with no coordination, this ends today, with this alliance," Prince Mohammed bin Salman said. The Islamic counter-terrorism alliance called the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition(IMCTC) formed in 2015 by Prince Salman sees itself as a "pan-Islamic unified front" with as many as 41 member countries in its fold. The alliance, however, excluded Saudi Arabia's "enemies" - Iran, Syria and Iraq. Qatar stayed away from the coalition as Saudi Arabia cut ties with the country two months ago. At the post-meet press conference Lt. General Abdulelah Al Saleh said the coalition will establish its headquarters in Riyadh where defense ministers of member countries will meet every year. Saleh stressed that the common goal of the countries is to "combat terrorism and not at creating a Sunni bloc".

Will pursue terrorists until they are wiped out, declares Saudi Arabia's crown prince Salman

A day after arresting top leaders <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-billionaire-prince-alwaleed-detained-in-corruption-inquiry-23544">including billionaire Al-Waleed bin </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-billionaire-prince-alwaleed-detained-in-corruption-inquiry-23544">Talalof</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-billionaire-prince-alwaleed-detained-in-corruption-inquiry-23544">, Saudi Arabia today </a>sealed its border with Yemen and slammed Iran over its alleged backing of rebels in Yemen&nbsp;who had reportedly carried out a missile attack on Riyadh.

In a bid to tighten his hold<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-returning-to-what-we-were-a-country-of-moderate-islam-saudi-crown-prince-22844"> over the country, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had launched</a> a massive anti-corruption drive on Saturday arresting princes, ministers and businessmen. The Prince also swiftly replaced the Saudi National Guard head, including the navy chief and the economy minister.

&quot;All those suspected... will have full access to legal resources, and the trials will be held in a timely and open manner,&quot; Attorney General Sheikh Saud al-Mojeb said in a statement.

&quot;A great deal of evidence has already been gathered, and detailed questioning has taken place,&quot; the statement added.

On Monday, Saudi&nbsp;Arabia and Iran were involved in a spat after the Saudi government accused Tehran of backing rebels in Yemen and said &nbsp;it reserved the &quot;right to respond&quot; to the missile attack on Riyadh at the weekend, calling it a &quot;blatant military aggression by the Iranian regime which may amount to an act of war.&quot; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Saudi forces had intercepted a missile near Riyadh airport allegedly fired by Huthi rebels from Yemen. As a result, the Saudi coalition sealed off air, sea and land borders with&nbsp;Yemen on Monday.

Saudi foreign minister Adel al-Jubeir tweeted saying: &quot;Iranian interventions in the region are detrimental to the security of neighbouring countries and affect international peace and security. We will not allow any infringement on our national security.&quot;

&quot;The kingdom reserves the right to respond in a timely manner to the hostile actions of the Iranian regime,&quot; the Saudi Arabian foreign minister said.

Iran, in turn, accused&nbsp;Saudi Arabia of &quot;war crimes&quot;, AFP reported.

In a statement, Saudi Arabia said its borders were being closed &quot;to fill the gaps in the inspection procedures which enable the continued smuggling of missiles and military equipment to the Huthi militias loyal to Iran in Yemen&quot;.

Despite the temporary closure of the air, sea and land ports, Saudi would protect &quot;the entry and exit of relief and humanitarian personnel&quot;.

&quot;The coalition... affirms the kingdom&#39;s right to respond to Iran at the appropriate time and in the appropriate form,&quot; it added.

Saudi-owned Al Arabiya television reported that eleven princes, four current ministers and dozens of ex-ministers were arrested in an unprecedented anti-corruption drive over a 2009 probe in which Jeddah was hit by floods.

Finance minister Mohammed al-Jadaan said the crackdown &quot;heralds a new era and policy of transparency, clarity and accountability&quot;.&nbsp;

The Saudi stock index was down 1.1 per cent in early trade, and Al Tayyar Travel plunged 10 per cent in the opening minutes.

Shares in Kingdom Holding, 95 per cent of which is owned by Prince Al-Waleed fell sharply on Monday as the news reverberated across the world.

In a bid to tighten his hold over the country, crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had launched a massive anti-corruption drive arrested princes, ministers and businessmen

A day after arresting top leaders including billionaire Al-Waleed bin Talalof, Saudi Arabia today sealed its border with Yemen and slammed Iran over its alleged backing of rebels in Yemen who had reportedly carried out a missile attack on Riyadh. In a bid to tighten his hold over the country, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had launched a massive anti-corruption drive on Saturday arresting princes, ministers and businessmen. The Prince also swiftly replaced the Saudi National Guard head, including the navy chief and the economy minister. "All those suspected... will have full access to legal resources, and the trials will be held in a timely and open manner," Attorney General Sheikh Saud al-Mojeb said in a statement. "A great deal of evidence has already been gathered, and detailed questioning has taken place," the statement added. On Monday, Saudi Arabia and Iran were involved in a spat after the Saudi government accused Tehran of backing rebels in Yemen and said it reserved the "right to respond" to the missile attack on Riyadh at the weekend, calling it a "blatant military aggression by the Iranian regime which may amount to an act of war." Saudi forces had intercepted a missile near Riyadh airport allegedly fired by Huthi rebels from Yemen. As a result, the Saudi coalition sealed off air, sea and land borders with Yemen on Monday. Saudi foreign minister Adel al-Jubeir tweeted saying: "Iranian interventions in the region are detrimental to the security of neighbouring countries and affect international peace and security. We will not allow any infringement on our national security." "The kingdom reserves the right to respond in a timely manner to the hostile actions of the Iranian regime," the Saudi Arabian foreign minister said. Iran, in turn, accused Saudi Arabia of "war crimes", AFP reported. In a statement, Saudi Arabia said its borders were being closed "to fill the gaps in the inspection procedures which enable the continued smuggling of missiles and military equipment to the Huthi militias loyal to Iran in Yemen". Despite the temporary closure of the air, sea and land ports, Saudi would protect "the entry and exit of relief and humanitarian personnel". "The coalition... affirms the kingdom's right to respond to Iran at the appropriate time and in the appropriate form," it added. Saudi-owned Al Arabiya television reported that eleven princes, four current ministers and dozens of ex-ministers were arrested in an unprecedented anti-corruption drive over a 2009 probe in which Jeddah was hit by floods. Finance minister Mohammed al-Jadaan said the crackdown "heralds a new era and policy of transparency, clarity and accountability". The Saudi stock index was down 1.1 per cent in early trade, and Al Tayyar Travel plunged 10 per cent in the opening minutes. Shares in Kingdom Holding, 95 per cent of which is owned by Prince Al-Waleed fell sharply on Monday as the news reverberated across the world.

After arresting top leaders, Saudi Arabia threatens Iran & seals border with Yemen

Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, popularly known as MBS in a recent Future Investment Summit, held on 24th October in Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s capital, Riyadh, launched independent $500bn megacity - with &quot;separate regulation&quot; - along with the Red Sea coastline. It will be run entirely on alternative energy and be an innovation hub for the future.

This Future Investment Summit is an international event to attract investors into the kingdom. He issued a statement, &ldquo;Saudi Arabia would return&nbsp;to a moderate Islam that is open to all religions and to the world&quot;. He further said, &quot;We will end extremism very soon&quot;. These statements issued by MBS has a lot of repercussions.

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<h5>Saudi has made moves to change its global image like allowing women to drive. The government has also revoked restrictions on the use of Skype and Whatsapp.</h5>
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First, this statement is a reflection of his vision and Saudi&#39;s vision 2030 - a plan for social and economic reform as the kingdom prepares for a post-oil era. This is part of its attempt to shift from an oil-based economy to a modern one. It will reassure investors that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman&#39;s push to diversify its economy beyond oil is on track. In the recent months, Saudi has made moves to change its global image like allowing women to drive. The government has also revoked restrictions on the use of Skype and Whatsapp.

Secondly, these statements also show that the failure of the monarchy as it is trying to divert the citizens focus from diminishing resources of the kingdom. The end of these resources would be devastating for Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s economy. 
&nbsp; 
Third, these statements are a clear challenge to the religious establishment of the regime. This shows the breaking of the alliance between House of Saud and the clergy, which maintains a stronghold in the Saudi system. The political system of Saudi is based on religious establishment.

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<h5>Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s Crown Prince is promoting modernisation plans to attract foreign investment and expand the economy beyond oil.</h5>
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Fourth, MBS talking of new age and change looks difficult without a cultural transformation in Saudi. Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s state religion is fundamentalist form of Sunni Islam, Wahhabism, where the Islamic Sharia law is practiced strictly. Infidelity and drug trafficking are punishable with beheading, and women still need to be accompanied by a male guardian. Saudi Arabia is the last country in the world to grant women driving rights.

His plans guarantee brighter future for Saudi&rsquo;s, as he is promoting modernisation plans to attract foreign investment and expand the economy beyond oil. He has announced unique social and economic reforms after coming to power. His projects provide a forward-looking image which is a game changer for the image of Saudi globally. His statement is very bold for a conservative country like Saudi Arabia where other religious practices are not allowed. Like, for example, churches are banned.

It would be great if he could change the guardianship system&nbsp;where women cannot marry, work, study, open bank account, apply for passport, travel or seek healthcare without the consent of their male guardians. A Saudi woman can never pass on her nationality to her children, who need a visa to enter the kingdom. Then only half of the population of Saudi Arabia can participate in the development of economy freely. Also, his cultural revolution will be successful.

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<h5>The prince is moving rather too quickly with reforms which might not go too well with the religious establishment within Saudi.</h5>
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However, the success of these changes requires stability and security in the region. It will be comfortable in investing only if, there is&nbsp;stability and security in the region. This is only possible if the crisis in Yemen ends and the relations with Qatar resumes. Also, the prince is moving rather too quickly with reforms which might not go too well with the religious establishment within Saudi.

Democracy and citizen rights is a distant dream in this Gulf monarchy. Gender segregation is practiced in many places and women are marginalised in jobs. Monitors, including Amnesty International, says Saudi Arabia has in parallel stepped up its repression of peaceful rights activists. Saudi authorities last month arrested more than 20 activists, including two popular Muslim preachers, without disclosing any charges against them.

In such an environment, new age looks difficult. Changes in Saudi economy must be accompanied by cultural changes. The founding precepts of the country are not working anymore, as Saudi has a young population, maximum under the age of thirty.

Though a lot has changed under MBS and that is giving a modern, liberal image to Saudi Arabia internationally.

Modernisation in Saudi Arabia seems impossible without cultural transformation

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, popularly known as MBS in a recent Future Investment Summit, held on 24th October in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, launched independent $500bn megacity - with "separate regulation" - along with the Red Sea coastline. It will be run entirely on alternative energy and be an innovation hub for the future. This Future Investment Summit is an international event to attract investors into the kingdom. He issued a statement, “Saudi Arabia would return to a moderate Islam that is open to all religions and to the world". He further said, "We will end extremism very soon". These statements issued by MBS has a lot of repercussions. Saudi has made moves to change its global image like allowing women to drive. The government has also revoked restrictions on the use of Skype and Whatsapp. × First, this statement is a reflection of his vision and Saudi's vision 2030 - a plan for social and economic reform as the kingdom prepares for a post-oil era. This is part of its attempt to shift from an oil-based economy to a modern one. It will reassure investors that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's push to diversify its economy beyond oil is on track. In the recent months, Saudi has made moves to change its global image like allowing women to drive. The government has also revoked restrictions on the use of Skype and Whatsapp. Secondly, these statements also show that the failure of the monarchy as it is trying to divert the citizens focus from diminishing resources of the kingdom. The end of these resources would be devastating for Saudi Arabia’s economy. Third, these statements are a clear challenge to the religious establishment of the regime. This shows the breaking of the alliance between House of Saud and the clergy, which maintains a stronghold in the Saudi system. The political system of Saudi is based on religious establishment. Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince is promoting modernisation plans to attract foreign investment and expand the economy beyond oil. × Fourth, MBS talking of new age and change looks difficult without a cultural transformation in Saudi. Saudi Arabia’s state religion is fundamentalist form of Sunni Islam, Wahhabism, where the Islamic Sharia law is practiced strictly. Infidelity and drug trafficking are punishable with beheading, and women still need to be accompanied by a male guardian. Saudi Arabia is the last country in the world to grant women driving rights. His plans guarantee brighter future for Saudi’s, as he is promoting modernisation plans to attract foreign investment and expand the economy beyond oil. He has announced unique social and economic reforms after coming to power. His projects provide a forward-looking image which is a game changer for the image of Saudi globally. His statement is very bold for a conservative country like Saudi Arabia where other religious practices are not allowed. Like, for example, churches are banned. It would be great if he could change the guardianship system where women cannot marry, work, study, open bank account, apply for passport, travel or seek healthcare without the consent of their male guardians. A Saudi woman can never pass on her nationality to her children, who need a visa to enter the kingdom. Then only half of the population of Saudi Arabia can participate in the development of economy freely. Also, his cultural revolution will be successful. The prince is moving rather too quickly with reforms which might not go too well with the religious establishment within Saudi. × However, the success of these changes requires stability and security in the region. It will be comfortable in investing only if, there is stability and security in the region. This is only possible if the crisis in Yemen ends and the relations with Qatar resumes. Also, the prince is moving rather too quickly with reforms which might not go too well with the religious establishment within Saudi. Democracy and citizen rights is a distant dream in this Gulf monarchy. Gender segregation is practiced in many places and women are marginalised in jobs. Monitors, including Amnesty International, says Saudi Arabia has in parallel stepped up its repression of peaceful rights activists. Saudi authorities last month arrested more than 20 activists, including two popular Muslim preachers, without disclosing any charges against them. In such an environment, new age looks difficult. Changes in Saudi economy must be accompanied by cultural changes. The founding precepts of the country are not working anymore, as Saudi has a young population, maximum under the age of thirty. Though a lot has changed under MBS and that is giving a modern, liberal image to Saudi Arabia internationally.

Seeking foreign investment Saudi Arabia may modernise