Iran on Tuesday (June 6) reopened it embassy in Saudi Arabia for the first time in seven years. The move has reaffirmed a Chinese-brokered rapprochement between two formerly antagonistic powers in West Asia. The rapprochement is likely to change the equations in the region greatly. The Iranian mission has opened its embassy in its former premises in Riyadh's diplomatic quarter. The location is near Syria's embassy, the reopening of which is expected soon following Saudi outreach to Damascus.&nbsp;

"We consider today an important day in the relations of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Alireza Bigdeli said at the flag-raising ceremony.

"The cooperation between the countries is entering a new era."

Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to restart their respective embassies in the month of March this year. Both countries resolved to work towards resuming ties. In 2016, Saudi Arabia had&nbsp;broken off relations with Iran following Iranian protests.

Watch | Iran missile launch likely to heighten western concerns

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On its part, Saudi Arabia is yet to confirm when it will open its embassy in the Iranian capital of Tehran. It is also yet to decide who will be the ambassador. A Saudi delegation, however, visited the Iranian capital in April.

<h2>US secretary of state Antony Blinken in Saudi Arabia</h2>

The reopening of Iranian embassy coincided with a visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Saudi Arabia. Blinken's visit to Saudi Arabia has come as the oil-rich kingdom has been establishing closer ties with Washington's rivals.

The ceremony at the embassy was also attended by Ali Al Youssef, director of consular affairs at the Saudi foreign ministry. 
 
The mission returns under the leadership of Alireza Enayati, Iran's former ambassador to Kuwait.

Saudi Arabia, a Sunni Muslim power, severed ties with Shia-led Iran in 2016 after its embassy in Tehran and consulate in Mashhad were attacked during protests which erupted after Riyadh executed Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr.

After years of discord, the two Middle East heavyweights signed a surprise reconciliation agreement in China on March 10.

Since then, Saudi Arabia has restored ties with Tehran ally Syria and ramped up a push for peace in Yemen, where it has for years led a military coalition against the Iran-backed Houthi forces.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-claims-to-have-created-its-first-ever-hypersonic-missile-fattah-601277">Iran unveils its first hypersonic missile ‘Fattah’: Here's what we know</a>

Iran and Saudi Arabia have backed opposing sides in conflict zones across the Middle East for years.

Blinken is expected to meet the Saudi de facto leader Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah during his visit, according to a US official. 
 
The top US diplomat is also due to attend a Gulf Cooperation Council meeting in Riyadh on Wednesday.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Iran on Tuesday (June 6) reopened it embassy in Saudi Arabia for the first time in seven years. The move has reaffirmed a Chinese-brokered rapprochement between two formerly antagonistic powers in West Asia.

Iran on Tuesday (June 6) reopened it embassy in Saudi Arabia for the first time in seven years. The move has reaffirmed a Chinese-brokered rapprochement between two formerly antagonistic powers in West Asia. The rapprochement is likely to change the equations in the region greatly. The Iranian mission has opened its embassy in its former premises in Riyadh's diplomatic quarter. The location is near Syria's embassy, the reopening of which is expected soon following Saudi outreach to Damascus. "We consider today an important day in the relations of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Alireza Bigdeli said at the flag-raising ceremony. "The cooperation between the countries is entering a new era." Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to restart their respective embassies in the month of March this year. Both countries resolved to work towards resuming ties. In 2016, Saudi Arabia had broken off relations with Iran following Iranian protests. Watch | Iran missile launch likely to heighten western concerns × On its part, Saudi Arabia is yet to confirm when it will open its embassy in the Iranian capital of Tehran. It is also yet to decide who will be the ambassador. A Saudi delegation, however, visited the Iranian capital in April. US secretary of state Antony Blinken in Saudi Arabia The reopening of Iranian embassy coincided with a visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Saudi Arabia. Blinken's visit to Saudi Arabia has come as the oil-rich kingdom has been establishing closer ties with Washington's rivals. The ceremony at the embassy was also attended by Ali Al Youssef, director of consular affairs at the Saudi foreign ministry. The mission returns under the leadership of Alireza Enayati, Iran's former ambassador to Kuwait. Saudi Arabia, a Sunni Muslim power, severed ties with Shia-led Iran in 2016 after its embassy in Tehran and consulate in Mashhad were attacked during protests which erupted after Riyadh executed Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr. After years of discord, the two Middle East heavyweights signed a surprise reconciliation agreement in China on March 10. Since then, Saudi Arabia has restored ties with Tehran ally Syria and ramped up a push for peace in Yemen, where it has for years led a military coalition against the Iran-backed Houthi forces. Also Read | Iran unveils its first hypersonic missile ‘Fattah’: Here's what we know Iran and Saudi Arabia have backed opposing sides in conflict zones across the Middle East for years. Blinken is expected to meet the Saudi de facto leader Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah during his visit, according to a US official. The top US diplomat is also due to attend a Gulf Cooperation Council meeting in Riyadh on Wednesday. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Iran reopens embassy in Saudi Arabia seven years after closing it over diplomatic rift

Hello and Welcome. This is The Capitals. Your weekly round-up of some of the biggest stories from the corridors of power all over the world.

This week, Riyadh’s successful efforts towards the evacuation of foreign nationals from conflict-hit Sudan became a crucial moment of geopolitical respite in at least 12 capitals. The Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov tried to shore up support for Moscow’s offensive against Ukraine with his visits to four Latin American capitals.

In New Delhi, India tried to leverage its legacy as birthplace of Buddhism as country organised the maiden Global Buddhist Summit.

Here’s what all happened in the capitals this week:

<h2>Khartoum, Sudan</h2>

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Members of the armed forces passing out chocolates and flowers to Saudi citizens and other nationals upon their arrival in Jeddah, following their rescue from Sudan | AFP

Riyadh’s naval operations led the first successful evacuation of foreign nationals from the conflict-hit Sudan, where since nearly two weeks, the battle for control over the country between its army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has left hundreds dead and thousands wounded.&nbsp;

The main airport in the Sudanese capital Khartoum continues to be the site of heavy fighting, and that has left only one route left for the evacuation: the sea route.&nbsp;

Riyadh carried out the evacuation from Port Sudan on the Red Sea, 850 km east of Khartoum. It announced the “safe arrival” of 91 Saudi citizens and around 66 nationals from 12 countries: Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Tunisia, India, Pakistan, Bulgaria, the Philipines, Canada and Burkina Faso.

The United States could extract fewer than 100 people. Several thousand US citizens including dual nationals are stranded in the conflict-ridden country. France, Britain, Turkey, European Union, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, China, Japan, South Korea and Indonesia continue to be on standby to extract their citizens at the earliest.

<h2>Havana (Cuba), Caracas (Venezuela), Brasilia (Brazil), Managua (Nicaragua)</h2>

<img alt="Lavrov in Brazil" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e9c4532e-9d6d-469e-8711-1c37e7d7feb4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2823%29_1.png" />

Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov, left, talks with Brazilian foreign minister Mauro Vieira in Brasilia, Brazil, on April 17, 2023. | AP Photo

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov this week concluded his five-day trip to the countries in Latin America, most of whom were perceived to be the allies of earstwhile Soviet Union during cold war. While the host capitals called for a peaceful political settlement to the Ukraine crisis, Lavrov repeatedly emphasised Russian opposition to “foreign interference in national affairs and unilateral sanctions”.&nbsp;

Rio ended up as the most significant of all geopolitical pitstops that Lavrov took in Latin America this week. In Rio, Russia managed to extract a crucial assertion against American support to the Ukrainian war-effort.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said the United States and European allies should stop supplying arms to Ukraine, arguing that they were prolonging the war. "If you are not making peace, you are contributing to war," Lula said.

<h2>London, United Kingdom</h2>

<img alt="Dominic Raab" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0eb065ec-e816-4d50-832d-f328337bd931" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2854%29_5.jpg" />

Former UK Deputy Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice Dominic Raab was forced to resign from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's cabinet this week | Reuters

London’s Downing Street had a politically significant moment with a yet another scandelous exit. The deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab resigned from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s cabinet soon after an inquiry revealed that Raab bullied civil servants at multiple ministries in recent past. Raab has been replaced by Oliver Dowden as the UK deputy prime minister. Raab’s exit comes just weeks before local pay will test Rishi Sunak’s political leadership as a Conservative Party headman in Britain.

<h2>New Delhi, India</h2>

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Delegates at Global Buddhist Summit in New Delhi | @sidhant/Twitter | WION

India hosted first Global Buddhist Summit in New Delhi that saw delegates from about 30 countries participating in the event, including Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader living in-exile in India since 1959. The Tibetan leader spoke of “compassion, wisdom and meditation” during the event. India intends to leverage its legacy as the birthplace of Buddhism by amplying its calls to promote peace amid raging conflicts worldwide.&nbsp;

<h2>Lima, Peru</h2>

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Peru's former President Alejandro Toledo walks with others after his arrival at the airport following his extradition to Peru, in Callao, Peru | Reuters

Peru’s former President Alejandro Toledo arrived in Lima in what his detractors called “to face the law”. Toledo, who was Peru’s president from 2001 to 2006, surrendered to the US authorities on Friday, ending a yearslong legal battle against his extradition which started in 2019 when he was first arrested in California.&nbsp; 
Peru’s former president will serve 18 months of preventative detention while an investigation will probe his alleged role in a bribery scandal. Toledo is accused of taking at least $20 million in bribes and kickbacks from a Brazilian construction company that has previously admitted to have bribed officials to win contracts throughout Latin America.&nbsp;

<h2>Tunis, Tunisia</h2>

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Rached Ghannouchi | Reuters image

The first bud of Arab Spring, which unleashed a bloom of democratic transitions in West Asia and parts of Africa, continues its struggle towards a democratic blossom.

This week, country’s top opposition figure Rached Ghannouchi was arrested, on charges of incitement against state authorities led by President Kaid Saied.

The 81-year-old leader’s arrest marks a week of dramatic developments in the capital Tunis which saw nearly 100 policemen&nbsp;raiding the house of Ennahdha party leader while he was reportedly breaking his Ramadan fast. Hours later, the headquarters of Ghannouchi’s party, ‘Ennahdha’, a self-styled “Muslim democrat” party, were closed. &nbsp;

The arrest of Ghannouchi has drawn global condemnation, with the United States saying that the rise in arrests of Tunis opposition figures ‘represent a troubling escalation by the Tunisian government against perceived opponents’.&nbsp;

That's all from The Capitals this week. See you next weekend.

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Hello and Welcome. This is The Capitals. Your weekly round-up of some of the biggest stories from the corridors of power all over the world. This week, Riyadh’s successful efforts towards the evacuation of foreign nationals from conflict-hit Sudan became a crucial moment of geopolitical respite in at least 12 capitals.

Hello and Welcome. This is The Capitals. Your weekly round-up of some of the biggest stories from the corridors of power all over the world. This week, Riyadh’s successful efforts towards the evacuation of foreign nationals from conflict-hit Sudan became a crucial moment of geopolitical respite in at least 12 capitals. The Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov tried to shore up support for Moscow’s offensive against Ukraine with his visits to four Latin American capitals. In New Delhi, India tried to leverage its legacy as birthplace of Buddhism as country organised the maiden Global Buddhist Summit. Here’s what all happened in the capitals this week: Khartoum, Sudan Members of the armed forces passing out chocolates and flowers to Saudi citizens and other nationals upon their arrival in Jeddah, following their rescue from Sudan | AFP Riyadh’s naval operations led the first successful evacuation of foreign nationals from the conflict-hit Sudan, where since nearly two weeks, the battle for control over the country between its army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has left hundreds dead and thousands wounded. The main airport in the Sudanese capital Khartoum continues to be the site of heavy fighting, and that has left only one route left for the evacuation: the sea route. Riyadh carried out the evacuation from Port Sudan on the Red Sea, 850 km east of Khartoum. It announced the “safe arrival” of 91 Saudi citizens and around 66 nationals from 12 countries: Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Tunisia, India, Pakistan, Bulgaria, the Philipines, Canada and Burkina Faso. The United States could extract fewer than 100 people. Several thousand US citizens including dual nationals are stranded in the conflict-ridden country. France, Britain, Turkey, European Union, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, China, Japan, South Korea and Indonesia continue to be on standby to extract their citizens at the earliest. Havana (Cuba), Caracas (Venezuela), Brasilia (Brazil), Managua (Nicaragua) Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov, left, talks with Brazilian foreign minister Mauro Vieira in Brasilia, Brazil, on April 17, 2023. | AP Photo Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov this week concluded his five-day trip to the countries in Latin America, most of whom were perceived to be the allies of earstwhile Soviet Union during cold war. While the host capitals called for a peaceful political settlement to the Ukraine crisis, Lavrov repeatedly emphasised Russian opposition to “foreign interference in national affairs and unilateral sanctions”. Rio ended up as the most significant of all geopolitical pitstops that Lavrov took in Latin America this week. In Rio, Russia managed to extract a crucial assertion against American support to the Ukrainian war-effort. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said the United States and European allies should stop supplying arms to Ukraine, arguing that they were prolonging the war. "If you are not making peace, you are contributing to war," Lula said. London, United Kingdom Former UK Deputy Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice Dominic Raab was forced to resign from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's cabinet this week | Reuters London’s Downing Street had a politically significant moment with a yet another scandelous exit. The deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab resigned from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s cabinet soon after an inquiry revealed that Raab bullied civil servants at multiple ministries in recent past. Raab has been replaced by Oliver Dowden as the UK deputy prime minister. Raab’s exit comes just weeks before local pay will test Rishi Sunak’s political leadership as a Conservative Party headman in Britain. New Delhi, India Delegates at Global Buddhist Summit in New Delhi | @sidhant/Twitter | WION India hosted first Global Buddhist Summit in New Delhi that saw delegates from about 30 countries participating in the event, including Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader living in-exile in India since 1959. The Tibetan leader spoke of “compassion, wisdom and meditation” during the event. India intends to leverage its legacy as the birthplace of Buddhism by amplying its calls to promote peace amid raging conflicts worldwide. Lima, Peru Peru's former President Alejandro Toledo walks with others after his arrival at the airport following his extradition to Peru, in Callao, Peru | Reuters Peru’s former President Alejandro Toledo arrived in Lima in what his detractors called “to face the law”. Toledo, who was Peru’s president from 2001 to 2006, surrendered to the US authorities on Friday, ending a yearslong legal battle against his extradition which started in 2019 when he was first arrested in California. Peru’s former president will serve 18 months of preventative detention while an investigation will probe his alleged role in a bribery scandal. Toledo is accused of taking at least $20 million in bribes and kickbacks from a Brazilian construction company that has previously admitted to have bribed officials to win contracts throughout Latin America. Tunis, Tunisia Rached Ghannouchi | Reuters image The first bud of Arab Spring, which unleashed a bloom of democratic transitions in West Asia and parts of Africa, continues its struggle towards a democratic blossom. This week, country’s top opposition figure Rached Ghannouchi was arrested, on charges of incitement against state authorities led by President Kaid Saied. The 81-year-old leader’s arrest marks a week of dramatic developments in the capital Tunis which saw nearly 100 policemen raiding the house of Ennahdha party leader while he was reportedly breaking his Ramadan fast. Hours later, the headquarters of Ghannouchi’s party, ‘Ennahdha’, a self-styled “Muslim democrat” party, were closed. The arrest of Ghannouchi has drawn global condemnation, with the United States saying that the rise in arrests of Tunis opposition figures ‘represent a troubling escalation by the Tunisian government against perceived opponents’. That's all from The Capitals this week. See you next weekend. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

The Capitals: Riyadh leads Sudan evacuation effort, Moscow’s Latin America outreach, and more

Delegates from nine Arab nations met in Saudi Arabia to discuss possibility of Syria's return to the Arab League. This comes after Syria's foreign minister flew down to Jeddah. Riyadh and Damascus have agreed to work towards normalisation of ties. Will Saudi Arabia now broker truce between Syria and the Arab world? Vikram Chandra tells you.

Will Syria return to Arab league? Saudi hosts summit to discuss ties with Syria | This World

Reports say Saudi Arabia could be thinking of pulling out of the Yemen war, this comes weeks after Riyadh and Tehran struck a deal to resume diplomatic relations. Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas: Will Saudi Arabia pull out of the Yemen War? Is China behind the big decision?

Saudi Arabia's ambitions of turning its capital Riyadh into a global aviation hub got a significant push with a multi-billion dollar deal between Riyadh Air and US firm Boeing which included 39 confirmed 787-9 Dreamliners and options for further 33 additional airplanes.&nbsp;

The new world-class airline Riyadh Air was launched by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia, earlier this week.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-raise-retirement-age-to-tackle-ageing-population-571960">China to raise retirement age to tackle ageing population</a>

The agreement will be part of fifth largest commercial order by value in Boeing’s history, as per a press release by the American multinational corporation.&nbsp;This fleet deal will generate support in US in the form of 100,000 direct and indirect jobs. Additionally, it will also benefit over 300 suppliers from across 38 states, including 145 US small businesses.&nbsp;

As per the press release by Boeing, Riyadh Air is expected to add USD 20 billion to non-oil GDP growth and create over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs in Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

It is a good news for Saudi Arabia, which is seeking ways to move away from its heavy reliance on oil and trying to diversify its economy. The deal, which also underlines the importance of Riyadh Air’s environmental goals, will support Saudi Arabia's goal of serving 330 million passengers and attracting 100 million visits by 2030.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-third-death-from-h3n2-in-indian-state-of-gujarat-571891">India reports third death from H3N2 in Indian state of Gujarat</a>

Yasir Al-Rumayyan, who is the PIF Governor and Riyadh Air Chairman welcomed the fleet order and called it a "momentous day."&nbsp;He said, "The agreement highlights our determination to significantly extend Saudi Arabia’s connectivity with the world."&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
"We look forward to fostering strong strategic relationships within the wider aviation ecosystem as we continue to shape the new airline to become one of the leading carriers around the world," he added.&nbsp;

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indonesias-new-capital-at-the-cost-of-environment-571886">Indonesia's new capital at the cost of environment?</a>

Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas said that the first deliveries of the widebody aircraft are scheduled for early 2025.&nbsp;“The new airline reflects the ambitious vision of Saudi Arabia to be at the core of shaping the future of global air travel and be a true disrupter in terms of guest experience," Douglas said adding, "Riyadh Air’s commitment to its guests will see the integration of digital innovation and authentic Saudi hospitality to deliver a seamless travel experience." 
&nbsp;

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Saudi Arabia's ambitions of turning its capital Riyadh into a global aviation hub got a significant push with a multi-billion dollar deal between Riyadh Air and US firm Boeing which included 39 confirmed 787-9 Dreamliners and options for further 33 additional airplanes.

Saudi Arabia's ambitions of turning its capital Riyadh into a global aviation hub got a significant push with a multi-billion dollar deal between Riyadh Air and US firm Boeing which included 39 confirmed 787-9 Dreamliners and options for further 33 additional airplanes. The new world-class airline Riyadh Air was launched by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia, earlier this week. Also Read | China to raise retirement age to tackle ageing population The agreement will be part of fifth largest commercial order by value in Boeing’s history, as per a press release by the American multinational corporation. This fleet deal will generate support in US in the form of 100,000 direct and indirect jobs. Additionally, it will also benefit over 300 suppliers from across 38 states, including 145 US small businesses. As per the press release by Boeing, Riyadh Air is expected to add USD 20 billion to non-oil GDP growth and create over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs in Saudi Arabia. It is a good news for Saudi Arabia, which is seeking ways to move away from its heavy reliance on oil and trying to diversify its economy. The deal, which also underlines the importance of Riyadh Air’s environmental goals, will support Saudi Arabia's goal of serving 330 million passengers and attracting 100 million visits by 2030. Also Read | India reports third death from H3N2 in Indian state of Gujarat Yasir Al-Rumayyan, who is the PIF Governor and Riyadh Air Chairman welcomed the fleet order and called it a "momentous day." He said, "The agreement highlights our determination to significantly extend Saudi Arabia’s connectivity with the world." "We look forward to fostering strong strategic relationships within the wider aviation ecosystem as we continue to shape the new airline to become one of the leading carriers around the world," he added. Watch | Indonesia's new capital at the cost of environment? Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas said that the first deliveries of the widebody aircraft are scheduled for early 2025. “The new airline reflects the ambitious vision of Saudi Arabia to be at the core of shaping the future of global air travel and be a true disrupter in terms of guest experience," Douglas said adding, "Riyadh Air’s commitment to its guests will see the integration of digital innovation and authentic Saudi hospitality to deliver a seamless travel experience." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Riyadh Air to get 72 Boeing Dreamliner airplanes in multi-billion dollar deal

A new national airline will be launched in Saudi Arabia&nbsp;as part of a strategy to develop Riyadh into a worldwide aviation hub that can compete with regional aviation giants such as Dubai and Doha, as reported by AFP.

By 2030, Riyadh Air "aims to launch&nbsp;flights to more than 100 destinations around&nbsp;the world," according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the country's official news agency.

SPA announced the appointment of Tony Douglas, a former CEO of Etihad Airlines, located in Abu Dhabi, to run the airline.

As part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's comprehensive "Vision 2030" reform agenda, the Saudi government is pursuing lofty aviation targets, including more than doubling annual traffic to 330 million passengers by the end of the decade. Up to five million tonnes of freight each year are also among its goals.

The new airline is the latest in "a huge package of projects" that will "consolidate our country's position as an international hub for aviation and a global logistics centre", Saudi transport minister Saleh Al-Jasser said on Twitter.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Neighbours react to Iran-Saudi reconciliation; new deal to end violence in Yemen

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Officials unveiled plans for a new airport in the Saudi capital of Riyadh in November 2022. The airport will be 57 square kilometres (22 square miles) in size and have enough for 120 million passengers by 2030 and 185 million passengers by 2050.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/saudi-oil-giant-aramco-reports-record-profit-of-1611-billion-in-2022-571141">Saudi oil giant Aramco's annual profit soars to record high in 2022</a>

The Public Investment Fund, the sovereign wealth fund that will run the airline, was "close to a deal" with Boeing for an aircraft purchase "valued at $35 billion," according to the Wall Street Journal.&nbsp;

Sunday's announcement said Riyadh Air would operate a "fleet of advanced aircraft", but did not specify how big the fleet would be or from where it would be sourced.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A new national airline will be launched in Saudi Arabia as part of a strategy to develop Riyadh into a worldwide aviation hub that can compete with regional aviation giants such as Dubai and Doha, as reported by AFP.

A new national airline will be launched in Saudi Arabia as part of a strategy to develop Riyadh into a worldwide aviation hub that can compete with regional aviation giants such as Dubai and Doha, as reported by AFP. By 2030, Riyadh Air "aims to launch flights to more than 100 destinations around the world," according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the country's official news agency. SPA announced the appointment of Tony Douglas, a former CEO of Etihad Airlines, located in Abu Dhabi, to run the airline. As part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's comprehensive "Vision 2030" reform agenda, the Saudi government is pursuing lofty aviation targets, including more than doubling annual traffic to 330 million passengers by the end of the decade. Up to five million tonnes of freight each year are also among its goals. The new airline is the latest in "a huge package of projects" that will "consolidate our country's position as an international hub for aviation and a global logistics centre", Saudi transport minister Saleh Al-Jasser said on Twitter. ALSO WATCH | Neighbours react to Iran-Saudi reconciliation; new deal to end violence in Yemen Officials unveiled plans for a new airport in the Saudi capital of Riyadh in November 2022. The airport will be 57 square kilometres (22 square miles) in size and have enough for 120 million passengers by 2030 and 185 million passengers by 2050. ALSO READ | Saudi oil giant Aramco's annual profit soars to record high in 2022 The Public Investment Fund, the sovereign wealth fund that will run the airline, was "close to a deal" with Boeing for an aircraft purchase "valued at $35 billion," according to the Wall Street Journal. Sunday's announcement said Riyadh Air would operate a "fleet of advanced aircraft", but did not specify how big the fleet would be or from where it would be sourced. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Saudi Arabia launches new airline, plans to turn Riyadh into aviation hub

Portugal Captain Cristiano Ronaldo visits Riyadh to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. @ghadifrancis brings you all the details on this week's #TheWestAsiaPost

The West Asia Post: Al-Nassr's new hero Ronaldo in Riyadh

Portuguese superstar Cristiano&nbsp;Ronaldo&nbsp;faces a wait to make his Al Nassr debut because the Saudi club have exceeded their quota for foreign players, club sources told AFP on Thursday. When he was unveiled with great fanfare on Tuesday, the 37-year-old said he was keen to play as soon as possible, starting with Thursday's home game against Al Ta'ee.&nbsp;But&nbsp;Ronaldo, whose deal is worth an estimated 200 million euros to June 2025, is Al Nassr's ninth foreign player -- one more than the eight allowed by Saudi football authorities.

"Al Nassr has not registered him yet because there is no vacancy for a foreign player," one club official, who did not want to be named because he was not authorised to speak to media, told AFP. "A foreign player must leave to register&nbsp;Ronaldo, either by selling or by terminating the contract by mutual consent." Al Nassr's foreign contingent includes Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina, Brazilian midfielder Luiz Gustavo and forwards Anderson Talisca of Brazil and Vincent Aboubakar of Cameroon. Saudi reports said Uzbek midfielder Jaloliddin Masharipov was most likely to make way for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner and Champions League record scorer.

A second club source confirmed that&nbsp;Ronaldo&nbsp;was not registered as of Thursday afternoon local time. "There are ongoing negotiations to sell one of the players, but they have not reached their final stages yet," he said.&nbsp; Both officials refused to confirm whether&nbsp;Ronaldo&nbsp;still needed to serve a two-match English Football Association ban from November for hitting a mobile phone out of a teenage fan's hand after Manchester United, his club at the time, lost to Everton.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serie-a-defender-samuel-umtiti-walks-away-in-tears-following-racist-remarks-from-lazio-fans-fifa-takes-stand-549645">Serie A: Defender Samuel Umtiti walks away in tears following racist remarks from Lazio fans, FIFA takes stand</a>

The Saudi Football Association referred questions about the match ban to Al Nassr. Al Nassr's 25,000-capacity stadium, Mrsool Park, is sold out for Thursday's game, as it was on Tuesday when&nbsp;Ronaldo&nbsp;was welcomed with fireworks and deafening cheers. The Portuguese forward said then that he was looking for a new challenge by coming to Saudi Arabia, adding that he had received offers from around the world.

"I'm a unique player. It's good to come here, I broke all the records there (in Europe) and I want to break a few records here,"&nbsp;Ronaldo&nbsp;said. Amnesty International urged him to speak out about human rights issues in the deeply conservative monarchy, calling his move part of a "wider pattern of sportswashing", or using sport to deflect criticism.

Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo faces a wait to make his Al Nassr debut because the Saudi club have exceeded their quota for foreign players, club sources told AFP on Thursday.

Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo faces a wait to make his Al Nassr debut because the Saudi club have exceeded their quota for foreign players, club sources told AFP on Thursday. When he was unveiled with great fanfare on Tuesday, the 37-year-old said he was keen to play as soon as possible, starting with Thursday's home game against Al Ta'ee. But Ronaldo, whose deal is worth an estimated 200 million euros to June 2025, is Al Nassr's ninth foreign player -- one more than the eight allowed by Saudi football authorities. "Al Nassr has not registered him yet because there is no vacancy for a foreign player," one club official, who did not want to be named because he was not authorised to speak to media, told AFP. "A foreign player must leave to register Ronaldo, either by selling or by terminating the contract by mutual consent." Al Nassr's foreign contingent includes Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina, Brazilian midfielder Luiz Gustavo and forwards Anderson Talisca of Brazil and Vincent Aboubakar of Cameroon. Saudi reports said Uzbek midfielder Jaloliddin Masharipov was most likely to make way for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner and Champions League record scorer. A second club source confirmed that Ronaldo was not registered as of Thursday afternoon local time. "There are ongoing negotiations to sell one of the players, but they have not reached their final stages yet," he said. Both officials refused to confirm whether Ronaldo still needed to serve a two-match English Football Association ban from November for hitting a mobile phone out of a teenage fan's hand after Manchester United, his club at the time, lost to Everton. Also read: Serie A: Defender Samuel Umtiti walks away in tears following racist remarks from Lazio fans, FIFA takes stand The Saudi Football Association referred questions about the match ban to Al Nassr. Al Nassr's 25,000-capacity stadium, Mrsool Park, is sold out for Thursday's game, as it was on Tuesday when Ronaldo was welcomed with fireworks and deafening cheers. The Portuguese forward said then that he was looking for a new challenge by coming to Saudi Arabia, adding that he had received offers from around the world. "I'm a unique player. It's good to come here, I broke all the records there (in Europe) and I want to break a few records here," Ronaldo said. Amnesty International urged him to speak out about human rights issues in the deeply conservative monarchy, calling his move part of a "wider pattern of sportswashing", or using sport to deflect criticism.

Cristiano Ronaldo's much-awaited Al Nassr debut on hold over player quota: Sources

Cristiano Ronaldo has been officially unveiled as an Al Nassr player. The five-time world player of the year claims that his work in Europe is done and insisted that this is not the end of his career as a top-level footballer. He joined the club on a two and a half year deal.

Cristiano Ronaldo unveiled as Al Nassr player in Saudi Arabia's Riyadh

Video footage released by Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr showed Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo arriving in Riyadh and greeting fans late Monday (January 2) after joining the club on a two-and-a-half-year contract. The 37-year-old Ronaldo is expected to be formally introduced by his new club at a news conference scheduled for Tuesday (January 3) after a medical exam. Ronaldo departed Old Trafford last month following an explosive television interview in which the forward said he felt betrayed by the club and did not respect their Dutch manager Erik ten Hag.

Al Nassr issued a statement saying the five-time Ballon D’or winner will join on a deal until 2025 but did not disclose any financial details. Ronaldo's contract has been estimated by media to be worth more than 200 million euros ($214.04 million). Ronaldo said Qatar would probably be his last World Cup as he plans to retire at 40, with a move to Saudi Arabia likely to mark the swansong in the career of one of the game's greatest current players alongside Lionel Messi.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-why-cristiano-ronaldo-joined-the-riyadh-based-club-al-nassr-everything-you-need-to-know-549104">Explained: Why Cristiano Ronaldo joined the Riyadh-based club Al Nassr? Everything you need to know</a>

The Saudi Arabian club, who have won nine Saudi Pro Premier League titles, are hoping Ronaldo can help them win another domestic league title and their first AFC Asian Champions League. However, the Portuguese forward will miss his first two domestic games after being banned for knocking a phone out of a fan's hand after United's defeat at Everton in April.

Video footage released by Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr showed Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo arriving in Riyadh and greeting fans late Monday (January 2) after joining the club on a two-and-a-half-year contract.

Video footage released by Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr showed Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo arriving in Riyadh and greeting fans late Monday (January 2) after joining the club on a two-and-a-half-year contract. The 37-year-old Ronaldo is expected to be formally introduced by his new club at a news conference scheduled for Tuesday (January 3) after a medical exam. Ronaldo departed Old Trafford last month following an explosive television interview in which the forward said he felt betrayed by the club and did not respect their Dutch manager Erik ten Hag. Al Nassr issued a statement saying the five-time Ballon D’or winner will join on a deal until 2025 but did not disclose any financial details. Ronaldo's contract has been estimated by media to be worth more than 200 million euros ($214.04 million). Ronaldo said Qatar would probably be his last World Cup as he plans to retire at 40, with a move to Saudi Arabia likely to mark the swansong in the career of one of the game's greatest current players alongside Lionel Messi. Also read: Explained: Why Cristiano Ronaldo joined the Riyadh-based club Al Nassr? Everything you need to know The Saudi Arabian club, who have won nine Saudi Pro Premier League titles, are hoping Ronaldo can help them win another domestic league title and their first AFC Asian Champions League. However, the Portuguese forward will miss his first two domestic games after being banned for knocking a phone out of a fan's hand after United's defeat at Everton in April.

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo arrives in Riyadh after joining Al Nassr

Ties between China and West Asian nations continue to grow stronger as Arab leaders express their support for China and call for greater cooperation with the world's second largest economy. During the Arab-China summit in Riyadh, from oil market to climate change, China and the Arab nations signed several memorandums.

China-Arab ties hit new milestone; Saudi hosts China-Arab leaders' meet

The Chinese President Xi Jinping is in Saudi Arabia where the Chinese Premier met with the Gulf leaders in Riyadh. In the first of the two milestone Arab summits that are showcasing Saudi Arabia's crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as a sparring leader in the Middle East and also a key partner for the global powers.

Saudi Arabia leans closer to China; China-GCC summit kicks off in Riyadh

A new axis is in the making between China, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Riyadh, Beijing have signed 34 agreements. Has India become collateral damage? Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas: A new axis between China, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan

When Saudi scaled down oil production recently in the OPEC+, U.S. went all guns-blazing in its response saying there will be ‘consequences’ which basically hinted at halting security assistance for the kingdom. But few days later, the Saudi kingdom reached out to the U.S. claiming Iran might attack the Arab Kingdom, and U.S vowed to respond for Saudi Arabia, the same country that it threatened for cutting down oil production. What is going on between U.S. and Saudi Arabia? Are they friends or foes? Does U.S. have the fortitude to halt arms sales to Saudi Arabia, the biggest importer of U.S. arms? Here’s a report by Shivan Chanana

US - Saudi Ties: Can't live with, Can't live without

Riyadh recently hosted an international fashion show. It featured bold and modern cuts from local designers. Outfits that were once considered forbidden in the kingdom were on display. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Fashion show in Riyadh features bold and modern cuts

In West Asia, new alliances are being built. Saudi Arabia and Israel are taking steps towards normalization that would have been unimaginable a few years ago. The first steps were seen during Biden's west Asia trip when Riyadh opened its airspace to all Israeli carriers.

Riyadh opens up airspace to all airlines: Saudi-Israel normalisation on cards?

US President Joe Biden is expected to meet Saudi Arabia's Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. Will there be a thaw in US-Saudi relations?

Thaw in US-Saudi relations: Biden, MBS to meet for the first time

US has praised the role played by Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in extending a ceasefire in Yemen ahead of an expected trip to Riyadh by President Joe Biden.

US-Saudi Arabia looks to rebuild ties: Reports say US President Biden expected to visit Riyadh

Riyadh has been hit by a second sandstorm in less than a week. In neighboring Iraq people are still reporting respiratory issues

Riyadh hit by second sandstorm in a week

Joe Biden is reportedly planning a Saudi Arabia trip to push Riyadh into producing more oil. He also dispatched officials to repair America's frayed ties with Venezuela. Will Biden's mission to tame oil prices succeed? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Joe Biden's mission to tame oil prices

Saudi Arabia is doing the unthinkable. After hosting a film festival, Riyadh threw a 'rave party' where men and women danced together. Is the kingdom truly transforming or is this all a facade? Palki Sharma explains.

Gravitas: Saudi Arabia does the unthinkable, throws a 'rave party' in Riyadh

Are Saudi Arabia & Israel going to formalise ties? On Monday, a flight from Riyadh landed in Tel Aviv. On Tuesday, an Israeli jet landed in Riyadh. What are the two countries up to? Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: First Israeli flight lands in Riyadh

Iraq and Saudi Arabia signed five agreements during a visit by Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi to Riyadh and discovered the financial, commercial, economic culture and media fields.

Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign  agreements during Kadhimi's visit to Riyadh

An air attack on an oil refinery in the Saudi capital Riyadh on Friday caused a fire that was brought under control, the energy ministry said, after Yemen's Houthi group said it targeted the site with six drones.

Drone strike on Riyadh oil refinery claimed by Houthis causes fire

The Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for the missile attack which Saudi Arabia led military collision has claimed it had thwarted on Saturday and threatened more attacks.

Houthi rebels claim Saudi Arabia missile attack, warn of more

Saudi Arabia-led military coalition said that it thwarted a missile attack launched by Yemen's Houthi rebels. Loud explosions shook Riyadh on Saturday. Houthi rebels have intensified their efforts top capture Marib. The last stronghold held by the Saudi-backed Yemeni government. Houthi rebels have Iran's backing. Yemen's some of the most richest oil fields are located in Marib.

Saudi-led coalition says it thwarted Houthi missile attack on Riyadh

Saudi Arabia intercepted a "hostile target" over Riyadh on Saturday, said state media in the kingdom which has come under repeated attack from Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels since 2015.

An explosion was heard in the Saudi capital at around 11:00 am (0800 GMT), AFP correspondents reported.

"I heard a loud sound and thought that something had fallen from the sky," said one resident, who lives in the Al-Sulaimaniyah district of Riyadh. "The whole house was shaking."

The Saudi-led coalition, which backs Yemen's internationally recognised government against the Huthis, said it had "intercepted and destroyed a hostile air target going towards Riyadh", without elaborating, according to&nbsp;state-run Al Ekhbariya television station.

Riyadh's King Khaled International Airport said there were a number of flight delays, but it was not immediately clear if they were linked to Saturday's incident.

Saudi Arabia has been repeatedly targeted by the Huthis since its intervention in the Yemen war in 2015.

It is rare, however, for drones and missiles launched by the Huthis to reach the kingdom's capital -- about 700 kilometres (435 miles) from the Yemeni border.

The Shiite rebels have&nbsp;yet to comment on the incident, which comes only days after Joe Biden was sworn-in as US president, replacing Donald Trump.

According to the new US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, the Biden administration will quickly revisit the designation of Yemen's Huthi rebels as terrorists.

At his confirmation hearing on Tuesday, Blinken said he would "immediately" review the Trump administration's labelling of the insurgents, fearing the move was worsening a humanitarian crisis.

Saudi Arabia intercepted a "hostile target" over Riyadh on Saturday, said state media in the kingdom which has come under repeated attack from Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels since 2015.

Saudi Arabia intercepted a "hostile target" over Riyadh on Saturday, said state media in the kingdom which has come under repeated attack from Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels since 2015. An explosion was heard in the Saudi capital at around 11:00 am (0800 GMT), AFP correspondents reported. "I heard a loud sound and thought that something had fallen from the sky," said one resident, who lives in the Al-Sulaimaniyah district of Riyadh. "The whole house was shaking." The Saudi-led coalition, which backs Yemen's internationally recognised government against the Huthis, said it had "intercepted and destroyed a hostile air target going towards Riyadh", without elaborating, according to state-run Al Ekhbariya television station. Riyadh's King Khaled International Airport said there were a number of flight delays, but it was not immediately clear if they were linked to Saturday's incident. Saudi Arabia has been repeatedly targeted by the Huthis since its intervention in the Yemen war in 2015. It is rare, however, for drones and missiles launched by the Huthis to reach the kingdom's capital -- about 700 kilometres (435 miles) from the Yemeni border. The Shiite rebels have yet to comment on the incident, which comes only days after Joe Biden was sworn-in as US president, replacing Donald Trump. According to the new US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, the Biden administration will quickly revisit the designation of Yemen's Huthi rebels as terrorists. At his confirmation hearing on Tuesday, Blinken said he would "immediately" review the Trump administration's labelling of the insurgents, fearing the move was worsening a humanitarian crisis.

Saudi intercepts 'hostile target' over capital

US weapons manufacturer Raytheon Technologies Corp will be able to sell the weapons directly to the Saudis when it receives the licence

Trump administration pushing $498m arms sale to Saudi Arabia: Reports

Bangladesh is under renewed pressure from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to issue Bangladeshi passports to 54,000 Rohingyas living in that country for decades.

Rohingya in Saudi fear deportation: Dhaka and Riyadh in dispute over Rohingya

Thousands of Bangladeshi migrant workers are protesting in country's capital because they want to return to Saudi Arabia. However, visas and work permits of many workers have expired and there are no flights or flight tickets available.

Bangladeshi migrant workers want to return to Riyadh

A donation of $100 million does not&nbsp;sounds&nbsp;like a big amount for Saudi Arabia. Afterall, the kingdom has been linked to the 9/11 attacks and members of the royal family were being blamed.

So 100 million dollars is Saudi Arabia's PR and marketing budget, or as we can say, a small price to fix its image.

This is just one instance. The Saudis have mastered chequebook diplomacy into a fine art by buying heft with petrodollars.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-crown-prince-mohammad-bin-salmans-favourite-weapon-corruption-charges-324573">Also read:&nbsp;Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman's favourite weapon - corruption charges!</a>

In march last year, Saudi Arabia gave $334 million in assistance to Jordan after giving more than three billion dollars in 2018.&nbsp;In Egypt, Saudi Arabia agreed to provide a financial aid package worth $22 billion dollars in 2016.&nbsp;From the year 2000 to 2018,&nbsp;Ssaudi arabia gave Palestine six billion dollars in financial support.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-how-oil-money-helps-saudi-arabia-buy-influence-324837/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

There are more of such examples.

Saudi Arabia has used money to whitewash its crimes and exert influence the world over. Riyadh spends extensively on lobbying efforts in the United States.

In 2018, Saudi Arabia allegedly paid a little more than $18 million to an American lobbying firm. This was after the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. As a result, despite all the outrage and a clear link to the royal palace in Riyadh, the death of Khashoggi did not hurt the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-king-sacks-two-royals-under-defence-corruption-probe-324420">Also read:&nbsp;Saudi king sacks two royals under defence corruption probe</a>

The US President Donald Trump defied the US congress by swiping&nbsp;aside objections from lawmaker and allowing&nbsp;a sale of weapons worth eight billion dollars to Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia also won a seat at the United Nations Human Rights Council in 2019, despite its pathetic human rights record.

Oil trump human rights

However, now the oil revenue is drying up and the influence may soon begin to wane.

In July,&nbsp;Saudi Arabia posted a budget deficit of close to $30 billion. Now, oil revenues have dropped by 45 per cent and the&nbsp;kingdom has a deficit of nine billion dollars.

As a result, Riyadh has imposed unprecedented austerity measures. The value added tax in Saudi Arabia had to be tripled from 5 per cent to 15 per cent. This is reflecting in Saudi Arabia's dealings with the world.

Paksitan is the first to feel the heat, though the reasons for hauling Pakistan over the coals are not just economic. Saudi Arabia is asking Pakistan to repay billion-dollar loans, and turning off the oil tap — an oil credit facility that has not been renewed.

A donation of $100 million does not sounds like a big amount for Saudi Arabia. Afterall, the kingdom has been linked to the 9/11 attacks and members of the royal family were being blamed.

A donation of $100 million does not sounds like a big amount for Saudi Arabia. Afterall, the kingdom has been linked to the 9/11 attacks and members of the royal family were being blamed. So 100 million dollars is Saudi Arabia's PR and marketing budget, or as we can say, a small price to fix its image. This is just one instance. The Saudis have mastered chequebook diplomacy into a fine art by buying heft with petrodollars. Also read: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman's favourite weapon - corruption charges! In march last year, Saudi Arabia gave $334 million in assistance to Jordan after giving more than three billion dollars in 2018. In Egypt, Saudi Arabia agreed to provide a financial aid package worth $22 billion dollars in 2016. From the year 2000 to 2018, Ssaudi arabia gave Palestine six billion dollars in financial support. There are more of such examples. Saudi Arabia has used money to whitewash its crimes and exert influence the world over. Riyadh spends extensively on lobbying efforts in the United States. In 2018, Saudi Arabia allegedly paid a little more than $18 million to an American lobbying firm. This was after the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. As a result, despite all the outrage and a clear link to the royal palace in Riyadh, the death of Khashoggi did not hurt the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States. Also read: Saudi king sacks two royals under defence corruption probe The US President Donald Trump defied the US congress by swiping aside objections from lawmaker and allowing a sale of weapons worth eight billion dollars to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia also won a seat at the United Nations Human Rights Council in 2019, despite its pathetic human rights record. Oil trump human rights However, now the oil revenue is drying up and the influence may soon begin to wane. In July, Saudi Arabia posted a budget deficit of close to $30 billion. Now, oil revenues have dropped by 45 per cent and the kingdom has a deficit of nine billion dollars. As a result, Riyadh has imposed unprecedented austerity measures. The value added tax in Saudi Arabia had to be tripled from 5 per cent to 15 per cent. This is reflecting in Saudi Arabia's dealings with the world. Paksitan is the first to feel the heat, though the reasons for hauling Pakistan over the coals are not just economic. Saudi Arabia is asking Pakistan to repay billion-dollar loans, and turning off the oil tap — an oil credit facility that has not been renewed.

Saudi Arabia's petrodollar diplomacy: Pakistan asked to return billion dollar loans

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