Watch today in 'World Business Watch': World's largest oil exporter Saudi Arabia has planned to cut spending by 7.5% in next year's budget as the country face the economic contraction.

World Business Watch: Saudi Arabia plans to cut spending next year

Saudi Arabia has planned to cut spending by 7.5 percent in next year's budget to 990 billion riyals ($263.94 billion) but expects the economy to return to growth. Watch report.

Saudi Arabia to cut spending next year by 7.5% | World News

Saudi Arabia on Monday said it had broken up a terrorist cell this month that had received training from Iran's Revolutionary Guards, arresting 10 people and seizing weapons and explosives.

The spokesman for the presidency of state security said in a statement on state media that three of those arrested had been trained in Iran while the rest were "linked to the cell in various roles".

Cell members "received military and field training, including on how to make explosives, inside Revolutionary Guards sites in Iran" for several weeks in late 2017, he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unga-2020-lebanons-iran-backed-hezbollah-must-be-disarmed-says-saudi-king-salman-329749">UNGA 2020: Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah must be 'disarmed', says Saudi King Salman</a>

The statement said weapons and explosives were confiscated at two locations, a house and a farm, in the Gulf Arab state, the world's largest oil exporter and a key US&nbsp;ally.

On September 23, Saudi Arabia's King&nbsp;Salman&nbsp;bin Abdulaziz had called for a comprehensive solution on Iran and disarming its affiliate Hezbollah in Lebanon&nbsp;during his first address to the United Nations General Assembly.

King&nbsp;Salman had said Iran has exploited a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers "to intensify its expansionist activities, create its terrorist networks, and use terrorism," adding that this had produced nothing but "chaos, extremism, and sectarianism."

Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia and Shi'ite Iran are locked in several proxy wars in the region, including in Yemen. Riyadh has blamed Iran for an unprecedented missile and drone attack on the kingdom's oil facilities last year, a charge Tehran denies.

Saudi Arabia on Monday said it had broken up a terrorist cell this month that had received training from Iran's Revolutionary Guards, arresting 10 people and seizing weapons and explosives.

Saudi Arabia on Monday said it had broken up a terrorist cell this month that had received training from Iran's Revolutionary Guards, arresting 10 people and seizing weapons and explosives. The spokesman for the presidency of state security said in a statement on state media that three of those arrested had been trained in Iran while the rest were "linked to the cell in various roles". Cell members "received military and field training, including on how to make explosives, inside Revolutionary Guards sites in Iran" for several weeks in late 2017, he said. Also read: UNGA 2020: Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah must be 'disarmed', says Saudi King Salman The statement said weapons and explosives were confiscated at two locations, a house and a farm, in the Gulf Arab state, the world's largest oil exporter and a key US ally. On September 23, Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz had called for a comprehensive solution on Iran and disarming its affiliate Hezbollah in Lebanon during his first address to the United Nations General Assembly. King Salman had said Iran has exploited a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers "to intensify its expansionist activities, create its terrorist networks, and use terrorism," adding that this had produced nothing but "chaos, extremism, and sectarianism." Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia and Shi'ite Iran are locked in several proxy wars in the region, including in Yemen. Riyadh has blamed Iran for an unprecedented missile and drone attack on the kingdom's oil facilities last year, a charge Tehran denies.

Terrorist cell trained by Iran's Revolutionary Guards busted by Saudi Arabia

At least 25,000 Bangladesh migrant workers who work in Saudi Arabia are not able to fly back to Riyadh. Their visas and work permits have expired. Currently, no direct flights are going to Saudi Arabia. Ticket prices have spiked. And all of them are now staring at loss of livelihood.

At least 4 million Bangladeshis work in the country. That's 31 per cent of Bangladesh citizens' employment overseas. 
&nbsp; 
But all is not well between Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh. 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.

As a result, 25,000 workers are stranded in Bangladesh. 
&nbsp; 
Saudi Arabia has announced visa extension for migrant workers but there has been no update on official sites.

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Migrant workers also point out that the crisis is not all black and white as there is tussle between civil aviation authorities of the two countries. 
&nbsp; 
Bangladesh's flagship carrier Biman Bangladesh wanted to operate flights to Saudi Arabia. And Saudi Airlines too wanted to operate flights to Bangladesh. While Saudi Airlines was given nod, Biman Bangladesh's request was blocked by Saudi civil aviation authority. Dhaka soon revoked the permission given for Saudi Airlines.

As a result, many migrant workers, even those with tickets, could not board planes.

Both airlines have been allowed to resume operations from October 1. Since the date is just a week away, the tickets are now being sold in the black market.

The problem dosen't end here. Riyadh claims that many Rohingyas have moved to Saudi Arabia from Bangladesh. It is now pushing for their repatriation. 
&nbsp; 
Bangladesh workers are still stranded. How does the situation impact Bangladesh?

It impacts through lower revenue by way of remittances.&nbsp;

Income from foreign labour has always been a large contributor to Bangladesh's economy. Last year it was around 19 billion US Dollars.

31 per cent of Bangladesh's migrant workers are employed in Saudi Arabia. They are now staring at uncertainty and job losses.

At least 25,000 Bangladesh migrant workers who work in Saudi Arabia are not able to fly back to Riyadh. Their visas and work permits have expired. Currently, no direct flights are going to Saudi Arabia.

At least 25,000 Bangladesh migrant workers who work in Saudi Arabia are not able to fly back to Riyadh. Their visas and work permits have expired. Currently, no direct flights are going to Saudi Arabia. Ticket prices have spiked. And all of them are now staring at loss of livelihood. At least 4 million Bangladeshis work in the country. That's 31 per cent of Bangladesh citizens' employment overseas. But all is not well between Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh. 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. As a result, 25,000 workers are stranded in Bangladesh. Saudi Arabia has announced visa extension for migrant workers but there has been no update on official sites. × Migrant workers also point out that the crisis is not all black and white as there is tussle between civil aviation authorities of the two countries. Bangladesh's flagship carrier Biman Bangladesh wanted to operate flights to Saudi Arabia. And Saudi Airlines too wanted to operate flights to Bangladesh. While Saudi Airlines was given nod, Biman Bangladesh's request was blocked by Saudi civil aviation authority. Dhaka soon revoked the permission given for Saudi Airlines. As a result, many migrant workers, even those with tickets, could not board planes. Both airlines have been allowed to resume operations from October 1. Since the date is just a week away, the tickets are now being sold in the black market. The problem dosen't end here. Riyadh claims that many Rohingyas have moved to Saudi Arabia from Bangladesh. It is now pushing for their repatriation. Bangladesh workers are still stranded. How does the situation impact Bangladesh? It impacts through lower revenue by way of remittances. Income from foreign labour has always been a large contributor to Bangladesh's economy. Last year it was around 19 billion US Dollars. 31 per cent of Bangladesh's migrant workers are employed in Saudi Arabia. They are now staring at uncertainty and job losses.

Diplomatic crisis brews between Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh

A diplomatic crisis has erupted between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia. The tussle involves the Rohingyas, 2 state airlines and migrant workers. Palki Sharma Upadhyay has a report.

Gravitas: Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh are caught in a diplomatic row

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

Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz on Wednesday (Sept. 23) called for a comprehensive solution on Iran and disarming its affiliate Hezbollah in Lebanon, and expressed support for U.S. efforts to start talks between Israel and the Palestinians during his first address to the United Nations General Assembly.

Saudi's King Salman slams Iran at the UN General Assembly 2020

Bangladesh's Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has announced that the country will be extending visas and&nbsp;residency permits for the migrant workers whose documents have expired.

The announcement was made in a press conference on Wednesday night after hundreds of migrant workers in Bangladesh launched a protest asking their government to intervene and initiate talks with Saudi Arabia.

The migrant workers will be allowed to get their visas and permits extended from Sunday when the&nbsp;Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Bangladesh reopens.

The permits which will be expiring from September 18 to October 17 will also be extended under the same new rule announced on Wednesday.

In addition to this, the Biman Bangladesh Airlines have also been asked to resume their services between the two countries, weeks after the Saudi officials had asked the airlines to stop their commercial flight services.

The airlines has announced special flights on September 26 and 27 to Jeddah and Riyadh for those who had booked return tickets for March 16 and 17. There will be more soecial flights till the end of the month, and normal operations will commence from next month.

The decision was taken after hundreds of protestors took to streets outside the&nbsp;Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment in Dhaka's Eskaton.

However, Momen has warned the migrant workers to pratice patience and has warned of strict actions if the Saudi government took offence to the ongoing protests which saw various slogans against the Saudi government and Kingdom.

Bangladesh's Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has announced that the country will be extending visas and residency permits for the migrant workers whose documents have expired.

Bangladesh's Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has announced that the country will be extending visas and residency permits for the migrant workers whose documents have expired. The announcement was made in a press conference on Wednesday night after hundreds of migrant workers in Bangladesh launched a protest asking their government to intervene and initiate talks with Saudi Arabia. The migrant workers will be allowed to get their visas and permits extended from Sunday when the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Bangladesh reopens. The permits which will be expiring from September 18 to October 17 will also be extended under the same new rule announced on Wednesday. In addition to this, the Biman Bangladesh Airlines have also been asked to resume their services between the two countries, weeks after the Saudi officials had asked the airlines to stop their commercial flight services. The airlines has announced special flights on September 26 and 27 to Jeddah and Riyadh for those who had booked return tickets for March 16 and 17. There will be more soecial flights till the end of the month, and normal operations will commence from next month. The decision was taken after hundreds of protestors took to streets outside the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment in Dhaka's Eskaton. However, Momen has warned the migrant workers to pratice patience and has warned of strict actions if the Saudi government took offence to the ongoing protests which saw various slogans against the Saudi government and Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia to extend visas and permits for Bangladeshi workers: Reports

Saudi Arabia's King Salman speaks at the UN General Assembly

Saudi Arabia on Wednesday temporarily suspended flights to and from India as part of measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus as the number of cases in the region continued to rise.

Apart from India, the banned countries include Brazil and Argentina too, which has been seeing a sharp spur in the daily coronavirus cases.

According to the country's Civil Aviation Authority, people with travel history to any of the mentioned countries 14 days prior to their arrival to the Kingdom, have also been barred.

"Suspending travel to and from the following countries (India, Brazil, and Argentina) including any person who has been in any of the mentioned countries in the last (14) days prior to their arrival to the Kingdom," General Authority of Civil Aviation said in a statement.

However, those who have official government invitations are excluded. According to the Johns Hopkins University, there are 330,798 COVID-19 cases in the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

Saudi Arabia on Wednesday temporarily suspended flights to and from India as part of measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus as the number of cases in the region continued to rise.

Saudi Arabia on Wednesday temporarily suspended flights to and from India as part of measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus as the number of cases in the region continued to rise. Apart from India, the banned countries include Brazil and Argentina too, which has been seeing a sharp spur in the daily coronavirus cases. According to the country's Civil Aviation Authority, people with travel history to any of the mentioned countries 14 days prior to their arrival to the Kingdom, have also been barred. "Suspending travel to and from the following countries (India, Brazil, and Argentina) including any person who has been in any of the mentioned countries in the last (14) days prior to their arrival to the Kingdom," General Authority of Civil Aviation said in a statement. However, those who have official government invitations are excluded. According to the Johns Hopkins University, there are 330,798 COVID-19 cases in the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Saudi Arabia suspends travel to and from India, two other countries as COVID-19 cases surge

Saudi Arabia on Wednesday announced that it will allow&nbsp;pilgrims residing inside the country to undertake the Umrah&nbsp;pilgrimage beginning on October&nbsp;4.

The&nbsp;pilgrimage had been halted for the past seven months&nbsp;due to coronavirus concerns, state news agency SPA reported.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/disinfectants-masks-online-selection-hajj-2020-begins-amid-coronavirus-pandemic-316716">Disinfectants, masks, online selection: Hajj 2020 begins amid coronavirus pandemic</a>

Umrah&nbsp;is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina undertaken any time of the year, attracting 19 million people last year. Saudi Arabia had instituted a freeze on&nbsp;umrah&nbsp;in March.

It will now allow 6,000 citizens and residents inside the kingdom to perform&nbsp;umrah&nbsp;daily, representing 30 per cent&nbsp;of a revised capacity of 20,000 that takes into account precautionary health measures, SPA added. That will expand to 75&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of capacity on Octember&nbsp;18.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/lessons-gulf-states-have-learned-from-coronavirus-pandemic-301605">Lessons Gulf states have learned from coronavirus pandemic</a>

Beginning November&nbsp;1, Saudi Arabia will allow visitors from specific countries deemed safe to perform&nbsp;umrah&nbsp;at 100&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of the revised capacity, until the end of the pandemic, SPA said.

This year, Saudi Arabia conducted a limited haj, the larger pilgrimage that usually attracts around 3 million people, for a few thousand citizens and residents.

According the official data,&nbsp;haj and&nbsp;umrah&nbsp;earn the kingdom about $12 billion annually.

On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia reported 330,798 total cases of coronavirus and 4,542 deaths, as cases in the Gulf region topped 800,000.

Saudi Arabia on Wednesday announced that it will allow pilgrims residing inside the country to undertake the Umrah pilgrimage beginning on October 4. The pilgrimage had been halted for the past seven months due to coronavirus concerns, state news agency SPA reported.

Saudi Arabia on Wednesday announced that it will allow pilgrims residing inside the country to undertake the Umrah pilgrimage beginning on October 4. The pilgrimage had been halted for the past seven months due to coronavirus concerns, state news agency SPA reported. Also see: Disinfectants, masks, online selection: Hajj 2020 begins amid coronavirus pandemic Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina undertaken any time of the year, attracting 19 million people last year. Saudi Arabia had instituted a freeze on umrah in March. It will now allow 6,000 citizens and residents inside the kingdom to perform umrah daily, representing 30 per cent of a revised capacity of 20,000 that takes into account precautionary health measures, SPA added. That will expand to 75 per cent of capacity on Octember 18. Also read: Lessons Gulf states have learned from coronavirus pandemic Beginning November 1, Saudi Arabia will allow visitors from specific countries deemed safe to perform umrah at 100 per cent of the revised capacity, until the end of the pandemic, SPA said. This year, Saudi Arabia conducted a limited haj, the larger pilgrimage that usually attracts around 3 million people, for a few thousand citizens and residents. According the official data, haj and umrah earn the kingdom about $12 billion annually. On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia reported 330,798 total cases of coronavirus and 4,542 deaths, as cases in the Gulf region topped 800,000.

Saudi Arabia to gradually resume Umrah pilgrimage from October 4

Five civilians were injured when a military projectile launched by Yemen`s Iran-aligned Houthis hit a village in Saudi Arabia`s southern Jazan region, state media reported on Saturday.

State news agency SPA quoted a civil defence spokesman as saying three cars were damaged in the border village and that the five civilians suffered minor injuries from shrapnel.

There was no confirmation of the attack by the Houthi group, which has been battling a Saudi-led coalition in Yemen for more than five years. The group has fired missiles and drones towards Saudi cities, most of which have been intercepted.

The coalition intervened in Yemen in March 2015 after the Houthis ousted the Saudi-backed government from power in the capital, Sanaa, in late 2014.

Five civilians were injured when a military projectile launched by Yemen`s Iran-aligned Houthis hit a village in Saudi Arabia`s southern Jazan region, state media reported on Saturday.

Five civilians were injured when a military projectile launched by Yemen`s Iran-aligned Houthis hit a village in Saudi Arabia`s southern Jazan region, state media reported on Saturday. State news agency SPA quoted a civil defence spokesman as saying three cars were damaged in the border village and that the five civilians suffered minor injuries from shrapnel. There was no confirmation of the attack by the Houthi group, which has been battling a Saudi-led coalition in Yemen for more than five years. The group has fired missiles and drones towards Saudi cities, most of which have been intercepted. The coalition intervened in Yemen in March 2015 after the Houthis ousted the Saudi-backed government from power in the capital, Sanaa, in late 2014.

Five civilians injured in Houthi attack on Jazan, report says

A new study has found that about 120,000 years ago in what has now become northern Saudi Arabia, a small group of homo sapiens were present for a brief time to drink and seek food at a shallow lake.&nbsp;

The movements of these people were decoded by researchers in a study published in Science Advances on Thursday after finding ancient human and animal footprints in the Nefud Desert.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/another-mass-extinction-led-to-rise-in-number-of-dinosaurs-study-328106">Another mass extinction led to rise in number of dinosaurs: Study</a>

It further said that this group may have hunted the large mammals but was not present there for long and likely to have used the watering hole to go for a long journey.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-fossil-footprints-reveal-existence-of-dinosaurs-in-south-africa-183-million-years-ago-277473#:~:text=The%20environment%20of%20South%20Africa,called%20''PLOS%20One''.">Fossil footprints reveal existence of dinosaurs in South Africa 183 million years ago</a>

The Arabian Peninsula that we know today has vast, arid deserts did not provide a favourable environment to early people and animals.

But studies in the last 10 years have shown that this was not always the scenario, due to natural climate variation, the place was much greener and humid.&nbsp;

"At certain times in the past, the deserts that dominate the interior of the peninsula transformed into expansive grasslands with permanent freshwater lakes and rivers," said study co-author Richard Clark-Wilson of Royal Holloway, as quoted by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Mathew Stewart, of the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Germany, the paper's first author, said the footprints were found on this PhD fieldwork in 2017 after the erosion of overlying sediments at an ancient lake known as 'Alathar' ("the truce" in Arabic).&nbsp;

"Footprints are a unique form of fossil evidence in that they provide snapshots in time, typically representing a few hours or days, a resolution we tend not to get from other records," he added.&nbsp;

A new study has found that about 120,000 years ago in what has now become northern Saudi Arabia, a small group of homo sapiens were present for a brief time to drink and seek food at a shallow lake.

A new study has found that about 120,000 years ago in what has now become northern Saudi Arabia, a small group of homo sapiens were present for a brief time to drink and seek food at a shallow lake. The movements of these people were decoded by researchers in a study published in Science Advances on Thursday after finding ancient human and animal footprints in the Nefud Desert. Also read | Another mass extinction led to rise in number of dinosaurs: Study It further said that this group may have hunted the large mammals but was not present there for long and likely to have used the watering hole to go for a long journey. Also read | Fossil footprints reveal existence of dinosaurs in South Africa 183 million years ago The Arabian Peninsula that we know today has vast, arid deserts did not provide a favourable environment to early people and animals. But studies in the last 10 years have shown that this was not always the scenario, due to natural climate variation, the place was much greener and humid. "At certain times in the past, the deserts that dominate the interior of the peninsula transformed into expansive grasslands with permanent freshwater lakes and rivers," said study co-author Richard Clark-Wilson of Royal Holloway, as quoted by news agency AFP. Mathew Stewart, of the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Germany, the paper's first author, said the footprints were found on this PhD fieldwork in 2017 after the erosion of overlying sediments at an ancient lake known as 'Alathar' ("the truce" in Arabic). "Footprints are a unique form of fossil evidence in that they provide snapshots in time, typically representing a few hours or days, a resolution we tend not to get from other records," he added.

Human footprints 120,000-years-old found in Saudi Arabia

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump while hosting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, UAE and Bahrain leaders&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;said he expected Saudi Arabia to be among seven to nine other Gulf countries to normalise relations with Israel&nbsp;"at the right time".

The Saudi cabinet has stressed&nbsp;the need for a "just and comprehensive solution" to the Palestinian issue to resolve the conflict.

Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas said Tuesday only an Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories can bring peace to the Middle East.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-rockets-fired-from-gaza-as-israel-uae-bahrain-sign-trump-brokered-accords-327792" hreflang="en">Two rockets fired from Gaza as Israel, UAE, Bahrain sign Trump-brokered accords</a>

UAE foreign minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Bahrain foreign minister Abdullatif al-Zayani and Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu signed the bilateral accords at the White House and signed a joint declaration along with Trump.

Trump hosted the White House ceremony, capping a dramatic month when first the UAE and then Bahrain agreed to reverse decades of ill will without a resolution of Israel's dispute with the Palestinians.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-or-six-countries-coming-along-very-quickly-says-trump-on-peace-deal-with-israel-327780" hreflang="en">Five or six countries coming along very quickly, says Trump on peace deal with Israel</a>

The deals, denounced by the Palestinians, make them the third and fourth Arab states to take such steps to normalise relations since Israel signed peace treaties with Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994.

Saudi Arabia is the biggest Gulf Arab power. Its king is custodian of Islam's holiest sites and rules the world's largest oil exporter. Despite its own reluctance, the kingdom's quiet acquiescence to the agreements was seen as crucial.

US President Donald Trump while hosting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, UAE and Bahrain leaders on Tuesday said he expected Saudi Arabia to be among seven to nine other Gulf countries to normalise relations with Israel "at the right time".

US President Donald Trump while hosting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, UAE and Bahrain leaders on Tuesday said he expected Saudi Arabia to be among seven to nine other Gulf countries to normalise relations with Israel "at the right time". The Saudi cabinet has stressed the need for a "just and comprehensive solution" to the Palestinian issue to resolve the conflict. Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas said Tuesday only an Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories can bring peace to the Middle East. Also read: Two rockets fired from Gaza as Israel, UAE, Bahrain sign Trump-brokered accords UAE foreign minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Bahrain foreign minister Abdullatif al-Zayani and Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu signed the bilateral accords at the White House and signed a joint declaration along with Trump. Trump hosted the White House ceremony, capping a dramatic month when first the UAE and then Bahrain agreed to reverse decades of ill will without a resolution of Israel's dispute with the Palestinians. Also read: Five or six countries coming along very quickly, says Trump on peace deal with Israel The deals, denounced by the Palestinians, make them the third and fourth Arab states to take such steps to normalise relations since Israel signed peace treaties with Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994. Saudi Arabia is the biggest Gulf Arab power. Its king is custodian of Islam's holiest sites and rules the world's largest oil exporter. Despite its own reluctance, the kingdom's quiet acquiescence to the agreements was seen as crucial.

Saudi Arabia will join UAE-Israel-Bahrain deal at 'right time', says Trump

After UAE & Bahrain, could Saudi Arabia be the next Arab nation to normalise ties with Israel? WION's Palki tells you how the de-facto leader of the Islamic world is taking 'symbolic steps' towards Israel's recognition.

Gravitas: Will Saudi Arabia normalise ties with Israel?

Amid escalating tensions Saudi Arabian-led coalition fighter jets attacked barracks and military sites of the armed Houthi movement in Yemen's capital Sanaa.

5 air attacks hit near Sanaa airport, target parts of Yemen's capital

Saudi coalition attack Houthi military sites in Yemen's Sanaa

Saudi Arabia opens world's largest camel hospital and research facility

Officials in Saudi Arabia are celebrating the opening of the world’s largest hospital for camels. It took tens of millions of dollars to build the facility that provides health care from basic treatment to radiology. The new facility saves some camel owners days of travel.

Saudi Arabia celebrates opening of world's largest camel hospital

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the growth in India’s bilateral ties with Saudi Arabia with the crown King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on Wednesday during a telephonic conversation.

PM Modi discusses bilateral ties with Saudi King Salman over phone call

Turkey on Monday said that the Saudi court's ruling to overturn five death sentences in the case of the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi's did not meet global expectations.

Turkey on Monday said that the Saudi court's ruling to overturn five death sentences in the case of the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi's did not meet global expectations. Also read: Saudi scraps death sentences over Khashoggi murder, jails eight Jamal Khashoggi, a critic of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was strangled, and his body cut into pieces by a 15-man Saudi squad, according to Turkish officials. His remains have not yet been found. "The final verdict that a Saudi court issued today regarding journalist Jamal Khashoggi's execution inside the Kingdom's consulate in Istanbul fell short of meeting the expectations of Turkey and the international community," Fahrettin Altun, communications director at the Turkish presidency, wrote on Twitter. Eight defendants were sentenced to jail for between seven and 20 years in a verdict that comes after Khashoggi's sons "pardoned" the killers in May, paving the way for less severe punishment. These defendants were unnamed and include two former aides of the crown prince, who deny involvement. "We still don't know what happened to Khashoggi's body, who wanted him dead or if there were local collaborators – which casts doubt on the credibility of the legal proceedings in KSA," Altun tweeted. Altun urged the Kingdom to cooperate with Turkey's investigation into the killing. "It is a legal and conscientious obligation to shed light on the Jamal Khashoggi murder, which was committed within Turkey's borders, and to deliver justice," Altun tweeted. "That is the only way to ensure that similar atrocities can be prevented in the future." (Inputs from AFP)

'Saudi's verdict on Khashoggi's case fell short of meeting expectations': Turkey

A Saudi Arabian court jailed eight people for between 7 and 20 years for the 2018 murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, four months after his family forgave his killers and enabled death sentences to be set aside.

Saudi Arabia jails 8 over Khashoggi murder, sentence reversed after family's pardon

Encouraging the United States' efforts to establish peace in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has told US President Donald Trump that they wanted a fair and permanent solution to the Palestinian issue based on kingdom's Arab Peace Initiative, proposed in 2002, according to the state news agency.&nbsp;

In a telephonic conservation with Trump, Salman appreciated US peace initiatives, in a reference to Washington-brokered accord achieved last month, according to which the United Arab Emirates (UAE) became the third country to normalise relations with Israel.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peace-must-be-achieved-with-palestinians-then-all-things-possible-saudi-arabia-on-israel-321749">Peace must be achieved with Palestinians, then all things possible: Saudi Arabia on Israel</a>

Salman said Saudi seeks a fair and permanent solution for Palestine which is based on the based on the kingdom's peace initiatives proposed in 2002.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/qatar-emir-tells-kushner-two-state-solution-needed-to-end-palestine-israel-conflict-324831">Qatar Emir tells Kushner two-state solution needed to end Palestine-Israel conflict</a>

As per the 2002 proposal, Arab nations would normalise ties with Israel, if the Jewish nation withdraws from the territorial gains made in the 1967 war.&nbsp;

Despite not recognising Israel, Saudi Arabia this month said the kingdom would allow the use of its airspace to run flights between UAE and Israel.&nbsp;

Post the peace accord between UAE and Israel, no Arab state has hinted of a similar deal with the Jewish state.

Last month, Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, who is seen as a major negotiator of the decades-old Arab crisis, met Saudi's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where they discussed the need to resume negotiations between Israel and Palestine.&nbsp;

(With Reuters inputs)

Encouraging the United States' efforts to establish peace in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has told US President Donald Trump that they wanted a fair and permanent solution to the Palestinian issue based on kingdom's Arab Peace Initiative, proposed in 2002, according to the state news agency.

Encouraging the United States' efforts to establish peace in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has told US President Donald Trump that they wanted a fair and permanent solution to the Palestinian issue based on kingdom's Arab Peace Initiative, proposed in 2002, according to the state news agency. In a telephonic conservation with Trump, Salman appreciated US peace initiatives, in a reference to Washington-brokered accord achieved last month, according to which the United Arab Emirates (UAE) became the third country to normalise relations with Israel. Also read | Peace must be achieved with Palestinians, then all things possible: Saudi Arabia on Israel Salman said Saudi seeks a fair and permanent solution for Palestine which is based on the based on the kingdom's peace initiatives proposed in 2002. Also read | Qatar Emir tells Kushner two-state solution needed to end Palestine-Israel conflict As per the 2002 proposal, Arab nations would normalise ties with Israel, if the Jewish nation withdraws from the territorial gains made in the 1967 war. Despite not recognising Israel, Saudi Arabia this month said the kingdom would allow the use of its airspace to run flights between UAE and Israel. Post the peace accord between UAE and Israel, no Arab state has hinted of a similar deal with the Jewish state. Last month, Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, who is seen as a major negotiator of the decades-old Arab crisis, met Saudi's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where they discussed the need to resume negotiations between Israel and Palestine. (With Reuters inputs)

Want permanent, fair solution to Palestinian issue: Saudi King to Trump

A Saudi court has sentenced three people to death for their involvement in an attack in Jeddah when two men blew themselves up after a shootout with police, state-run Al Ekhbariya television said on Sunday.

In 2017, Saudi security forces surrounded a house in Jeddah and exchanged fire with two men with ties to Islamic State, who blew themselves up.

The court convicted the three on terrorism-related charges including possessing explosives, Ekhbariya said.

The ruling said the defendants supported Islamic State and planned to kill members of the security forces, Saudi-owned Al Arabiya TV reported.

Sunni militants have carried out many shootings and bombings in Saudi Arabia since 2014, soon after then-Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi summoned Saudi supporters to mount attacks at home instead of abroad in wars in Syria and Iraq.

Most of the attacks targeted minority Saudi Shi'ites or state security officers and were carried out by people who had sworn allegiance to Islamic State or were claimed by the militant group in online postings, Saudi authorities said.

Saudi Arabia had earlier barred its citizens from going to wage jihad (holy war) abroad, used its Sunni clergy to denounce Islamic State, imposed prison terms for supporting the group and joined U.S.-led air strikes against IS in Syria.

A Saudi court has sentenced three people to death for their involvement in an attack in Jeddah when two men blew themselves up after a shootout with police, state-run Al Ekhbariya television said on Sunday.

A Saudi court has sentenced three people to death for their involvement in an attack in Jeddah when two men blew themselves up after a shootout with police, state-run Al Ekhbariya television said on Sunday. In 2017, Saudi security forces surrounded a house in Jeddah and exchanged fire with two men with ties to Islamic State, who blew themselves up. The court convicted the three on terrorism-related charges including possessing explosives, Ekhbariya said. The ruling said the defendants supported Islamic State and planned to kill members of the security forces, Saudi-owned Al Arabiya TV reported. Sunni militants have carried out many shootings and bombings in Saudi Arabia since 2014, soon after then-Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi summoned Saudi supporters to mount attacks at home instead of abroad in wars in Syria and Iraq. Most of the attacks targeted minority Saudi Shi'ites or state security officers and were carried out by people who had sworn allegiance to Islamic State or were claimed by the militant group in online postings, Saudi authorities said. Saudi Arabia had earlier barred its citizens from going to wage jihad (holy war) abroad, used its Sunni clergy to denounce Islamic State, imposed prison terms for supporting the group and joined U.S.-led air strikes against IS in Syria.

Saudi Arabia sentences three to death over links to 2017 Jeddah attack

At the G20 foreign ministers meeting that happened virtually on Thursday, India has proposed a global standard movement of people across national borders with common standards on COVID testing, test results, quarantine etc. The development comes in anticipation of global travel resuming as COVID crisis tapers.&nbsp;

India's external affairs minister (EAM) S Jaishankar proposed development of "voluntary G20 Principles on Coordinated Cross-Border Movement of People" which will have three main elements — standards on testing procedures and universal acceptability of test results,‘Quarantine procedures and movement and transit protocols.

Global travel, especially by airlines, came to a grinding halt earlier this year as COVID pandemic spread from China, which reported the first case of the disease.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-bats-for-g20-after-us-president-trumps-invitation-to-attend-for-g7-302769">Also read:&nbsp;Russia bats for G20 after US President Trump's invitation to attend for G7</a>

During the meet, EAM highlighted the steps taken by India during the pandemic, especially on its mega repatriation plan the Vande Bharat Mission, creation of ‘travel bubbles’ for travel "for the welfare and protection of foreign citizens stranded here as well as its own citizens abroad", a Ministry of External Affairs release said.

India has brought back 13 lakh stranded Indians abroad under the repatriation programme and announced the formation of travel air bubbles with countries with high Indian diaspora like the US.

EAM called on "Governments around the world to ensure that interests of foreign students are protected and movement of stranded seafarers back to their home country is facilitated", the release said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/external-affairs-minister-s-jaishankar-to-visit-moscow-for-shanghai-cooperation-organisation-meet-325005">Also read:&nbsp;External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to visit Moscow for Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meet</a>

He also commended Saudi Arabia for its proactive approach in bringing "G20 countries together for dealing with this COVID-19 pandemic". Saudi Arabia is the chair of G20 this year and will host the summit later this year.

A release by G20 secretariat in Saudi Arabia said, during the meeting, "foreign ministers acknowledged the importance of opening borders, uniting families, and promoting measures to allow the economy to thrive in light" of the protective measures given by health organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Both Indian and Chinese FMs were present in the virtual G20 FMs meet.

At the G20 foreign ministers meeting that happened virtually on Thursday, India has proposed a global standard movement of people across national borders with common standards on COVID testing, test results, quarantine etc.

At the G20 foreign ministers meeting that happened virtually on Thursday, India has proposed a global standard movement of people across national borders with common standards on COVID testing, test results, quarantine etc. The development comes in anticipation of global travel resuming as COVID crisis tapers. India's external affairs minister (EAM) S Jaishankar proposed development of "voluntary G20 Principles on Coordinated Cross-Border Movement of People" which will have three main elements — standards on testing procedures and universal acceptability of test results,‘Quarantine procedures and movement and transit protocols. Global travel, especially by airlines, came to a grinding halt earlier this year as COVID pandemic spread from China, which reported the first case of the disease. Also read: Russia bats for G20 after US President Trump's invitation to attend for G7 During the meet, EAM highlighted the steps taken by India during the pandemic, especially on its mega repatriation plan the Vande Bharat Mission, creation of ‘travel bubbles’ for travel "for the welfare and protection of foreign citizens stranded here as well as its own citizens abroad", a Ministry of External Affairs release said. India has brought back 13 lakh stranded Indians abroad under the repatriation programme and announced the formation of travel air bubbles with countries with high Indian diaspora like the US. EAM called on "Governments around the world to ensure that interests of foreign students are protected and movement of stranded seafarers back to their home country is facilitated", the release said. Also read: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to visit Moscow for Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meet He also commended Saudi Arabia for its proactive approach in bringing "G20 countries together for dealing with this COVID-19 pandemic". Saudi Arabia is the chair of G20 this year and will host the summit later this year. A release by G20 secretariat in Saudi Arabia said, during the meeting, "foreign ministers acknowledged the importance of opening borders, uniting families, and promoting measures to allow the economy to thrive in light" of the protective measures given by health organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both Indian and Chinese FMs were present in the virtual G20 FMs meet.

At G20 FMs meet, India proposes global standards on movement of people

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have both been known to&nbsp;finance terrorists, providing&nbsp;them safe havens. Both the countries are also linked to major terror attacks - &nbsp; 9/11 in the US and 26/11 in Mumbai. And now both these countries may be controlling the United Nations office for counter-terrorism.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have an illustrious record when it comes to terrorism. And now they control the UN office that is supposed to ensure international cooperation against terrorism.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-pakistan-and-saudi-arabia-running-un-anti-terror-office-324838/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A new report claims that Saudi Arabia wants to influence counter-terrorism efforts at the United Nations through big donations, and that an international civil servant of Pakistani origin, Jehangir Khan is the director of this branch of the UN.

In 2011, the UN created the counter-terrorism centre to promote cooperation for anti-terrorism efforts and support member states. From day one, Saudi Arabia has been the biggest donor to this centre. It started with 10 million Dollars. Three years later, it increased its contribution by 10 times. Saudi Arabia donated 100 million Dollars to the counter-terrorism centre.

This centre survives on donation because what it gets from the UN budget covers only 4 per cent of its expenses, while the rest of the money comes from member states. And Saudi cash makes up 47 per cent of the entire fund.

So why does Riyadh spend so much money on it?&nbsp;

The report also says Saudi Arabia's influence and power is hard to measure. For instance, Saudi Arabia decides who will be in-charge. Its ambassador to the UN has been the chair of this centre's advisory board since 2012. Saudi Arabia decides where meetings will be held, and at least two board meetings of this centre have taken place in Riyadh. One meeting that took place in 2018 was attended by Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

Saudi Arabia also decides how the money will be spent. In 2018, the UN conducted an internal audit of the centre, which the Saudis did not like. Another audit was then ordered. A proposal in the original audit report recommended a new system of functioning which would have limited Saudi Arabia's influence. It said that the role, membership and working methods of the centre should be reviewed and that its funding should be diversified.

The Pakistan connection

An insider in the ruling Saudi elite feels that Riyadh doesn't "get much" from the UN centre for its money. And this is where Pakistan comes in. Jehangir Khan is the director of the United Nations counter-terrorism centre. He is said to have close ties to Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The report calls him "the Saudi whisperer". However, there is no direct evidence against Jehangir Khan which says that he's influencing the UN counter-terrorism efforts on behalf of Saudi Arabia or Pakistan.

Jehangir Khan started his career as an international diplomat with the Saudi Arabian mission to the UN, and has now completed 20 years in the organisation.

According to one claim Khan is goal oriented but secretive. Another person says he takes over projects that will "satisfy the Saudis". High level UN staff members are required to file a financial disclosure form. But it’s upto them whether they want to make it public or not.

Jehangir Khan has kept his financial disclosures private. As a UN servant Jehangir Khan was able to purchase two apartments in the Trump world tower at the UN Plaza, properties worth well over three million Dollars. Khan denies all charges of impropriety.&nbsp;

In 2016 the former UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon made a very serious accusation and said that Saudi Arabia was exerting unacceptable and undue pressure on the UN.&nbsp;This was after the Saudi led military coalition for Yemen was blacklisted. When the Saudi coalition was found responsible for the deaths of hundreds of children in the war, Riyadh threatened to cut funding to UN programmes. Owing to this, UN removed the Saudi-led coalition from the blacklist.

As of July this year Saudi Arabia is the world's largest donor to the UN counter-terrorism office. A few years back, Saudi Arabia was also the head of the UN Human Rights Council.

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have both been known to finance terrorists, providing them safe havens. Both the countries are also linked to major terror attacks - 9/11 in the US and 26/11 in Mumbai.

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have both been known to finance terrorists, providing them safe havens. Both the countries are also linked to major terror attacks - 9/11 in the US and 26/11 in Mumbai. And now both these countries may be controlling the United Nations office for counter-terrorism. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have an illustrious record when it comes to terrorism. And now they control the UN office that is supposed to ensure international cooperation against terrorism. A new report claims that Saudi Arabia wants to influence counter-terrorism efforts at the United Nations through big donations, and that an international civil servant of Pakistani origin, Jehangir Khan is the director of this branch of the UN. In 2011, the UN created the counter-terrorism centre to promote cooperation for anti-terrorism efforts and support member states. From day one, Saudi Arabia has been the biggest donor to this centre. It started with 10 million Dollars. Three years later, it increased its contribution by 10 times. Saudi Arabia donated 100 million Dollars to the counter-terrorism centre. This centre survives on donation because what it gets from the UN budget covers only 4 per cent of its expenses, while the rest of the money comes from member states. And Saudi cash makes up 47 per cent of the entire fund. So why does Riyadh spend so much money on it? The report also says Saudi Arabia's influence and power is hard to measure. For instance, Saudi Arabia decides who will be in-charge. Its ambassador to the UN has been the chair of this centre's advisory board since 2012. Saudi Arabia decides where meetings will be held, and at least two board meetings of this centre have taken place in Riyadh. One meeting that took place in 2018 was attended by Secretary General Antonio Guterres. Saudi Arabia also decides how the money will be spent. In 2018, the UN conducted an internal audit of the centre, which the Saudis did not like. Another audit was then ordered. A proposal in the original audit report recommended a new system of functioning which would have limited Saudi Arabia's influence. It said that the role, membership and working methods of the centre should be reviewed and that its funding should be diversified. The Pakistan connection An insider in the ruling Saudi elite feels that Riyadh doesn't "get much" from the UN centre for its money. And this is where Pakistan comes in. Jehangir Khan is the director of the United Nations counter-terrorism centre. He is said to have close ties to Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The report calls him "the Saudi whisperer". However, there is no direct evidence against Jehangir Khan which says that he's influencing the UN counter-terrorism efforts on behalf of Saudi Arabia or Pakistan. Jehangir Khan started his career as an international diplomat with the Saudi Arabian mission to the UN, and has now completed 20 years in the organisation. According to one claim Khan is goal oriented but secretive. Another person says he takes over projects that will "satisfy the Saudis". High level UN staff members are required to file a financial disclosure form. But it’s upto them whether they want to make it public or not. Jehangir Khan has kept his financial disclosures private. As a UN servant Jehangir Khan was able to purchase two apartments in the Trump world tower at the UN Plaza, properties worth well over three million Dollars. Khan denies all charges of impropriety. In 2016 the former UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon made a very serious accusation and said that Saudi Arabia was exerting unacceptable and undue pressure on the UN. This was after the Saudi led military coalition for Yemen was blacklisted. When the Saudi coalition was found responsible for the deaths of hundreds of children in the war, Riyadh threatened to cut funding to UN programmes. Owing to this, UN removed the Saudi-led coalition from the blacklist. As of July this year Saudi Arabia is the world's largest donor to the UN counter-terrorism office. A few years back, Saudi Arabia was also the head of the UN Human Rights Council.

How Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are influencing UN's counter-terrorism wing

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

After the death of Jamal Khashoggi, Saudi Arabia allegedly spent a little more than $18 million on lobbying Washington. Oil revenues have helped Riyadh win influence around the world.

Gravitas: How Oil Money Helps Saudi Arabia 'buy' influence

Hundreds of migrants are stuck in detention centres un Saudi Arabia, and&nbsp;Ethiopia has admitted that it is not doing enough to assist the migrants out of the detention centres.

A statement released by the foreign ministry of&nbsp;Ethiopia read, "The Ethiopian government needs to exert higher effort in fighting human traffickers and brokers, making border controls more effective, and creating awareness for the youth."

"We are not doing enough."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-saudi-arabia-and-pakistan-are-influencing-uns-counter-terrorism-wing-324820">Also read|&nbsp;How Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are influencing UN's counter-terrorism wing</a>

The statement came after the Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed faced immense criticism at home and from overseas for facilitating the return of the migrants who got stuck due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The&nbsp;Ethiopians stuck in the detention camps are majority of those who went to Saudi Arabia to look for work. Majority of immigrants reach Saudi by putting their lives at risk by travelling in overcrowded boats that face the risk of sinking&nbsp;during sea crossings that usually continue for more than a day.

Up to half a million Ethiopians were in Saudi Arabia when officials there launched a crackdown on illegal migrants in 2017, according to the UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM).&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabias-petrodollar-diplomacy-pakistan-asked-to-return-billion-dollar-loans-324818">Also read|&nbsp;Saudi Arabia's petrodollar diplomacy: Pakistan asked to return billion dollar loans</a>

Since then, approximately 10,000&nbsp;Ethiopians were being deported back to their home country on a monthly basis, until the start of this year. However, since the start of this year, migrants are now being detained under&nbsp;"arbitrary and abusive" conditions, as reported by Human Rights Watch.&nbsp;

The issue came to light after a British newspaper published interviews of the immgrants, along with pictures of the detention camps, highlighting the unsanitary and inhumane conditions of the camps.

Saudi Arabia's embassy in the UK, after the report, quickly shifted the blame on the&nbsp;Ethiopian authorities accusing them of refusing to take the migrants back.

Ethiopia disputed this in its statement Thursday, saying it had "never refused to receive its citizens from any country but operates on according to principle and the availability of resources".&nbsp;

However, now, the Ethiopian government, on Thursday,&nbsp;praised Saudi Arabiafor "outstanding support extended to our citizens in general and Ethiopian irregular migrants in particular".

Hundreds of migrants are stuck in detention centres un Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia has admitted that it is not doing enough to assist the migrants out of the detention centres.

Hundreds of migrants are stuck in detention centres un Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia has admitted that it is not doing enough to assist the migrants out of the detention centres. A statement released by the foreign ministry of Ethiopia read, "The Ethiopian government needs to exert higher effort in fighting human traffickers and brokers, making border controls more effective, and creating awareness for the youth." "We are not doing enough." Also read| How Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are influencing UN's counter-terrorism wing The statement came after the Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed faced immense criticism at home and from overseas for facilitating the return of the migrants who got stuck due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Ethiopians stuck in the detention camps are majority of those who went to Saudi Arabia to look for work. Majority of immigrants reach Saudi by putting their lives at risk by travelling in overcrowded boats that face the risk of sinking during sea crossings that usually continue for more than a day. Up to half a million Ethiopians were in Saudi Arabia when officials there launched a crackdown on illegal migrants in 2017, according to the UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM). Also read| Saudi Arabia's petrodollar diplomacy: Pakistan asked to return billion dollar loans Since then, approximately 10,000 Ethiopians were being deported back to their home country on a monthly basis, until the start of this year. However, since the start of this year, migrants are now being detained under "arbitrary and abusive" conditions, as reported by Human Rights Watch. The issue came to light after a British newspaper published interviews of the immgrants, along with pictures of the detention camps, highlighting the unsanitary and inhumane conditions of the camps. Saudi Arabia's embassy in the UK, after the report, quickly shifted the blame on the Ethiopian authorities accusing them of refusing to take the migrants back. Ethiopia disputed this in its statement Thursday, saying it had "never refused to receive its citizens from any country but operates on according to principle and the availability of resources". However, now, the Ethiopian government, on Thursday, praised Saudi Arabiafor "outstanding support extended to our citizens in general and Ethiopian irregular migrants in particular".

'We are not doing enough': Ethiopia admits not helping enough to assist migrants in Saudi

From Pakistan to Lebanon,&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia is scaling back its famed chequebook diplomacy, a longstanding policy of splashing petro-dollars in exchange for influence, which observers say has yielded few tangible gains.

For decades, the wealthy kingdom funnelled billions in aid to its allies, and to its enemies' enemies,&nbsp;in a bid to bolster its position as an Arab powerhouse and leader of the Muslim world.

But as plummeting demand has sapped its oil revenues, the kingdom is rethinking old alliances that&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;observers say have swallowed their cash while offering little in return, at a time when its quest for regional supremacy is increasingly challenged by rivals Iran, Turkey and Qatar.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-crown-prince-mohammad-bin-salmans-favourite-weapon-corruption-charges-324573" hreflang="en">Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman's favourite weapon - corruption charges!</a>

A swathe of regional countries, from Jordan and Lebanon to Egypt, Palestine and Pakistan, have been the top recipients of&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;aid over the past decade, said Middle East expert Yasmine Farouk.

"The dual economic impact of the coronavirus and low oil prices, however, may lead&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia to restructure and rationalise its aid," said Farouk, from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

"The country is already seeking to end the perception of being 'an ATM'."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/saudi-arabia-planning-to-stop-funding-mosques-in-foreign-countries-report-276940">Saudi Arabia planning to stop funding mosques in foreign countries: Report</a>

The kingdom has contributed billions to Lebanon's post-civil war reconstruction, but it has voiced frustration over its failure to rein in Hezbollah, a powerful group backed by its arch-enemy Iran.

"Saudi&nbsp;Arabia will not continue to pay Hezbollah's bills, and the Lebanese have to shoulder their responsibilities towards their country,"&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;columnist Khalid al-Sulaiman wrote recently for the pro-government Okaz newspaper.

"It is no longer possible for&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia to continue paying billions to Lebanon in the morning and receive insults at night.&nbsp;

"This situation is no longer compatible with the new&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;foreign policy, as&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;money does not fall from the sky or grow in the desert."

&nbsp;'Party is over'

Saudi&nbsp;Arabia also appears frustrated with Pakistan after the longstanding ally pushed Riyadh to take a firm stand on the disputed region of Kashmir and threatened to take the issue to other Muslim forums.

Such a threat is particularly disconcerting for&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia, which is home to Islam's holiest sites and views itself as the leader of the Muslim world.

The kingdom recently recalled $1 billion of a $3 billion loan from cash-strapped Pakistan, and an expired multi-billion dollar oil credit facility to Islamabad has not been renewed, a diplomatic source told AFP.

"Pakistani elites have a bad habit of taking&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;support for granted, given what&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;has done for Pakistan over the decades," tweeted Ali Shihabi, a&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;author and analyst.

"Well the party is over, and Pakistan needs to deliver value to this relationship. It's no longer a free lunch or a one-way street."

Riyadh's ties with Pakistan have historically been "very warm" but the relationship has been lopsided, said&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;prince Talal bin Mohammad al-Faisal.

"It (has) only benefited one side in 'real world' terms," he tweeted.

"That side is Pakistan."

'Take their money'

Pakistan and Egypt, another ally which has received billions in aid, rebuffed calls for ground troops to support the&nbsp;Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen against Iran-linked Huthi rebels.

Further stirring consternation in Riyadh, a leaked 2015 audio recording showed Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi allegedly mocking Gulf powers including&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia, saying they were rolling in money "like rice".

That sentiment was echoed in 2018 by US President Donald Trump when he hosted Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the Oval Office and held up a chart listing military hardware sales worth billions to Riyadh.

"Take their money," Trump told NBC News the following year, justifying backing the kingdom's rulers after journalist Jamal Khashoggi's murder sparked global uproar.

With so many of its relationships rendered transactional, Riyadh is struggling to win respect and its once-leading role in the Muslim world is increasingly challenged by its rivals, observers say.

The Saudis are increasingly resentful of "ungrateful" allies, said Farouk.

States that have traditionally benefited from&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;largesse, including Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine, have "already seen instances in which aid was frozen, decreased or cut off", she added.

From Pakistan to Lebanon, Saudi Arabia is scaling back its famed chequebook diplomacy, a longstanding policy of splashing petro-dollars in exchange for influence, which observers say has yielded few tangible gains.

From Pakistan to Lebanon, Saudi Arabia is scaling back its famed chequebook diplomacy, a longstanding policy of splashing petro-dollars in exchange for influence, which observers say has yielded few tangible gains. For decades, the wealthy kingdom funnelled billions in aid to its allies, and to its enemies' enemies, in a bid to bolster its position as an Arab powerhouse and leader of the Muslim world. But as plummeting demand has sapped its oil revenues, the kingdom is rethinking old alliances that Saudi observers say have swallowed their cash while offering little in return, at a time when its quest for regional supremacy is increasingly challenged by rivals Iran, Turkey and Qatar. Also read: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman's favourite weapon - corruption charges! A swathe of regional countries, from Jordan and Lebanon to Egypt, Palestine and Pakistan, have been the top recipients of Saudi aid over the past decade, said Middle East expert Yasmine Farouk. "The dual economic impact of the coronavirus and low oil prices, however, may lead Saudi Arabia to restructure and rationalise its aid," said Farouk, from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. "The country is already seeking to end the perception of being 'an ATM'." Also read: Saudi Arabia planning to stop funding mosques in foreign countries: Report The kingdom has contributed billions to Lebanon's post-civil war reconstruction, but it has voiced frustration over its failure to rein in Hezbollah, a powerful group backed by its arch-enemy Iran. "Saudi Arabia will not continue to pay Hezbollah's bills, and the Lebanese have to shoulder their responsibilities towards their country," Saudi columnist Khalid al-Sulaiman wrote recently for the pro-government Okaz newspaper. "It is no longer possible for Saudi Arabia to continue paying billions to Lebanon in the morning and receive insults at night. "This situation is no longer compatible with the new Saudi foreign policy, as Saudi money does not fall from the sky or grow in the desert." 'Party is over' Saudi Arabia also appears frustrated with Pakistan after the longstanding ally pushed Riyadh to take a firm stand on the disputed region of Kashmir and threatened to take the issue to other Muslim forums. Such a threat is particularly disconcerting for Saudi Arabia, which is home to Islam's holiest sites and views itself as the leader of the Muslim world. The kingdom recently recalled $1 billion of a $3 billion loan from cash-strapped Pakistan, and an expired multi-billion dollar oil credit facility to Islamabad has not been renewed, a diplomatic source told AFP. "Pakistani elites have a bad habit of taking Saudi support for granted, given what Saudi has done for Pakistan over the decades," tweeted Ali Shihabi, a Saudi author and analyst. "Well the party is over, and Pakistan needs to deliver value to this relationship. It's no longer a free lunch or a one-way street." Riyadh's ties with Pakistan have historically been "very warm" but the relationship has been lopsided, said Saudi prince Talal bin Mohammad al-Faisal. "It (has) only benefited one side in 'real world' terms," he tweeted. "That side is Pakistan." 'Take their money' Pakistan and Egypt, another ally which has received billions in aid, rebuffed calls for ground troops to support the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen against Iran-linked Huthi rebels. Further stirring consternation in Riyadh, a leaked 2015 audio recording showed Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi allegedly mocking Gulf powers including Saudi Arabia, saying they were rolling in money "like rice". That sentiment was echoed in 2018 by US President Donald Trump when he hosted Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the Oval Office and held up a chart listing military hardware sales worth billions to Riyadh. "Take their money," Trump told NBC News the following year, justifying backing the kingdom's rulers after journalist Jamal Khashoggi's murder sparked global uproar. With so many of its relationships rendered transactional, Riyadh is struggling to win respect and its once-leading role in the Muslim world is increasingly challenged by its rivals, observers say. The Saudis are increasingly resentful of "ungrateful" allies, said Farouk. States that have traditionally benefited from Saudi largesse, including Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine, have "already seen instances in which aid was frozen, decreased or cut off", she added.

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