A day after Pakistan announced Saudi's assent to provide rescue aid to the country, Pakistani shares escalated 3.3 per cent in early trading on Wednesday.

The Pakistan Stock Exchange's benchmark 100-share index rose 1,256.29 points to trade at 38,971.19 at 10.34 am (0534 GMT), according to the bourse's website.

Islamabad on Tuesday said that Saudi Arabi had agreed to give Pakistan $3 billion in foreign currency support for a year and a further loan worth up to $3 billion in deferred payments for oil imports to help revive the country looming under economic crisis.

The agreement was announced as the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-is-desperately-looking-for-loans-imran-khan-at-saudi-investment-conference-172963">new Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan&nbsp;</a>attended a Saudi investment conference in Riyadh on Tuesday.

(With inputs from agencies)

A day after Pakistan announced Saudi's assent to provide rescue aid to the country, Pakistani shares escalated 3.3 per cent in early trading on Wednesday. The Pakistan Stock Exchange's benchmark 100-share index rose 1,256.

A day after Pakistan announced Saudi's assent to provide rescue aid to the country, Pakistani shares escalated 3.3 per cent in early trading on Wednesday. The Pakistan Stock Exchange's benchmark 100-share index rose 1,256.29 points to trade at 38,971.19 at 10.34 am (0534 GMT), according to the bourse's website. Islamabad on Tuesday said that Saudi Arabi had agreed to give Pakistan $3 billion in foreign currency support for a year and a further loan worth up to $3 billion in deferred payments for oil imports to help revive the country looming under economic crisis. The agreement was announced as the new Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan attended a Saudi investment conference in Riyadh on Tuesday. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistani stocks jump 3.3% on Saudi offer of $6 billion rescue package

Gulf ally the United Arab Emirates on Saturday hailed Saudi Arabia for its response to the death of critic Jamal Khashoggi, who was killed inside the kingdom's Istanbul consulate.

"The United Arab Emirates welcomes the decisions and the directives by King Salman," regarding the Khashoggi affair, state news agency WAM said.

Earlier on Saturday, Riyadh announced the arrest of 18 Saudis and the sacking of two top aides of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as part of its probe into the killing.

Saudi Arabia's acknowledgement that Khashoggi died came after two weeks of denials and growing demands from Western allies for an explanation over Khashoggi's disappearance, which galvanized a global outcry and prompted some US lawmakers to call for harsh action against Riyadh.

Khashoggi, a critic of the crown prince, went missing after entering the consulate on October 2 to obtain documents for his upcoming marriage. Days later, Turkish officials said they believed he was killed in the building, an allegation that Saudi Arabia had, until now, strenuously denied.

In a separate statement on Saturday, the Saudi public prosecutor said a fight broke out between Khashoggi and people who met him in the consulate, leading to his death.

(With inputs from news agencies)

Gulf ally the United Arab Emirates on Saturday hailed Saudi Arabia for its response to the death of critic Jamal Khashoggi, who was killed inside the kingdom's Istanbul consulate.

Gulf ally the United Arab Emirates on Saturday hailed Saudi Arabia for its response to the death of critic Jamal Khashoggi, who was killed inside the kingdom's Istanbul consulate. "The United Arab Emirates welcomes the decisions and the directives by King Salman," regarding the Khashoggi affair, state news agency WAM said. Earlier on Saturday, Riyadh announced the arrest of 18 Saudis and the sacking of two top aides of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as part of its probe into the killing. Saudi Arabia's acknowledgement that Khashoggi died came after two weeks of denials and growing demands from Western allies for an explanation over Khashoggi's disappearance, which galvanized a global outcry and prompted some US lawmakers to call for harsh action against Riyadh. Khashoggi, a critic of the crown prince, went missing after entering the consulate on October 2 to obtain documents for his upcoming marriage. Days later, Turkish officials said they believed he was killed in the building, an allegation that Saudi Arabia had, until now, strenuously denied. In a separate statement on Saturday, the Saudi public prosecutor said a fight broke out between Khashoggi and people who met him in the consulate, leading to his death. (With inputs from news agencies)

Gulf ally UAE hails Saudi response on Khashoggi

US&nbsp;Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Thursday said he would no longer attend next week’s investment conference in Saudi Arabia, as the Trump administration awaited the outcome of investigations into missing Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Mnuchin announced the decision in a post on Twitter following a meeting with President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who recently returned from meetings with top leaders in Riyadh and Ankara.

“Just met with @realDonaldTrump and @SecPompeo and we have decided, I will not be participating in the Future Investment Initiative summit in Saudi Arabia,” Mnuchin wrote on Twitter.

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Just met with <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecPompeo</a> and we have decided, I will not be participating in the Future Investment Initiative summit in Saudi Arabia.
— Steven Mnuchin (@stevenmnuchin1) <a href="https://twitter.com/stevenmnuchin1/status/1052944784355205120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Saudis have said they plan to move forward with the conference, scheduled for October&nbsp;23-25, despite a wave of cancellations by high-profile business, government and media leaders.

Mnuchin’s withdrawal comes after top financial, trade and foreign officials from Britain, France, Germany and the Netherlands also dropped out.

Trump has urged patience in the wake of US-based Khashoggi’s disappearance earlier this month during a visit to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, and said he took the matter seriously.

Turkish officials have said they believe Khashoggi - a Washington Post columnist who was a strong critic of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman - was murdered at the consulate and his body chopped up and removed.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Thursday said he would no longer attend next week’s investment conference in Saudi Arabia, as the Trump administration awaited the outcome of investigations into missing Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Thursday said he would no longer attend next week’s investment conference in Saudi Arabia, as the Trump administration awaited the outcome of investigations into missing Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Mnuchin announced the decision in a post on Twitter following a meeting with President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who recently returned from meetings with top leaders in Riyadh and Ankara. “Just met with @realDonaldTrump and @SecPompeo and we have decided, I will not be participating in the Future Investment Initiative summit in Saudi Arabia,” Mnuchin wrote on Twitter. Just met with @realDonaldTrump and @SecPompeo and we have decided, I will not be participating in the Future Investment Initiative summit in Saudi Arabia. — Steven Mnuchin (@stevenmnuchin1) October 18, 2018 × The Saudis have said they plan to move forward with the conference, scheduled for October 23-25, despite a wave of cancellations by high-profile business, government and media leaders. Mnuchin’s withdrawal comes after top financial, trade and foreign officials from Britain, France, Germany and the Netherlands also dropped out. Trump has urged patience in the wake of US-based Khashoggi’s disappearance earlier this month during a visit to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, and said he took the matter seriously. Turkish officials have said they believe Khashoggi - a Washington Post columnist who was a strong critic of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman - was murdered at the consulate and his body chopped up and removed.

US Treasury Secretary Mnuchin withdraws from Saudi conference

So grave is the fallout from the disappearance of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi that King Salman has felt compelled to intervene, five sources with links to the Saudi royal family said.

Last Thursday, October&nbsp;11, the king dispatched his most trusted aide, Prince Khaled al-Faisal, governor of Mecca, to Istanbul to try to defuse the crisis.

World leaders were demanding an explanation and concern was growing in parts of the royal court that the king's son Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to whom he has delegated vast powers, was struggling to contain the fallout, the sources said.

During Prince Khaled's visit, Turkey and Saudi Arabia agreed to form a joint working group to investigate Khashoggi's disappearance. The king subsequently ordered the Saudi public prosecutor to open an inquiry based on its findings.

"The selection of Khaled, a senior royal with high status, is telling as he is the king's personal adviser, his right hand man and has had very strong ties and a friendship with (Turkish President) Erdogan," said a Saudi source with links to government circles.

Since the meeting between Prince Khaled and Erdogan, King Salman has been "asserting himself" in managing the affair, according to a different source, a Saudi businessman who lives abroad but is close to royal circles.

Saudi officials did not immediately respond to Reuters questions about the king's involvement in helping to supervise the crisis. A spokesman for Prince Khaled referred Reuters to government representatives in Riyadh.

Khashoggi, a US&nbsp;resident and leading critic of Prince Mohammed, vanished after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2. Turkish officials say they believe the Saudi journalist was murdered there and his body removed, allegations which Saudi Arabia has strongly denied.

Initially the king, who has handed the day-to-day running of Saudi Arabia to his son, commonly known as MbS, was unaware of the extent of the crisis, according to two of the sources with knowledge of the Saudi royal court. That was partly because MbS aides had been directing the king to glowing news about the country on Saudi TV channels, the sources said.

That changed as the crisis grew.

"Even if MbS wanted to keep this away from the king he couldn't because the story about Khashoggi's disappearance was on all the Arab and Saudi TV channels watched by the king," one of the five sources said.

"The king started asking aides and MbS about it. MbS had to tell him and asked him to intervene when Khashoggi’s case became a global crisis," this source said.

Since he acceded to the throne in January 2015, the king has given MbS, his favourite son, increasing authority to run Saudi Arabia. But the king's latest intervention reflects growing disquiet among some members of the royal court about MbS's fitness to govern, the five sources said.

MbS, 33, has implemented a series of high-profile social and economic reforms since his father's accession, including ending a ban on women driving and opening cinemas in the conservative kingdom.

But he has also marginalized senior members of the royal family and consolidated control over Saudi's security and intelligence agencies.

His reforms have been accompanied by a crackdown on dissent, a purge of top royals and businessmen on corruption charges, and a costly war in Yemen.

Khashoggi's disappearance has further tarnished the crown prince's reputation, deepening questions among Western allies and some Saudis about his leadership.

"Even if he is his favourite son, the king needs to have a comprehensive view for his survival and the survival of the royal family," said a fourth Saudi source with links to the royal court.

"In the end it will snowball on all of them."

Saudi officials did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.

Miscalculation

Saudi Arabia has repeatedly denied any role in Khashoggi's disappearance. But the sources familiar with the royal court said the reaction from the United States, an ally for decades, had contributed to the king's intervention.

"When the situation got out of control and there was an uproar in the United States, MbS informed his father that there was a problem and that they have to face it," another source with knowledge of the royal court said.

The crown prince and his aides had initially thought the crisis would pass but they "miscalculated its repercussions", this source said.

Turkish officials have made clear they believe Khashoggi was killed inside the consulate, and two Turkish sources have told Reuters police have audio recordings to back up that assertion.

US&nbsp;Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican close to President Donald Trump, on Tuesday accused MbS of ordering Khashoggi's murder and called him a "wrecking ball" who is jeopardizing relations with the United States. He did not say what evidence he was basing the allegation on.

Trump said on Thursday he presumed Khashoggi was dead but that he still wanted to get to the bottom of what exactly happened. Asked what would be the consequences for Saudi Arabia, Trump said: "Well, it'll have to be very severe. I mean, it's bad, bad stuff. But we'll see what happens."

Trump has previously said "rogue killers" may have been responsible and has ruled out cancelling arms deals worth tens of billions of dollars. On Tuesday, Trump said he had spoken with MbS and that the crown prince told him he did not know what had happened in the consulate where Khashoggi went missing.

The case poses a dilemma for the United States, as well as Britain and other Western nations. Saudi Arabia is the world's top oil exporter, spends lavishly on Western arms and is an ally in efforts to contain the influence of Iran.

But in a sign of the damage, a succession of international banking and business chiefs, including IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde, JP Morgan Chief Executive Jamie Dimon and Ford Chairman Bill Ford, have pulled out of a high-profile investment conference in Saudi Arabia this month.

US&nbsp;Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Thursday also abandoned plans to attend, as did Britain's trade minister and the French and Dutch finance ministers, putting the event in question.

Saudi officials have said they plan to move forward with the conference, scheduled for October&nbsp;23-25, despite the wave of cancellations.

Neither JP Morgan nor Ford would elaborate on the reasons for the decision not to attend and did not comment on whether concerns about the disappearance of Khashoggi were a factor.

Lagarde had previously said she was "horrified" by media reports about Khashoggi's disappearance. An IMF spokesperson did not give a reason for her deferring her trip to the Middle East.

Taking control

Before the king's intervention, Saudi authorities had been striking a defiant tone, threatening on Sunday to retaliate with greater action against the US&nbsp;and others if sanctions are imposed over Khashoggi's disappearance. A Saudi-owned media outlet warned the result would be disruption in Saudi oil production and a sharp rise in world oil prices.

"Reaction and threats to the possible sanctions of the last 24 hours were still (coming) from the crown prince," the businessman close to royal circles said on Monday. "The king is now holding the file personally ... and the tone is very different."

The king has spoken directly with Erdogan and Trump in recent days. Both the king and his son met US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo when he visited Riyadh on Tuesday.

King Salman, 82, spent decades as part of the inner circle of the Al Saud dynasty, which long ruled by consensus. In four decades as governor of Riyadh, he earned a reputation as a royal enforcer who punished princes who were out of line.

Whether he is willing or able to resume that role in this crisis remains unclear, palace insiders say. One source with links to the royal court said the king was "captivated" by MbS and ultimately would protect him.

Still, there is precedent for the king's intervention.

He stepped in this year to shelve the planned listing of national oil company Saudi Aramco, the brainchild of MbS and a cornerstone of his economic reforms, three sources with ties to government insiders told Reuters in August. Saudi officials have said the government remains committed to the plans.

And when MbS gave the impression last year that Riyadh endorsed the Trump administration’s still nebulous Middle East peace plan, including US&nbsp;recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, the king made a public correction, reaffirming Riyadh's commitment to the Arab and Muslim identity of the city.

Despite these rare instances of pushback, several of the sources close to the royal family said that King Salman had grown increasingly detached from decisions taken by MbS.

"He has been living in an artificially-created bubble," said one of the sources. Lately, though, the king's advisers have grown frustrated and begun warning him of the risks of leaving the crown prince's power unchecked.

"The people around him are starting to tell him to wake up to what's happening," the source said.

 
&nbsp;

So grave is the fallout from the disappearance of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi that King Salman has felt compelled to intervene, five sources with links to the Saudi royal family said.

So grave is the fallout from the disappearance of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi that King Salman has felt compelled to intervene, five sources with links to the Saudi royal family said. Last Thursday, October 11, the king dispatched his most trusted aide, Prince Khaled al-Faisal, governor of Mecca, to Istanbul to try to defuse the crisis. World leaders were demanding an explanation and concern was growing in parts of the royal court that the king's son Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to whom he has delegated vast powers, was struggling to contain the fallout, the sources said. During Prince Khaled's visit, Turkey and Saudi Arabia agreed to form a joint working group to investigate Khashoggi's disappearance. The king subsequently ordered the Saudi public prosecutor to open an inquiry based on its findings. "The selection of Khaled, a senior royal with high status, is telling as he is the king's personal adviser, his right hand man and has had very strong ties and a friendship with (Turkish President) Erdogan," said a Saudi source with links to government circles. Since the meeting between Prince Khaled and Erdogan, King Salman has been "asserting himself" in managing the affair, according to a different source, a Saudi businessman who lives abroad but is close to royal circles. Saudi officials did not immediately respond to Reuters questions about the king's involvement in helping to supervise the crisis. A spokesman for Prince Khaled referred Reuters to government representatives in Riyadh. Khashoggi, a US resident and leading critic of Prince Mohammed, vanished after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2. Turkish officials say they believe the Saudi journalist was murdered there and his body removed, allegations which Saudi Arabia has strongly denied. Initially the king, who has handed the day-to-day running of Saudi Arabia to his son, commonly known as MbS, was unaware of the extent of the crisis, according to two of the sources with knowledge of the Saudi royal court. That was partly because MbS aides had been directing the king to glowing news about the country on Saudi TV channels, the sources said. That changed as the crisis grew. "Even if MbS wanted to keep this away from the king he couldn't because the story about Khashoggi's disappearance was on all the Arab and Saudi TV channels watched by the king," one of the five sources said. "The king started asking aides and MbS about it. MbS had to tell him and asked him to intervene when Khashoggi’s case became a global crisis," this source said. Since he acceded to the throne in January 2015, the king has given MbS, his favourite son, increasing authority to run Saudi Arabia. But the king's latest intervention reflects growing disquiet among some members of the royal court about MbS's fitness to govern, the five sources said. MbS, 33, has implemented a series of high-profile social and economic reforms since his father's accession, including ending a ban on women driving and opening cinemas in the conservative kingdom. But he has also marginalized senior members of the royal family and consolidated control over Saudi's security and intelligence agencies. His reforms have been accompanied by a crackdown on dissent, a purge of top royals and businessmen on corruption charges, and a costly war in Yemen. Khashoggi's disappearance has further tarnished the crown prince's reputation, deepening questions among Western allies and some Saudis about his leadership. "Even if he is his favourite son, the king needs to have a comprehensive view for his survival and the survival of the royal family," said a fourth Saudi source with links to the royal court. "In the end it will snowball on all of them." Saudi officials did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment. Miscalculation Saudi Arabia has repeatedly denied any role in Khashoggi's disappearance. But the sources familiar with the royal court said the reaction from the United States, an ally for decades, had contributed to the king's intervention. "When the situation got out of control and there was an uproar in the United States, MbS informed his father that there was a problem and that they have to face it," another source with knowledge of the royal court said. The crown prince and his aides had initially thought the crisis would pass but they "miscalculated its repercussions", this source said. Turkish officials have made clear they believe Khashoggi was killed inside the consulate, and two Turkish sources have told Reuters police have audio recordings to back up that assertion. US Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican close to President Donald Trump, on Tuesday accused MbS of ordering Khashoggi's murder and called him a "wrecking ball" who is jeopardizing relations with the United States. He did not say what evidence he was basing the allegation on. Trump said on Thursday he presumed Khashoggi was dead but that he still wanted to get to the bottom of what exactly happened. Asked what would be the consequences for Saudi Arabia, Trump said: "Well, it'll have to be very severe. I mean, it's bad, bad stuff. But we'll see what happens." Trump has previously said "rogue killers" may have been responsible and has ruled out cancelling arms deals worth tens of billions of dollars. On Tuesday, Trump said he had spoken with MbS and that the crown prince told him he did not know what had happened in the consulate where Khashoggi went missing. The case poses a dilemma for the United States, as well as Britain and other Western nations. Saudi Arabia is the world's top oil exporter, spends lavishly on Western arms and is an ally in efforts to contain the influence of Iran. But in a sign of the damage, a succession of international banking and business chiefs, including IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde, JP Morgan Chief Executive Jamie Dimon and Ford Chairman Bill Ford, have pulled out of a high-profile investment conference in Saudi Arabia this month. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Thursday also abandoned plans to attend, as did Britain's trade minister and the French and Dutch finance ministers, putting the event in question. Saudi officials have said they plan to move forward with the conference, scheduled for October 23-25, despite the wave of cancellations. Neither JP Morgan nor Ford would elaborate on the reasons for the decision not to attend and did not comment on whether concerns about the disappearance of Khashoggi were a factor. Lagarde had previously said she was "horrified" by media reports about Khashoggi's disappearance. An IMF spokesperson did not give a reason for her deferring her trip to the Middle East. Taking control Before the king's intervention, Saudi authorities had been striking a defiant tone, threatening on Sunday to retaliate with greater action against the US and others if sanctions are imposed over Khashoggi's disappearance. A Saudi-owned media outlet warned the result would be disruption in Saudi oil production and a sharp rise in world oil prices. "Reaction and threats to the possible sanctions of the last 24 hours were still (coming) from the crown prince," the businessman close to royal circles said on Monday. "The king is now holding the file personally ... and the tone is very different." The king has spoken directly with Erdogan and Trump in recent days. Both the king and his son met US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo when he visited Riyadh on Tuesday. King Salman, 82, spent decades as part of the inner circle of the Al Saud dynasty, which long ruled by consensus. In four decades as governor of Riyadh, he earned a reputation as a royal enforcer who punished princes who were out of line. Whether he is willing or able to resume that role in this crisis remains unclear, palace insiders say. One source with links to the royal court said the king was "captivated" by MbS and ultimately would protect him. Still, there is precedent for the king's intervention. He stepped in this year to shelve the planned listing of national oil company Saudi Aramco, the brainchild of MbS and a cornerstone of his economic reforms, three sources with ties to government insiders told Reuters in August. Saudi officials have said the government remains committed to the plans. And when MbS gave the impression last year that Riyadh endorsed the Trump administration’s still nebulous Middle East peace plan, including US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, the king made a public correction, reaffirming Riyadh's commitment to the Arab and Muslim identity of the city. Despite these rare instances of pushback, several of the sources close to the royal family said that King Salman had grown increasingly detached from decisions taken by MbS. "He has been living in an artificially-created bubble," said one of the sources. Lately, though, the king's advisers have grown frustrated and begun warning him of the risks of leaving the crown prince's power unchecked. "The people around him are starting to tell him to wake up to what's happening," the source said.

As Khashoggi crisis grows, Saudi king asserts authority, checks son's power: Report

President Donald Trump said Thursday he now believes journalist Jamal Khashoggi is dead and warned of "very severe" consequences should Saudi Arabia be proven responsible.

"It certainly looks that way to me. It's very sad," Trump told journalists when asked if he believed that Khashoggi, who disappeared more than two weeks ago, is no longer alive.

Asked about the potential US response to Saudi Arabia, which is accused of murdering the Washington Post columnist and critic of the Saudi regime, Trump said: "It will have to be very severe. It's bad, bad stuff."

This marked a hardening of tone from the Trump administration, which has been reluctant to blame ally Saudi Arabia, despite mounting evidence that the kingdom's agents killed and dismembered Khashoggi inside its consulate in Istanbul more than two weeks ago.

A former regime insider, Khashoggi had become a critic of powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the point man in ever-tightening military and commercial relations between the petro-state and the Trump administration.

Just hours earlier, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he had told Trump the Saudis should be given "a few more days to complete" an investigation.

Only then, Pompeo said, "we can make decisions how or if the United States should respond."

In a possible sign of how the Saudis will seek to defuse the diplomatic crisis, The New York Times reported that the country's rulers could come out and blame General Ahmed al-Assiri, a top intelligence official close to the crown prince.

Call for UN probe&nbsp;

Four prominent human rights and press freedom groups on Thursday urged Turkey to request a United Nations investigation to prevent a "whitewash" of the alleged crime.

The Committee to Protect Journalists, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders said such a probe established by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres would finally clear up the affair.

But the United States, the Saudis' most powerful patron, has repeatedly given the country's royals the benefit of the doubt, with Trump and top officials stressing that the US-Saudi relationship cannot be put at risk.

Trump has repeatedly praised massive Saudi arms purchases, while Pompeo used much of his brief remarks on Thursday to recall Washington's "long strategic relationship with the kingdom of Saudi Arabia."

The Saudis "continue to be an important counter-terrorism partner, they have custody of the two holy sites... We need to be mindful of that as well," he said.

Market takes a hit&nbsp;

The furor has also blown a hole in next week's Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh, which was meant to showcase Prince Mohammed's plans for modernizing the desert kingdom.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said he was pulling out, joining senior ministers from Britain, France and the Netherlands, as well as a string of corporate leaders.

Mnuchin's announcement on Twitter helped push down stock prices on Wall Street.

His withdrawal "raises worry that the administration is being pushed to take a harder line against Saudi Arabia over the Khashoggi murder and there could be retaliation," said Karl Haeling of LBBW.

Responses from Saudi Arabia could include selling US Treasuries, or punishing US companies seeking business in the kingdom, Haeling said.

Most analysts don't think Saudi Arabia would cut off oil supplies.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, meanwhile, took a dig at Washington, saying that "the US holds a certain responsibility over what happened to him."

But he said Moscow would not "start deteriorating relations" with Saudi Arabia as long as "it did not know what really happened."

Gory details&nbsp;

Neither Turkey nor the United States has publicly confirmed that Khashoggi is dead or said officially that Riyadh is to blame.

But a steady stream of unconfirmed leaks from officials to Turkish media have painted a detailed and horrifying picture of Khashoggi's last minutes, allegedly at the hands of 15 Saudi agents waiting for him when he came to the consulate for paperwork.

The pro-government Yeni Safak newspaper on Wednesday claimed it had heard audio tapes in which Khashoggi's alleged killers tortured him by cutting his fingers off before his decapitation.

The pro-government Sabah newspaper on Thursday said Saudi security official Maher Abdulaziz Mutreb, believed to be close to the crown prince, was the leader of the operation.

"Here is the head of the execution team," said Sabah's headline, and the paper then detailed Mutreb's movements on the day Khashoggi went missing.

President Donald Trump said Thursday he now believes journalist Jamal Khashoggi is dead and warned of "very severe" consequences should Saudi Arabia be proven responsible.

President Donald Trump said Thursday he now believes journalist Jamal Khashoggi is dead and warned of "very severe" consequences should Saudi Arabia be proven responsible. "It certainly looks that way to me. It's very sad," Trump told journalists when asked if he believed that Khashoggi, who disappeared more than two weeks ago, is no longer alive. Asked about the potential US response to Saudi Arabia, which is accused of murdering the Washington Post columnist and critic of the Saudi regime, Trump said: "It will have to be very severe. It's bad, bad stuff." This marked a hardening of tone from the Trump administration, which has been reluctant to blame ally Saudi Arabia, despite mounting evidence that the kingdom's agents killed and dismembered Khashoggi inside its consulate in Istanbul more than two weeks ago. A former regime insider, Khashoggi had become a critic of powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the point man in ever-tightening military and commercial relations between the petro-state and the Trump administration. Just hours earlier, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he had told Trump the Saudis should be given "a few more days to complete" an investigation. Only then, Pompeo said, "we can make decisions how or if the United States should respond." In a possible sign of how the Saudis will seek to defuse the diplomatic crisis, The New York Times reported that the country's rulers could come out and blame General Ahmed al-Assiri, a top intelligence official close to the crown prince. Call for UN probe Four prominent human rights and press freedom groups on Thursday urged Turkey to request a United Nations investigation to prevent a "whitewash" of the alleged crime. The Committee to Protect Journalists, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders said such a probe established by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres would finally clear up the affair. But the United States, the Saudis' most powerful patron, has repeatedly given the country's royals the benefit of the doubt, with Trump and top officials stressing that the US-Saudi relationship cannot be put at risk. Trump has repeatedly praised massive Saudi arms purchases, while Pompeo used much of his brief remarks on Thursday to recall Washington's "long strategic relationship with the kingdom of Saudi Arabia." The Saudis "continue to be an important counter-terrorism partner, they have custody of the two holy sites... We need to be mindful of that as well," he said. Market takes a hit The furor has also blown a hole in next week's Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh, which was meant to showcase Prince Mohammed's plans for modernizing the desert kingdom. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said he was pulling out, joining senior ministers from Britain, France and the Netherlands, as well as a string of corporate leaders. Mnuchin's announcement on Twitter helped push down stock prices on Wall Street. His withdrawal "raises worry that the administration is being pushed to take a harder line against Saudi Arabia over the Khashoggi murder and there could be retaliation," said Karl Haeling of LBBW. Responses from Saudi Arabia could include selling US Treasuries, or punishing US companies seeking business in the kingdom, Haeling said. Most analysts don't think Saudi Arabia would cut off oil supplies. Russian President Vladimir Putin, meanwhile, took a dig at Washington, saying that "the US holds a certain responsibility over what happened to him." But he said Moscow would not "start deteriorating relations" with Saudi Arabia as long as "it did not know what really happened." Gory details Neither Turkey nor the United States has publicly confirmed that Khashoggi is dead or said officially that Riyadh is to blame. But a steady stream of unconfirmed leaks from officials to Turkish media have painted a detailed and horrifying picture of Khashoggi's last minutes, allegedly at the hands of 15 Saudi agents waiting for him when he came to the consulate for paperwork. The pro-government Yeni Safak newspaper on Wednesday claimed it had heard audio tapes in which Khashoggi's alleged killers tortured him by cutting his fingers off before his decapitation. The pro-government Sabah newspaper on Thursday said Saudi security official Maher Abdulaziz Mutreb, believed to be close to the crown prince, was the leader of the operation. "Here is the head of the execution team," said Sabah's headline, and the paper then detailed Mutreb's movements on the day Khashoggi went missing.

Trump says Saudi journalist likely dead, warns of 'severe' response

British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said on Friday that allegations regarding the case of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi would be totally unacceptable if true but any response by Britain would be "considered".

"Part of our reaction will depend on the Saudi reaction, and whether we sense that they are taking it as seriously as we are taking it. But this is a very, very serious matter," Hunt told BBC radio.

"Our relationship with Saudi is a strategic relationship as well. Our response will be considered... (but) in the end, if these stories are true, we have to be absolutely clear, it would not be consistent with our values."

Turkish officials have said they believe Khashoggi was murdered at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Riyadh denies the allegations.

British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said on Friday that allegations regarding the case of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi would be totally unacceptable if true but any response by Britain would be "considered".

British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said on Friday that allegations regarding the case of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi would be totally unacceptable if true but any response by Britain would be "considered". "Part of our reaction will depend on the Saudi reaction, and whether we sense that they are taking it as seriously as we are taking it. But this is a very, very serious matter," Hunt told BBC radio. "Our relationship with Saudi is a strategic relationship as well. Our response will be considered... (but) in the end, if these stories are true, we have to be absolutely clear, it would not be consistent with our values." Turkish officials have said they believe Khashoggi was murdered at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Riyadh denies the allegations.

UK says any response over Khashoggi case would be 'considered'

President Donald Trump on Wednesday denied covering up for ally Saudi Arabia in the suspected murder of a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/missing-saudi-journalist-was-decapitated-report-171928">critical journalist</a> and said that he should know what happened to Jamal Khashoggi within days.

"No not at all, I just want to find out what's happening," Trump told reporters in the White House when asked if his consistently cautious approach to the scandal amounts to a cover-up. "I'm not giving cover at all."

The president said he would get a "full report" from Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on the diplomat's return from meetings with Saudi and Turkish leaders and that he'd then know the truth.

"We will probably know that by the end of the week," Trump said.

His comments followed publication in pro-government Turkish media of allegations purporting to confirm that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-considers-admitting-khashoggi-died-in-botched-interrogation-reports-171638">Khashoggi was not just murdered</a> by Saudi agents in their consulate in Istanbul, but dismembered.

According to the reports, the assassination squad included agents tied to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a powerful figure in the Saudi royal family and lynchpin in the trend toward ever-tightening relations with the White House.

The US president has been on the defensive ever since Khashoggi -- a US resident and Washington Post contributor who had criticized Prince Mohammed -- vanished on October 2 after visiting the Istanbul consulate.

The controversy has blown a massive hole in Prince Mohammed's bid to promote himself as the modern face of Saudi Arabia and led to a spate of cancelations by attendees at a major Riyadh investment conference scheduled next week.

But Trump has slow-pedaled on the possibility of action against Saudi Arabia, which he has repeatedly praised as a historic customer for the US weapons industry. Earlier Wednesday, he told Fox Business that the US relies on the kingdom in the fight against terrorism.

After talks with the Saudi leadership in Riyadh marked by expressions of mutual goodwill, Pompeo met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara.

But Pompeo was tight-lipped, telling journalists he did not want "to talk about any of the facts."

Turkish police on Wednesday began searching the residence of the Saudi consul in Istanbul for their investigation, with forensics experts in white overalls entering the building, an AFP correspondent said.

The Saudi consul Mohammed al-Otaibi left Istanbul for Riyadh on a scheduled Saudia flight Tuesday afternoon, with Ankara insisting he had not been expelled but left of his own choice.

Turkish police on Monday night also carried out an eight-hour search at the consulate itself, taking away soil and DNA samples. Erdogan said toxic material was found which had been "painted over".

Several US media outlets said Monday that the Saudis are preparing a report that Khashoggi's death resulted from a botched interrogation. However there has yet to be any sign of this being published.

Pro-government Turkish daily Yeni Safak reported it had heard audio recordings of Khashoggi being tortured during an interrogation, having his fingers cut off and then being decapitated.

It said al-Otaibi can be heard on one tape saying during Khashoggi's torture: "Do this outside. You are going to get me in trouble."

The daily reported that in another tape, an unknown individual tells Otaibi: "If you want to live when you return to Saudi Arabia, be quiet!"

The New York Times reported Tuesday that a suspect identified by Turkey was a frequent companion of the prince's. Three other suspects are linked to his security detail and a fifth is a high-level forensic doctor, the Times said.

International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde was the latest to pull out of Prince Mohammed's much-trumpeted investment conference next week. An IMF spokesman said she had postponed her planned trip to the Middle East with a stop in Saudi Arabia.

Pompeo came to Ankara after Riyadh where he held a 20-minute talk with King Salman and then a brief meeting and much lengthier dinner with his son Prince Mohammed.

The top US diplomat said that in Saudi Arabia he stressed the "importance of them conducting a complete investigation."

"They made a commitment that they would show the entire world the results of their investigation," said Pompeo, adding Saudi also vowed that no-one would have immunity.

Pompeo held 40 minutes of talks at the airport with Erdogan.&nbsp;

Interviewed by state-run Anadolu news agency, Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu refused to be drawn into commenting on what may have happened inside the consulate.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday denied covering up for ally Saudi Arabia in the suspected murder of a critical journalist and said that he should know what happened to Jamal Khashoggi within days.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday denied covering up for ally Saudi Arabia in the suspected murder of a critical journalist and said that he should know what happened to Jamal Khashoggi within days. "No not at all, I just want to find out what's happening," Trump told reporters in the White House when asked if his consistently cautious approach to the scandal amounts to a cover-up. "I'm not giving cover at all." The president said he would get a "full report" from Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on the diplomat's return from meetings with Saudi and Turkish leaders and that he'd then know the truth. "We will probably know that by the end of the week," Trump said. His comments followed publication in pro-government Turkish media of allegations purporting to confirm that Khashoggi was not just murdered by Saudi agents in their consulate in Istanbul, but dismembered. According to the reports, the assassination squad included agents tied to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a powerful figure in the Saudi royal family and lynchpin in the trend toward ever-tightening relations with the White House. The US president has been on the defensive ever since Khashoggi -- a US resident and Washington Post contributor who had criticized Prince Mohammed -- vanished on October 2 after visiting the Istanbul consulate. The controversy has blown a massive hole in Prince Mohammed's bid to promote himself as the modern face of Saudi Arabia and led to a spate of cancelations by attendees at a major Riyadh investment conference scheduled next week. But Trump has slow-pedaled on the possibility of action against Saudi Arabia, which he has repeatedly praised as a historic customer for the US weapons industry. Earlier Wednesday, he told Fox Business that the US relies on the kingdom in the fight against terrorism. After talks with the Saudi leadership in Riyadh marked by expressions of mutual goodwill, Pompeo met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara. But Pompeo was tight-lipped, telling journalists he did not want "to talk about any of the facts." Turkish police on Wednesday began searching the residence of the Saudi consul in Istanbul for their investigation, with forensics experts in white overalls entering the building, an AFP correspondent said. The Saudi consul Mohammed al-Otaibi left Istanbul for Riyadh on a scheduled Saudia flight Tuesday afternoon, with Ankara insisting he had not been expelled but left of his own choice. Turkish police on Monday night also carried out an eight-hour search at the consulate itself, taking away soil and DNA samples. Erdogan said toxic material was found which had been "painted over". Several US media outlets said Monday that the Saudis are preparing a report that Khashoggi's death resulted from a botched interrogation. However there has yet to be any sign of this being published. Pro-government Turkish daily Yeni Safak reported it had heard audio recordings of Khashoggi being tortured during an interrogation, having his fingers cut off and then being decapitated. It said al-Otaibi can be heard on one tape saying during Khashoggi's torture: "Do this outside. You are going to get me in trouble." The daily reported that in another tape, an unknown individual tells Otaibi: "If you want to live when you return to Saudi Arabia, be quiet!" The New York Times reported Tuesday that a suspect identified by Turkey was a frequent companion of the prince's. Three other suspects are linked to his security detail and a fifth is a high-level forensic doctor, the Times said. International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde was the latest to pull out of Prince Mohammed's much-trumpeted investment conference next week. An IMF spokesman said she had postponed her planned trip to the Middle East with a stop in Saudi Arabia. Pompeo came to Ankara after Riyadh where he held a 20-minute talk with King Salman and then a brief meeting and much lengthier dinner with his son Prince Mohammed. The top US diplomat said that in Saudi Arabia he stressed the "importance of them conducting a complete investigation." "They made a commitment that they would show the entire world the results of their investigation," said Pompeo, adding Saudi also vowed that no-one would have immunity. Pompeo held 40 minutes of talks at the airport with Erdogan. Interviewed by state-run Anadolu news agency, Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu refused to be drawn into commenting on what may have happened inside the consulate.

Jamal Khashoggi case: Trump says he is not covering for Saudis, truth will be out in days

President Donald Trump said Wednesday he did not want to walk away from Saudi Arabia over the disappearance and alleged killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, arguing the US relies on the kingdom in the fight against terrorism.

Asked during an interview on Fox Business what action he had in mind for Riyadh if he learned it was responsible, Trump said: "Well, I hope we're going to be on the better side of the equation."

"You know we need Saudi Arabia in terms of our fight against all of the terrorism, everything that's happening in Iran and other places."

Asked if the US would not then walk away from Saudi Arabia, he said: "I do not want to do that and frankly they have a tremendous order, $110 billion." The reference was to promised US arms sales to the kingdom.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump said Wednesday he did not want to walk away from Saudi Arabia over the disappearance and alleged killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, arguing the US relies on the kingdom in the fight against terrorism.

President Donald Trump said Wednesday he did not want to walk away from Saudi Arabia over the disappearance and alleged killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, arguing the US relies on the kingdom in the fight against terrorism. Asked during an interview on Fox Business what action he had in mind for Riyadh if he learned it was responsible, Trump said: "Well, I hope we're going to be on the better side of the equation." "You know we need Saudi Arabia in terms of our fight against all of the terrorism, everything that's happening in Iran and other places." Asked if the US would not then walk away from Saudi Arabia, he said: "I do not want to do that and frankly they have a tremendous order, $110 billion." The reference was to promised US arms sales to the kingdom.

Trump says US needs Saudi Arabia in fight against terrorism

Missing Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was 'tortured': Report

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-considers-admitting-khashoggi-died-in-botched-interrogation-reports-171638">Saudi considers admitting Khashoggi died in botched interrogation: Reports</a>

Saudi Arabia is considering an admission that journalist Jamal Khashoggi died during an interrogation that went wrong, US media reported on Monday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/imf-should-objectively-and-professionally-evaluate-its-investments-in-pakistan-china-171653">IMF should objectively and professionally evaluate investments in Pakistan: China</a>

As cash-strapped Pakistan approached the IMF for a bailout agreeing to share the details of huge Chinese loans obtained for the CPEC, a wary China on Monday said the global lender should "objectively and professionally" evaluate its investments and ensure that any financial package does not affect close ties between Beijing and Islamabad.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/microsoft-co-founder-paul-allen-dies-of-cancer-at-65-171637">Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen dies of cancer at 65</a>

Microsoft Corp co-founder Paul Allen, the man who persuaded school-friend Bill Gates to drop out of Harvard to start what became the world's biggest software company, died on Monday at the age of 65, his family said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/southgates-three-lions-roar-to-stun-spain-in-seville-171644">UEFA Nations League: Southgate's 'Three Lions' led by Raheem, Rashford stun Spain</a>

England stunned Spain to claim their first UEFA Nations League victory in Seville, last night. A superb first-half showing from England produced two goals from Raheem Sterling to deliver one of their finest victory in the modern era.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-municipal-polls-final-phase-of-voting-begins-171652">J&amp;K municipal polls: Final phase of voting begins</a>

The fourth and final phase of the urban local body polls in 36 wards in central Kashmir's Srinagar and Ganderbal districts has begun. Polling began at 6 am and is slated to end at 4 pm.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Saudi considers admitting Khashoggi died in botched interrogation: Reports Saudi Arabia is considering an admission that journalist Jamal Khashoggi died during an interrogation that went wrong, US media reported on Monday.

Saudi considers admitting Khashoggi died in botched interrogation: Reports Saudi Arabia is considering an admission that journalist Jamal Khashoggi died during an interrogation that went wrong, US media reported on Monday. IMF should objectively and professionally evaluate investments in Pakistan: China As cash-strapped Pakistan approached the IMF for a bailout agreeing to share the details of huge Chinese loans obtained for the CPEC, a wary China on Monday said the global lender should "objectively and professionally" evaluate its investments and ensure that any financial package does not affect close ties between Beijing and Islamabad. Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen dies of cancer at 65 Microsoft Corp co-founder Paul Allen, the man who persuaded school-friend Bill Gates to drop out of Harvard to start what became the world's biggest software company, died on Monday at the age of 65, his family said. UEFA Nations League: Southgate's 'Three Lions' led by Raheem, Rashford stun Spain England stunned Spain to claim their first UEFA Nations League victory in Seville, last night. A superb first-half showing from England produced two goals from Raheem Sterling to deliver one of their finest victory in the modern era. J&K municipal polls: Final phase of voting begins The fourth and final phase of the urban local body polls in 36 wards in central Kashmir's Srinagar and Ganderbal districts has begun. Polling began at 6 am and is slated to end at 4 pm.

News brief: Big stories of the day

A joint Turkish and Saudi team will search the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul on Monday afternoon as part of an investigation into the disappearance of prominent journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a Turkish diplomatic source said.

Khashoggi, a US resident and critic of Riyadh`s policies, disappeared on October 2 after entering his country`s diplomatic mission in Istanbul. Turkey believes he was murdered and his body removed, while Saudi Arabia has denied the allegations.

"It is expected that examinations will be carried out this afternoon," the source said.

Turkey accepted a Saudi proposal last week to form a joint working group to investigate Khashoggi`s disappearance, which has sparked threats of economic sanctions from Western allies.

Prince Khaled al-Faisal, a senior member of Saudi Arabia`s ruling family and adviser to King Salman, has met Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to discuss Khashoggi`s disappearance, according to two sources with knowledge of the matter.

Erdogan and King Salman spoke by telephone on Sunday evening and stressed the importance of the two countries creating the joint working group as part of the investigation.

A joint Turkish and Saudi team will search the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul on Monday afternoon as part of an investigation into the disappearance of prominent journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a Turkish diplomatic source said.

A joint Turkish and Saudi team will search the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul on Monday afternoon as part of an investigation into the disappearance of prominent journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a Turkish diplomatic source said. Khashoggi, a US resident and critic of Riyadh`s policies, disappeared on October 2 after entering his country`s diplomatic mission in Istanbul. Turkey believes he was murdered and his body removed, while Saudi Arabia has denied the allegations. "It is expected that examinations will be carried out this afternoon," the source said. Turkey accepted a Saudi proposal last week to form a joint working group to investigate Khashoggi`s disappearance, which has sparked threats of economic sanctions from Western allies. Prince Khaled al-Faisal, a senior member of Saudi Arabia`s ruling family and adviser to King Salman, has met Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to discuss Khashoggi`s disappearance, according to two sources with knowledge of the matter. Erdogan and King Salman spoke by telephone on Sunday evening and stressed the importance of the two countries creating the joint working group as part of the investigation.

Turkey to search Saudi consulate in missing journalist Khashoggi case: Source

Turkey's foreign minister on Saturday accused Saudi Arabia of so far failing to cooperate in the probe into the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at its consulate in Istanbul and called on Riyadh to grant access to Turkish investigators.

"We still have not seen cooperation in order to ensure a smooth investigation and bring everything to light. We want to see this," Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu was quoted as saying by state-run Anadolu news agency, adding that Riyadh must let Turkish "prosecutors and experts enter the consulate". 
&nbsp;

Turkey's foreign minister on Saturday accused Saudi Arabia of so far failing to cooperate in the probe into the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at its consulate in Istanbul and called on Riyadh to grant access to Turkish investigators.

Turkey's foreign minister on Saturday accused Saudi Arabia of so far failing to cooperate in the probe into the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at its consulate in Istanbul and called on Riyadh to grant access to Turkish investigators. "We still have not seen cooperation in order to ensure a smooth investigation and bring everything to light. We want to see this," Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu was quoted as saying by state-run Anadolu news agency, adding that Riyadh must let Turkish "prosecutors and experts enter the consulate".

Turkey says Saudis not cooperating in missing journalist probe

IMF chief Christine Lagarde said Saturday she was "horrified" by reports about the fate of Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi but still plans to attend an economic meeting in Riyadh this month.

As questions swirl over the fate of Khashoggi -- a Saudi critic who has not been seen since he walked into the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul on October 2 -- some big business names and media outlets have pulled out of the Kingdom's second Future Investment Initiative.&nbsp;

But Lagarde said her plans were unchanged for now, despite international uproar over the case.

"Human rights, freedom of information are essential rights and horrifying things have been reported and I am horrified," she told reporters in Bali where the IMF is holding annual meetings.

"But I have to conduct the business of the IMF in all corners in the world and with many governments."

"When I visit a country, I always speak my mind... So at this point of time my intention is to not change my plans and to be very attentive to the information that is coming out in the next few days."

Her comments came shortly after US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said he also still planned to attend the October 23-25 meeting, dubbed "Davos in the Desert".&nbsp;

"The answer is for now I am" still going, Mnuchin said.

"If more information comes out over the next week, I will obviously take that into account."

"Obviously I want to express concern for Mr. Khashoggi and his family," he added.

"We look forward to getting results of this investigation."

UN chief Antonio Guterres meanwhile told the BBC: "We need to have a strong request for the truth to be clear."

"We need to know exactly what has happened and we need to know exactly who is responsible... we need to find ways in which accountability is also demanded," he added.

The UN secretary general said he felt "this kind of incident is multiplying."

"I am feeling worried (at) this apparent new normal," he said in Bali.

Riyadh on Saturday dismissed accusations that authorities there had ordered Khashoggi be murdered by a hit squad inside its Istanbul consulate as "lies and baseless allegations".

But the row has intensified with the Washington Post reporting that Turkish officials have recordings made from inside the building that allegedly prove their claims Khashoggi was tortured and killed at the consulate.

Bloomberg, the Financial Times, The Economist and The New York Times have withdrawn as media sponsors from the event amid questions about the missing man's fate.

The CEO of ride-hailing app Uber, Dara Khosrowshahi, said that he will no longer be attending the event unless "a substantially different set of facts emerges".

British entrepreneur Richard Branson said he would suspend two directorships linked to tourism projects in Saudi Arabia over the issue.

Amnesty International demanded the Saudi authorities reveal what happened to Khashoggi as it said Riyadh was "responsible at a minimum for enforced disappearance".

IMF chief Christine Lagarde said Saturday she was "horrified" by reports about the fate of Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi but still plans to attend an economic meeting in Riyadh this month.

IMF chief Christine Lagarde said Saturday she was "horrified" by reports about the fate of Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi but still plans to attend an economic meeting in Riyadh this month. As questions swirl over the fate of Khashoggi -- a Saudi critic who has not been seen since he walked into the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul on October 2 -- some big business names and media outlets have pulled out of the Kingdom's second Future Investment Initiative. But Lagarde said her plans were unchanged for now, despite international uproar over the case. "Human rights, freedom of information are essential rights and horrifying things have been reported and I am horrified," she told reporters in Bali where the IMF is holding annual meetings. "But I have to conduct the business of the IMF in all corners in the world and with many governments." "When I visit a country, I always speak my mind... So at this point of time my intention is to not change my plans and to be very attentive to the information that is coming out in the next few days." Her comments came shortly after US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said he also still planned to attend the October 23-25 meeting, dubbed "Davos in the Desert". "The answer is for now I am" still going, Mnuchin said. "If more information comes out over the next week, I will obviously take that into account." "Obviously I want to express concern for Mr. Khashoggi and his family," he added. "We look forward to getting results of this investigation." UN chief Antonio Guterres meanwhile told the BBC: "We need to have a strong request for the truth to be clear." "We need to know exactly what has happened and we need to know exactly who is responsible... we need to find ways in which accountability is also demanded," he added. The UN secretary general said he felt "this kind of incident is multiplying." "I am feeling worried (at) this apparent new normal," he said in Bali. Riyadh on Saturday dismissed accusations that authorities there had ordered Khashoggi be murdered by a hit squad inside its Istanbul consulate as "lies and baseless allegations". But the row has intensified with the Washington Post reporting that Turkish officials have recordings made from inside the building that allegedly prove their claims Khashoggi was tortured and killed at the consulate. Bloomberg, the Financial Times, The Economist and The New York Times have withdrawn as media sponsors from the event amid questions about the missing man's fate. The CEO of ride-hailing app Uber, Dara Khosrowshahi, said that he will no longer be attending the event unless "a substantially different set of facts emerges". British entrepreneur Richard Branson said he would suspend two directorships linked to tourism projects in Saudi Arabia over the issue. Amnesty International demanded the Saudi authorities reveal what happened to Khashoggi as it said Riyadh was "responsible at a minimum for enforced disappearance".

IMF chief 'horrified' by Khashoggi case, still plans Saudi trip

Saudi Arabia has welcomed a joint investigation with Turkey into the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

The country had earlier requested Turkey to form a bilateral level team to investigate the murder of Khashoggi.

A Saudi official source said it was "a positive move" that Turkey had agreed to a Saudi request to form "a bilateral expert-level Joint Action Team to disclose the merits of the Saudi national Jamal bin Ahmed Hamza Khashoggi's disappearance," SPA said.&nbsp;

According to media reports, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-claims-to-have-audio-video-recordings-to-prove-journalist-jamal-khashoggis-murder-171096">Turkey possesses audio and video recordings </a>that prove the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi took place inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

A media report quoted a source as saying that the evidence Turkey has, shows signs of assault and struggle inside the consulate.

Senior journalist Khashoggi, 59, who is a strong critic of the Saudi establishment had taken US citizenship after leaving his country and had written several articles against Saudi Arabia's repressive policies for the Washington Post.

The New York Times revealed on Wednesday that a group of 15 men flew down to Turkey in a private jet in order to kill Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Turkey. The Turkish government openly accused Saudi Arabia of colluding to kill the journalist.

The journalist had entered the Saudi consulate to submit documents seeking a divorce from his wife living in Saudi Arabia so that he could remarry again in Turkey.

Saudi Arabia has denied any hand in Khashoggi's disappearance asserting that he walked out of the consulate from the back door. However, his fiance, Hatice Cengiz, who accompanied him to the consulate on October 2 said he never came out of the consulate as she waited outside.

Turkey had earlier asked Saudi Arabia to present evidence to prove that the missing journalist had left the consulate.

Turkey on Thursday denied a claim by US President Donald Trump that American investigators were collectively working with both Ankara and Riyadh to probe the disappearance of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

(With inputs from agencies)

Saudi Arabia has welcomed a joint investigation with Turkey into the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The country had earlier requested Turkey to form a bilateral level team to investigate the murder of Khashoggi.

Saudi Arabia has welcomed a joint investigation with Turkey into the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The country had earlier requested Turkey to form a bilateral level team to investigate the murder of Khashoggi. A Saudi official source said it was "a positive move" that Turkey had agreed to a Saudi request to form "a bilateral expert-level Joint Action Team to disclose the merits of the Saudi national Jamal bin Ahmed Hamza Khashoggi's disappearance," SPA said. According to media reports, Turkey possesses audio and video recordings that prove the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi took place inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. A media report quoted a source as saying that the evidence Turkey has, shows signs of assault and struggle inside the consulate. Senior journalist Khashoggi, 59, who is a strong critic of the Saudi establishment had taken US citizenship after leaving his country and had written several articles against Saudi Arabia's repressive policies for the Washington Post. The New York Times revealed on Wednesday that a group of 15 men flew down to Turkey in a private jet in order to kill Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Turkey. The Turkish government openly accused Saudi Arabia of colluding to kill the journalist. The journalist had entered the Saudi consulate to submit documents seeking a divorce from his wife living in Saudi Arabia so that he could remarry again in Turkey. Saudi Arabia has denied any hand in Khashoggi's disappearance asserting that he walked out of the consulate from the back door. However, his fiance, Hatice Cengiz, who accompanied him to the consulate on October 2 said he never came out of the consulate as she waited outside. Turkey had earlier asked Saudi Arabia to present evidence to prove that the missing journalist had left the consulate. Turkey on Thursday denied a claim by US President Donald Trump that American investigators were collectively working with both Ankara and Riyadh to probe the disappearance of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. (With inputs from agencies)

Saudis welcome joint Turkey probe into missing journalist Jamal Khashoggi

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Monday called on Riyadh to prove its claim that Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who has been missing since last week, left the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

The disappearance of Khashoggi, previously a prominent newspaper editor in Saudi Arabia and an adviser to its former head of intelligence, has sparked global concern, particularly after Turkish sources said over the weekend that authorities believed he was killed inside the consulate.

Khashoggi left Saudi Arabia last year, saying he feared retribution for his criticism of Saudi policy in the Yemen war and its crackdown on dissent. He entered the consulate in Istanbul last Tuesday to get documents for his forthcoming marriage. Saudi officials say he left shortly afterwards but his fiancee, who was waiting outside, said he never appeared.

"We have to get an outcome from this investigation as soon as possible. The consulate officials cannot save themselves by simply saying 'he has left'," Erdogan told a news conference in Budapest, where he is on an official visit.

Erdogan, who said he was personally following the case, added that Turkey had no documents or evidence regarding the case.

A Saudi source at the consulate has denied that Khashoggi had been killed at the mission and said that the accusations were baseless. The consulate has also denied that Khashoggi was abducted.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, in the first expression of concern by his administration on Khashoggi's disappearance, said he was troubled by reports about the journalist's fate.

"I am concerned about it. I don't like hearing about it. And hopefully, that will sort itself out. Right now nobody knows anything about it, but there are some pretty bad stories going around. I do not like it," he told reporters at the White House.

Khashoggi is a familiar face on political talk shows on Arab satellite television networks and used to advise Prince Turki al-Faisal, former Saudi intelligence chief and ambassador to the United States and Britain.

His disappearance is likely to further deepen divisions between Turkey and Saudi Arabia. Relations were already strained after Turkey sent troops to the Gulf state of Qatar last year in a show of support after its Gulf neighbours, including Saudi Arabia, imposed an embargo on Doha.

Turkey asks to search

Turkey has asked for permission to search Saudi Arabia's consulate in Istanbul, broadcaster NTV said on Monday.

A Turkish official also said Saudi Arabia's envoy to Ankara had been summoned to the foreign ministry for a second time on Sunday. "It has been conveyed to him that we expect full coordination in the investigation process," the official said.

The two Turkish sources told Reuters Turkish authorities to believe Khashoggi was deliberately killed inside the consulate, a view echoed by one of Erdogan's advisers, Yasin Aktay, who is also a friend of the Saudi journalist.

Erdogan told reporters on Sunday that authorities were examining camera footage and airport records as part of their investigation.

Saudi Arabia's consul in Istanbul opened up his mission to Reuters on Saturday in an effort to show that Khashoggi was not on the premises.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Monday called on Riyadh to prove its claim that Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who has been missing since last week, left the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Monday called on Riyadh to prove its claim that Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who has been missing since last week, left the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. The disappearance of Khashoggi, previously a prominent newspaper editor in Saudi Arabia and an adviser to its former head of intelligence, has sparked global concern, particularly after Turkish sources said over the weekend that authorities believed he was killed inside the consulate. Khashoggi left Saudi Arabia last year, saying he feared retribution for his criticism of Saudi policy in the Yemen war and its crackdown on dissent. He entered the consulate in Istanbul last Tuesday to get documents for his forthcoming marriage. Saudi officials say he left shortly afterwards but his fiancee, who was waiting outside, said he never appeared. "We have to get an outcome from this investigation as soon as possible. The consulate officials cannot save themselves by simply saying 'he has left'," Erdogan told a news conference in Budapest, where he is on an official visit. Erdogan, who said he was personally following the case, added that Turkey had no documents or evidence regarding the case. A Saudi source at the consulate has denied that Khashoggi had been killed at the mission and said that the accusations were baseless. The consulate has also denied that Khashoggi was abducted. US President Donald Trump, in the first expression of concern by his administration on Khashoggi's disappearance, said he was troubled by reports about the journalist's fate. "I am concerned about it. I don't like hearing about it. And hopefully, that will sort itself out. Right now nobody knows anything about it, but there are some pretty bad stories going around. I do not like it," he told reporters at the White House. Khashoggi is a familiar face on political talk shows on Arab satellite television networks and used to advise Prince Turki al-Faisal, former Saudi intelligence chief and ambassador to the United States and Britain. His disappearance is likely to further deepen divisions between Turkey and Saudi Arabia. Relations were already strained after Turkey sent troops to the Gulf state of Qatar last year in a show of support after its Gulf neighbours, including Saudi Arabia, imposed an embargo on Doha. Turkey asks to search Turkey has asked for permission to search Saudi Arabia's consulate in Istanbul, broadcaster NTV said on Monday. A Turkish official also said Saudi Arabia's envoy to Ankara had been summoned to the foreign ministry for a second time on Sunday. "It has been conveyed to him that we expect full coordination in the investigation process," the official said. The two Turkish sources told Reuters Turkish authorities to believe Khashoggi was deliberately killed inside the consulate, a view echoed by one of Erdogan's advisers, Yasin Aktay, who is also a friend of the Saudi journalist. Erdogan told reporters on Sunday that authorities were examining camera footage and airport records as part of their investigation. Saudi Arabia's consul in Istanbul opened up his mission to Reuters on Saturday in an effort to show that Khashoggi was not on the premises.

Turkey's Erdogan tells Saudis to prove missing journalist left Istanbul consulate

Saudi's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has brushed off comments from US President Donald Trump that Washington is "subsidising" the kingdom's military, Bloomberg reported Friday.&nbsp;

The crown prince insisted that the kingdom has always paid for armaments from the US.&nbsp;

"Ever since the relationship started between Saudi Arabia and the United States of America, we've bought everything with money," he told Bloomberg in an interview.&nbsp;

Last week Trump asked at a rally "when you have wealthy countries like Saudi Arabia, like Japan, like South Korea, why are we subsidising their military?"

"They'll pay us. The problem is nobody ever asks," he added.&nbsp;

Prince Mohammed downplayed any apparent rift with the US leader and said relations between the two allies remains strong.&nbsp;

"You have to accept that any friend will say good things and bad things. So you cannot have 100 per cent friends saying good things about you," he said.&nbsp;

"You will have some misunderstandings. So we put that in that category."&nbsp;

Saudi's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has brushed off comments from US President Donald Trump that Washington is "subsidising" the kingdom's military, Bloomberg reported Friday.

Saudi's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has brushed off comments from US President Donald Trump that Washington is "subsidising" the kingdom's military, Bloomberg reported Friday. The crown prince insisted that the kingdom has always paid for armaments from the US. "Ever since the relationship started between Saudi Arabia and the United States of America, we've bought everything with money," he told Bloomberg in an interview. Last week Trump asked at a rally "when you have wealthy countries like Saudi Arabia, like Japan, like South Korea, why are we subsidising their military?" "They'll pay us. The problem is nobody ever asks," he added. Prince Mohammed downplayed any apparent rift with the US leader and said relations between the two allies remains strong. "You have to accept that any friend will say good things and bad things. So you cannot have 100 per cent friends saying good things about you," he said. "You will have some misunderstandings. So we put that in that category."

Crown prince downplays Trump's statement on Saudi military

A Saudi-led coalition geared up on Tuesday for an assault on Yemen's main port, preparing to launch by far the biggest battle of a three-year-old war between an alliance of Arab states and the Houthi movement that controls Yemen's capital.

The United Arab Emirates, one of the main members of the Western-backed alliance, has set a Tuesday deadline for the Iran-aligned Houthis to withdraw from the port of Hodeidah under UN-led negotiations or face an assault.

It would be the first time since they joined the war on behalf of Yemen's exiled government that the foreign armies have attempted to capture such a well-defended major city.

Hodeidah, Yemen's biggest port and the only port controlled by the Houthis, serves as the lifeline for the majority of Yemen's population, which lives in Houthi-ruled territory.

The United Nations said it was engaged in "intense" shuttle diplomacy between the Houthis and coalition leaders Saudi Arabia and the UAE to avert the attack.

It estimates 600,000 people live in the area, and in a worst-case scenario a battle could cost up to 250,000 lives, as well as cutting off millions from aid and supplies.

Emirati-led troops have advanced along the southwestern coast to the outskirts of Hodeidah under a coalition strategy to box in the Houthis in the capital Sanaa and choke off their supply lines to force them to the negotiating table.

Local military sources said hundreds of Yemeni fighters as well as tanks and military supplies from the UAE arrived on Monday to reinforce troops, including Emiratis and Sudanese, in al-Durayhmi, a rural area 10 km (6.21 miles) south of Hodeidah.

The sources said Yemeni forces allied to the Saudi-led coalition -- drawn from southern separatists, local units from the Red Sea coastal plain and a battalion led by a nephew of late former president Ali Abdullah Saleh -- had advanced and were "at the doors" of Hodeidah airport.

The war pits the Houthis against the Western-backed Sunni Muslim states, which intervened in 2015 to restore the exiled government and thwart what Riyadh and Abu Dhabi see as expansionist aims of their Shi'ite Muslim foe Iran.

The Houthis, with roots in a Zaidi Shi'ite minority that ruled a thousand-year kingdom in Yemen until 1962, deny they are pawns of Iran. They say they have led a popular revolution against corruption and are defending the country from invaders.

"I think the Emiratis have done a good job in presenting compelling arguments about why an operation (on Hodeidah) could, in the end, tip the balance and apply enough pressure to bring the Houthis to the table," a Western diplomat said on Monday.

"The Emiratis' preparedness is crucial in this. This is possibly what we're most concerned about."

Grace period

European donor governments warned aid groups in Yemen on Saturday that "a military assault now looks imminent," according to a message seen by Reuters. It said: "The Emiratis have informed us today that they will now give a 3-day grace period for the UN (and their partners) to leave the city."

The UAE foreign ministry and government communication office did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.

The United Nations relocated foreign staff members from Hodeidah on Monday. The International Committee of the Red Cross said last week it had pulled 71 foreign staff out of Yemen.

The renewed push on Hodeidah comes amid increased tensions between Saudi Arabia and arch-foe Iran after the United States withdrew last month from an international nuclear agreement with Tehran, a move hailed by Riyadh and Abu Dhabi.

Saudi Arabia's Western allies, under increasing scrutiny for selling arms to the states fighting in Yemen, have not publicly made clear whether they approve of an assault on Hodeidah.

Riyadh says the Houthis use the port to smuggle Iranian-made weapons, including missiles that have been launched at Saudi cities -- accusations denied by the group and Tehran.

Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi has warned the group will attack oil tankers in the event of an assault on Hodeidah.

The coalition says one of the main justifications for its intervention is to protect Red Sea shipping, which brings Middle East oil and Asian goods to Europe through the Suez Canal.

It would be the first time since they joined the war on behalf of Yemen's exiled government

A Saudi-led coalition geared up on Tuesday for an assault on Yemen's main port, preparing to launch by far the biggest battle of a three-year-old war between an alliance of Arab states and the Houthi movement that controls Yemen's capital. The United Arab Emirates, one of the main members of the Western-backed alliance, has set a Tuesday deadline for the Iran-aligned Houthis to withdraw from the port of Hodeidah under UN-led negotiations or face an assault. It would be the first time since they joined the war on behalf of Yemen's exiled government that the foreign armies have attempted to capture such a well-defended major city. Hodeidah, Yemen's biggest port and the only port controlled by the Houthis, serves as the lifeline for the majority of Yemen's population, which lives in Houthi-ruled territory. The United Nations said it was engaged in "intense" shuttle diplomacy between the Houthis and coalition leaders Saudi Arabia and the UAE to avert the attack. It estimates 600,000 people live in the area, and in a worst-case scenario a battle could cost up to 250,000 lives, as well as cutting off millions from aid and supplies. Emirati-led troops have advanced along the southwestern coast to the outskirts of Hodeidah under a coalition strategy to box in the Houthis in the capital Sanaa and choke off their supply lines to force them to the negotiating table. Local military sources said hundreds of Yemeni fighters as well as tanks and military supplies from the UAE arrived on Monday to reinforce troops, including Emiratis and Sudanese, in al-Durayhmi, a rural area 10 km (6.21 miles) south of Hodeidah. The sources said Yemeni forces allied to the Saudi-led coalition -- drawn from southern separatists, local units from the Red Sea coastal plain and a battalion led by a nephew of late former president Ali Abdullah Saleh -- had advanced and were "at the doors" of Hodeidah airport. The war pits the Houthis against the Western-backed Sunni Muslim states, which intervened in 2015 to restore the exiled government and thwart what Riyadh and Abu Dhabi see as expansionist aims of their Shi'ite Muslim foe Iran. The Houthis, with roots in a Zaidi Shi'ite minority that ruled a thousand-year kingdom in Yemen until 1962, deny they are pawns of Iran. They say they have led a popular revolution against corruption and are defending the country from invaders. "I think the Emiratis have done a good job in presenting compelling arguments about why an operation (on Hodeidah) could, in the end, tip the balance and apply enough pressure to bring the Houthis to the table," a Western diplomat said on Monday. "The Emiratis' preparedness is crucial in this. This is possibly what we're most concerned about." Grace period European donor governments warned aid groups in Yemen on Saturday that "a military assault now looks imminent," according to a message seen by Reuters. It said: "The Emiratis have informed us today that they will now give a 3-day grace period for the UN (and their partners) to leave the city." The UAE foreign ministry and government communication office did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment. The United Nations relocated foreign staff members from Hodeidah on Monday. The International Committee of the Red Cross said last week it had pulled 71 foreign staff out of Yemen. The renewed push on Hodeidah comes amid increased tensions between Saudi Arabia and arch-foe Iran after the United States withdrew last month from an international nuclear agreement with Tehran, a move hailed by Riyadh and Abu Dhabi. Saudi Arabia's Western allies, under increasing scrutiny for selling arms to the states fighting in Yemen, have not publicly made clear whether they approve of an assault on Hodeidah. Riyadh says the Houthis use the port to smuggle Iranian-made weapons, including missiles that have been launched at Saudi cities -- accusations denied by the group and Tehran. Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi has warned the group will attack oil tankers in the event of an assault on Hodeidah. The coalition says one of the main justifications for its intervention is to protect Red Sea shipping, which brings Middle East oil and Asian goods to Europe through the Suez Canal.

Saudi-led alliance gears up for battle in key Yemeni port city

Saudi Arabia issued its first driving licences to women on Monday.

The official Saudi press agency stated that under the new law, women will be allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia from June 24.

A statement released to&nbsp;the press said, "The general directorate of traffic today started replacing international driving licences recognised in the kingdom with Saudi licences, in preparation for allowing women to drive from June 24".

The kingdom had announced in September 2017 that it would lift the ban on women driving.

Women will now be allowed to drive cars, motorcycles and trucks.

Women drivers involved in road accidents and traffic violations will be dealt with at special centres established and run by women officials, noted an AFP report.

The lifting of the driving ban is part of Crown Prince Salman's Vision 2030, which looks to reduce the kingdom's dependence on oil, diversify the economy and also open up Saudi society.

Following the reforms, the first cinema hall opened recently in the Saudi capital Riyadh.

The reforms have also allowed women to start their own businesses without taking permission from their husbands or guardians.

Women will also be&nbsp;allowed to join the military, but will not serve in combat roles.

(With inputs from AFP)

Women will be allowed to drive from June 24. The lifting of the driving ban is part of Crown Prince Salman's Vision 2030, which looks to reduce the kingdom's dependence on oil, diversify the economy and also open up Saudi society

Saudi Arabia issued its first driving licences to women on Monday. The official Saudi press agency stated that under the new law, women will be allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia from June 24. A statement released to the press said, "The general directorate of traffic today started replacing international driving licences recognised in the kingdom with Saudi licences, in preparation for allowing women to drive from June 24". The kingdom had announced in September 2017 that it would lift the ban on women driving. Women will now be allowed to drive cars, motorcycles and trucks. Women drivers involved in road accidents and traffic violations will be dealt with at special centres established and run by women officials, noted an AFP report. The lifting of the driving ban is part of Crown Prince Salman's Vision 2030, which looks to reduce the kingdom's dependence on oil, diversify the economy and also open up Saudi society. Following the reforms, the first cinema hall opened recently in the Saudi capital Riyadh. The reforms have also allowed women to start their own businesses without taking permission from their husbands or guardians. Women will also be allowed to join the military, but will not serve in combat roles. (With inputs from AFP)

Saudi Arabia begins issuing driving licences to women

Qatar said it was banning products originating from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Bahrain, almost a year after those states imposed an embargo on Doha, accusing it of supporting terrorism.

"Products originating from the blockading states, which as a result of the blockade cannot pass the Gulf Cooperation Council Customs Territory, have to undergo proper import inspections and customs procedures," a government statement said late on Saturday.

"To protect the safety of consumers in the State of Qatar and to combat improper trafficking of goods, the government issued a directive to find new suppliers of the variety of goods impacted."

The national Al Watan newspaper quoted a circular from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce telling traders and shops to stop dealing in products imported from the four countries. It said inspectors would monitor compliance with the policy.

The four states cut diplomatic and transport ties last June. Qatar, which had many of its imports trans-shipped from the UAE and received the bulk of its fresh food across the Saudi border, denied the accusations against it.

Imports into Qatar plunged about 40 percent from a year earlier in the initial weeks of the boycott, but they have since mostly returned to normal as Doha has found new sources of products in countries such as Turkey, and developed new shipping routes through places such as Oman. Qatar has also launched a drive to produce more things locally, including foods.

Since last June, some foods and other products from the embargo states have continued to find their way into Qatar through third countries.

A spokesman for Qatar's government declined to give details but said any imports coming to the country must go through proper import inspections.

He was not immediately able to give the value of the goods affected by the new measures, and whether the ban would cover all products trans-shipped through the embargo states in addition to goods produced there.

Bahrain's Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed al-Khalifa told Alsharq Alawsat newspaper on Sunday he saw no resolution to the diplomatic row in sight.

The national Al Watan newspaper quoted a circular from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce telling traders and shops to stop dealing in products imported from the four countries

Qatar said it was banning products originating from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Bahrain, almost a year after those states imposed an embargo on Doha, accusing it of supporting terrorism. "Products originating from the blockading states, which as a result of the blockade cannot pass the Gulf Cooperation Council Customs Territory, have to undergo proper import inspections and customs procedures," a government statement said late on Saturday. "To protect the safety of consumers in the State of Qatar and to combat improper trafficking of goods, the government issued a directive to find new suppliers of the variety of goods impacted." The national Al Watan newspaper quoted a circular from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce telling traders and shops to stop dealing in products imported from the four countries. It said inspectors would monitor compliance with the policy. The four states cut diplomatic and transport ties last June. Qatar, which had many of its imports trans-shipped from the UAE and received the bulk of its fresh food across the Saudi border, denied the accusations against it. Imports into Qatar plunged about 40 percent from a year earlier in the initial weeks of the boycott, but they have since mostly returned to normal as Doha has found new sources of products in countries such as Turkey, and developed new shipping routes through places such as Oman. Qatar has also launched a drive to produce more things locally, including foods. Since last June, some foods and other products from the embargo states have continued to find their way into Qatar through third countries. A spokesman for Qatar's government declined to give details but said any imports coming to the country must go through proper import inspections. He was not immediately able to give the value of the goods affected by the new measures, and whether the ban would cover all products trans-shipped through the embargo states in addition to goods produced there. Bahrain's Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed al-Khalifa told Alsharq Alawsat newspaper on Sunday he saw no resolution to the diplomatic row in sight.

Qatar bans goods from UAE, Saudi as embargo anniversary approaches

Saudi Arabia defence intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile fired by Yemen's Houthi movement over the southern city of Jazan, the Saudi-led coalition said on Monday.

Earlier, the Houthis said the group had fired a Badr-1 ballistic missile at Jazan's airport, without giving any further details.

The Houthis, an Iran-allied group that holds much of Yemen including the capital, Sanaa, have fired a series of missiles into the kingdom in recent months, part of a three-year-old conflict in Yemen widely seen as a proxy battle between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

A US-backed military alliance intervened in Yemen’s civil war in 2015 to fight against the Houthis on behalf of the government of President Abd Rabbu Mansour al-Hadi, who lives in exile in Riyadh. Iran and the Houthis dismiss Saudi accusations that Tehran arms the group.

Coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki said Saudi air defence forces destroyed the missile over Jazan and accused the Houthis of targeting residential areas, according to a report from the official Saudi Press Agency.

The Houthis have fired a salvo of missiles at Saudi Arabia in recent months, including the capital, Riyadh, while the coalition launched thousands of air strikes against Houthi-held areas, killing hundreds of civilians at hospitals, schools and markets.

The Houthis have fired a salvo of missiles at Saudi Arabia in recent months

Saudi Arabia defence intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile fired by Yemen's Houthi movement over the southern city of Jazan, the Saudi-led coalition said on Monday. Earlier, the Houthis said the group had fired a Badr-1 ballistic missile at Jazan's airport, without giving any further details. The Houthis, an Iran-allied group that holds much of Yemen including the capital, Sanaa, have fired a series of missiles into the kingdom in recent months, part of a three-year-old conflict in Yemen widely seen as a proxy battle between Saudi Arabia and Iran. A US-backed military alliance intervened in Yemen’s civil war in 2015 to fight against the Houthis on behalf of the government of President Abd Rabbu Mansour al-Hadi, who lives in exile in Riyadh. Iran and the Houthis dismiss Saudi accusations that Tehran arms the group. Coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki said Saudi air defence forces destroyed the missile over Jazan and accused the Houthis of targeting residential areas, according to a report from the official Saudi Press Agency. The Houthis have fired a salvo of missiles at Saudi Arabia in recent months, including the capital, Riyadh, while the coalition launched thousands of air strikes against Houthi-held areas, killing hundreds of civilians at hospitals, schools and markets.

Saudi air defences destroy ballistic missile fired from Yemen

Two rights groups campaigning for the French government to halt weapons sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates said on Sunday they were taking their case to France's highest legal authority.

Pressure has been mounting on Macron to scale back arms support for Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which are leading the coalition fighting the Iran-aligned Houthi group that controls most of northern Yemen and the capital Sanaa.

The conflict has killed more than 10,000 people and displaced more than 3 million, with no sign of a diplomatic breakthrough to ease the crisis.

Droit Solidarite, a legal NGO, and Aser, which specialises in armament issues, demanded in March that export licenses to Saudi Arabia and the UAE be withdrawn. They gave Prime Minister Edouard Philippe a two-month ultimatum.

They have had no response, so the groups said they would present a legal challenge on Monday to the Conseil d'Etat, France's highest legal authority, which advises the government on legislative matters and arbitrates on public policy issues.

"It will be up to (Council of State) to decide on the legality of the export licence authorisations issued by the prime minister," ASER et Droit Solidarite said in a statement.

The two argue that France is violating national and international law by selling arms that are being used in the conflict in Yemen. The United Nations and rights groups accuse the coalition of targeting civilians, which amounts to a war crime, a charge the coalition denies.

Previouslt, Macron defended French weapons sales to the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen, but said he was concerned by the humanitarian situation and would host a conference on the issue before the summer.

Seventy-five percent of French people want Macron to suspend arms exports to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, a YouGov poll found. Several rights groups also have warned of possible legal action if the government does not halt its sales.

“Since the start of the conflict in Yemen, France has adopted a very specific process whereby all sales of military equipment are analysed on a case-by-case basis and on the basis of reinforced criteria that reflect respect for international humanitarian law and the risk of harm to civilian populations,” Macron said at a news conference alongside Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

France is the world’s third biggest arms exporter and counts the two countries among its biggest purchasers.

Droit Solidarite, a legal NGO, and Aser, which specialises in armament issues, demanded in March that export licenses to Saudi Arabia and the UAE be withdrawn

Two rights groups campaigning for the French government to halt weapons sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates said on Sunday they were taking their case to France's highest legal authority. Pressure has been mounting on Macron to scale back arms support for Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which are leading the coalition fighting the Iran-aligned Houthi group that controls most of northern Yemen and the capital Sanaa. The conflict has killed more than 10,000 people and displaced more than 3 million, with no sign of a diplomatic breakthrough to ease the crisis. Droit Solidarite, a legal NGO, and Aser, which specialises in armament issues, demanded in March that export licenses to Saudi Arabia and the UAE be withdrawn. They gave Prime Minister Edouard Philippe a two-month ultimatum. They have had no response, so the groups said they would present a legal challenge on Monday to the Conseil d'Etat, France's highest legal authority, which advises the government on legislative matters and arbitrates on public policy issues. "It will be up to (Council of State) to decide on the legality of the export licence authorisations issued by the prime minister," ASER et Droit Solidarite said in a statement. The two argue that France is violating national and international law by selling arms that are being used in the conflict in Yemen. The United Nations and rights groups accuse the coalition of targeting civilians, which amounts to a war crime, a charge the coalition denies. Previouslt, Macron defended French weapons sales to the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen, but said he was concerned by the humanitarian situation and would host a conference on the issue before the summer. Seventy-five percent of French people want Macron to suspend arms exports to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, a YouGov poll found. Several rights groups also have warned of possible legal action if the government does not halt its sales. “Since the start of the conflict in Yemen, France has adopted a very specific process whereby all sales of military equipment are analysed on a case-by-case basis and on the basis of reinforced criteria that reflect respect for international humanitarian law and the risk of harm to civilian populations,” Macron said at a news conference alongside Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. France is the world’s third biggest arms exporter and counts the two countries among its biggest purchasers.

French government faces legal pressure over arms sales to Saudi, UAE

At least 38 Houthi militants were killed when a coalition airstrike led by Saudi Arabia targeted the building of Yemen interior ministry in Sanaa in the intervening night of Friday and Saturday.

The Saudi-led airstrike targeted a high-level meeting of Shiite rebels in Yemen’s capital which also killed two of the group’s leaders.

The raid happened during a meeting organizing the burial of the so-called Supreme Political Council, reports said. The deputy interior minister of the militia government, Abdelhakim al-Khiowani, who is known as Abu al-Karrar, is believed to be among the targets.

The Houthis confirmed an air strike on Sanaa but gave no details.

Earlier on Saturday, Saudi air defences reportedly intercepted four missiles fired by Houthi rebels in Jazan province bordering with Yemen in southern Saudi Arabia.

Continued missile attacks from Houthi rebels in Yemen have forced Saudi Arabia to cut off air, sea and land links from its neighbour. Saudi defence forces have also halted Yemen's financial aids and food and fuel imports as well.

Former Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh was killed in Sanaa after days of intense fighting between Houthi rebels and his loyalist forces on December 4 last year.

The Saudi-led airstrike targeted a high-level meeting of Shiite rebels in Yemen’s capital which also killed two of the group’s leaders.

At least 38 Houthi militants were killed when a coalition airstrike led by Saudi Arabia targeted the building of Yemen interior ministry in Sanaa in the intervening night of Friday and Saturday. The Saudi-led airstrike targeted a high-level meeting of Shiite rebels in Yemen’s capital which also killed two of the group’s leaders. The raid happened during a meeting organizing the burial of the so-called Supreme Political Council, reports said. The deputy interior minister of the militia government, Abdelhakim al-Khiowani, who is known as Abu al-Karrar, is believed to be among the targets. The Houthis confirmed an air strike on Sanaa but gave no details. Earlier on Saturday, Saudi air defences reportedly intercepted four missiles fired by Houthi rebels in Jazan province bordering with Yemen in southern Saudi Arabia. Continued missile attacks from Houthi rebels in Yemen have forced Saudi Arabia to cut off air, sea and land links from its neighbour. Saudi defence forces have also halted Yemen's financial aids and food and fuel imports as well. Former Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh was killed in Sanaa after days of intense fighting between Houthi rebels and his loyalist forces on December 4 last year.

At least 38 Houthis killed in Saudi-led airstrike

Air strikes by a Saudi-led military coalition killed at least 20 people attending a wedding in a village in northwestern Yemen late on Sunday, residents and medical sources said.

The head of Al Jumhouri hospital in Hajjah told Reuters by telephone that the hospital had received 40 bodies, most of them torn to pieces, and that 46 people had been injured, including 30 children, in air strikes that hit a wedding gathering.

Residents and medics told Reuters that 20 people attending the celebration were killed and at least 30 injured.&nbsp

"We take this report very seriously and it will be fully investigated as all reports of this nature are," a spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition told Reuters.

Residents of a village called Taiba elsewhere in the province told Reuters that a separate air strike killed a family of four in their house on Sunday night.

The Western-backed alliance has been fighting a war for three years against the armed Houthi movement which controls the area and much of northern Yemen.

It has launched thousands of air strikes in a campaign to restore the internationally recognized government. Errant strikes have killed hundreds of civilians at hospitals, schools and markets.

Al-Masirah, the TV station of the armed Houthi movement which controls the area and much of northern Yemen, said on its Twitter account that 33 people had been killed and 55 wounded.

The coalition says it does not target civilians and has set up an investigation committee into alleged mass casualty air strikes which have mostly cleared the coalition of any blame.

The Yemen war has killed more than 10,000 people, displaced more than 2 million and driven the country to the verge of famine, according to the United Nations.

The head of Al Jumhouri hospital in Hajjah told Reuters by telephone that the hospital had received 40 bodies, most of them torn to pieces, and that 46 people had been injured, including 30 children, in air strikes that hit a wedding gathering

Air strikes by a Saudi-led military coalition killed at least 20 people attending a wedding in a village in northwestern Yemen late on Sunday, residents and medical sources said. The head of Al Jumhouri hospital in Hajjah told Reuters by telephone that the hospital had received 40 bodies, most of them torn to pieces, and that 46 people had been injured, including 30 children, in air strikes that hit a wedding gathering. Residents and medics told Reuters that 20 people attending the celebration were killed and at least 30 injured. "We take this report very seriously and it will be fully investigated as all reports of this nature are," a spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition told Reuters. Residents of a village called Taiba elsewhere in the province told Reuters that a separate air strike killed a family of four in their house on Sunday night. The Western-backed alliance has been fighting a war for three years against the armed Houthi movement which controls the area and much of northern Yemen. It has launched thousands of air strikes in a campaign to restore the internationally recognized government. Errant strikes have killed hundreds of civilians at hospitals, schools and markets. Al-Masirah, the TV station of the armed Houthi movement which controls the area and much of northern Yemen, said on its Twitter account that 33 people had been killed and 55 wounded. The coalition says it does not target civilians and has set up an investigation committee into alleged mass casualty air strikes which have mostly cleared the coalition of any blame. The Yemen war has killed more than 10,000 people, displaced more than 2 million and driven the country to the verge of famine, according to the United Nations.

At least 20 dead, 30 injured in Saudi-led air strike at Yemen wedding

Oil prices on Thursday remained close to highs touched the previous day that were last seen in late 2014, buoyed as U.S. crude inventories declined and as top exporter Saudi Arabia is expected to keep withholding supply to prop up the market.&nbspBrent crude oil futures were at $73.79 per barrel at 0028 GMT, up 31 cents, or 0.4 percent, from their last close.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were up 29 cents, or 0.4 percent, at $68.76 a barrel.&nbspBrent on Wednesday marked its highest level since November, 2014 at $73.93 per barrel. WTI hit its strongest since December, 2014 at $68.91 a barrel.

Reuters reported on Wednesday that top oil exporter Saudi Arabia would be happy to see crude rise to $80 or even $100 a barrel, which was seen as a sign that Riyadh will seek no changes to an OPEC supply-cutting deal that was introduced in 2017 to boost prices.

“The Saudis and their colleagues in OPEC need higher oil for their fiscal positions and the Kingdom is on a bold – and costly – reform programme. So they might continue to squeeze the lemon while they have the chance,” said Greg McKenna, chief market strategist at futures brokerage AxiTrader.

Led by Saudi Arabia, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and a group of other producers that includes Russia started to withhold output in 2017 to rein in oversupply that had depressed prices since 2014.

Since the start of the voluntary restraint, crude inventories have been gradually declining from record levels towards long-term average levels.&nbspFurther supporting oil prices is an expectation that the United States will re-introduce sanctions against OPEC-member Iran, which could result in further supply reductions from the Middle East.

In the United States, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said on Wednesday that commercial crude stocks fell by 1.1 million barrels in the week to April 13, to 427.57 million barrels, which is close to the five-year average level around 420 million barrels.

With crude prices on the rise, those producers not participating in voluntary restraint are ramping up output.&nbspU.S. crude production &ltC-OUT-T-EIA&gt has jumped by a quarter since mid-2016, to a record 10.54 million barrels per day (bpd).&nbspThat’s more than Saudi Arabia produces. Only Russia churns out more oil, at almost 11 million bpd.

Oil prices on Thursday remained close to highs touched the previous day that were last seen in late 2014, buoyed as U.S. crude inventories declined and as top exporter Saudi Arabia is expected to keep withholding supply to prop up the market.

Oil prices on Thursday remained close to highs touched the previous day that were last seen in late 2014, buoyed as U.S. crude inventories declined and as top exporter Saudi Arabia is expected to keep withholding supply to prop up the market.&nbspBrent crude oil futures were at $73.79 per barrel at 0028 GMT, up 31 cents, or 0.4 percent, from their last close. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were up 29 cents, or 0.4 percent, at $68.76 a barrel.&nbspBrent on Wednesday marked its highest level since November, 2014 at $73.93 per barrel. WTI hit its strongest since December, 2014 at $68.91 a barrel. Reuters reported on Wednesday that top oil exporter Saudi Arabia would be happy to see crude rise to $80 or even $100 a barrel, which was seen as a sign that Riyadh will seek no changes to an OPEC supply-cutting deal that was introduced in 2017 to boost prices. “The Saudis and their colleagues in OPEC need higher oil for their fiscal positions and the Kingdom is on a bold – and costly – reform programme. So they might continue to squeeze the lemon while they have the chance,” said Greg McKenna, chief market strategist at futures brokerage AxiTrader. Led by Saudi Arabia, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and a group of other producers that includes Russia started to withhold output in 2017 to rein in oversupply that had depressed prices since 2014. Since the start of the voluntary restraint, crude inventories have been gradually declining from record levels towards long-term average levels.&nbspFurther supporting oil prices is an expectation that the United States will re-introduce sanctions against OPEC-member Iran, which could result in further supply reductions from the Middle East. In the United States, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said on Wednesday that commercial crude stocks fell by 1.1 million barrels in the week to April 13, to 427.57 million barrels, which is close to the five-year average level around 420 million barrels. With crude prices on the rise, those producers not participating in voluntary restraint are ramping up output.&nbspU.S. crude production &ltC-OUT-T-EIA> has jumped by a quarter since mid-2016, to a record 10.54 million barrels per day (bpd).&nbspThat’s more than Saudi Arabia produces. Only Russia churns out more oil, at almost 11 million bpd.

Oil near late-2014 highs as Saudi pushes for higher prices, US crude stocks decline

<p content="Throwing punches in a gym tucked away from prying eyes, a Saudi female boxing trainer asserts a right long denied to many women in the conservative kingdom -- the right to exercise." data-reactid="31" type="text">Throwing punches in a gym tucked away from prying eyes, a Saudi female boxing trainer asserts a right long denied to many women in the conservative kingdom -- the right to exercise.

<p content="Halah Alhamrani, 41, runs a gym for women called FlagBoxing -- its motto is Fight Like A Girl -- in the western Red Sea city of Jeddah, offering fitness classes such as callisthenics, CrossFit, boxing and kickboxing." data-reactid="32" type="text">Halah Alhamrani, 41, runs a gym for women called FlagBoxing -- its motto is Fight Like A Girl -- in the western Red Sea city of Jeddah, offering fitness classes such as callisthenics, CrossFit, boxing and kickboxing.

<p content="Relying on word-of-mouth publicity in a country where exercising in public is culturally deemed unbecoming for women, Alhamrani is working to empower a generation with little to no exposure to sports." data-reactid="33" type="text">Relying on word-of-mouth publicity in a country where exercising in public is culturally deemed unbecoming for women, Alhamrani is working to empower a generation with little to no exposure to sports.

&quot;On a daily basis, women who have never done sports walk into my class, some with their mothers,&quot; Alhamrani told AFP at her gym, which opened in 2016.

&quot;They walk out more confident. Many find their voice. The mothers approach me and say: &#39;Thank you for offering such an empowering feeling&#39;.

At first blush, the gym screams California, not Saudi Arabia.

Wearing headbands and workout attire, women are seen lifting weights, practising sparring techniques and pounding their fists into a punching bag.

Some of them crumple up their abaya gowns and toss them into a locker. They sweat it out over thumping music.

Around 150 women, including Saudis but also other Arabs, share a sense of camaraderie.

A note scribbled on a whiteboard reads: &quot;I can&#39;t wait to come back!&quot;

Another banner on the wall reads &quot;BADASS&quot;.

&quot;It sometimes feels like a tea party -- without the tea and cookies,&quot; Alhamrani jokes.

Women exercising in public were long a potential target for the kingdom&#39;s austere religious police, which has largely been neutered in recent years.

<p content="But dramatic social reforms sweeping Saudi Arabia, including a historic decree allowing women to drive from June, have shone the spotlight on figures such as Alhamrani who have long fought isolated battles for basic freedoms." data-reactid="46" type="text">But dramatic social reforms sweeping Saudi Arabia, including a historic decree allowing women to drive from June, have shone the spotlight on figures such as Alhamrani who have long fought isolated battles for basic freedoms.

<p content="Under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 reform plan, the government is seeking to jump-start women's sports despite the risk of riling conservatives." data-reactid="47" type="text">Under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman&#39;s Vision 2030 reform plan, the government is seeking to jump-start women&#39;s sports despite the risk of riling conservatives.

<p content="Only four Saudi women featured in the Rio Olympics in 2016 after two were named in the team for London in 2012 -- the first time the Gulf nation sent female athletes to the Games." data-reactid="48" type="text">Only four Saudi women featured in the Rio Olympics in 2016 after two were named in the team for London in 2012 -- the first time the Gulf nation sent female athletes to the Games.

<p content="The kingdom has since then been granting more prestige to the idea, appointing prominent princess Reema bint Bandar to oversee women's sports in the kingdom in 2016." data-reactid="49" type="text">The kingdom has since then been granting more prestige to the idea, appointing prominent princess Reema bint Bandar to oversee women&#39;s sports in the kingdom in 2016.

The country is also moving toward compulsory physical education classes for girls after a ban was scrapped in 2014.

Alhamrani is involved in shaping the new public school sports curriculum.

<p content="As the daughter of an American mother and Saudi father, she enjoyed a privilege denied most Saudi girls, in that her parents were open-minded and encouraged sports from an early age." data-reactid="53" type="text">As the daughter of an American mother and Saudi father, she enjoyed a privilege denied most Saudi girls, in that her parents were open-minded and encouraged sports from an early age.

That start has put her on track to become one of the kingdom&#39;s early pioneers of women&#39;s boxing training.

For now, her low-profile gym operates out of a residential complex, behind opaque glass walls with no outdoor signage.

The location is available on her website, but even so, some first-timers have to call to find their way.

Some clients view the gym sessions as therapy, Alhamrani said. It offers them such a release that she says some of them end up crying.

&quot;I used to be a timid mother who could not look people in the eye,&quot; said a 36-year-old housewife and mother-of-four, and a regular at the gym.

&quot;The gym gave me a voice that I had lost. It gave me strength that I never knew existed.&quot;

<p content="But Alhamrani says some women have dropped out after they began &quot;expressing themselves boldly&quot; in a way that sometimes makes male relatives feel threatened." data-reactid="61" type="text">But Alhamrani says some women have dropped out after they began &quot;expressing themselves boldly&quot; in a way that sometimes makes male relatives feel threatened.

&quot;My husband is unhappy&quot;, Alhamrani was told among the reasons.

<p content="Under the country's rigid guardianship system, a male family member -- normally the father, husband or brother -- must grant permission for a woman's study, travel and other activities." data-reactid="63" type="text">Under the country&#39;s rigid guardianship system, a male family member -- normally the father, husband or brother -- must grant permission for a woman&#39;s study, travel and other activities.

Also holding back women&#39;s sports is an acute shortage of professional female athletes and coaches.

Women&#39;s gyms are slowly proliferating, but the idea of mixed gender sports remains taboo.

And some female professionals still caution against offending cultural sensibilities.

<p content="&quot;Sports is empowerment,&quot; said Lina Almaeena, a member of the kingdom's advisory Shura Council, and director of Jeddah United, Saudi Arabia's first women's basketball team." data-reactid="67" type="text">&quot;Sports is empowerment,&quot; said Lina Almaeena, a member of the kingdom&#39;s advisory Shura Council, and director of Jeddah United, Saudi Arabia&#39;s first women&#39;s basketball team.

<p content="&quot;We are not fighting for mixed gender, abaya-less sporting events. Our aim is not to go against our culture. Our goal is mass participation of women in sports.&quot;" data-reactid="68" type="text">&quot;We are not fighting for mixed gender, abaya-less sporting events. Our aim is not to go against our culture. Our goal is mass participation of women in sports.&quot;

Halah Alhamrani, 41, runs a gym for women called FlagBoxing -- its motto is Fight Like A Girl -- in the western Red Sea city of Jeddah, offering fitness classes such as callisthenics, CrossFit, boxing and kickboxing

Throwing punches in a gym tucked away from prying eyes, a Saudi female boxing trainer asserts a right long denied to many women in the conservative kingdom -- the right to exercise. Halah Alhamrani, 41, runs a gym for women called FlagBoxing -- its motto is Fight Like A Girl -- in the western Red Sea city of Jeddah, offering fitness classes such as callisthenics, CrossFit, boxing and kickboxing. Relying on word-of-mouth publicity in a country where exercising in public is culturally deemed unbecoming for women, Alhamrani is working to empower a generation with little to no exposure to sports. "On a daily basis, women who have never done sports walk into my class, some with their mothers," Alhamrani told AFP at her gym, which opened in 2016. "They walk out more confident. Many find their voice. The mothers approach me and say: 'Thank you for offering such an empowering feeling'. At first blush, the gym screams California, not Saudi Arabia. Wearing headbands and workout attire, women are seen lifting weights, practising sparring techniques and pounding their fists into a punching bag. Some of them crumple up their abaya gowns and toss them into a locker. They sweat it out over thumping music. Around 150 women, including Saudis but also other Arabs, share a sense of camaraderie. A note scribbled on a whiteboard reads: "I can't wait to come back!" Another banner on the wall reads "BADASS". "It sometimes feels like a tea party -- without the tea and cookies," Alhamrani jokes. Women exercising in public were long a potential target for the kingdom's austere religious police, which has largely been neutered in recent years. But dramatic social reforms sweeping Saudi Arabia, including a historic decree allowing women to drive from June, have shone the spotlight on figures such as Alhamrani who have long fought isolated battles for basic freedoms. Under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 reform plan, the government is seeking to jump-start women's sports despite the risk of riling conservatives. Only four Saudi women featured in the Rio Olympics in 2016 after two were named in the team for London in 2012 -- the first time the Gulf nation sent female athletes to the Games. The kingdom has since then been granting more prestige to the idea, appointing prominent princess Reema bint Bandar to oversee women's sports in the kingdom in 2016. The country is also moving toward compulsory physical education classes for girls after a ban was scrapped in 2014. Alhamrani is involved in shaping the new public school sports curriculum. As the daughter of an American mother and Saudi father, she enjoyed a privilege denied most Saudi girls, in that her parents were open-minded and encouraged sports from an early age. That start has put her on track to become one of the kingdom's early pioneers of women's boxing training. For now, her low-profile gym operates out of a residential complex, behind opaque glass walls with no outdoor signage. The location is available on her website, but even so, some first-timers have to call to find their way. Some clients view the gym sessions as therapy, Alhamrani said. It offers them such a release that she says some of them end up crying. "I used to be a timid mother who could not look people in the eye," said a 36-year-old housewife and mother-of-four, and a regular at the gym. "The gym gave me a voice that I had lost. It gave me strength that I never knew existed." But Alhamrani says some women have dropped out after they began "expressing themselves boldly" in a way that sometimes makes male relatives feel threatened. "My husband is unhappy", Alhamrani was told among the reasons. Under the country's rigid guardianship system, a male family member -- normally the father, husband or brother -- must grant permission for a woman's study, travel and other activities. Also holding back women's sports is an acute shortage of professional female athletes and coaches. Women's gyms are slowly proliferating, but the idea of mixed gender sports remains taboo. And some female professionals still caution against offending cultural sensibilities. "Sports is empowerment," said Lina Almaeena, a member of the kingdom's advisory Shura Council, and director of Jeddah United, Saudi Arabia's first women's basketball team. "We are not fighting for mixed gender, abaya-less sporting events. Our aim is not to go against our culture. Our goal is mass participation of women in sports."

Pulling no punches: Saudi woman boxer breaks exercise taboo

On November 4, 2017, the high profile 5-star luxury hotel Ritz Carlton turned into a prison for scores of princes, bureaucrats, and businessmen in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

Overnight, it came to be&nbsp;described as a golden cage

Almost 5 months after the purge, some shocking details have emerged about what transpired behind closed doors in one of the most luxurious hotels in the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Although there is no official count on how many of the high and mighty of the Saudi elite were detained, it is widely reported that more than 500 individuals, including 11 princes, 100 bureaucrats and many top businessmen were rounded up and jailed.

Recent reports have also hinted at them being tortured and abused.

According to a report, at least 17 of the those detained had to be hospitalised. The arrested were also reportedly deprived of sleep,&nbsp; interrogated with their heads covered and forced to sign off their assets in favour of the Saudi king.

The physical abuse according to witnesses was so severe that Maj Gen Ali al-Qahtani died as a part of the questioning. His corpse had the neck broken, reportedly after having been twisted by force, and his body was full of severe bruises.

Many of the detainees have burn marks all over their bodies, allegedly caused due to electric shocks.

Saudi officials, however, deny any wrongdoing. They dismiss reports of torture and abuse.&nbsp;

The officials say the interrogations were done according to the legal system in Saudi Arabia, and all detainees of the anti-corruption purge had access to their legal counsel and medical care at all times.

Most of the detainees have now been released, but that does not mean they are free. They must now compulsorily wear an ankle brace so that authorities can track their movements at all times. Their private jets have been grounded, and even their family members have been placed under strict travel restrictions.

Almost 5 months after the purge, some shocking details have emerged about what transpired behind closed doors in one of the most luxurious hotels in the world

On November 4, 2017, the high profile 5-star luxury hotel Ritz Carlton turned into a prison for scores of princes, bureaucrats, and businessmen in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Overnight, it came to be described as a golden cage Almost 5 months after the purge, some shocking details have emerged about what transpired behind closed doors in one of the most luxurious hotels in the world. Although there is no official count on how many of the high and mighty of the Saudi elite were detained, it is widely reported that more than 500 individuals, including 11 princes, 100 bureaucrats and many top businessmen were rounded up and jailed. Recent reports have also hinted at them being tortured and abused. According to a report, at least 17 of the those detained had to be hospitalised. The arrested were also reportedly deprived of sleep, interrogated with their heads covered and forced to sign off their assets in favour of the Saudi king. The physical abuse according to witnesses was so severe that Maj Gen Ali al-Qahtani died as a part of the questioning. His corpse had the neck broken, reportedly after having been twisted by force, and his body was full of severe bruises. Many of the detainees have burn marks all over their bodies, allegedly caused due to electric shocks. Saudi officials, however, deny any wrongdoing. They dismiss reports of torture and abuse. The officials say the interrogations were done according to the legal system in Saudi Arabia, and all detainees of the anti-corruption purge had access to their legal counsel and medical care at all times. Most of the detainees have now been released, but that does not mean they are free. They must now compulsorily wear an ankle brace so that authorities can track their movements at all times. Their private jets have been grounded, and even their family members have been placed under strict travel restrictions.

Saudi purge: Princes, bureaucrats were tortured, abused at 5-star hotel prison, say reports

&nbsp;Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that Saudi Arabia had granted&nbsp;Air&nbsp;India&nbsp;permission to fly over its territory on its new routes to and from Tel Aviv.

Netanyahu made the announcement during a briefing in Washington to Israeli reporters after he had met US&nbsp;President Donald Trump.

India&#39;s national carrier Air India is scheduled to begin its direct flight between New Delhi and Tel Aviv in few weeks from now.

Such a permission by Saudi Arabia would reduce the air travel time from New Delhi to Tel Aviv by Air India from about eight hours to five and a half hours, Netanyahu said.

Interacting with reporters after his meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House, Netanyahu said that Air India has signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia over the matter.

&quot;Air India signed an agreement today to fly to Israel over Saudi Arabia,&quot; Netanyahu said.

Saudi Arabia does not recognise Israel and lifting the 70-year-old&nbsp;airspace ban would reflect what appears to be thawing ties between Israel and the kingdom, both U.S. allies with a shared concern over Iranian influence in the region.

Last month,&nbsp;Air&nbsp;India&nbsp;announced the planned thrice-weekly flights to Tel Aviv over Saudi soil, but the General Authority of Civil Aviation in Riyadh said at the time it had not granted such permission to the carrier.

El Al Israel&nbsp;Airlines, the country&#39;s flag carrier, flies four weekly flights to Mumbai. These take seven hours as they fly south toward Ethiopia and then east to&nbsp;India, avoiding Saudi&nbsp;airspace. Israel media have said that Saudi overflight routes could reduce travel time by more than two hours.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's national carrier Air India is scheduled to begin its direct flight between New Delhi and Tel Aviv in few weeks from now.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that Saudi Arabia had granted Air India permission to fly over its territory on its new routes to and from Tel Aviv. Netanyahu made the announcement during a briefing in Washington to Israeli reporters after he had met US President Donald Trump. India's national carrier Air India is scheduled to begin its direct flight between New Delhi and Tel Aviv in few weeks from now. Such a permission by Saudi Arabia would reduce the air travel time from New Delhi to Tel Aviv by Air India from about eight hours to five and a half hours, Netanyahu said. Interacting with reporters after his meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House, Netanyahu said that Air India has signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia over the matter. "Air India signed an agreement today to fly to Israel over Saudi Arabia," Netanyahu said. Saudi Arabia does not recognise Israel and lifting the 70-year-old airspace ban would reflect what appears to be thawing ties between Israel and the kingdom, both U.S. allies with a shared concern over Iranian influence in the region. Last month, Air India announced the planned thrice-weekly flights to Tel Aviv over Saudi soil, but the General Authority of Civil Aviation in Riyadh said at the time it had not granted such permission to the carrier. El Al Israel Airlines, the country's flag carrier, flies four weekly flights to Mumbai. These take seven hours as they fly south toward Ethiopia and then east to India, avoiding Saudi airspace. Israel media have said that Saudi overflight routes could reduce travel time by more than two hours. (With inputs from agencies)

Saudi gives Air India overflight rights for its Israel routes: Netanyahu

Mervat Bukhari, a force of nature draped head-to-toe in Islamic niqab, braved insults and taunts to become the first Saudi woman to work at a gas station, something unimaginable not long ago.

The kingdom, where conservatives once bridled at even limited freedoms for women, is in the midst of reforms that mark the biggest cultural shake-up in its modern history.

Kickstarted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the reforms include the historic decision allowing women to drive from June, attend soccer games and take on jobs that once fell outside the narrow confines of traditional gender roles.

But the backlash faced by women like Bukhari illustrates how newfound empowerment is a potential social lightning rod in a country unaccustomed to such visibility for women.

When Bukhari, 43 and a mother of four, was promoted as supervisor of a gas station in the eastern Khobar city last October, insults began pouring in on social media with the hashtag &quot;Saudi women don&#39;t work at gas stations&quot;.

Bukhari, previously employed in a junior role by the same parent company, was forced to go on the defensive, telling critics she was in a managerial position and not physically handling fuel nozzles.

&quot;I am a supervisor. I don&#39;t fill gas myself,&quot; she reasoned, seeking to win a modicum of respectability for a job that class-conscious Saudi men disdain.

&quot;Women today have the right to do any work.&quot;Prince Mohammed&#39;s Vision 2030 reform plan for a post-oil era seeks to elevate women to nearly one-third of the workforce, up from about 22 percent now.

Government statistics also put more than one million Saudi women as currently looking to enter the workforce.&nbsp;

The reforms have seen the Saudi labour market slowly open up to women, introducing them to jobs that were once firmly the preserve of men.

The social change, catalysed in large measure by what experts characterise as economic pain owing to a protracted oil slump, has introduced a series of firsts.

Saudi media has championed in recent months the first woman restaurant chef, first woman veterinarian and even the first woman tour guide.

But women face sobering realities -- despite often being better qualified than men.

&quot;Saudi women are better educated but less mobile, less employed and vastly underpaid,&quot; Karen Young, a scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, told AFP.

Average monthly salaries in the private sector are close to 8,000 Saudi riyals ($2,134, 1,748 euros) for men, and only 5,000 riyals for women, according to research firm Jadwa.

Saudi Arabia ranked a low of 138 out of 144 countries in the 2017 Global Gender Gap Report by the World Economic Forum on gender parity.

But Riyadh is seeking to change that through what appears to be social engineering.

The decision to allow women to drive after a decades-long ban could give women the much-needed mobility to join the workforce.

For the first time, women are seen alongside men in jazz music concerts and in mixed-gender restaurants, as the influence of the once-feared religious police -- notorious for enforcing gender segregation -- appears to be waning.

&quot;The well-known expression: &#39;You are a woman, cover your face&#39;&nbsp;seems to be disappearing from our society,&quot; human rights lawyer Abdulrahman al-Lahim wrote recently in the pro-government Okaz newspaper.The reforms have had an unwitting consequence, observers note -- competition with arch-nemesis Iran to be more liberal over women&#39;s rights.&nbsp;

Tehran recently relaxed its crackdown on women failing to wear the compulsory headscarf.

But Saudi activists say social change will only be cosmetic without dismantling the kingdom&#39;s rigid guardianship system, which requires that women seek permission from a male relative to study, travel and other activities.

That leaves many vulnerable to the whims of a controlling father, a violent husband or a vengeful son.

Horror stories have regularly surfaced.

Women inmates are often reported to be stuck in prisons after completing their terms because they were not claimed by their guardians.&nbsp;

One Saudi woman told AFP how she was stuck in limbo, unable to even renew her passport, when her father, her only male guardian, slipped into a coma after an accident.

&quot;If I could choose between the right to drive or the right to end guardianship, I would choose the latter,&quot; a women`s activist said on the condition of anonymity.Authorities appear to be slowly dismantling the many injustices against women ingrained in the law.

Saudi women now no longer need male permission to start business.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia also recently annulled the &quot;house of obedience&quot; article in the marriage law, which grants a husband the right to summon his wife to his home against her will.

The reform introduces a novel concept in married life: mutual consent.

&quot;This is not a revolution, this is evolution,&quot; Hoda al-Helaissi, a member of the advisory Shura Council, told AFP, referring to newfound social liberties.

&quot;It&#39;s a rite of passage for women.&quot;

Back at Bukhari&#39;s home in neighbouring Dammam city, she embraced her youngest son Mohammed -- who stood by her even as her brothers decried her gas station job as a shocking breach of tradition.

But the 16-year-old prefers to hide his mother&#39;s job from his peers, hoping to protect her from even more insults.

&quot;Maybe five years from now it will be normal to see women at gas stations,&quot; he said, kissing his mother&#39;s hand.

The kingdom, where conservatives once bridled at even limited freedoms for women, is in the midst of reforms that mark the biggest cultural shake-up in its modern history

Mervat Bukhari, a force of nature draped head-to-toe in Islamic niqab, braved insults and taunts to become the first Saudi woman to work at a gas station, something unimaginable not long ago. The kingdom, where conservatives once bridled at even limited freedoms for women, is in the midst of reforms that mark the biggest cultural shake-up in its modern history. Kickstarted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the reforms include the historic decision allowing women to drive from June, attend soccer games and take on jobs that once fell outside the narrow confines of traditional gender roles. But the backlash faced by women like Bukhari illustrates how newfound empowerment is a potential social lightning rod in a country unaccustomed to such visibility for women. When Bukhari, 43 and a mother of four, was promoted as supervisor of a gas station in the eastern Khobar city last October, insults began pouring in on social media with the hashtag "Saudi women don't work at gas stations". Bukhari, previously employed in a junior role by the same parent company, was forced to go on the defensive, telling critics she was in a managerial position and not physically handling fuel nozzles. "I am a supervisor. I don't fill gas myself," she reasoned, seeking to win a modicum of respectability for a job that class-conscious Saudi men disdain. "Women today have the right to do any work."Prince Mohammed's Vision 2030 reform plan for a post-oil era seeks to elevate women to nearly one-third of the workforce, up from about 22 percent now. Government statistics also put more than one million Saudi women as currently looking to enter the workforce. The reforms have seen the Saudi labour market slowly open up to women, introducing them to jobs that were once firmly the preserve of men. The social change, catalysed in large measure by what experts characterise as economic pain owing to a protracted oil slump, has introduced a series of firsts. Saudi media has championed in recent months the first woman restaurant chef, first woman veterinarian and even the first woman tour guide. But women face sobering realities -- despite often being better qualified than men. "Saudi women are better educated but less mobile, less employed and vastly underpaid," Karen Young, a scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, told AFP. Average monthly salaries in the private sector are close to 8,000 Saudi riyals ($2,134, 1,748 euros) for men, and only 5,000 riyals for women, according to research firm Jadwa. Saudi Arabia ranked a low of 138 out of 144 countries in the 2017 Global Gender Gap Report by the World Economic Forum on gender parity. But Riyadh is seeking to change that through what appears to be social engineering. The decision to allow women to drive after a decades-long ban could give women the much-needed mobility to join the workforce. For the first time, women are seen alongside men in jazz music concerts and in mixed-gender restaurants, as the influence of the once-feared religious police -- notorious for enforcing gender segregation -- appears to be waning. "The well-known expression: 'You are a woman, cover your face' seems to be disappearing from our society," human rights lawyer Abdulrahman al-Lahim wrote recently in the pro-government Okaz newspaper.The reforms have had an unwitting consequence, observers note -- competition with arch-nemesis Iran to be more liberal over women's rights. Tehran recently relaxed its crackdown on women failing to wear the compulsory headscarf. But Saudi activists say social change will only be cosmetic without dismantling the kingdom's rigid guardianship system, which requires that women seek permission from a male relative to study, travel and other activities. That leaves many vulnerable to the whims of a controlling father, a violent husband or a vengeful son. Horror stories have regularly surfaced. Women inmates are often reported to be stuck in prisons after completing their terms because they were not claimed by their guardians. One Saudi woman told AFP how she was stuck in limbo, unable to even renew her passport, when her father, her only male guardian, slipped into a coma after an accident. "If I could choose between the right to drive or the right to end guardianship, I would choose the latter," a women`s activist said on the condition of anonymity.Authorities appear to be slowly dismantling the many injustices against women ingrained in the law. Saudi women now no longer need male permission to start business. Saudi Arabia also recently annulled the "house of obedience" article in the marriage law, which grants a husband the right to summon his wife to his home against her will. The reform introduces a novel concept in married life: mutual consent. "This is not a revolution, this is evolution," Hoda al-Helaissi, a member of the advisory Shura Council, told AFP, referring to newfound social liberties. "It's a rite of passage for women." Back at Bukhari's home in neighbouring Dammam city, she embraced her youngest son Mohammed -- who stood by her even as her brothers decried her gas station job as a shocking breach of tradition. But the 16-year-old prefers to hide his mother's job from his peers, hoping to protect her from even more insults. "Maybe five years from now it will be normal to see women at gas stations," he said, kissing his mother's hand.

Saudi women will drive but face bumpy road to empowerment

Women in Saudi Arabia can now open their own businesses without the consent of a husband or male relative, as the kingdom pushes to expand a fast-growing private sector.

The policy change, announced by the Saudi government on Thursday, also marks a major step away from the strict guardianship system that has ruled the country for decades.

&quot;Women can now launch their own businesses and benefit from (governmental) e-services without having to prove consent from a guardian,&quot; the ministry of commerce and investment said on its website.

Under Saudi Arabia&#39;s guardianship system, women are required to present proof of permission from a male &quot;guardian&quot; - normally the husband, father or brother - to do any government paperwork, travel or enrol in classes.

Long dependent on crude production for economic revenue, Saudi Arabia is pushing to expand the country&#39;s private sector, including an expansion of female employment under a reform plan for a post-oil era.

While women still face a host of restrictions in the ultraconservative Muslim kingdom, Saudi Arabia&#39;s public prosecutor&#39;s office this month said it would begin recruiting women investigators for the first time.

The kingdom has also opened 140 positions for women at airports and border crossings, a historic first that the government said drew 107,000 female applicants.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the powerful heir to the Saudi throne, has been leading the drive to expand the role of women in the workforce in recent months.

His father, King Salman, in September, approved the end of a decades-long ban on driving, which goes into effect in June.

The 32-year-old prince pledged a &quot;moderate, open&quot; Saudi Arabia in October, breaking with ultra-conservative clerics in favour of an image catering to foreign investors and Saudi youth.

Prince Mohammed is widely seen as the chief architect behind Saudi Arabia&#39;s &quot;Vision 2030&quot; reform programme, which seeks to elevate the percentage of women in the workforce from 22 per cent to nearly one-third.&nbsp;

The policy change was announced by the Saudi government on Thursday

Women in Saudi Arabia can now open their own businesses without the consent of a husband or male relative, as the kingdom pushes to expand a fast-growing private sector. The policy change, announced by the Saudi government on Thursday, also marks a major step away from the strict guardianship system that has ruled the country for decades. "Women can now launch their own businesses and benefit from (governmental) e-services without having to prove consent from a guardian," the ministry of commerce and investment said on its website. Under Saudi Arabia's guardianship system, women are required to present proof of permission from a male "guardian" - normally the husband, father or brother - to do any government paperwork, travel or enrol in classes. Long dependent on crude production for economic revenue, Saudi Arabia is pushing to expand the country's private sector, including an expansion of female employment under a reform plan for a post-oil era. While women still face a host of restrictions in the ultraconservative Muslim kingdom, Saudi Arabia's public prosecutor's office this month said it would begin recruiting women investigators for the first time. The kingdom has also opened 140 positions for women at airports and border crossings, a historic first that the government said drew 107,000 female applicants. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the powerful heir to the Saudi throne, has been leading the drive to expand the role of women in the workforce in recent months. His father, King Salman, in September, approved the end of a decades-long ban on driving, which goes into effect in June. The 32-year-old prince pledged a "moderate, open" Saudi Arabia in October, breaking with ultra-conservative clerics in favour of an image catering to foreign investors and Saudi youth. Prince Mohammed is widely seen as the chief architect behind Saudi Arabia's "Vision 2030" reform programme, which seeks to elevate the percentage of women in the workforce from 22 per cent to nearly one-third.

Saudi women to start own business without male permission

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates introduced value-added tax from Monday, a first for the Gulf which has long prided itself on its tax-free, cradle-to-grave welfare system.

Saudi Arabia compounded the New Year blow for motorists with an unannounced hike of up to 127 per cent in petrol prices with immediate effect from midnight.

They are the latest in series of measures introduced by Gulf oil producers over the past two years to boost revenues and cut spending as a persistent slump in world prices has led to ballooning budget deficits.

The five per cent sales tax applies to most goods and services and analysts project that the two governments could raise as much as $21 billion in 2018, equivalent to 2.0 per cent of GDP.

But it marks a major change for two super-rich countries where the mall is king. Dubai has long held an annual shopping festival to draw bargain hunters from around the world to its glitzy retail palaces.

Saudi Arabia has deposited billions of dollars in special accounts to help needy citizens face the resulting rise in retail prices.

The other four Gulf states -- Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar -- are also committed to introducing VAT but have decided to delay the move until early in 2019.

The hike in fuel duty in Saudi Arabia was the second in two years.

But it still leaves petrol prices as some of the lowest in the world.

High-grade petrol rose 127 per cent from 24 cents a litre ($1.09 a gallon) to 54 ($2.46), while low-grade petrol rose 83 per cent from 20 cents a litre (91 cents a gallon) to 36.5 ($1.66).&nbsp;

Duty on diesel and kerosene remained unchanged.

Saudi Arabia has introduced a raft of measures to raise revenue and cut spending as it bids to balance its books.

Last month, it slashed the government subsidy on electricity supply, leading to a sharp rise in bills.

Riyadh posted budget deficits totalling $260 billion over the past four fiscal years and does not expect to balance its books before 2023.

To finance its mounting public debt, the kingdom has withdrawn around $250 billion from its reserves over the past four years, reducing them to $490 billion.

It has also borrowed around $100 billion from the international and domestic markets.

Saudi Arabia compounded the New Year blow for motorists with an unannounced hike of up to 127 per cent in petrol prices with immediate effect from midnight

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates introduced value-added tax from Monday, a first for the Gulf which has long prided itself on its tax-free, cradle-to-grave welfare system. Saudi Arabia compounded the New Year blow for motorists with an unannounced hike of up to 127 per cent in petrol prices with immediate effect from midnight. They are the latest in series of measures introduced by Gulf oil producers over the past two years to boost revenues and cut spending as a persistent slump in world prices has led to ballooning budget deficits. The five per cent sales tax applies to most goods and services and analysts project that the two governments could raise as much as $21 billion in 2018, equivalent to 2.0 per cent of GDP. But it marks a major change for two super-rich countries where the mall is king. Dubai has long held an annual shopping festival to draw bargain hunters from around the world to its glitzy retail palaces. Saudi Arabia has deposited billions of dollars in special accounts to help needy citizens face the resulting rise in retail prices. The other four Gulf states -- Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar -- are also committed to introducing VAT but have decided to delay the move until early in 2019. The hike in fuel duty in Saudi Arabia was the second in two years. But it still leaves petrol prices as some of the lowest in the world. High-grade petrol rose 127 per cent from 24 cents a litre ($1.09 a gallon) to 54 ($2.46), while low-grade petrol rose 83 per cent from 20 cents a litre (91 cents a gallon) to 36.5 ($1.66). Duty on diesel and kerosene remained unchanged. Saudi Arabia has introduced a raft of measures to raise revenue and cut spending as it bids to balance its books. Last month, it slashed the government subsidy on electricity supply, leading to a sharp rise in bills. Riyadh posted budget deficits totalling $260 billion over the past four fiscal years and does not expect to balance its books before 2023. To finance its mounting public debt, the kingdom has withdrawn around $250 billion from its reserves over the past four years, reducing them to $490 billion. It has also borrowed around $100 billion from the international and domestic markets.

Saudi, UAE introduce VAT in first for Gulf

Saudi Arabia intercepted a Yemeni rebel missile over Riyadh on Tuesday, state media said,

The rebels said the target was Yamamah palace, the official residence of King Salman.

An AFP correspondent heard a loud explosion at 10:50 GMT, shortly before the scheduled unveiling of the&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;budget.

The Saudi budget&nbsp;is usually announced from the Yamamah palace by the king.

The rebels said the target was Yamamah palace, the official residence of King Salman

Saudi Arabia intercepted a Yemeni rebel missile over Riyadh on Tuesday, state media said, The rebels said the target was Yamamah palace, the official residence of King Salman. An AFP correspondent heard a loud explosion at 10:50 GMT, shortly before the scheduled unveiling of the Saudi budget. The Saudi budget is usually announced from the Yamamah palace by the king.

Saudi Arabia intercepts Yemen rebel missile over Riyadh: State media

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