Saudi Arabia’s air defense successfully intercepted a drone targeting the diplomatic quarter in Riyadh, officials confirmed. The incident highlights rising regional tensions and the ongoing threat from unmanned aerial attacks. Authorities said the drone was neutralized before reaching key diplomatic and governmental installations, ensuring safety for personnel in the area. The operation demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s continued focus on protecting critical infrastructure in the capital amid heightened geopolitical volatility across the Gulf region.

Breaking: Saudi Air Defense Intercepts Drone Over Riyadh Diplomatic Zone

As the Iran conflict enters its second week, global energy markets are under intense pressure and analysts are warning of further oil price spikes due to potential supply disruptions. Shares of Saudi Arabia’s oil giant, Saudi Aramco, surged on Sunday - marking their biggest rise since April 2023 - as investors reacted to fears that oil flows could be interrupted by the escalating war and supply routes around the Strait of Hormuz. Aramco’s stock climbed as much as 4.9 %, before settling with strong gains, while Brent crude topped $90 per barrel amid broader market volatility.

Iran War Roils Energy Markets: Saudi Aramco Shares Jump the Most Since April 2023

Energy Markets Roil: Iran War Boosts Saudi Aramco Shares

Muslims across the world are preparing to begin the holy month of Ramzan, with different countries announcing varying start dates based on moon sighting traditions. Saudi Arabia has confirmed the start of Ramzan on Wednesday, while Iran will begin observance on Thursday. The difference stems from variations in moon sighting practices and religious jurisprudence. Saudi Arabia primarily follows Sunni Islamic traditions, while Iran follows Shia Islamic traditions, which can result in differing confirmations of the crescent moon.


Ramzan Begins Worldwide As Saudi And Iran Announce Dates

Leading global defence firms have gathered in Saudi Arabia, with over 700 exhibitors from South Korea, India, China and the United States participating. The event underscores Riyadh’s Vision 2030 goal to localise military manufacturing and strengthen domestic defence capabilities.


World Defence Show 2026: Global Defence Firms Gather In Saudi Arabia 

Israel has begun demolishing UNRWA buildings in East Jerusalem, drawing sharp criticism from the agency, which called the move a violation of international law. Saudi Arabia and other actors have condemned the action amid rising regional tensions over humanitarian access and Palestinian rights.


Israel demolishes UNRWA buildings in East Jerusalem, sparks international condemnation

Yemen's internationally recognized government undergoes major overhaul following the Southern Transitional Council (STC) crisis, with Prime Minister Salem bin Breik resigning and Shaya Zindani appointed as successor.


Major Overhaul in Yemen's Internationally Recognised Govt After STC Crisis

Thousands of Yemenis rallied Saturday in the southern city of Aden in a show of support for a separatist group backed by the United Arab Emirates, a day after it dissolved itself following clashes with forces of Yemen’s internationally recognized government.


Yemen Protests: Thousands Rally in Support of Yemen's Main Separatist Group 

A Saudi-led coalition struck the home province of Yemen's UAE-backed separatist leader on Wednesday, after he failed to show up for talks in Riyadh and was kicked out of the country's presidential body.

Saudi-Yemen Conflict: Saudi Strikes Yemen After STC Leader Skips Talks 

The Saudi-led coalition on Wednesday (Jan 7) said that it launched ‘limited pre-emptive strikes’ in Yemen to prevent UAE-backed secessionists from escalating the conflict. It added that the leader of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), Aidarus Al-Zubaidi, has “fled to an unknown location”. The separatist leader was due to fly to Saudi Arabia Tuesday night for peace talks, but did not board the plane. This comes amid the ongoing tensions in the region. Watch for more details!


Yemen's Saudi-led coalition attacks home province of STC leader 

Yemen’s Saudi-backed government forces have retaken several provinces from the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC). Rapid military advances signal a shift in control over strategic regions, with authorities emphasizing restoration of stability.

Yemen: Saudi-Backed Government Retakes Provinces from STC

Yemen's Saudi-backed government has reclaimed Hadramaut and Al-Mahra governorates after the Southern Transitional Council (STC) withdrew from Seiyun airport and other strategic positions. The move marks a significant territorial gain for the internationally recognized government amid shifting alliances in the multi-front civil war. 

STC Retreats: Saudi-Backed Forces Regain Control of Key Yemen Provinces

Saudi-backed troops on Saturday retook the resource-rich Yemeni province of Hadramawt, Yemen's presidency said, after confrontations between forces backed by Riyadh and Abu Dhabi deepened a rift between the two Gulf allies.

Saudi-Backed Forces Take Swathes of STC-Controlled Areas 

Saudi Backed Troops Take Control of Hadramawt

Saudi-led coalition fighter jets struck forces loyal to Yemen’s UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) in the Hadhramaut province on Friday after they allegedly set up ambushes targeting Yemeni government troops during the handover of military positions, said Yemen’s Information Ministry undersecretary.


Deadly Strikes Hit Yemen! Saudi-Led Coalition Hits UAE-Backed Fighters 

Flights from Aden International Airport in Yemen were halted amid escalating tensions between the Southern Transitional Council (STC) separatists and the Saudi Arabia-backed internationally recognised government. Conflicting claims emerged over whether Saudi authorities required Aden–UAE flights to undergo inspections in Jeddah.

Flights Suspended at Aden Airport as Yemen Tensions Rise Between STC and Saudi-Backed Govt

Yemen’s civil war enters a dangerous new phase as Saudi Arabia launches strikes against forces backed by the United Arab Emirates, exposing deep fractures within the coalition fighting in Yemen. The escalation raises fears of wider regional instability, shifting alliances, and renewed violence in an already devastated country, with civilians once again caught in the crossfire.

Yemen's Civil War: Saudi Arabia Strikes UAE Backed Forces 

Yemen’s long-running civil war may be at risk of reigniting as the separatist Southern Transitional Council makes territorial and political gains. The developments have raised concerns over renewed instability in the conflict-hit country and the future of peace efforts.

15,000 Saudi-Backed Fighters Amass at Yemen Border

Saudi jets have reportedly struck positions held by STC forces in Hadramawt, Yemen, according to separatist sources. The strikes are part of ongoing military operations in the region, highlighting the continuing conflict and instability in southern Yemen. Authorities and analysts are monitoring the situation closely.

Hadramawt Attack: Saudi Strikes Hit STC Forces in Yemen’s Hadramawt

Saudi Arabia has begun selling alcohol to a limited group of affluent non-Muslim foreign residents, marking its biggest loosening of prohibition laws in decades. Access is restricted to those earning around $13,300 a month, with purchases allowed only at Riyadh’s sole liquor store. This video explains the policy shift, its ties to Vision 2030, and what it means for business, culture, and the kingdom’s ongoing social reforms.

Saudi Arabia Surprising New Rule: Begin Selling Alcohol to Select Non-Muslims

President Trump met with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, at the white house last week with great ceremony and a number of pledges. The 40-year-old Saudi Prince, Mohammed Bin Salman, also known as MBS, faces a greater task in capitalising on that rapport with the US beyond Trump's presidency.
 

Can Saudi leverage US rapport beyond Trump's term 

Saudi-US energy ties are strengthening under President Trump’s administration, with both nations expanding cooperation in oil production, investment, and long-term energy security. The renewed partnership highlights shared strategic interests, including stabilizing global energy markets and boosting bilateral trade.

Saudi-US Energy Links Strengthen Under Trump's Presidency

A series of unusual moments inside trump's white house
Is raising new questions about power, influence
And the u.S president’s reactions behind closed doors.
From high-profile visits
To tense exchanges
And abrupt policy shifts,
The events of the past few weeks
Talks about president trump's functioning
And what seems to trigger his attention most.
Watch this story which decodes further.

USA-Saudi Deal: The Way to Donald Trump's Heart is Through his Pocket? 

U.S.- Saudi Arabia: President Donald Trump defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi during the prince’s visit to the White House. Trump insisted the prince “knew nothing” about the murder, dismissing CIA assessments suggesting otherwise.

Trump Defends Mohammed bin Salman Amid Khashoggi Controversy 

A new strategic alignment may be taking shape driven by growing defence cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, renewed engagement between Islamabad and Washington, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s high-stakes visit to the United States. As the Saudi - Pakistan - U.S. triangle tightens, what does it mean for India?

Saudi Arabia: Is Pak-Saudi-U.S. Defence Nexus a Threat to India?

Saudi Arabia moved forward on its F-35 fighter jet deal with the U.S., a sale that could significantly alter Israel’s military edge in West Asia. The agreement, closely watched by regional observers, signals deepening military ties between Riyadh and Washington.


US Considers Multi-Billion Dollar F-35 Sale To Saudi Arabia 

The ATP Tour is expanding to the Middle East! Saudi Arabia has been announced as the host of a new Masters 1000 tennis event starting in 2028. This addition aims to bring top-tier tennis action to the region, attracting the world’s best players and boosting global tennis viewership

 Middle East: Saudi Arabia to Host New ATP Masters 1000 from 2028 | NEWSPOINT | WION 

Saudi Arabia has launched a massive crackdown on music lounges as at least two dozen venues in Riyadh and Jeddah have been shut down in recent weeks. Financial Times reported that the officials have cited reasons like "serious violations" to public health and hygiene codes behind shutting down these music lounges, but the real reason might be a conservative backlash


Saudi authorities shut down at least two dozen 'lounges' in Riyadh & Jeddah

U.S. President Donald Trump has been touting several deals this month after roiling financial markets with his 'Liberation Day tariff announcements.

In recent weeks, he has hailed UK and China trade deals.

In this next report, we dive into how these deals have sparked more questions with few answers as they lack details, the latest of which is the Saudi defence deal.

Take a look...

US-Saudi defence deal sparks questions, few answers

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