English-language daily newspaper from Riyadh; businesspeople, executives and diplomats readership
Ukraine has reported that SpaceX has imposed speed limits on Starlink/Starshield terminals inside Ukraine, cutting connectivity for drones and disrupting defensive operations during recent Russian strikes. Ukrainian officials and President Volodymyr Zelensky have pressed Elon Musk and the US for answers; Musk has said Starshield limits are controlled by the US military and the president.
A Washington Post photographer, Heidi Levine, has been attacked by masked Israeli settlers while covering the olive harvest near Abu Falah on 16 October. Levine has been hospitalised with multiple broken vertebrae, a broken rib and severe hand injuries; US officials, press organisations and rights groups have called for investigations and arrests. Israeli authorities have opened inquiries and detained several suspects.
MI5 chief Ken McCallum has warned that Iran is expanding its operations against the UK, including at military sites such as RAF Fairford. He says AI is accelerating the threat, with potential bioweapons risk. Russia and China are also expanding hybrid tactics, and MI5 has opened an AI Threat Assessment Center.
Ottolenghi Edinburgh has opened on George Street, Edinburgh, in the former Ragu site. Yotam Ottolenghi and Neil Campbell lead a transformed space offering a broad menu, from miso hake to Scottish puddings, with a lively launch attended by notable figures. The restaurant promises a vibrant, globally inspired menu and a strong emphasis on atmosphere.
SpaceX has achieved an orbital Starship flight, deploying 26 Starlink V3 satellites and signaling a new era of high-frequency, reusable launches. The mission faced an early engine issue but proceeded to orbit with a Pacific splashdown and a rapid return-to-flight plan taking shape for future missions.
Israeli strikes have continued across northern, central and southern Gaza, killing and wounding civilians since the October 2025 ceasefire. Gaza’s Health Ministry has reported more than 1,500 Palestinians killed and 5,300 injured during the truce year, and roughly 74,000 killed since the October 2023 war began. Displacement, shortages and restrictions on aid remain acute.
The conflict along Ethiopia’s northern border has intensified, with claims of Eritrean troops crossing into Ethiopia to support rebels near Zalambessa. Addis Ababa denies incursion, while other witnesses and conflict monitors report troop movements and strategic advances. The situation risks broader regional spillover as global powers call for de-escalation.
Davide Nicola’s Venezia have claimed a first Serie A win of the season by defeating Napoli 1-0 at the stadio Pierluigi Penzo. Akor Adams scored the decisive goal after a deflected start to the second half, while Filip Stankovic produced a string of key saves.
Two men have been killed during the olive harvest in south Lebanon: one by Israeli shelling and the other by a war-remnant explosion. Local authorities warn residents to avoid olive groves until decontamination is complete, as sporadic attacks and ongoing fighting continue to affect the region.
The Guardian and Arab News publish pieces warning that AI threatens democracy if unchecked; they argue constitutional checks are essential to ensure AI safety and democratic resilience. The debate emphasizes policy safeguards, transparency, and public-interest journalism as bulwarks.
Arab News, The Guardian and The Guardian pieces show evolving food and culture scenes across the region: a whimsical bakery in Saudi Arabia fuels family visits; Italian and veg-forward pasta options anchor comfort dining; Thai menus balance spice and seafood; and Indian-Chinese hybrids expand the regional palate. Readers now see how new menus, styles and culinary trends reflect changing tastes.
Leaders push for stronger domestic funding as Africa faces fiscal strain and a shift toward locally led health systems. Amref calls for predictable aid and primacy of primary care to protect services amid climate shocks, conflict and disease in 2026.
Malawi has unveiled a 2026-31 housing plan that aims to deliver 135,000 modern homes by 2031, backed by K8.1 trillion in funding. Officials say progress will depend on financing, donor support, and private capital through public-private partnerships. The strategy seeks to accelerate land adjudication and urban development while aligning with Malawi 2063, but delivery remains contingent on fiscal space and external investment.
Russia has detained a Japanese reporter it identifies as Yuki Imai of the Hokkaido Shimbun, accusing him of collecting information on Russian defence capabilities for Japanese intelligence. The FSB has flown him to Moscow and a court has remanded him until 12 December. Tokyo has summoned the Russian ambassador and requested consular access and fair treatment.
Mauritius has shortened its overnight curfew to 10 p.m.–4:30 a.m. after days of protests over water shortages and the cost of living that escalated when a police officer shot and wounded a 27‑year‑old woman. Authorities have arrested the officer, detained dozens of people and closed schools and public transport as they increase deployments and checkpoints.
Since Monday, Israeli authorities have demolished homes in Umm Numaila and Abu Quraynat, reflecting a wider pattern of home demolitions in unrecognized Bedouin villages across the Negev as authorities press for building permits. The moves are part of a broader legal and political struggle over land and recognition in Israel’s southern desert.
Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails are reported to endure prolonged solitary confinement, scabies outbreaks, and limited medical care amid overcrowding. The new data from the Palestinian Prisoners Club and other rights groups describe multiple detainees facing harsh conditions, with calls for urgent international intervention.
Thousands rally across major cities as Abelardo de la Espriella faces protests against plans to curb social gains from Petro era. Demonstrations are peaceful but authorities have expanded powers to manage crowds; debates flare over foreign policy and economic austerity.
The Board of Peace has awarded a contract to Arkel International to build a fortified outpost in Gaza for 150 international troops. Israel has not authorized the work to begin, delaying the international stabilization force and threatening reconstruction plans for Gaza. The Guardian quotes sources saying the border remains closed; the Board of Peace and others have declined to comment.
The EU-GCC flagship summit has been postponed with a new date to be announced, as Saudi Arabia faces strikes by Yemen's Houthis. The decision underscores strains in the region while the EU signals commitment to deepening ties with Gulf partners.
The Houthis have fired multiple missiles at Aden’s Al-Maashiq Palace, the government says the prime minister and cabinet ministers are unharmed. Attacks also target Marib, while government forces push back Houthi fighters around Taiz amid heavy clashes.
Arab voters are mobilising for Israel’s October 2026 election. Polls show Arab turnout potentially shaping whether centrist former IDF chief Eisenkot or Netanyahu’s bloc leads. Arab parties and leaders say they aim to block a right-wing majority and push for peace and security cooperation.
Qatar has pledged ongoing support for Lebanon’s army and outlined a plan with TotalEnergies to develop a solar power plant, funded and implemented by Qatar without cost to Lebanon. The move accompanies talks on southern Lebanon’s security and reconstruction, amid Israel-Hezbollah tensions and displacement from the region’s ongoing conflict.
Green Party deputy leader Mothin Ali has won a defamation case against GB News’ Alex Armstrong and Bernadette Spofforth. The High Court has ordered apologies and substantial damages after posts accusing him of taking part in the 2024 Harehills riots harmed his reputation. Ali says the case highlights how social media smears target public figures who assist communities in crisis.
Missiles near a Yemen civilian airport have been described as a grave threat to air travel. No casualties are reported yet, and officials say passengers and crew are safe, though the strike follows a separate attack on a presidential palace complex in Aden.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has stated that his current term will end in 2030 and that the constitution will not be amended. He also outlined plans to groom a new generation of leaders through a Military Academy training program for potential candidates, ministers, and officials.
Youth-led protests against rising living costs have turned violent in Milan, Bologna and other northern cities. Police have used tear gas and water cannon to disperse masked demonstrators who have thrown stones, set fires and looted shops. Authorities have arrested dozens, many of them minors, and political leaders have condemned the disorder.
Israel has approved budget cuts totaling around NIS 4.9 billion affecting education, health, welfare, and other ministries, while defense procurement proceeds with AH-64E Apache helicopters. The government argues the measures fund urgent projects and security needs, though opponents criticize the impact on public services and welfare programs. The debate centers on funding sources and the balance between defense and social spending.
Austrian Airlines flight OS82 from Tel Aviv to Vienna has landed in Sofia after the crew received a bomb threat. Bulgarian authorities have evacuated 51 passengers and six crew, and a MiG-29 has escorted the Airbus A320 while police search the aircraft. Authorities have opened an investigation and passengers will be rebooked once searches finish.
Two separate incidents off Greece’s islands Lesbos and Samos have left at least 12 migrants dead after boats capsized during coast guard pursuit and a collision with a vessel. Survivors and authorities are continuing search and rescue efforts as investigations begin.
Lavrov arrives in Tehran for talks with Iranian leaders amid a broader push to ease regional tensions and restore maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, as Moscow positions itself as a mediator in the Middle East.