Saudi Aramco’s longtime HQ hub in the Eastern Province
A review-driven look at recent restaurant scenes across multiple regions. From Italian pantry traditions recounted in The Guardian to Jeddah’s vibrant Mediterranean-Asian fusion, the latest dining experiences reveal diverse culinary storytelling and evolving hospitality. The pieces highlight stock tips, urban dining culture, and distinctive menus shaping modern food discourse.
The Iran-backed Houthis have intensified attacks on Saudi energy facilities and airports, with Aramco sites in Dhahran and Riyadh targeted. Saudi-led forces are escalating operations along Yemen's Red Sea coast as regional tensions rise and a major Riyadh conference looms.
Iran has approved a new defence minister with decades in the defence industry, aiming to accelerate war-era weapons development and protect strategic facilities as tensions rise in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Iran vows to respond to threats with extensive retaliation, as US-Israeli actions and regional responses escalate the conflict.
Iran warns it will retaliate against any renewed attacks as shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continue. Tehran says US-Israeli pressure has escalated tensions, while regional diplomacy seeks de-escalation amid talks with Mecca pact states and Mecca alliance discussions.