Capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia; center of politics, economy, and culture.
This week the Iran‑aligned Houthis have seized Yemen’s Red Sea coast and taken islands in the Bab al‑Mandeb Strait, including Mocha, Mayyun (Perim) and the Hanish islands; Saudi and pro‑government forces have launched air strikes in response, the offensive has killed hundreds, displaced tens of thousands and pushed oil prices above $100 a barrel.
The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement among Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan remains defensive, but recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia are testing the alliance’s credibility and the readiness of member states to mobilize. Officials say operations would be defined by Saudi requests, with consultations ongoing.
Saudi Arabia has reported that its air defences have intercepted ballistic missiles and drones fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels toward Riyadh and other Saudi cities, including Yanbu. Residents in Riyadh heard explosions and saw smoke near the airport, but authorities have reported no casualties or confirmed damage. The attacks follow a Houthi campaign along Yemen's Red Sea coast that is disrupting shipping and raising regional tensions.
Saudi Arabia has closed its 1,200km East–West oil pipeline after a drone attack Riyadh has blamed on Iranian-backed militias in Iraq. Repairs could take three to five weeks, analysts say the closure risks 2.6–4 million barrels per day of exports and has pushed Brent above $105–$108 a barrel while Houthi gains in the Red Sea further tighten routes.
The Houthis have intensified attacks on Red Sea shipping and Saudi energy infrastructure, raising tensions as they seize Mokha and Perim and threaten Bab al-Mandab. Saudi Arabia has vowed to defend its sovereignty amid calls for unity at the UN; global energy markets respond with volatility.
A suicide attack on a Kohat mosque near a police complex has killed multiple worshippers and wounded dozens. Security forces are pursuing militants, amid ongoing cross-border tensions and a renewed push against the Pakistani Taliban.
KSrelief has expanded its humanitarian work, signing new partnerships to support orphans in Kosovo and Gaza. The programs include monthly sponsorships, clothing, school supplies, and safe water and meals, with a broader Gaza relief effort continuing through central kitchens and tent distributions.
Kurdistan authorities have reported Iranian-launched drones struck the private office of KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and the residence of the region's security agency chief on 17 August, with no casualties. The attacks come as Baghdad presses for a September 30 deadline to bring armed factions under state control and as cross-border strikes and US-Saudi operations have raised tensions across Iraq.
The Sudanese conflict persists as fighting between the army and RSF continues to upheave daily life. Civilians confront displacement, blocked routes, and humanitarian struggles, while international voices call for action.
Houthis have launched repeated drone, missile and naval strikes that have damaged Yemen’s Mocha port, killed dozens and forced the port’s suspension. The group has claimed a drone hit on Saudi Aramco’s Jazan refinery and renewed attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Bab al‑Mandeb, while Yemeni government forces have mounted counter‑attacks across multiple fronts.
Harvey Nichols has been put up for sale and is undergoing a turnaround led by Frasers Group. The six-storefront estate, including Edinburgh’s flagship, will continue operating while a broader restructuring is pursued, with potential integration of Flannels and the wider Frasers luxury ecosystem.
A protocol establishing a Sudanese-Turkish University strengthens higher education ties, expands scholarships, and lays groundwork for joint academic work between Sudan and Turkey. The agreement aims to develop capacity, support research, and foster mutual expertise, signalling a new phase in bilateral academic collaboration.
Houthi attacks on Yemen’s Red Sea coast have intensified, striking Mocha and al-Makha ports as government forces and militants trade strikes across Marib, Taiz and the western coast. The violence threatens shipping lanes, raises regional tensions, and risks drawing in regional powers as talks for a ceasefire stall.
The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement binds Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan to mutual defence and deterrence. Signed August 7, it marks a shift toward regional security coordination as US involvement in the Middle East becomes more constrained, with analysts noting the pact may empower regional partners without fully replacing Washington’s role.
Cristiano Ronaldo has said this season is likely to be his last as a player, aiming to leave a spectacular legacy. He notes his future is mapped out, with plans to stay busy beyond football, including travel, padel and family time. He remains under contract with Al-Nassr through 2027 and is nearing 1,000 career goals.
Fury has signalled readiness for a November showdown with Joshua after both signed contracts with Saudi-backed promoters. Negotiations over location and terms center on UK versus US hosting, with New York’s Madison Square Garden favored by the Saudis and Netflix. Joshua’s team is seeking contract amendments to accommodate American tax rules and logistics.
The US Treasury has announced "Operation Economic Outcast," expanding secondary sanctions and targeting Iran's digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping to sever Tehran's revenue streams. Washington has designated about 60 individuals, companies and vessels worldwide; Iran says it is prepared with contingency plans and vows to pursue both defence and diplomacy.
Moses Itauma is challenging Filip Hrgović for the vacant IBF heavyweight title at London’s O2 Arena. He is aiming to become the second-youngest heavyweight champion of all time, behind Mike Tyson, while facing a veteran opponent in Hrgović. Promoter Frank Warren backs him to win as Itauma defends his unbeaten record.
The UN-backed 4+4 committee has forged an initial framework to hold presidential and parliamentary elections within 24 months under a unified executive. While rival institutions signaled tentative support, implementation remains the biggest hurdle as divisions persist and power-sharing is tested.
French president Emmanuel Macron has opened a two-day International Space Summit in Paris that has gathered officials, astronauts, researchers and industry leaders from about 120 countries to press Europe to build sovereign space capabilities, debate regulation and seek commercial deals. U.S. companies SpaceX and Blue Origin are absent after White House concerns over the event’s framing.
At LEAP in Riyadh, Humain unveils Voice and partners with AMD to deliver AI in a Box, alongside AWS Saudi region expansion and an autonomous logistics initiative.
Chinese president Xi Jinping has visited Cairo for the first time in a decade and has met President Abdel Fattah el‑Sisi. The two governments have signed new economic deals, launched a third phase of the Suez Canal industrial zone and discussed cooperation on artificial intelligence, defence and maritime security as regional trade routes face disruption from the US‑Israel war with Iran.
Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes has stepped down to pursue a fresh challenge with Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. The exit follows Michael Edwards’ departure and a broader leadership shake-up at Anfield. The club is searching for a successor to guide recruitment during a busy transfer window.
Harry Parrott has quickly made his mark at Real Betis, scoring twice in two starts and seizing opportunities after a challenging start to his La Liga spell.
The Houthi movement has expanded its control along Yemen’s Red Sea coast, including Mokha and surrounding areas, raising concerns over shipping routes through Bab al-Mandab. The fighting has drawn in regional powers and threatens global oil supplies as the conflict tests Yemen’s government and international diplomacy.
The Houthis have targeted civilian and energy facilities in southern Saudi cities, injuring dozens. A coalition spokesperson has condemned the attacks as dangerous and vowed to take all necessary measures to deter the group amid renewed hostilities near Bab al-Mandeb.
Céline Dion has returned to full live performance with a sold‑out 26‑show residency at the Plenitude Arena outside Paris. The 58‑year‑old has opened the run with a 2‑hour, 25‑song set; she has been performing despite a 2022 diagnosis of stiff‑person syndrome and has adjusted keys and pacing to protect her voice and stamina.
Barcelona extends its winning run with a 4-1 victory, led by a hat-trick from Raphinha and goals from Cancelo and Yamal. PSG, with Torres, dominates Slovan Bratislava 6-1 in the Champions League, while Lille tops Ligue 1 after Mbappe’s late strike; multiple other European results shape the week’s football slate.
Arab News reports GCC members have welcomed Turkiye’s peace efforts, including dissolving the PKK, integrating the SDF into Syria’s security structures, and broader regional cooperation. The GCC Secretary-General backs centralized governance and regional stability as the SDF fate linked to Damascus’s future. Education and higher education ties are also emphasized as part of broader reconciliation.
The Houthis have seized the Red Sea coast and three strategic islands, while Saudi Arabia shuts the East-West pipeline and Iraq closes border crossings amid attacks blamed on drones from Iraq. The moves threaten oil shipments and push prices above $100 a barrel as regional tensions escalate.
Saudi Arabia has opened 103 investment opportunities across ecotourism, eco-lodges and environmental projects to private partners, aiming to sustain vegetation cover, support Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative. The program spans ecotourism, hospitality, parks and related services, with long-term and seasonal options and projected returns up to 16% IRR and potential GDP impact of SR1.4 billion. Opportunities cover multiple regions including Riyadh, Makkah and Madinah.
Iraq has agreed to a joint investigation with Iran into drone launch sites near the border, while border crossings with Iran are closed. The Saudi East-West pipeline has been attacked, with Riyadh suspending the route as security reviews proceed. Officials say no group has claimed responsibility.
The Houthis have expanded control along Yemen’s Red Sea coast, seizing a key island in Bab el-Mandeb and threatening global oil routes. Iraq and Iran-backed militias are implicated in attacks on the East-West Saudi pipeline, prompting Saudi closure and heightened regional tension as global oil markets brace for prices to rise.
Houthi advances along Yemen’s coast and the capture of Mocha put Bab el-Mandeb at risk. The United States faces political pressure as it weighs whether to intervene, while Saudi Arabia seeks to protect Red Sea shipping amid Iran-linked disruptions.
Elena Rybakina has won the US Open, defeating Aryna Sabalenka 6-4 5-7 6-2 to become the new World No. 1. The victory caps a breakthrough year that included an Australian Open title and a Wimbledon triumph, while Sabalenka ends the season without a Grand Slam title. The outcome also ends Sabalenka’s long run atop the rankings and sets up a fresh chapter in their rivalry.
Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline remains shut after drone attacks, with authorities citing precautionary measures. Supplies are being rerouted to mitigate disruption, while markets price in potential longer-term supply risk as regional tensions escalate.
Neom defeats Al-Hilal 2-0, ending Hilal’s 47-game league unbeaten run. Neom’s win follows a string of strong performances that emphasize youth development and sustainable growth in Saudi football.
Saudi Arabia and Syria have signed a strategic partnership to develop an end-to-end digital platform for petroleum derivatives, linking production, transport, storage, distribution and financial settlements. CASHIN will build and run the system, aiming for transparency, efficiency and governance across the value chain. The agreement is part of broader Saudi-Syrian energy cooperation amid Damascus’ energy expansion efforts.
The Houthis have intercepted drones and missiles aimed at Mecca, the holiest city in Islam, amid renewed hostilities with a Saudi-led coalition. Saudi security alerts and international responses follow claims of an attack on key holy sites; the Houthis deny targeting Mecca and frame their actions as retaliation against Saudi strikes.
The State Department has approved a $24.3 billion sale of F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia, arguing it will strengthen Riyadh’s defense and interoperability with U.S. forces. Critics warn the deal could risk exposure of U.S. military tech and destabilize the region. Congress has 30 days to scrutinize the proposal.
The East-West pipeline has been hit by drones launched from Iraqi soil, prompting Saudi suspensions and Iraqi security actions. Iraqi authorities have sacked Missan province's commander and closed multiple border crossings as Baghdad probes the incident. The strikes, linked to Iran-aligned factions, test the sovereignty of Iraq as the US-led coalition withdraws.
Explosions and a burning Aramco fuel tank near Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport have prompted the first air-raid alerts in the capital since the Yemen conflict escalated. Flight disruptions and major problems at the airport follow overnight warnings to residents, with the UN calling for action amid civilian displacement.