State news agency of Saudi Arabia, headquartered in Riyadh since 1971
Houthi forces have claimed missile, drone and cruise-missile strikes on two Saudi oil tankers, Encelia and Layla, in the Red Sea and have declared a naval blockade of Saudi ports. The attack has caused a fire aboard one tanker, forced several ships to turn back and driven marine insurance and oil prices higher while US strikes on Iranian targets continue.
Saudi officials have reported that air defences intercepted ballistic missiles and drones aimed at Riyadh, Taif and the Red Sea port of Yanbu after Houthi forces have seized Red Sea coast positions and tightened control of the Bab al‑Mandeb. Saudi civil defence has issued and later lifted alerts; there are no immediate confirmed civilian casualties.
Houthi forces have struck multiple sites in southern Saudi Arabia, causing fires and injuring dozens, the Saudi energy ministry has said. The Saudi-led coalition has reported at least 73 people injured in attacks on Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran and has vowed a firm military response. The Houthis have promised a statement on a "large-scale military operation."
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.
Norway has proposed a bill to criminalize trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem after consultations, aligning with broader Western sanctions. The measure targets goods from settlements, including wine and construction materials, amid escalating regional tensions and international criticism.
The Bab al-Mandeb strait is now under Houthi control, threatening Red Sea shipping and Egypt’s Suez Canal revenues. Egypt and Saudi Arabia are pursuing security cooperation while reaffirming commitment to safe navigation amid US-led regional dynamics.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has cancelled engagements following the death of his father, Roy Burnham, who had Alzheimer’s. He has thanked political leaders for condolences and says his drive to reform England’s social-care system is rooted in his father’s experience. He is continuing to govern while navigating the personal loss.
France has decided to send military assets, including soldiers and radar systems, to protect key Red Sea sites in Yanbu after Houthis attacks disrupted oil shipments. The move follows a gulf-france ministerial meeting and stresses international cooperation to secure shipping routes amid tensions with Iran.
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are strengthening high-level ties amid regional tensions, inviting Gulf allies to the GCC-EU Summit and coordinating on issues including Yemen and security. Multiple meetings signal a thaw and shared interests as Riyadh hosts the event.
Arab News reports a moon-Pleiades conjunction marks a transition from summer to cooler weather in the Arabian Peninsula, guiding Bedouin and farming calendars. Wasm Al-Harif spans 27 days, Wasm Al-Wasm about 81 days, with rainfall and desert truffles tied to the pattern. The New Arab notes a gradual autumnal shift across the region, influenced by air masses and pressure patterns.
Saudi-led forces have intercepted a ballistic missile fired by Houthi rebels toward Riyadh, officials and residents have reported. Recent Houthi strikes have hit King Khalid and Abha airports, killed foreign residents and wounded dozens, forced flight suspensions and prompted Saudi counterstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen.
Multiple projectiles have hit King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh over the past week, including a deadly strike that has killed at least 13 people and wounded hundreds. Saudi authorities have closed the airport, are conducting damage assessments and safety inspections, and several governments have warned citizens against travel to affected Saudi airports.
Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure pipeline is moving toward private-sector-led financing, with banks focusing on structuring and distributing assets. Projects like the Jubail–Buraydah water pipeline illustrate private participation as Vision 2030 matures. The shift accompanies a broader financing redesign across transport, energy and digital infrastructure.
Saudi cinema gains global attention as Taibah’s film, A Matter of Life and Death, is Saudi Arabia’s official submission for Best International Feature Film at the 2027 Academy Awards, while the wider film festival circuit highlights local talent amid new industry initiatives.