West Asian kingdom, centre of the Arabian Peninsula, global energy and geopolitics hub
A US judge has approved a consent decree that settles a 12‑state antitrust challenge and clears the way for Paramount Skydance to complete its takeover of Warner Bros. The five‑year settlement requires at least 30 US theatrical releases a year, separate cable negotiations, and independent editorial boards for CNN and CBS. Ynon Kreiz will join as co‑CEO on Oct. 5.
Paramount has completed its takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery and has rebranded the combined company Skydance. The deal unites Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros., HBO Max and Paramount+, and networks including CNN and CBS under David Ellison, who will lead with Ynon Kreiz as co-CEO. A September settlement with US states cleared antitrust blocks and imposed production and editorial safeguards.
The US‑backed Board of Peace has presented a six‑month, $2.45bn, 66‑project recovery programme for Gaza while warning that full reconstruction will require about $71.4bn over the next decade. Implementation has not begun because the plan depends on Hamas disarming, Israeli cooperation and major donor funding that remains largely unpaid; Israeli forces continue to control large parts of the Strip.
British counter-terrorism police have arrested a man in Westminster and searched a nearby property as part of the investigation into the September 27 security incident near RAF Fairford. The probe has recovered petrol from vans but no explosives; five men arrested earlier remain on bail while investigators pursue multiple lines of inquiry, including potential foreign-state involvement.
Officials say a FlyDubai co-pilot identified as Omani attempted to crash an Israel-bound flight using an emergency axe, injuring the captain. Passengers and crew subdued the attacker; the plane landed safely in Saudi Arabia. UAE leads the probe, with Israel and Oman under scrutiny for cockpit-crew vetting and passenger-list procedures.
Malaysia has begun repatriating Myanmar nationals after detaining thousands and arranging the first group of about 1,476 to travel by Myanmar naval ships to Yangon. The government says returns are voluntary and part of a 5,000-person programme; the UN and rights groups have said they cannot verify voluntariness and warn returnees, including possible Rohingya, face grave risks in a country at war.
BC Partners Credit has committed an initial $300 million to LIV Golf’s restructuring, subject to bankruptcy court approval. The funding aims to propel LIV Golf into 2027, with a promised player-owned, globally oriented league as the core ambition. Hearings are set to address the terms and next steps as the league negotiates with creditors and players.
Maritime trackers have reported that Middle East crude exports have returned to near or above pre‑war levels in late September. Ship‑to‑ship transfers, US naval escorts and pipeline bypasses — notably Saudi Arabia's East‑West line and UAE links to Fujairah — have restored large volumes, but attacks on tankers and high insurance and freight costs are persisting.
Britain has warned it could expel up to about 27 Israeli diplomats if Israel closes the UK consulate in East Jerusalem on Thursday. Israel has ordered the consulate to shut within 30 days after Britain announced sanctions on goods and services linked to West Bank settlements. British officials have tried last-minute talks to avert the closure but have not reached a deal.
Diesel prices have surged to new highs in the UK amid global supply disruptions linked to the Iran war and Russia-Ukraine conflict. The US is weighing export bans to ease domestic pain, while Europe and the UK face rising costs and tight supplies. Authorities warn prices will likely rise further as markets react.
A cross-cultural look at how stuffed vegetables—from peppers to tomatoes—are being redefined across cuisines, tracing techniques, fillings and heritage, while spotlighting new trends in home cooking and dining culture.
Ships in the Hormuz Strait face renewed attacks as a tanker is struck and crew are injured; officials report continued shipping disruptions, while oil exports trend toward prewar levels amid tension.
England has secured a convincing Nations League win, with Harry Kane scoring twice to become the national record scorer and lead a strong performance under coach Thomas Tuchel. The win strengthens England’s position in Group A3, with Spain ahead and Croatia trailing.
Yemen’s government forces and allied militias are intensifying operations against Houthi positions across Taiz and along the Bab al-Mandeb coast. The coalition says it is targeting Houthi sites with air cover, while the Houthis have sought to extend their grip on western Yemen. Civilians remain displaced as fighting tightens its grip on strategic routes and coastal corridors.
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.
Iran has seen its currency hit new lows as US-Israeli actions tighten sanctions and blockades. Indirect talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz continue, while mediatior efforts and new sanctions aim to pressure Tehran. The government has unveiled plans to mitigate shortages and economic decline in the face of ongoing conflict.
Saudi Arabia has clinched the Gulf Cup title with a 2-0 win over the UAE in front of a crowd of 62,827 at King Abdullah Sports City. Hammam Al-Hammami and Feras Al-Brikan scored as the host nation dominated the final, while Zlatko Dalic’s troops defend their unbeaten record and head to the 2027 Asian Cup.
Israel’s prime minister faces defamation lawsuits as Haaretz and other outlets are accused of publishing false reports about warnings to Netanyahu before the October 7, 2023 attacks. The stories persist as other outlets report related warnings from Egypt and the UAE, while Netanyahu denies having been warned.
Lucid has reported third-quarter results showing continued production and delivery challenges, with CEO Silvio Napoli steering cost-cutting and a shift in strategy as the Cosmos is delayed. Rivian surges in production, underscoring a competitive EV market while Lucid campaigns to widen its addressable market.
Parliament replaces Agila Saleh with Al-Salhin Abdelnabi Al-Obeidi, amid ongoing efforts to unify Libya’s fractured institutions. The shift follows Haftar ally Saleh’s weakening position as Saddam Haftar consolidates influence in the east; US-led diplomacy seeks a path to national cohesion.
France 24, Arab News and Politico report Europe’s top leaders consider stronger trade defenses and new mechanisms to counter Beijing’s growing economic influence. Macron and Merz are pushing for a commission-led tool to respond quickly to trade frictions, with talk of targeted tariffs and reduced dependencies.
A laboratory worker at the Irkutsk Anti‑Plague Research Institute has died after falling ill on 30 September–2 October. Russian authorities have diagnosed "pneumonia of unknown aetiology" and said tests found no pathogens linked to her work; local media reported suspected pneumonic plague and nearly 200 contacts were placed under observation. International health agencies are monitoring the situation.
Yemeni ground forces, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, are expanding operations along the Red Sea coast. The government asserts control over key districts as heavy air support and mobilization efforts are under way. The move follows a broader offensive aimed at reversing Houthi gains and securing maritime routes.
The Saudi-led coalition-backed government is retaking towns near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait amid a broader offensive. Houthis have pushed into Taiz and other western areas, with air support and thousands of troops involved. The operation follows recent gains by the Houthis and marks a renewed phase in Yemen’s civil war.
The International Olympic Committee has confirmed a handful of countries are engaging in continuous dialogue to bid for future Olympic Games. A deadline of October 31 is set for formal interest, with shortlisting and feasibility assessments to follow between 2027 and 2029. Ahmedabad, Munich and Cape Town are among the cities named in emerging bids for 2036 and beyond.
Skydance has completed a historic merger, bringing Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount under its umbrella. The new group, called Skydance, now controls movie studios, streaming services, and networks including CNN, CBS, HBO Max, Paramount+, and legendary franchises. The deal closes after a lengthy bidding war, with Ellison and Kreiz leading the merged entity.
Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery have merged into Skydance, uniting cinema, streaming and news assets under one umbrella. The deal reshapes streaming, production slate and debt obligations, with leadership pledging continuity for consumers while planning a broader reorganization and potential price changes. Executives forecast a unified streaming service over time, but exact timelines remain undisclosed.
The US Department of Justice has charged James Cody Bryant, 30, of Washington state, with conspiracy to murder a person in a foreign country in connection with the February Tumbler Ridge attack in Canada. Bryant allegedly provided money, technical advice and planned a livestream, while the shooter, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, died by suicide after killing eight people in British Columbia. Prosecutors say Bryant maintained contact with the shooter for months.
Gold Star families say they have not received timely notice or enough information about Tuesday's reception with Donald Trump and the First Lady. Survivors describe warnings ignored before the March 1 Kuwaiti Port Shuaiba attack that killed 19 U.S. troops and wounded more than 800. The White House and Pentagon have not yet released full findings, while invitations began arriving about two weeks ago.
The Irkutsk case has prompted the WHO to demand more information as officials in Russia contest the link to a plague outbreak. Western officials warn that incomplete data risks a broader health scare.
Argentina bids farewell to Lionel Messi as he ends 21 years with the national team, capping a remarkable career crowned by a World Cup title. The national stadium fills as players, families, and fans pay tribute in a public farewell ahead of Messi's MLS duties with Inter Miami.
Temasek CIO warns the AI rally may not be sustainable; while AI-backed earnings support the S&P 500, a large portion of stocks remain below recent highs. He signals a potential 2027 bump, with Temasek prepared to pivot as the AI environment evolves.
Vice President JD Vance has warned that any settlement to end the seven-month conflict requires Iran to meaningfully reduce its nuclear enrichment capacity. He says Washington is open to an agreement but demands concrete concessions, while acknowledging uncertainty over Tehran’s decision-making. The war has disrupted energy markets and looms over midterm politics.
France has suspended police use of stun grenades during student-led protests amid injuries and arrests as the government seeks to defuse a nationwide school-safety crisis.