Latest Saudi Arabia News

Saudi Arabia appoints first ambassador to Syria since 2012

May. 26, 2024 12:07 PM EDT

BEIRUT (AP) — Saudi Arabia on Sunday announced the appointment of its first ambassador to Syria since severing ties with Damascus in 12 years, marking an ongoing thawing in relations since the war-torn country was readmitted to the Arab League over a year ago. Faisal al-Mujfel's...

Human rights experts urge FIFA to scrutinize Saudi Arabia before 2034 World Cup vote

May. 22, 2024 05:58 AM EDT

DUBLIN (AP) — FIFA was urged by international lawyers Wednesday to uphold its own policy and scrutinize Saudi Arabia’s human rights record before picking the kingdom to host the men’s 2034 World Cup. A 22-page document was delivered to FIFA headquarters in Zurich on behalf of...

Democrats propose ban on officials receiving payments from foreign governments after Trump probe

May. 21, 2024 19:11 PM EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats introduced legislation Tuesday that would prohibit U.S. officials from accepting money, payments or gifts from foreign governments without congressional consent, their response to a yearslong probe into former President Donald Trump’s overseas business dealings. ...

Saudi Arabia's national carrier orders more than 100 new Airbus jets as it ramps up tourism push

May. 20, 2024 22:52 PM EDT

Saudi Arabia's national airline ordered more than 100 new Airbus jets, a reflection of the kingdom's ambitious drive to lure more tourists. Saudia Group, which represents the Saudia airline and its budget carrier Flyadeal, said Monday that it ordered 105 aircraft from the French...

Saudi Arabia is going to sponsor the WTA women's tennis rankings under a new partnership

May. 20, 2024 14:31 PM EDT

NEW YORK (AP) — Saudi Arabia's move into tennis will now include a multiyear deal to sponsor the WTA women's rankings. The WTA released word of its partnership agreement with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) on Monday, a move that follows last month's news that the...

In Saudi Arabia, an all-women psychedelic rock band jams out as its conservative society loosens up

May. 20, 2024 06:50 AM EDT

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Leaning into the microphone in Saudi Arabia's capital, Nora let loose a primal scream. Guitars wailed and drums throbbed behind her as part of a set with her bandmates during a recent show. The performance by Seera, an all-women psychedelic rock band...

US national security adviser, Saudi Arabia's crown prince meet to discuss 'semi-final' security deal

May. 19, 2024 21:35 PM EDT

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — President Joe Biden's national security adviser met early Sunday with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss what the kingdom described as the “semi-final” version of a wide-ranging security agreement between the countries. ...

Saudi Arabia's 88-year-old King Salman has a lung infection and will take antibiotics, doctors say

May. 19, 2024 21:31 PM EDT

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Saudi Arabia's 88-year-old King Salman has been diagnosed with a lung infection and will undergo treatment with antibiotics after falling ill with a fever and joint pain, state media reported early Monday. King Salman underwent medical...

Usyk beats Fury by split decision to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 24 years

May. 18, 2024 21:40 PM EDT

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Oleksandr Usyk has been shorter, lighter and older than all of his opponents since he moved up to the heavyweight division. Usyk's heart and skill are enormous, and he overcame a major size disadvantage against Tyson Fury to become the world's first...

An ultimatum raises pressure on Netanyahu to make postwar plans for Gaza, even as fighting rages

May. 18, 2024 18:11 PM EDT

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under mounting pressure from his own War Cabinet and his country's closest ally over postwar plans for Gaza, even as the war with Hamas shows no sign of ending. On Saturday, Benny Gantz, a member of the War Cabinet and...