Mehrdad Ghodoussi led a 2021 takeover of Newcastle United with the backing of the Saudi Public Investment Fund and the Reuben family. Getty Images

'Huge ambitions': Saudi Arabia playing long game at Newcastle, says former owner

Mehrdad Ghodoussi, who led 2021 takeover alongside wife Amanda Staveley, believes PIF has a vision for club and backs boss Eddie Howe to help deliver it

Football

Saudi Arabia to open financial market to all foreign investors

Markets

Saudi Arabia raises $11.5 billion from oversubscribed bond sale

Economy

Mena consumer packaged goods market to hit $633bn in 2030 as spending grows

Economy

Turkey offers role in Yemen talks in call with Saudi Crown Prince

Gulf

Gulf forces launch joint military exercise in Saudi Arabia

Gulf

Saudi Arabia signals easing in bond sales amid cautious approach to spending

Economy
A satellite image shows the Skipper, a Venezuela-related vessel seized by the US on December 10, offshore Texas. Venezuelan heavy crude is widely used in US refineries. EPA

Opec+ opts for caution as US takeover of Venezuela oil adds supply risks

Oil market faces more uncertainty as group pauses output

Energy

Infighting among Yemen's anti-Houthi forces reaches Mukalla

MENA

UAE urges dialogue as Saudi Arabia declares readiness to host Yemeni talks

Gulf

Middle East IPOs to bounce back in 2026 after slump

Markets

How Ithra is helping shape the future of Saudi cinema beyond blockbusters

Culture

Sudan heads into 2026 with shifting front lines and no end to war in sight

MENA

What has UAE’s role in Yemen really been since 2015?

MENA
Irtizaz is one of two films Ithra screened at the Red Sea Film Festival this year. Photo: Sara Balghonaim

How Ithra is helping shape the future of Saudi cinema beyond blockbusters

Film programme developer Feras Almusharria says it's important to cultivate movies rooted in Saudi society

Culture

Sudan heads into 2026 with shifting front lines and no end to war in sight

MENA

What has UAE’s role in Yemen really been since 2015?

MENA

Yemeni Presidential Council members denounce 'unilateral decisions' by chairman

MENA

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