MUST-READS

• Saudi Arabia’s new family law: Key marriage, custody and privacy reforms explained

  The 41-article regulation, which took effect on Friday, marks a significant step in the kingdom’s ongoing legal reforms, reinforcing women’s rights, marital laws, and child custody provisions in line with broader judicial modernisation efforts. Under the new rules, unapproved marriage contracts will now be subject to a structured review, led by the Minister of Justice and other authorities. The ministry has also been granted authority to introduce additional regulations as needed based on evolving judicial applications. The Personal Status Law is one of four key legal frameworks announced by the Crown Prince in February 2021, alongside the Civil Transactions Law, Penal Code for Discretionary Sanctions, and Law of Evidence. Together, these reforms enhance judicial transparency, expand individual rights, and bring Saudi Arabia's legal system closer to international standards.

• Saudi Arabia may be expanding ballistic missile force, satellite images show

  Saudi Arabia may be quietly modernising and expanding its long-range missile capabilities, according to newly published satellite imagery. Fabian Hinz, a defence and military researcher at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), analysed the images in a report published on Thursday. Riyadh first established long-range surface-to-surface missiles in the 1980s in response to the Iran-Iraq war and the broader proliferation of missile capabilities in the region. Details about the development of its missile programme since then have been scarce, as the Gulf kingdom rarely displays its long-range weaponry openly. The IISS report found what appears to be the construction of an underground missile base near the town of al-Nabhaniyah in central Saudi Arabia. Construction began in 2019 and was mostly complete by early 2024, it added.

• From Oil to Hydrogen: Saudi Arabia’s Journey to Net-Zero by 2060

  As of 2024, the NGHC has achieved an impressive 60% completion across key infrastructure elements, including a state-of-the-art hydrogen production plant, a wind farm, a solar energy facility, and an integrated transmission grid. These advancements position the project well on its path to producing up to 600 tonnes of green hydrogen daily. Among the critical milestones recently accomplished is the preparation of “Electrolyser 1,” a pivotal component expected to commence operations in 2025. The integration of cutting-edge technologies and innovative design is set to revolutionize green hydrogen production. The facility’s ability to generate clean hydrogen for applications such as powering buses, heavy trucks, and industrial processes underscores its potential to significantly decarbonize traditionally high-emission sectors.

• Syria’s rebuilding is bringing US partners Turkey and Saudi Arabia closer together

  Since Turkey ended a period of sharp tensions with several Gulf countries in 2021, Ankara has improved relations with all the countries in the region, and ties between Turkey and Saudi Arabia in particular have significantly improved. Ankara and Riyadh have put aside their past disputes and deepened their strategic relations. Now, the rebuilding of post-Assad Syria offers an opportunity for Turkey and Saudi Arabia to deepen their relations further. After becoming Syria’s new de facto leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa visited Saudi Arabia and Turkey for his first two visits abroad. This is a testament to the important role both countries are expected to play in the new Syria. Sharaa is likely attempting to show the new Syrian leadership’s intent to distance itself from Iran and attract the Saudi financial investment that Syria desperately needs.

• Saudi Arabia Emerges as Key Global Player Under Trump

  Saudi Arabia's diplomatic maneuvers reflect its ambitions to assert itself globally while securing its own geopolitical interests. Its support for a negotiated peace in Ukraine could bolster its influence with both Washington and Moscow, while its leadership on Gaza underscores its regional authority. The Kingdom's balancing act will test its ability to navigate the complex dynamics of great power competition and Middle East stability. "Saudi Arabia's recent diplomatic maneuvers reflect a growing maturity from Riyadh that we didn't see during President Donald Trump's first term. The Kingdom appears to have moved on from an unrealistic foreign policy approach towards the region, and instead seems to be using its leverage and embracing diplomacy as a tool for regional stability and strategic influence."

• Explorer completes first stage of bid to cross Saudi Arabia on foot

  Writer and TV presenter Alice Morrison, from Edinburgh, began her journey on New Year’s Day at the border with Jordan. Accompanied by two camels – named Juicy and Lulu – and local guides, the 61-year-old has now covered the 930 kilometres to the Prophet’s Mosque, also known as Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, in Madinah. The seven-week journey saw the seasoned explorer average about 23km – or 33,000 steps – per day. During the journey, Ms Morrison, who speaks fluent Arabic, explored numerous pieces of the country’s rich history – including ancient ruins, bronze age tombs, and relics from the old Hejaz railway.

• How Saudi Arabia is leveraging regenerative tourism to blend luxury with sustainability

  At the heart of Saudi Arabia’s environmental strategy is regenerative tourism, which aims to protect natural habitats through science-led approaches and sustainable practices. Unlike sustainable tourism, which aims to minimize harm, regenerative tourism strives to improve destinations through conservation, community engagement and science-led initiatives. This includes implementing eco-friendly infrastructure, protecting biodiversity, and involving local communities in conservation efforts to ensure long-term environmental and economic benefits.

• Commentary: Saudi Arabia’s political messages in response to Netanyahu

  Notably, Riyadh is spearheading ongoing efforts by leading the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, as announced by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan at the UN General Assembly last September. This initiative is in collaboration with Arab and Islamic countries, as well as the EU and Norway. The objective is to develop a “practical plan to achieve shared goals for the desired peace,” as stated by Prince Faisal, who affirmed that “we will exert our utmost efforts to establish a reliable and irreversible path toward a just and comprehensive peace.”

• EDF and TAQA Geothermal Sign Landmark MoU to Advance Geothermal Energy in Saudi Arabia

  EDF Saudi Arabia and TAQA Geothermal Energy Company have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on geothermal energy technologies including power generation and HVAC applications as well as Compressed Air Energy Storage in Saudi Arabia. The agreement was formalized during the third edition of the PIF Private Sector Forum, held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

• Secretary Rubio’s Travel to Germany, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates
  Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Munich on February 13 to participate in the Munich Security Conference, where he will discuss a range of U.S. priorities with international partners. While in Munich, Secretary Rubio will also participate in the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. He will then travel to Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates from February 15-18. Secretary Rubio’s engagements with senior officials will promote U.S. interests in advancing regional cooperation, stability, and peace. The trip will center on freeing American and all other hostages from Hamas captivity, advancing to Phase II of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, and countering the destabilizing activities of the Iranian regime and its proxies.

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