MUST-READS

• Russia struggles to collect oil payments as China, UAE, Turkey raise bank scrutiny
  Russian oil firms face delays of up to several months to be paid for crude and fuel as banks in China, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) become more wary of U.S. secondary sanctions, eight sources familiar with the matter said.
  Payment delays reduce revenue to the Kremlin and make them erratic, allowing Washington to achieve its dual policy sanction goals - to disrupt money going to the Kremlin to punish it for the war in Ukraine while not interrupting global energy flows.

• US solar factories strike deal to produce ‘Made in USA’ panels
  Two small solar manufacturers on Wednesday said they are joining forces to make panels that will enable their customers, U.S. solar project developers, to collect on a lucrative new federal subsidy for American-made clean energy equipment.
  The agreement between Georgia-based solar cell producer Suniva and Canada's Heliene, which has panel-making operations in Minnesota, is being touted by the Biden administration as evidence that Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) subsidies are succeeding in building a domestic solar manufacturing industry to compete with China.

• The Islamic State’s Afghanistan-based affiliate is emerging as a global menace

  News of the recent horrific attack in Moscow by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria—Khorasan Province (also known as ISIS-K) is putting a spotlight on a group that was already notorious for its brutal methods in Afghanistan and the broader Middle East. The operation in Moscow arrived a few weeks after U.S. officials warned that credible intelligence suggested an attack was brewing in Russia. Still, it appears to be a dramatic escalation of the group’s ability to launch complex attacks well outside its home base in Afghanistan.

• Saudi Arabia denounces Israeli decision to confiscate West Bank land

  Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned an Israel decision to confiscate 800 hectares of land in the occupied West Bank.

  The Kingdom “strongly condemns the Israeli occupation’s announcement,” emphasizing “that such actions violate international laws and relevant resolutions,” the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) cited the ministry as saying.

• Saudi HR minister, business leaders discuss labor-market challenges

  Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmad Al-Rajhi on Tuesday met business representatives of the private sector in Makkah. During the meeting at the headquarters of the Makkah Chamber of Commerce, Al-Rajhi reviewed the labor-market strategy and achievements between 2019 and 2023 and was told about the main challenges and opportunities in the private sector.

• Al-Khateeb: Saudi Arabia pumps SR375 million annually to support skills of Saudis in tourism sector

  Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb said that Saudi Arabia pumps SR375 million annually to support enhancing the skills of Saudis in the tourism sector. “This contributed to raising their rates to 40 percent and we are targeting 50 percent. We are also working to facilitate the issuance of licenses instantly instead of the current duration of five days,” he said while addressing the Manafea Forum in Madinah.

• Saudi cabinet highlights green initiative and regional diplomacy in latest session

  In a Cabinet session chaired by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman, held in Jeddah on Tuesday, the Kingdom showcased its dedication to environmental sustainability, regional diplomacy, and humanitarian concerns. The session began with the Crown Prince briefing on recent communications with international leaders, including the President of Germany, the Prime Minister of Kuwait, and the Secretary of State of the United States of America, emphasizing the Kingdom's active role on the global stage.

• Cliff divers conquer Saudi Arabia’s rare fresh water supplies
  Catalin Preda from Romania and America’s David Colturi have become the first people to dive into the wadis of Saudi Arabia in a hike and dive experience through the rough and rugged natural landscape of Jazan province.

  Set against the unique backdrop of the Wadis Lajab and Al-Rough in the kingdom’s Jazan province, the Romanian American duo explored the canyons, deep valleys, waterfalls and freshwater ponds deep enough to host fish and some incredible cliff dives.

• Saudi Ministers Visit Central Asia: “Unprecedented” Collaboration Moves Beyond Oil

  A new era of engagement between the Persian Gulf and Central Asian states was launched this month, surprisingly promoting investments that diversify both regions away from oil and gas. High-level Saudi ministers touched down in Bishkek and Astana, bringing with them the promise of large-scale infrastructure investments to be funded by the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), which is actively seeking to expand its more than $20 billion portfolio across Central Asia.

• NCW Implements Three Major Initiatives in Saudi Green

  The National Center for Wildlife (NCW) has implemented three main initiatives in "Saudi Green." These initiatives include expanding and integrating protected areas, assessing marine and coastal environments, rehabilitating affected areas, and ensuring their sustainable management. Additionally, the NCW has undertaken an initiative to propagate and resettle endangered species and restore their ecosystems. The Center leads major initiatives within the Green Saudi Initiative, serving as a national umbrella for the Kingdom's wildlife sector. It works in tandem with other sectors to restore the Kingdom's ecosystems, enrich biodiversity, and achieve environmental balance and sustainability.

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