MUST-READS

• Saudi-Iranian Relations Restored But Remain Tense

  A year after restoring diplomatic ties, Saudi Arabia and Iran still experience tensions. Conversations and diplomatic reopenings haven't translated into significant agreements due to ongoing regional conflicts and deep-seated distrust, especially concerning their allies and the situations in Yemen and Lebanon.

• Saudi Aramco raises 2030 gas target as capex growth to slow on oil

  Saudi Arabia's energy giant Saudi Aramco raised its target for increased natural gas production on March 10 and lowered its capital expenditure forecast for crude oil after being ordered to halt work on expanding oil production capacity.

• Saudi Arabia Is Splurging on Sports. Is It Working?

  As Saudi Arabia looks toward a post-oil future, the kingdom is spreading around its largess as never before. The Public Investment Fund, led by the country’s de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is making big bets on global sports including golf and football.

• A Saudi business is leaving Arizona valley after it was targeted by the state over groundwater use

  Arizona officials said a Saudi-owned company they targeted over its use of groundwater to grow forage crops is moving its farming operation out of a valley in the Southwestern state’s rural west. Gov. Katie Hobbs and the Arizona State Land Department announced late Thursday that Fondomonte Arizona is officially no longer pumping water in the Butler Valley groundwater basin. Some residents of La Paz County had complained that the company’s pumping was threatening their wells.

• Saudi Wealth Fund Eyes $20 Billion Windfall from Aramco Dividend

  Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund is set to earn about $5 billion in dividend payments every quarter from its stake in Aramco after the government handed it more shares in the state-controlled oil company, which then said it would boost shareholder payouts. The hike in Aramco’s dividend, which is set to total at least $124 billion this year, comes days after Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the transfer of an 8% stake in Aramco to the Public Investment Fund.

• Red Bull dominates 2024 F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

  Max Verstappen led a one-two finish for Red Bull Racing at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix this past weekend, which served as round two of the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship. Teammate Sergio Perez did well to finish in second place some 13 seconds behind Verstappen, as he suffered a five-second penalty for an unsafe release during an early pit stop that saw him almost crash into Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso. Third place at the race at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit went to Ferrari's Charles Leclerc who finished 18 seconds behind the winner.

• Futuristic golf temple is the latest Saudi tourism extravagance

  "Gidori's 18-hole championship golf course sweeps inland through low hills and rocky outcrops, challenging golfers at all levels and featuring innovative design, exquisite coastal views and advanced technology," explained a press release by Neom. "The elegant clubhouse will provide sophisticated hospitality for players, while the golf academy will offer expert advice and coaching and will service the traditional game as well as the next generation of e-sports. "Gidori's surroundings are perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, on and off-road cycling, and scenic walks. The beach club will offer relaxed hospitality and entertainment, with an extensive selection of water sports for all ages and experiences. Come nightfall, observation platforms will provide unrivaled viewing opportunities of the night skies."

• Muslims spot Ramadan crescent moon in Saudi Arabia, meaning month of fasting starts Monday for many

  The sacred month, which sees those observing abstain from food and water from sunrise to sunset, marks a period of religious reflection, family get-togethers and giving across the Muslim world. Seeing the moon Sunday night means Monday is the first day of the fast. Saudi state television reported that authorities there saw the crescent moon. Soon after, multiple Gulf Arab nations, as well as Iraq, Syria and Egypt followed the announcement to confirm they as well would start fasting on Monday. Leaders also shared messages of congratulations the month had begun.

• At Jerusalem’s al-Aqsa Mosque, Ramadan brings uncertainty and fear

  Jews revere the site they call the Temple Mount as the location of the first and second temples and worship at the Western Wall, a remnant of the ancient complex. Muslims know it as the Noble Sanctuary, where the prophet Muhammad is said to have ascended to heaven.

  It’s the holiest site in Judaism and third holiest in Islam. The competing claims are one of the most challenging elements of the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

• Elderly Saudi family members recall beloved tradition of sighting crescent moon

  “Every year, before sunset, we would sit at a high spot in the village with serene views of clear skies, waiting for the sighting of the crescent moon. We watched the gradual descent of the sun before sunset. These changing colors had magnificent effects that we admired and later described to our mothers at home.”

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