MUST-READS

• IMF Forecasts Steady Global Growth in 2025

  India, China, Russia and the United States are forecast to see contractions in their economic output between 2024 and 2025. In Russia, this change is expected to be most pronounced, dropping 2.3 percentage points. Meanwhile, 2025 is forecast to be an improved year for growth in the United Kingdom, Japan and Germany. U.S. has had an upwards revision to a forecasted growth of 2.8 percent in 2024, from the previously estimated 2.6 percent. In 2025, growth is expected to slow to 2.2 percent in the U.S. as fiscal policy is gradually tightened and a cooling labor market slows consumption. This is still an improvement from the July forecast, which had estimated growth at 1.9 percent.

• Saudi Arabia to enforce USB Type-C charging ports for electronic devices from January 1

  This decision introduced by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) and the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) aims to enhance the user experience in Saudi Arabia, reduce additional costs for consumers, and provide high-quality charging and data transfer technology while improving the quality of tech products.

• Saudi Arabia Megaproject Neom Says It Needs 20% of the World’s Steel

  Manar Al Moneef, Neom's chief investment officer, spoke at the Global Logistics Forum in Riyadh on the weekend of October 13. According to the business news outlet Arabian Gulf Business Insight, she said, "Neom is going to be the largest customer [in logistics] over the next decade. If you look at our demand in logistics it's 5 percent of the global logistics market."

• Perspective: The New Battle for the Middle East

  These two countries are historic rivals with irreconcilable goals. Vision 2030 appeals to national aspirations, whereas Vision 1979 taps into national grievances. Vision 2030 seeks a security alliance with the United States and normalization with Israel; Vision 1979 is premised on resisting the former and eradicating the latter. Vision 2030 is propelled by social liberalization; Vision 1979 is anchored in social repression.

• How EVs are changing the future of oil demand

  Despite near-term challenges in some markets, the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) globally remains strong. Last year, about 20% of new cars sold worldwide were electric – and that share is expected to continue to rise. Based on today’s policy settings by governments around the world, EVs’ market share is set to grow nearer to 50% by 2030 and beyond it soon after.

• Iran announces first joint military drills with Saudi Arabia in Red Sea

  Iran has announced joint military drills with Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea, though the kingdom has yet to confirm. In a statement on Tuesday, the commander of Iran’s navy, Admiral Shahram Irani, said that they had been asked by Saudi Arabia to take part in the operations. “Saudi Arabia has asked that we organise joint exercises in the Red Sea,” he was quoted as saying by the Iranian news agency ISNA. “Coordination is underway and delegations from both countries will hold the necessary consultations on how to conduct the exercise." He did not give any details on a potential timescale.

• Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud

  Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud in Riyadh.  The Secretary underscored the importance of bringing the war in Gaza to an end and releasing all hostages.  The Secretary and Foreign Minister continued discussions on how to establish security, governance, and reconstruction in the post-conflict period.  The Secretary thanked the Foreign Minister for Saudi Arabia’s work to facilitate humanitarian aid into Gaza and Lebanon.  They also discussed the need for a diplomatic solution in Lebanon that allows Israeli and Lebanese civilians to return to their homes.

• Saudi Economy Set for Strongest Growth in Years Amid OPEC+ Supply Boost

  Saudi Arabia’s economy is set to grow by 4.4% next year, accelerating to the highest in three years from 1.3% growth expected for 2024, as OPEC+ is set to begin unwinding its oil production cuts in December, a Reuters poll of economists showed on Wednesday. On average, the economies of the six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates – are expected to grow by 4.1% in 2025, compared to an expected 1.8% growth for this year and higher than the average estimate of 3.7% growth for 2025 in the July Reuters poll.

• Al-Khorayef: Saudi Arabia to localize production of about 200 medicines

  Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khorayef confirmed that the ministry has identified approximately 200 medicines whose localization is a priority in Saudi Arabia due to their great importance in achieving drug security. Actual steps have begun to localize 42 of these medicines in coordination and integration with governmental and private entities. He also stressed that Saudi Arabia is moving forward to become a pivotal center for the pharmaceutical and vaccine industry in the region, through effective partnerships it has concluded with major global pharmaceutical companies. Al-Khorayef stressed the importance of unifying efforts and establishing a clear reference for localizing the pharmaceutical industry to attract qualitative investments to the sector, and accelerate the steps toward achieving the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 in the pharmaceutical sector.

• Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud
  Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud in Riyadh to discuss our common efforts to end the conflicts in the region and establish greater peace and security.  The Secretary emphasized the need to end the war in Gaza, free the hostages, and enable the people of Gaza to rebuild their lives free from Hamas.  The Secretary and Crown Prince discussed efforts toward a diplomatic resolution in Lebanon that allows civilians on both sides of the Blue Line to return to their homes. They continued discussions on the need to establish lasting regional stability, including through greater integration among countries in the region.  They also discussed the importance of ending the conflict in Sudan, protecting civilians, and advancing a political transition to a civilian government.  The Secretary expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s role in promoting stability and peace in the region.

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