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MUST-READS

  • U.S. and Iraqi Commandos Targeted ISIS in Sprawling Operation

    The joint operation in Anbar province came even as Iraq’s prime minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, and Iraqi military commanders say they can keep the ISIS threat under control without U.S.-led assistance. Iraq and the United States are negotiating an agreement that would wind down the mission of the U.S.-led military coalition in Iraq. There are about 2,500 U.S. troops in Iraq and 900 in neighboring Syria.

  • A More Prominent Role for Global Auction Houses in the Gulf Art Scene: “It’s All Coming”

    In a global first, Christie’s auction house recently hosted a mid-career retrospective of Mater’s work: “Ahmed Mater: Chronicles,” nearly 20 years after the first presentation of the artist’s work at the British Museum in 2005. Curated by Ridha Moumni, chairman of Christie’s Middle East and Africa, the show reveals work in a variety of mediums –painting, photography, sculpture, video, and installation – that span Mater’s extensive career to date, from his first artistic experiments during his early years in Abha, Saudi Arabia to his latest projects.

  • Bridging the Gaps for an Orderly Energy Transition: The Role of Sustainable Finance in Saudi Arabia

    As governments and organisations across the ­Middle East work ­towards achieving their net-­zero agendas, sustainable finance plays a crucial role by raising capital for proj­ects essential to achieving ­these targets. Robust capital markets, supportive regulatory frameworks, and transparent sustainability reporting are some of the key ingredients for a well-­functioning sustainable finance practice, requiring cooperation from all relevant stakeholders, including governments, private companies, and regulators.

  • Measuring Green Jobs in Saudi Arabia: Saudis in Green Occupations

    This paper offers the first estimate of employment in Saudi Arabia that can be linked to the energy transition. Using a task-based taxonomy devised by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics applied to detailed administrative data on Saudi workers, it is estimated that in 2022 almost 30% of all Saudi workers in the private sector were employed in “green” occupations. 

  • Isabelle Werenfels: North Africa’s Relationship with Europe

    When it comes to security, I think NATO has added value. If we just take one example, most North African armies really noticed how well the Ukrainians did initially in February 2022, thanks to NATO training. These countries are very keen on that. It is a way to build ties and bring them closer to the alliance, which is the ultimate goal.

  • Saudi Red Sea Authority: More Than a Sea

    The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) has launched a campaign titled “More Than a Sea”, which revolves around four main pillars of SRSA’s roles: regulations, sustainability, attracting investments, and promoting tourism experiences in the Red Sea, to highlight its contributions toward building a thriving coastal tourism sector.

  • Virgin Atlantic Reviews ‘Gender Neutral’ Policy for New Saudi Route

    In recent years, the airline has been proactive in its diversity messaging. The airline’s Gender Identity Policy, published in 2022, allows cabin crew, pilots, and ground personnel to choose which uniform best represents them. This is irrespective of their gender, gender identity, or gender expression. At the time, Virgin said the move “cements its position as the most inclusive airline in the skies.”

  • Al-Ittihad sign Netherlands winger Bergwijn from Ajax

    Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad Football Club have signed winger Steven Bergwijn from Ajax Amsterdam FC, both clubs said on Monday. The Saudi Pro League side will pay more than €21 million ($23.25m) for the 26-year-old, whose contract with the Dutch club was valid until June 2027, said Ajax.

  • Flow House brings surfing sights to Saudi Arabia

    The Flow House concept will include indoor surfing experiences that are open throughout the year. The experiences will include flowboarding sessions and competitions, and it will welcome amateur as well as professionals. The experience draws inspiration from tropical islands, and will include live music and a restaurant overlooking the water. Plus, the menu will include plant-based and vegan options.

  • U.S.-Saudi Business Council Announces New CEO

    Mr. Hallab is a long-standing member of the Board of Directors of the Council and the founder of Barrington Global, an international legal and strategic advisory firm focused on the intersection of law, business and policy between the Middle East and the West. Mr. Hallab previously served as Chair of the Middle East Practice at the global law firm of Mayer Brown and in multiple leadership roles both at Mayer Brown and at the international law firm of Baker McKenzie.