MUST-READS

• Missile defence successes in Gulf, Ukraine fuel global urgency to acquire systems
  The success of ballistic missile defences facing their first complex, high-stakes combat scenarios in Israel, the Red Sea and Ukraine will encourage militaries globally to invest in the pricey systems, experts say - and intensify missile arms races.
  Iran launched as many as 120 intermediate-range ballistic missiles at Israel on April 13, U.S. and Israeli officials say. U.S. SM-3 and Israeli Arrow interceptors destroyed nearly all of them, leaving drones and smaller threats to the Iron Dome system.

• Nearly 2,200 people have been arrested during pro-Palestinian protests on US college campuses

  Police have arrested nearly 2,200 people during pro-Palestinian protests at college campuses across the United States in recent weeks, sometimes using riot gear, tactical vehicles and flash-bang devices to clear tent encampments and occupied buildings. One officer accidentally discharged his gun inside a Columbia University administration building while clearing out protesters camped inside, authorities said.

• ‘None go forward without the others.’ US mega-deal would tie together the futures of Saudi Arabia, Israel and Gaza

  Saudi Arabia and the United States are finalizing the details of a landmark deal to strengthen bilateral trade and defense – but an agreement will not be reached if the kingdom and Israel do not establish diplomatic relations, US officials said.

• US ‘very close’ to bilateral deal with Saudi Arabia as part of Israel normalization

  The US said on Thursday that it was “very close” to reaching an agreement on the bilateral piece of a potential package deal with Saudi Arabia, which would need to include normalization with Israel.

  “The Secretary did meet with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia this week when he was in Riyadh… and we are very close to reaching an agreement on the bilateral pieces of a normalization agreement,” State Department Spokesman Matt Miller said after the top US diplomat’s weekend trip to Saudi Arabia.

• Cercamon has acquired international sales rights for Saudi director Tawfik Alzaidi’s first feature Norah

  Cercamon has acquired international sales rights for Saudi director Tawfik Alzaidi’s first feature Norah ahead of its world premiere in the Cannes Film Festival’s Un Certain Regard.

  Norah will make history in May as the first ever Saudi feature to play in Cannes’ Official Selection. The achievement comes six years after Saudi Arabia announced the end of its 35-year cinema ban and is a sign of the bubbling cinema scene that has sprung up since.

• Secret Cliff Diving spots in Saudi Arabia

  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-Uzbek energy investments reach $14B: Minister

  Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Minister of Energy, stated that the energy sector represents an important aspect of the growing relationship between Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan, especially in the field of renewable energy. The size of investments between the two countries in this sector exceeded $14 billion, aimed at producing more than 11 gigawatts of electricity from renewable energy.

• Biggest Saudi IPO of the Year Sells Out in Under an Hour

  Dr. Soliman Abdul Kader Fakeeh Hospital and its shareholders are seeking to raise as much as 2.86 billion riyals ($763.4 million) in the Riyadh initial public offering. Books were covered throughout the price range of 53 riyals to 57.5 riyals per share, according to terms of the deal seen by Bloomberg News.

• How Microsoft’s billion-dollar bet on G42 spotlights the UAE’s AI ascension

  In the aftermath of Microsoft's $1.5 billion investment in Abu Dhabi artificial intelligence and cloud company G42, the spotlight is now on the Middle East's growing stature as a regional leader for global technology.

  The charge, led by the UAE and Saudi Arabia, has attracted attention from the likes of Oracle, Google and Amazon and highlights increasing investor confidence in the region, with growing financial backing from, and relations with, the West, considered the home of the world's technology industry leaders.

• US and Saudi Arabia nearing agreement on security pact, sources say
  The Biden administration and Saudi Arabia are finalizing an agreement for U.S. security guarantees and civilian nuclear assistance, even as an Israel-Saudi normalization deal envisioned as part of a Middle East “grand bargain” remains elusive, according to seven people familiar with the matter.
  A working draft lays out principles and proposals aimed at putting back on track a U.S.-led effort to reshape the volatile region that was derailed by Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel and the outbreak of war in Gaza, according to two sources who have seen the document.

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