MUST-READS

• Hezbollah tells Iran it would fight alone in any war with Israel

  With ally Hamas under attack in Gaza, the head of Iran's Quds Force visited Beirut in February to discuss the risk posed if Israel next aims at Lebanon's Hezbollah, an offensive that could severely hurt Tehran's main regional partner, seven sources said. In Beirut, Quds chief Esmail Qaani met Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the sources said, for at least the third time since Hamas' deadly Oct. 7 attacks on southern Israel and Israel's devastating retaliatory assault on Gaza.

• Hamas presents ceasefire proposal detailing exchange of hostages, prisoners

  Hamas has presented a Gaza ceasefire proposal to mediators and the U.S. that includes the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for freedom for Palestinian prisoners, 100 of whom are serving life sentences, according to a proposal seen by Reuters. Hamas said the initial release of Israelis would include women, children, elderly and ill hostages in return for the release of 700-1,000 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons, according to the proposal. The release of Israeli "female recruits" is included.

• Absher launches upgraded version to streamline King Fahd Causeway transit

  The General Directorate of Passports has introduced an enhanced version of the Absher Travel service, designed to simplify the travel experience across the King Fahd Causeway. This upgrade, a collaborative effort with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, and the King Fahd Causeway Authority, introduces a streamlined process for bridge fee payments and vehicle insurance verification before arriving at the port. Aimed at supporting the ongoing digital transformation in passport services, this initiative is set to improve the quality of life for citizens and residents.

• Saudi Arabia agrees to finance project to remove cluster munitions from Iraqi territories

  The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) signed on Wednesday a memorandum for financial support with the Iraqi Ministry of Environment. The memorandum is aimed at funding projects for the survey, removal and qualitative control of territories contaminated with cluster munitions in some governorates of Iraq.

• A sustainable approach to Saudi Arabia’s urbanization is essential

  Many forecasters project that as much as 80% of the world’s population will reside in cities by 2050, up from about 50% today. Saudi Arabia is witnessing this dynamic expansion, with its population having increased by more than 10 million in the last 20 years; investment in housing is particularly crucial considering more than half of Saudis are below age 30. The country’s Vision 2030 strategy includes a target for Saudi home ownership to reach 70% by the end of the decade, Almudaifer noted. As a catalyst for the nationwide blueprint, PIF launched ROSHN, a national real estate developer, to create high quality housing within integrated neighborhoods that offer a range of amenities. The ROSHN giga-project aims to develop more than 200 million square meters in nine cities by 2030.

• Americans feel the need to be extra careful when discussing Israel-Palestine

  The poll also found that most Americans who think Israeli actions were not justified say the United States is at least partly responsible for Israeli military actions in Gaza, and that more Democrats and independents say Israel has gone too far in Gaza, while more Republicans say Israel is simply defending itself.

• OPEC Voices Encouragement after IEA Affirms Support for Oil Security

  The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) on Wednesday expressed encouragement after a commentary from the International Energy Agency (IEA) telling the globe to ensure petroleum supply while transitioning to a clean energy future. The development marks an easing of hostilities between the multi-governmental body and OPEC. The two clashed ahead of COP28 last year over the IEA’s claim that demand for fossil fuels could peak by 2030. In the commentary published Monday the IEA said while its work on energy security has expanded to include “the emerging security dimensions of clean energy transitions”, it has “a firm commitment to oil security”.

• Inside Saudi Arabia’s $1billion sales pitch: Plan for Princess Reema call with top female players

  The Saudi embassy in Washington, D.C. did not respond to messages seeking comment. In a lengthy post on X, formerly Twitter, in response to Navratilova and Evert’s essay, Bandar Al Saud wrote that by trying to keep the WTA Finals from going to Saudi Arabia, the stars had turned their back on women they had inspired. “Perfection cannot be the price for admission,” Bandar Al Saud wrote. “For a tennis tournament or any other once-closed space that our women want to enter.”

• Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah reveals plans for 20,000-seat arena

  Situated within Diriyah’s The City of Earth, The Arena aims to be the Middle East’s premier venue for sports, entertainment and cultural events. Its versatile design, inspired by local geology and traditional Najdi architecture, seamlessly integrates centuries of heritage with cutting-edge technology. This venue will serve as a tourism and cultural landmark. It will also attract international and local tourists, and significantly enrich the region’s events landscape.

• Saudis bet on African minerals for green transition

  Riyadh aims to drastically expand its domestic mining sector but acknowledges that even with the potential riches under its soil — $2.5 trillion by its own estimation — it can only access certain minerals at home. So, as a top Saudi official told Semafor in an interview from the kingdom’s capital, it plans to invest abroad, fashioning itself as a hub for refining, processing, and manufacturing based on raw minerals mined abroad. And its priorities include addressing a shortage of infrastructure in African countries rich in critical minerals.

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