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QUOTED
“Saudi Arabia is not modeling itself after China or India. It is forging a path entirely its own, built on its unique history and ambitions. The question is no longer whether Saudi Arabia is changing—it is whether the world is ready to recognize and embrace it.” Angela Chitkara and Curtis S. Chin, Is Saudi Arabia the next China or India? See for yourself [Yahoo]
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TOP STORY
Overseen by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) and established in 2021, the National Platform for Charitable Work (Ehsan) launched its 5th National Campaign for Charitable Work today. The platform has raised over $1.33 billion since 2021. [more]
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MORE TOP STORYLINES
Via Angela Chitkara, Curtis S. Chin in yahoo.com: For decades, Saudi Arabia has been viewed through an increasingly outdated lens—an oil-rich kingdom dependent on energy exports and held back by regional politics and what some describe as a fundamentalist Islamist past. That perception is so 20th century. Saudi Arabia is not the next China or the next India. With a population of just more than 33 million, this kingdom on the move is evolving into something entirely its own. Ranked as the world’s 19th-largest economy and the seventh largest in Asia, according to International Monetary Fund (IMF) data, with a GDP of approximately $1.14 trillion, Saudi Arabia is leveraging its oil wealth to transition beyond dependence on fossil fuels.
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Via Wael Mahdi in semafor.com: The Gulf is one of the few remaining growth markets for global consultancy firms, and Saudi Arabia has been a particularly lucrative destination. The kingdom’s Vision 2030 transformation has relied heavily on firms like McKinsey & Co., Boston Consulting Group, PwC, and others to design and execute economic and regulatory overhauls. Entry-level compensation is higher than London “even without adjusting for taxes,” according to The Financial Times, and the region has become a bright spot in a declining industry. PwC’s temporary ban — reportedly affecting its advisory business but without clarification on the specific type of work impacted — has not been confirmed or explained by either the firm or the sovereign wealth fund. The lack of transparency has added to the mystery surrounding the situation. The suspension has reignited debates about the dominance of foreign consultancies, with many Saudis expressing frustration over what they see as a monopoly by these firms, arguing that such dominance stifles the development of local expertise and opportunities. This sentiment underscores a broader call for economic sovereignty and the cultivation of homegrown talent.
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in lemonde.fr: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says talks between Ukraine and the US on ending the war will take place in Saudi Arabia next week. In his nightly address on Thursday, March 6, Zelensky said he would travel to Saudi Arabia on Monday and his team would stay on to hold talks with US officials. I am scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia to meet with the Crown Prince. After that, my team will stay in Saudi Arabia to work with American partners. Ukraine is most interested in peace, Zelensky said. The EUs 27 leaders on Thursday greenlit a plan drawn up by the European Commission that aims to mobilize €800 billion to rearm Europe against the perceived threat from Russia. At the summit, Zelensky told EU leaders that Ukrainian and American negotiators had resumed work, and that we hope that next week we will have a meaningful meeting. He thanked EU leaders for standing by Kyiv, with Americas outreach to Russia raising fears Ukraine could be forced into an unfavorable deal. We are very thankful that we are not alone, said the Ukrainian leader.
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MORE ON THE KINGDOM AND BEYOND
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Saudi Arabia‘s Red Sea Global’s newest ultra-luxury offering, Desert Rock Resort, has quickly established itself as a global draw since...[By Tala Michel Issa via arabianbusiness.com]
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The report sheds light on financial performance during the fourth quarter of last year, including revenues, expenditures, and public debt indicators. It highlighted a 21...[via com.sa]
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Unlike Abu Dhabi-backed Manchester City, which has dominated English soccer over the past decade, and Qatari-backed Paris Saint-Germain, which has done likewise in France, it...[By James Robson via apnews.com]
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Trump’s renewal of the maximum pressure campaign could lead to rising tensions in the Gulf after a brief period of relative stability. The Saudis remember...[By Sultan al-Amer via newlinesinstitute.org]
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Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulated Mark Carney on Friday, on the occasion of the formation of the new government headed by him...[via arabnews.com]
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Saudi Arabia has arrested more than 50 people, including 11 women on prostitution charges, in a new crackdown on “immoral acts” amid ongoing social and...[via middleeastmonitor.com]
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Saudi Arabia and Indonesia are set to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to facilitate the recruitment of domestic workers from Indonesia to Saudi...[via argaam.com]
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The Ministry of Interior conducted inspection campaigns across Saudi Arabia between March 6 and March 12 to ensure compliance with residency, labor, and border security...[via saudigazette.com]
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Saudi Arabia is set to launch a groundbreaking global Twenty20 league, backed by its $1 trillion sovereign wealth fund. Spearheaded by Australian cricket figure Neil Maxwell,...[via geosuper.tv]
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The Saudi Architecture Characters Map highlights 19 architectural styles inspired by geographical, natural and cultural characteristics, derived...[via saudigazette.com]
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Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Eng. Abdulrahman Al-Fadley witnessed on Sunday the signing of an agreement between the Environment Fund and the Small and...[via saudigazette.com]
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Although Americans remain more likely to say their sympathies in the Middle East situation are with the Israelis rather than the Palestinians, the 46% expressing...[By Megan Brenan via gallup.com]
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Sixty-six percent of Americans want the U.S. to take either the leading role (19%) or a major role (47%) in trying to solve international problems....[By Jeffrey M. Jones via gallup.com]
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Clashes between Syrian security forces under the country’s new, Islamist authorities and gunmen loyal to ousted President Bashar Assad in Syria’s western ...[By Omar Albam via apnews.com]
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In Iran, sentiments in the press and social media towards potential Russian mediation of talks with the US reflect deep mistrust of both Moscow and...[via amwaj.media]
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