MUST-READS

• Saudi Arabia’s inflation holds steady at 2% in November: GASTAT

  Saudi Arabia’s annual inflation rate remained stable at 2 percent in November compared to the same month in 2023, driven primarily by higher housing costs, official data showed.  According to data released by the General Authority for Statistics, housing rents increased by 10.8 percent year on year in November, while apartment rental prices surged 12.5 percent during the same period.  Overall, costs for housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels rose by 9.1 percent compared to the previous year, underscoring the sector’s influence on inflation.

• Saudi Arabia calls Israeli Golan plan ‘sabotage’ of Syria

  Saudi Arabia on Sunday condemned as “sabotage” of Syria an Israeli plan to double the population of the occupied and annexed Golan Heights. In a statement, the Saudi foreign ministry expressed “condemnation and denunciation” of the plan, which it called part of “continued sabotage of opportunities to restore security and stability in Syria” after opposition forces overthrew Bashar al-Assad one week ago. “The Kingdom renews its call to the international community to condemn these Israeli violations, stressing the need to respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the statement said, adding that “the Golan is an occupied Syrian Arab land.”

• Israel plans to double population on occupied Golan, citing threats from Syria
  Israel agreed on Sunday to double its population on the occupied Golan Heights while saying threats from Syria remained despite the moderate tone of rebel leaders who ousted President Bashar al-Assad a week ago. "Strengthening the Golan is strengthening the State of Israel, and it is especially important at this time. We will continue to hold onto it, cause it to blossom, and settle in it," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. Israel captured most of the strategic plateau from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War, annexing it in 1981. In 2019 then-President Donald Trump declared U.S. support for Israeli sovereignty over the Golan, but the annexation has not been recognised by most countries. Syria demands Israel withdraw but Israel refuses, citing security concerns. Various peace efforts have failed.

• Foreign Ministry Convenes Fifth Meeting for Heads of Saudi Missions Abroad

  The meeting was held in the presence of Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. Discussions centred around "new Saudi diplomacy," showcasing constants and developments in light of Vision 2030. The meeting sessions delved into Saudi foreign policy priorities and the role of Saudi missions in achieving the Kingdom's strategic objectives and realizing Vision 2030 objectives. They also highlighted the administrative, financial, and digital initiatives that enable missions to enhance their operational efficiency. The inaugural general meeting of the heads of the Saudi missions abroad took place in Riyadh in 2006, discussing ways to enhance diplomatic action. The second meeting for the mission heads was held in 2010 to address the ministry's five-year strategic plan and the missions' role in its implementation. Subsequently, the third meeting took place in 2013, focusing on reviewing work strategies and professional performance standards. This was followed by the fourth meeting in 2017, with discussions centred around the ambassadors' message.

• Saudi Shines as Center for Global Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions Industry

  Saudi Arabia has cemented its position as a rising global hub for the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (M.I.C.E.) industry with a groundbreaking announcement at the International M.I.C.E. Summit 2024 (IMS24). On the very first day of the summit, an astonishing Nineteen major events were confirmed for 2025, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s ambition to lead the world in large-scale business events and exhibitions. This strategic move underscores the Kingdom’s vision to diversify its economy, boost tourism, and solidify its status as a premier destination for global events.  A highlight of IMS24 was the announcement of 12 new world-class events that will be hosted in Saudi Arabia. These events span diverse sectors, bringing a mix of high-profile business, technology, sports, and industry exhibitions to the Kingdom. Notable launches include Money20/20 (Informa/Tahaluf), the globally acclaimed fintech event, and FIBO (RX Global), the world’s largest fitness and wellness exhibition.

• Tawaref series: Premium residency for entrepreneurs in Saudi

  The Premium Residency for Entrepreneurs is a pioneering initiative that aims to attract funded tech entrepreneurs who have expanded to Saudi Arabia. Let’s take a closer look at this program. PR for Entrepreneurs targets (mostly tech) entrepreneurs who are funded by a whitelisted VC or angel groups. There are two categories: one offers 5-year fixed-term residency, while the other opens the door to permanent residency. The one-time fee for either category is 4,000 SAR.

• Neymar Jr ‘very happy’ after swapping PSG for Saudi Arabia

  In an interviIn an interview with RMC Sport, Neymar Jr (32) has revealed his ‘happiness’ representing Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. The Brazilian made his high-profile move to the GulInIn an interview with RMC Sport, Neymar Jr (32) has revealed his ‘happiness’ representing Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. The Brazilian made his high-profile move to the Gulf State in 2023 after leaving Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer after his contract at the Parc des Princes expired. Despite his happiness, it hasn’t been easy for the Brazil international since he arrived in the Saudi top flight. As was the same during his time at PSG, the forward has had a torrid time with injuries. Limited to just 7 appearances for the Saudi Arabian club, the attacker has missed over 60 matches due to injury.  

• Commentary: Might Saudi Arabia actually be a good choice for a men’s World Cup?

  He has also made it clear he thinks sport will play a big part in this process, saying he wants to create a domestic sporting industry that contributes more than 2.5 per cent to the economy, and he has acknowledged that being more active is the best way to tackle Saudi Arabia’s alarming obesity and diabetes problems. Being more active applies to girls and women, too, so he has already lifted the restrictions on sport for girls in schools and encouraged investment in women’s professional sport. Yes, of course, this is coming from the lowest of bases — it was not happening at all only a few years ago — but it is also undeniably progress. When I add all this up, I come to the conclusion that if we truly believe sport brings people together and can impact changes that other governmental levers cannot — and I do believe that — might Saudi Arabia actually be a good choice for a World Cup?

• Assad’s departure surprised Biden, US leaders. Now America must step up and seize the moment

  For nearly 14 years, Bashar al-Assad's regime pursued a maniacal campaign of brutality against its own people, in order to suppress opposition through terror and mass killing. Beginning very early on, Assad’s military and security apparatus embraced what they called an "Assad or we burn the country" approach – but in truth, it was more Assad and we burn the country. From 2012 to 2016, 82,000 barrel bombs were dropped indiscriminately on urban areas of Syria, and nearly 340 verified chemical weapons attacks directed at civilian communities. Sunni Muslim villages were attacked and their entire population massacred, often with hammers and axes for terrifying effect.

• Commentary: Getting Peace in the Middle East

  There is a striking similarity between the situation President Reagan faced in 1982 and the state of the Middle East today. There are three valuable lessons from the Reagan era that will almost certainly help inform the future course of President Trump’s approach toward peace: 1) the countries of the region want security above all, and the United States is the only one that can provide it; 2) Saudi leadership is essential for any comprehensive and durable peace; and 3) laying the foundation for relationships between Arabs and Israelis can only take place in private, far from the public view.

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