In episode 43, the U.S. State Department’s Joshua Yaphe joins The 966 to discuss his book, “Saudi Arabia and Iraq as Friends and Enemies: Borders, Tribes and a Shared History.” Yaphe is a foreign affairs officer with the U.S. Department of State; responsible for research and analysis of political, economic, security and social affairs related to the countries of the Arabian Peninsula.
Before the interview, the hosts talk about Saudi Arabia’s interest and investment in the carbon capture space and green hydrogen, and take stock of the (many) new developments in the Kingdom’s tourism space.
Listen now:
Watch the conversation with Joshua Yaphe on YouTube:
2:20 – Richard’s one big thing is a discussion on carbon capture including a recent huge investment by Aramco into the space.
12:35 – There’s a lot going on in Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector…
This week, there were two events in the region: A major aviation summit in Riyadh, called the Future Aviation Forum, and a tourism and travel event in Dubai, the Arabian Travel Market. Both created significant news in the sector…
27:38 – The U.S. State Department’s Joshua Yaphe joins The 966 to discuss his book, “Saudi Arabia and Iraq as Friends and Enemies: Borders, Tribes and a Shared History.” Yaphe is a foreign affairs officer with the U.S. Department of State; responsible for research and analysis of political, economic, security and social affairs related to the countries of the Arabian Peninsula.
1:29:00 – Yallah! Six top storylines on Saudi Arabia to get you up to speed heading into the weekend.
•Saudi Arabia’s non-oil private sector continued to see “robust growth” in April, Reuters reports, citing the headline seasonally adjusted S&P Global Saudi Arabia Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) which stood at 55.7 for the month. A PMI reading over 50 indicates growth or expansion.
The growth fell slightly from 56.8 in March “as fears over inflation began to weigh on demand,” the report added, bringing the PMI to a three month low “as companies sharply raised selling charges to pass on higher input costs,” Bloomberg reports.
•Oil prices are surging, will that derail reforms in oil-exporting Middle East?
A recent piece in hellenicshippingnews.com wonders, “In March, Iraq’s oil exports were worth just over $11 billion (€10.5 billion), the most the country has earned for oil in a month since 1972. Obviously, Iraq can afford to pay all of its bills this month, and the next. But what does this mean for reforms planned before these price rises? Is there even any point to them anymore?
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s energy minister blames lack of investment for the recent surge in fuel prices…The prince, speaking at an aviation summit in Riyadh, said the world needed to look at energy security, sustainability and affordability as a whole.
•Lionel Messi arrives in Jeddah after being unveiled as Saudi Arabia’s new tourism ambassador
Global soccer story Lionel Messi is Saudi Arabia’s newest tourism ambassador, according to a report in Arab News. In a message posted on Twitter, Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb wrote: “I am pleased to welcome Lionel Messi to Saudi Arabia. We are excited for you to explore the treasure of the Red Sea, the Jeddah Season and our ancient history. This is not his first visit to the Kingdom and it will not be the last.”
Messi arrived at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, accompanied by a group of friends.
•Saudi Arabia plans $32bn investment in mining and minerals sector
Saudi Arabia is looking to invest up to 32 billion in the mining and minerals sector, according to reports. Some of the projects considered for investment include a $4bn steel plate factory and a $2bn EV battery metals plant. As part of the plan, the country intends to support the development of nine mining projects for midstream minerals and metals that aim to support the exportation of mineral products.
•Saudi Space Commission, NASA Explore Space Cooperation
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Space Commission Eng. Abdullah Amer Al-Sawaha held a meeting with Pamela Melroy, the Deputy Administrator to discuss opportunities for strategic cooperation in the development of the space sector, as well as investment in future joint projects to achieve mutual economic and strategic goals. This meeting was a part of a tour which included visits to American institutions and companies working in the space sector, with the goal of enhancing the Commission’s efforts in developing the sector and cooperating with various international space and technology organizations.
•PGA Tour won’t allow players to compete in Saudi-backed Super League next month: Reports
According to The Athletic, the PGA Tour has denied its players the ability to play in the first event of the Saudi-backed golf Super League next month in London, according to multiple reports. Members who requested permission to compete were denied on Tuesday, per Golfweek, who was first to break the news. The event, taking place from June 9 to 11 at the Centurion Club, is the opening tournament of the LIV Golf Invitational Series.
